Brooks Glycerin 23 GTS Vs Adrenaline 25 GTS | We Think The Winner is Clear
We gushed over the regular Glycerin 23 in our first review, but we wanted to make sure and spend some time specifically on the 23 GTS because stability can feel different and indeed it did
As one of the most popular stability running shoes on the market, and while we really loved all the changes in the Brooks Glycerin 23 standard version (which we actually found to be pretty darn stable), we aren’t quite as enamored with the GTS.
There’s more foam, yet a continued firmness and added weight. We know some folks need rigid stability and it’s important that not every shoe be overly soft, but it does feel like something is being lost. Why keep adding cushion we can’t quite feel? It might be why we are leaning much more towards the Adrenaline GTS as our recommendation.
We do appreciate that Brooks gives the stability shoe some love with a variety of colors, rather than just some boring black or white options. Though of course the wide is still just available in the basics, whomp. Well progress takes time!
- Wide Feet: The toe box is narrow, but it comes in Wide and X-Wide.
- Heavier Runners: We always like the stability here and the amount of foam makes for a comfortable ride.
- Long Runs: Can certainly handle long miles, but with the firmer feel some might like it better for half marathon and under.
- Front of the Pack:Absolutely not a speed shoe, nope, not at all.
The Glycerin GTS is a reliable stability shoe with enough foam to feel comfortable and a solid support structure. It may be a little more corrective than some of the other “neutral stability” shoes we’re seeing on the market now.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Overview
There are two very notable changes with the Glycerin GTS 23: The heel-to-toe drop just got lower going to 8mm from their long standing history at 10mm. The coaches here are pretty stoked about this, but those with less ankle mobility might not be quite as happy. 
The Glycerin 23 uses nitrogen infused DNA Tuned cushioning, the same as the Glycerin 22s, but with 2mm more foam in the forefoot. That forefoot cushion increases the overall comfort of the shoe dramatically and is the exact reason they needed to adjust the heel to toe drop.
When I opened the box to my Brooks Glycerin GTS 23’s, the hot pink color brightened my dull afternoon. Putting them on felt like a fitted glove. The toe box seems narrow, but I still wiggled my toes up and down and left to right without hitting any unwanted mesh.
I took them on an 8-mile easy run, the bounce in each stride was a welcome feeling underfoot. For me there wasn’t really a needed break-in period, but we’ve heard others say the shoes felt better after 4-5 runs.
Brooks describes this model as having “electric toe-offs.” We guess that’s their way of describing the shoe rocker and it was noticeable on the run, helping to transition from heel to forefoot, which is a great thing when you’ve got a big stack shoe.
Oddly, I felt like this made my quads work harder and that surprised me for an easy run. The team didn’t notice this with the regular version, so it could be a difference in stride and not anything to do with the rocker, but something to note for heel strikers.
While I did want to give them a fair shake with tempo and speed workouts, the truth is they really are an easy run shoe. Since the shoe rolls you onto your toe, the knee drive felt automatic and that was nice when picking up the pace, but mostly I’d say these are better suited for easy days.
Now middle of the pack folks who need stability, might find they do great for even the half marathon race day.
The GuideRails are as expected firm. They always have been and that didn’t change. It does mean you’re missing out on really enjoying all that foam underfoot in a lot of ways. They are going to correct your pronation and for some this might be too much, but if you’ve been running happily in them previously we think the updates are mostly for the better (minus the toe box).
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Specs
- Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 9.8 oz Women’s
- Stack Height:38mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in 4 colors
- Available in wide and X-wide
- Available on brooksrunning.com for $180
The weight of the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 gained about 0.5 oz since the 22, but it looks good regardless. I’ve been wearing the white/phantom/cyber pink around casually with black jeans or joggers and have gotten many compliments. I only wish the men’s white/phantom green gecko came in women’s too.
Quick Take
Pros
- Enhanced rocker
- Comfortable and springy
- Great looking
Cons
- Too heavy for speed work
- Narrow toebox
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Fit
If I were to buy another pair, I would probably go up half a size to have more room in the toe box. Same in terms of length, it just felt like I needed a bit more.
They’re not too narrow where my toes hit anything, but I’d at least like to try on ones that are half a size bigger to see if I prefer additional room.
Everything fits in place well in the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23. I haven’t had to adjust the laces, which are the perfect length, and the tongue sits nice and snug.
My feet tend to get hot when I run, even in the winter, but the mesh upper keeps them cool.
The heel padding in this shoe is glorious. I love how soft it is. When I’ve worn pants with them, the bottom of the pants tends to get tucked into the back of the heel, though. It’s slightly annoying, but it shows off the stylish shoe even more. Leggings or joggers that zip at the ankle would be a better choice than something straight-legged or with a flare.
Similar Shoes to the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
We’ve tested a few stabitlity trainers with that moderate cushion that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- Asics Gel Kayano 32– Same heel to toe drop, similar firm cushion and level of support
- New Balance 860v14 – 8mm heel to toe drop, a little softer, similar support
- Saucony Hurricane 25 – Softer stability shoe that isn’t quite as forceful in correction (we really like this one)
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
The showdown of the stability shoes. Both are extremely popular right alongside the more cushioned Hoka Gaviota as stability trainers. So what’s the difference?
Checkout our full review of the Adrenaline GTS 25 >>
- Adrenaline feels even more supportive through arch
- Glycerin is the max stability option with a more aggressive heel counter
- Adrenaline isn’t quite as responsive
- Glycerin has their newest cushion and feels bouncier
- Glycerin is going to feel more cushioned
- Adrenaline is 10mm drop
- Adrenaline is a more flexible and lighter shoe
Consider the Glycerin a more stiff forefoot and more ankle support, where the Adrenaline is a little more moderate and will be easier to pick up the pace.
Thoughts? Have you tried both?
Have you tried the 23? Did you love it and totally disagree? We want to know!
Our Verdict
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 are a well loved true stability running shoe. The additional foam and change to a 8mm drop are welcome changes, unfortunately the weight increased and the might feel over corrective for some.
What to Read Next?
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