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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoe Review

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19, courtesy of GuideRails, will steer you towards some great runs!

Our legendary shoe just learned new tricks. That’s a bold statement from Brooks Running for sure. But will those new tricks that comprise the Adrenaline GTS 19 be liked or scorned by runners? How about the runners who have consistently favored this structured daily trainer for nearly two decades?

Personally speaking, I wondered if Brooks would make the drastic changes that I’ll detail below for year 20, but that’s not the case for the GTS Adrenaline 19. Said changes are here, and the corresponding feedback that follows in the days, weeks, and months ahead will indicate if an old dog can learn some new tricks.

The Upper

Men's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

The Adrenaline GTS 19 upper is simple, a term that runners like. Unsurprisingly, step-in comfort is superb. Brooks consistently delivers the moment the feet enter the shoes. Version 19 retains an engineered mesh while a 3D Fit Print delivers structure for a secure fit in the forefoot and midfoot.

Revisions to the heel counter augment comfort further. Finally, the absence of overlays provides some additional stretch ability and improved breathability.

The Midsole

One of the major changes to the Adrenaline GTS 19 is the midsole. DNA Loft, currently in the Ghost 11 and Glycerin 16, is now in the heel to provide soft cushioning upon impact. The ounces increased slightly from 10.1 to 11 (in a men’s nine). BioMoGo DNA fills out the midsole composition to deliver added comfort and responsiveness.

A second major change to the Adrenaline GTS 19 concerns stability. For years, the Adrenaline employed a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) to keep the feet in a stable position. But the PDRB (aka medial post) is no more. GuideRails, like those found on either side of a bowling lane or bobsled track, are intended to “allow your hips, knees and joints to move within their unique motion path while you run—all without traditional posts,” according to the folks from Brooks.

The Outsole

Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

Like the Adrenaline GTS 18, version 19 keeps the rubber (carbon and blown) in the right places to pair durability and flexibility. Flex grooves help with a smooth transition through the gait cycle.

Conclusion

Reviews trickling in for the Adrenaline GTS 19 are positive. Runners appear to like the GuideRails and DNA Loft, two major changes for 2018. “I got them out of the box and ran like Forrest Gump,” said one fan of the shoe. Speaking of which, removing version 19 from the box is a visual delight too.

Frankly, I believe Brooks rekindled their design spark with the first Levitate. Accordingly, subsequent models reflect this renewed attention to the colors and patterns needed to compete with the likes of juggernauts Nike and Adidas. With reference to Nike and Adidas, be sure to visit your local Big Peach Running Co. store to see how the comfort fares for you. Compare it to other models for further scrutiny.

The Adrenaline GTS 19 colors aren’t sensational by any stretch, but the look is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The price, $129.99, is a $10 increase from version 18, but this new figure reflects the shoe’s technology. Of course, the shoes Forrest donned for his run across America, the Nike Cortez, were far less technical than the Adrenaline or uber popular Vaporfly 4%.

His reason for traversing the country was simple as well. “I just felt like running.” Excuse me for a moment while I take his advice and go for a run. Not one across America though—just around town.

Austin Bonds is a Guest Advocate and writer for Big Peach Running Co.