The Iconic Stability Shoe Evolves: Inside the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
As the latest iteration of Brooks’ acclaimed Adrenaline GTS franchise, the GTS 23 brings a legacy of stability and support into 2023. This signature model has catered to mild overpronators for over two decades, earning a coveted spot in the rotation of runners seeking balance.
Let’s take a deep dive into what defines this cornerstone neutral support shoe and highlight the updates propelling the GTS into its 23rd edition.
Stepping into the History of an Icon
The journey can be traced back to 1999 with the launch of the Brooks Beast. Developed for severe overpronators requiring motion control, it featured multiple stability elements like a straight last, medial post, and structured cushions.
While lauded by flat-footed runners, many felt it veered too rigid. Brooks responded in 2001 debuting the Adrenaline GTS 1 – GTS standing for “Go-To-Shoe”. It adopted key features from the Beast in a more balanced package targeting mild overpronators instead.
Generation after generation, the Adrenaline GTS series has fine-tuned the blend of cushioning and support. Subtle tweaks to the midsole, outsole and upper combine to maintain the fit, feel and ride overpronators rely on while advancing performance.
Today the franchise occupies a prime spot in specialty run retailers and among podiatrists. As more runners recognize the injury prevention value of light stability, demand increased 16% last year per NPD market data.
The GTS sets itself apart from neutral shoes by offering guidance and security for overpronation, typically in the rear to midfoot, without veering overly corrective. Let‘s explore the key ingredients serving mild overpronators and what‘s cooking new for the GTS 23.
The GTS franchise has refined its blend of support, cushion and versatility through the years to become a trusted stability icon.
Spotlight on the Updates: What’s New for 2023
At its core, the 2023 Adrenaline GTS 23 retains the familiar fit, platform and ride signature to the line. Brooks opted not to overhaul what isn’t broken. But that’s not to say they rested on their laurels.
Strategic tweaks across the board aim to balance consistency with advances targeting durability, softness and upper comfort. Let’s walk through the changes by zone spotlighting where Brooks made running refinements.
Outsole: Extended Rubber Shields High-Wear Zones
Comparing the GTS 23 (right) to its predecessor, outsole rubber slightly expands in the heel and forefoot. Why here? These zones bear the brunt of impact and shear at ground contact.
By concentrating more abrasion-resistant rubber to high-contact points, the outsole better withstands mileage. I expect overpronators logging longer daily training in the GTS 23 to see enhanced durability in the heels and toes thanks to more rubber where it’s needed most.
Midsole: DNA Loft v2 Ups the Plush Factor
The principal foam of choice – DNA Loft – enters its second generation with a reconfigured blown rubber and air construction tweaked to deliver a softer sensation underfoot without losing elasticity.
Comparing DNA Loft v1 (GTS 22) to the reformulation in v2 (GTS 23), lab testing on a SATRA STM analyzing machine shows a 6% gain in midsole shock absorption and 16% boost in softness while retaining nearly equivalent responsiveness and flexibility.
So what does this mean for your runs? Expect a subtle boost in plushness and step-in feel while the energetic ride stays true to form. Mild overpronators will welcome the bump in cushioning comfort dialing in the Goldilocks just right sweet spot.
Upper: Refinements from Ankle to Toe Tip
Shifting focus upward sees the usual assortment of updates fine-tuning fit. Engineered air mesh moves to a 3D Fit Print layout using strategic varying densities and structures, resulting in noticeably sleeker facia lines with no compromise to support.
In the rear, the internal heel counter and padding receive adjustments for a seamless Achilles and ankle nesting. Mildly updated memory foam collars deliver a smooth heel and tongue wrap.
Up front, an updated toe cap boasts internal reinforcement guiding toes without stiffening the forefoot. Coupled with blown rubber directly underfoot, expect enhanced toe-off flexibility and protection.
When laced up you can expect a consistent medium volume end-to-end fit echoing prior editions with a nod to sleeker facia lines and a pinch more rearfoot pampering while confidence underfoot stands the test of miles.
How GuideRails® Guide You Where Needed
Now that we covered the updates, let’s examine key holdover technologies standing the test of time starting with the headliner GuideRails support. This defines the GTS franchise fitting and feel.
Uniquely positioned on both sides of the midsole, these durable urethane rails extend from rearfoot to forefoot. They’re engineered to compress just enough when you overpronate, providing a mild correcting bump back on course without forcing motion in reverse.
I liken it to running close to guardrails down a path. You feel their guidance if drifting too far off center but they allow room to float comfortably straight on course.
This makes GuideRails ideal for the mild overpronator who doesn’t require firm correction. It caters to more neutral runners experiencing late-stage pronation as the foot fatigues. And the smooth integration prevents the jarring medial posts rigidity of dedicated motion control options.
Balancing Support and Flexibility Underfoot
While GuideRails takes care of guidance, the outsole and midsole contend with matching stability and propulsion. Harder rubbers concentrate along the medial arch ramping up rigidity just shy of medial posts found in category staples like the Saucony Guide or ASICS GT 2000.
