The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 was my first shoe from the brand. After 100 km, I had a clear picture of where it worked best, what its generous cushioning added and when its weight became noticeable. It is primarily a comfortable daily trainer rather than my first choice for fast track sessions.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 at a glance
| Test detail | Result or observation |
|---|---|
| Distance covered | 100 km |
| Weight | 308 g in EU size 44.5 |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12 mm |
| Cushioning | DNA LOFT; clearly noticeable underfoot |
| Surfaces | Dry and wet pavement plus forest roads |
First impressions and fit
The outsole looked substantial from the start, while the interior felt soft and the heel counter was firm. The 3D Print mesh upper wrapped my foot securely. I did need time to adjust to the relatively high 12 mm drop.
Comfort after 100 km
After the first 100 km I had not developed a single blister or area of chafing. The soft lining and structured heel worked well together. That mattered to me because a previous pair of Reebok Floatride Run Ultraknit shoes had a similarly firm heel but repeatedly rubbed my Achilles.
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What could I tell about GuideRails?
GuideRails is intended to limit excessive side-to-side heel movement and, in turn, rotation of the lower leg. I did not experience knee pain during the test, but I would not treat that as proof that the system works. I have not had significant knee problems for several years, so I was not the ideal runner to judge this feature.
Cushioning, weight and faster running
The cushioning was easy to feel and I considered it an advantage on most daily runs. I would have used the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 for roughly 80% of my training, especially frequent and longer runs. At the same time, 308 g in my size is substantial, and I could feel that weight.
I was able to run kilometres at 3:45 min/km in the shoes, but I would choose a lighter model for a speed session on the track. The Adrenaline does not prevent faster running; comfort is simply a greater strength than low weight.
Grip and durability after the first 100 km
The pronounced tread held the surface well. I ran on dry and wet pavement as well as forest roads, and the shoes handled all of those conditions without problems. After 100 km I could not see meaningful signs of wear beyond ordinary dirt.
The main strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- a comfortable, softly finished interior with no chafing after 100 km;
- generous cushioning for frequent and longer runs;
- secure heel hold;
- good grip on dry and wet pavement and on forest roads;
- no visible wear after the first 100 km.
Weaknesses
- 308 g in EU size 44.5 is noticeable;
- the 12 mm drop required an adjustment period;
- I would choose a lighter shoe for dedicated speed sessions.
Who is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 for?
Based on my test, it makes the most sense as a daily trainer for a runner who values comfort, obvious cushioning and a secure fit. It works on pavement without being limited to urban routes. If low weight and fast track repetitions are the priority, a lighter shoe would be the better option.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 weigh?
My shoe in EU size 44.5 weighed 308 g.
Can you run fast in the Adrenaline GTS 21?
I managed kilometres at 3:45 min/km, but the weight was noticeable. I would choose a lighter model for a dedicated speed workout.
Which surfaces did I test it on?
Dry and wet pavement plus forest roads. Grip was good in all of those test conditions.
Verdict after 100 km
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 proved to be a solid and comfortable shoe for most of my training. I appreciated the cushioning, secure fit and complete lack of chafing. It is not light and would not be my choice for every fast session, but it performed very well on daily and longer runs. As a first experience with Brooks, it left a positive impression.