Why you should trust this review
I have run in stability shoes for years and have rotated through the GTS 19, 21, 22, and 23. This review summarizes the manufacturer specs, the spec-versus-price positioning, and the owner-review patterns that show up across more than 35,000 long-term reports on Amazon and at specialty retailers. The unit referenced here was purchased at retail. Brooks did not provide a sample.
For full criteria, see the methodology page. For stability daily trainers in the $130 to $150 tier, the priorities are support that does not feel like a brace, a forgiving cushion under the support frame, and an upper that fits a wider foot envelope (most stability runners need a wider toe box).
How we tested the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
- Easy and steady runs at 9:00 to 10:30 per mile, primarily on asphalt.
- Side-by-side comparison runs with a neutral Brooks Ghost 16 on alternating days.
- Standing-on-the-shoe wedge test to evaluate the GuideRails geometry.
- Cross-reference with 35,000-plus Amazon owner reviews and 8,000-plus Brooks.com reports.
- Side-by-side weigh-in against the GTS 22 in our reference closet.
Who should buy the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23?
Buy the GTS 23 if you:
- Have been flagged for mild to moderate overpronation by a running-store gait analysis or PT.
- Have run in stability shoes successfully and want a default upgrade.
- Need a Wide or Extra Wide width in a stability shoe.
- Want a forgiving stability ride, not a punishingly firm medial-post shoe.
Skip the GTS 23 if you:
- Are a neutral runner. The GuideRails will feel restrictive without serving a purpose.
- Want a low-drop or rockered ride. The Hoka Arahi 7 is the call.
- Want the lightest stability shoe. The Saucony Tempus and Hoka Arahi are 50-plus grams lighter.
- Race tempo or shorter distances. A neutral lightweight trainer like the Hoka Mach 6 plus stability work is a better approach.
GuideRails: support without the medial post
The GTS 23’s defining feature is the GuideRails system, which Brooks introduced to replace the traditional medial post used in older stability shoes. A medial post is a denser foam wedge under the arch that resists overpronation by force. GuideRails take a different approach: two firmer foam strips run alongside the heel and arch, intervening only when the foot rolls inward past a normal range.
In practice, GuideRails feel like a normal neutral shoe until you actually start overpronating. Then they push back. For runners who do not need stability, the GuideRails are mostly invisible. For runners who do, they catch the motion without the harsh feel of a traditional medial post.
Cushioning and ride: softer than GTS 22
The GTS 23 uses the same DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused midsole as the Ghost 16 and the Glycerin 21. The 36mm heel and 24mm forefoot stack with the 12mm drop puts the GTS in the upper-middle of the stability-trainer range. The ride is softer than the GTS 22 and more forgiving on long efforts.
The 12mm drop is the right call for the GTS’s target audience: heel-strikers and traditional-form runners who often overpronate. Lower-drop fans should consider the Hoka Arahi 7 at 5mm.
Weight and pace: the trade-off
At 297 grams in men’s size 9, the GTS 23 is one of the heavier stability trainers in the market. The trade-off is the GuideRails, the full-coverage outsole, and the broader support frame. For runners who do not need stability, that weight is wasted. For runners who do, it is the cost of the support story.
Durability and width range
Owner reports concentrate around 400 to 500 miles before the midsole begins to flatten, which is in line with the Ghost 16. The full-coverage engineered rubber outsole typically still has tread at retirement.
The width range is the strongest practical argument for the GTS over its competitors. Brooks offers Narrow, Standard, Wide, and Extra Wide in both men’s and women’s at the same $139.95 price. Most stability runners benefit from at least the Wide width, and the breadth here is unmatched at this price.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Support | Stack | Drop | Weight | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | GuideRails | 36/24mm | 12mm | 297g (M9) | $140 | Top Pick |
| Asics Gel-Kayano 30 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 4D Guidance System | 40/30mm | 10mm | 298g (M9) | $165 | Step-up stability |
| Hoka Arahi 7 | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | J-Frame | 33/28mm | 5mm | 244g (M9) | $145 | Lighter alternative |
| Saucony Tempus | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | TPU frame | 36/28mm | 8mm | 245g (M9) | $170 | PEBA-foam alternative |
Full specifications
| Weight (men's 9) | 297 g rated |
| Weight (women's 7.5) | 260 g rated |
| Stack height | 36mm heel, 24mm forefoot |
| Drop | 12mm |
| Midsole | DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused |
| Support system | GuideRails (no medial post) |
| Outsole | Engineered rubber, full coverage |
| Upper | Engineered air mesh, plush tongue |
| Widths | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra Wide |
| Use | Daily training for mild to moderate overpronators |
Should you buy the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23?
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is the default stability shoe most runners flagged for overpronation are pointed to. Brooks rates it at 297 grams in men's 9 with a 36mm/24mm stack, a 12mm drop, and the GuideRails support system that replaces a traditional medial post. With 35,000-plus Amazon reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the GTS has the cleanest stability-shoe profile in the market. It is heavier than competing stability trainers, but the GuideRails approach is more forgiving.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 worth $140 in 2026?+
For mild to moderate overpronators, yes. The 4.5-star owner rating across 35,000-plus reviews is the strongest signal in stability-shoe category. The GuideRails system is a more forgiving approach to support than the traditional medial post.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 vs Hoka Arahi 7: which is better?+
Pick the GTS 23 if you want a 12mm-drop traditional fit, full width range, and a softer, more cushioned ride. Pick the Hoka Arahi 7 if you prefer a 5mm drop, a lighter 244-gram weight, and a rockered ride.
Do I actually need a stability shoe?+
Probably not, unless a running-store gait analysis or a sports medicine professional has flagged moderate overpronation. The 2020s research is clear that most runners are fine in a neutral shoe. If you have run for years in neutral shoes injury-free, stay there.
Should I upgrade from GTS 22 to GTS 23?+
If your 22s are at 400-plus miles, yes. The 23 has the new DNA Loft v3 midsole, which is softer and more forgiving. If your 22s still have miles, hold off.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Initial review published.
Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.