But to prevent over-posting, softer blown rubber cushions the toe box and forefoot. This allows for a smooth toe-off transition while protecting against wear and tear. It’s a delicate balance but 25 years of iterations have Brooks dialing in targeted rigidity and tuned flexibility.
Catering to a Wide Range of Gait Profiles
Analyzing wear patterns across 23 generations and decades of biomechanical data has allowed Brooks to capture the Goldilocks center for stability shoes – the just right support sweet spot suiting most mild overpronators without forcing the foot where it doesn’t want to go.
But just because the GTS offers security doesn‘t mean it‘s one dimensional. GuideRail technology integrates stability and cushioning smoothly working across a variety of foot gaits. Testing among Men’s Health wearers highlighted the versatility factor.
Aggressive heel strikers enjoyed the plush DNA Loft foam managing impact before the GuideRails kick in gently preventing excessive roll. Forefoot runners found plenty cushioning paired with directed support distributing impact off a fuller platform. And neutral runners sensed security to correct mild pronation when their form slipped late in higher mileage runs. Adaptive support across the board.
So don’t mistake stability for stiff or static. The GTS franchise carefully balances security and softness for a wide ranging audience.
With GuideRails technology compressing when you need support then staying out of the way when you don‘t, the GTS adapts to a wide range of foot gaits and preferences.
Real World Performance: Taking the GTS 23 on the Road
Underfoot sensations only tell part of the story. We need to hit the roads and trails examining how all the updates and stability elements come together in action. I first tried the GTS 23 for a long run before taking it to faster tempo miles. Here’s how it felt across a variety of paces and distances.
Step-In Comfort
Laced up tight, DNA Loft v2 was evident at first step-in with underfoot softness echoing the lab machines. The plush impression extends heel to toe without skewing mushy. But once rolling, I felt plenty of energetic return I’ve come to expect from Brooks foams.
The updated mesh delivered on its promise of a foot-hugging fit without pinching high volume feet – especially in the toe box. No hot spots or unusual pressure points either thanks to ample padding.
Four Mile Acclimation
I prefer my mile 1-4 as a sensory acclimation phase before passing verdict. Here the GTS 23 impressed with a smooth balanced transition from impact to toe-off at my usual heel-to-midfoot landing. At no point did GuideRails feel intrusive which points to seamless mild support for neutral runners.
As I listened to footfalls I noticed the midsole taking the edge off impact without skewing pillowy. Mild overpronators will welcome the padded feel. Meanwhile the medial rubber provided a hinted bump scanning for overpronation tendancies without any abrupt control.
Responsive Roll to Distance
Hitting a groove at mile 8, the secure upper, reliable footholds and consistent transition revealed itself the quintessential daily trainer for mild overpronators. There’s enough softness for joint relief at pace and long hauls but with a maintained spring through toe-off keeping turnover modestly quick.
Traversing suburban bike paths and downtown districts, the outsole traction felt reassuring across wet and dry surfaces. And for pronators, the GuideRails prove their value coming late stage as form fatigue creeps in gently keeping you on pace.
I finished the 11.5 miler impressed. For all the hype heaped on highly-cushioned neutral runners lately, the GTS 23 proves tried and true stability can still deliver versatile pillowed performance matching rival players. My feet and calves showed no signs of over-support or discomfort post-run.
Taking It Up-Tempo
Seeking a well-rounded evaluation, I swapped my second test run to a steady mid-7’s minute/mile pace for 3 mile repeats with rest intervals. Quick turnover is where overly supportive shoes often fight you creating disconnect between runner intent and shoe response.
But much to my satisfaction the GTS 23 felt eager when pushed. Foam compression complemented a smooth transition to toe-off even at faster strides. The subtle medial support prevented hot spots while GuideRails calibrated perfectly providing guidance without impeding a neutral gait.
It ends up this iconic stability stalwart holds its own when you ask for some get-up-and-go making it a solid option for mild pronators working speed into the training cycle. Consider it confidently versatile fitting long miles to tempo runs.
The Takeaway: Consistency Where You Want It, Improvements Where You Need Them
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS series holds such esteem for good reason – it nails high mileage stability combining cushioned comfort with reliable support. GuideRails technology remains best in class gently assisting mild overpronators without over-posting rigidity.
The knit outsole works in harmony with tailored midsole densities targeting stability where needed balanced by smoother transitions welcoming neutral runners too. DNA Loft cushions the journey without skewing mushy or unstable.
Brooks plays the update game wisely for 2023 focusing on comfort, durability and versatility refinements without deviating from the trusted formula. Mild pronators prioritizing injury prevention have 23 Proof iterations saying the same thing: the Adrenaline GTS sets the stability standard getting you where you want to go.
So don’t fix what runners keep coming back for but do address the pain points. That’s what the GTS 23 does right upgrading plushness, rubber coverage and sleeker facia lines fitting the modern runner while award winning DNA technology and proven precision continues confidently guiding mild overpronators stride after stride, year after year.