Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18
Price: $120
Specs: 12mm heel-toe offset; 30mm (heel), 18mm (forefoot)
Weight: 10.1 oz. (men’s size 9), 8.5 oz. (women’s size 7)
The Scoop: One of the consummate shoes of the modern running boom, the Adrenaline is plushly cushioned stability shoe made for everyday training, long runs and middle-of-the-pack half marathons and marathons. As with a lot of Brooks shoes, this one has gotten slightly softer—and considerably more cozy—than the previous version. A new, softer and stretchier engineered mesh upper and fewer weighty overlays have improved the fit, comfort and support. The stable nature of this shoe—which comes from a thickly cushioned heel and a large, firm medial post—is as consistent and reliable as ever, ideal for runners with weaker feet and ankles who tend to suffer from overpronation issues. Overall, it’s a well-balanced shoes that smartly blends, comfort, stability and performance without looking or feeling like some of its crutched-up over overbuilt contemporaries.
Who It’s Best For: New runners, novice runner, intermediate runners and even advanced runners who overpronate often or only when fatigue sets in during long runs will find this shoe to be a good match. It’s one of the most comfortable and smooth-riding stability shoes out there and the small updates have made No. 18 the best one yet.
Plus: The best change is that the newest version is about a 1/2 ounce lighter than the previous version. While that might not seem like a big difference, the reduction in weight puts the shoe more in line with the lightest cushioned stability shoes in the market.
Minus: This shoe isn’t a speed merchant. Wear it for a half marathon or marathon if you must, but it’s not ideal for tempo runs, fartleks or other speed workouts.
