Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17• BioMoGo DNA technology in the midsole• Segmented crash pad• 3D Hex Lugs on the outsole• V-Groove technology• Progressive Diagonal Rollbar
Upper
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 offers a breathable, flexible mesh upper with structurally supportive materials. Brooks uses a revolutionary process called 3D Fit Print, which is a screen-print technology, that applies an engineered structure to the upper. It helps to maintain the structure of the shoe as well as to allow increased flexibility.;The upper comes with the extra eyelet that I absolutely love. In fact, I won’t purchase a running shoe without it. Using the extra eyelet to lace up, helps me to achieve an optimal “heel lock” and helps to prevent blisters. If you aren’t familiar with this tying method: lace up your shoes normally, then run the laces back into the extra eyelet from the outside toward the inside. This will create a loop that will allow you to then run the laces through the opposing eyelets. You will then pull tight so the loop tightens around the laces. Proceed by completing your tie as you normally would. This will anchor your foot and ankle to your shoe. Because the tongue is so cushioned, I felt I could tie my shoes as tight as I wanted without feeling the pressure across the top of my foot. I also appreciated the reflective design/color on the upper, as I really enjoy running at dawn.
Midsole
This shoe features Brooks’ own BioMoGo DNA midsole with a gender-friendly cushioning design. BioMoGo DNA technology offers a customized cushioning that adapts to your foot type, stride, weight, etc. Brooks claims it adds 2 times more energy return and a smooth transition through the gait cycle. An added bonus: it biodegrades 50 times faster than traditional midsoles. Another reason to “Run Happy”.
Outsole
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 has a blown rubber outsole. This is a common type of outsole that is expanded or mixed with air during the process of production. When this occurs, a more lightweight and cushioned feel is achieved. The blown rubber is also softer and more flexible than the stiff, heavy carbon rubber found in other types of athletic shoes. If comfort is what you seek, then, blown rubber is better. This shoes also features “HPR Plus” outsole technology. This delivers long-lasting durability in high wear areas. HPR is a super-durable rubber compound that was specially developed by Brooks, in order to provide greater resistance to wear and to increase the life of the shoe.
Comfort
As I slipped on these Brooks, I immediately noticed the immense plush comfort of the padded tongue, the insole, and Achilles collar. I felt like the collar was giving my ankle a hug. I typically wear a 6 1/2, but I would recommend purchasing 1/2 a size larger in this shoe. My little toes rubbed on the side of the toe box during regular runs and they pressed too much against the top cap during downhill runs. The fabric lining in this shoe offered a great in-shoe comfortable feel. There is a removable molded foam insole allows for lightweight cushioning underfoot. And, there is an updated V-Groove underfoot which creates a more natural release for a softer smoother feel.
Style
When I opened the box of my brand new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 shoes, I was pleased to see such a stylish design and such bright colors with the Azure Blue/Palace Blue/Lime Punch combo. I love to run at daybreak, so the reflectiveness of the Lime Punch on each side of the shoe is perfect for me. Inside the box is the phrase Lace Up & Go. It tells you that these shoes are overflowing with possibilities. It tells you to show these shoes the ropes, pound the pavement with them, and tromp some trails. It asks you to wow them, thrills them, and give them adventure! But, most importantly, it commands you to “Run Happy”.;In addition, there are all these awesome phrases on the box – phrases that every runner thinks at one time or another: “I won’t call this a negative split because it feels so positive.” “I have a gas pedal under both feet today!” “Finally passed her. And, she probably doesn’t even know we were racing” and “Where’s a porta-potty when I need one!” Brooks is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, so the box is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. This makes it easy to “Run Happy”!
Durability
I ran 52 miles in the 2 weeks I was testing these shoes. I ran them on the road, on the trail, on the sidewalk, and on the treadmill. I even wore them to work several times where I easily achieved the recommended 10,000 steps per day. So far, I see no signs of wear on any part of the insole or outsole. This type of durability is achieved through the blown rubber outsole with the Flextra and HPR materials. It is also achieved through 3D Hex Lugs. The aggressive lugs on the outsole are durable enough to withstand technical terrain.
Protection
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 features retroreflective materials that reflect light back to the human eye, with minimal scattering of light. This impacts the distance from which the runner can be seen, but also how they are viewed. With Brooks retro-reflectivity, the runner is visible in all lighting conditions and ensures that the viewer’s eye recognizes what they are seeing as a human in motion, instead of say, a traffic cone. It all comes down to fluorescence combined with eye function and cognitive processes. Brooks was one of the first athletic brands to offer runners a high-visibility collection to keep them safe while running.
Price
The original Brooks Adrenaline made its debut in the late 90’s. The series has since improved, year after year, without straying too far from its key identity. It has kind of built a cult following over time, as indicated by the strong sales. Each year, updates are made to the look and performance, warranting a little extra cost. While the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 is a little on the pricey side, many serious runners seem to feel it is worth it. They are glad to pay the extra money for a lightweight, durable running shoe that they can wear on a variety of surfaces.
Drop
For four decades, there have been many running shoes designed with a heel that sits quite a bit higher than the forefoot. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 is no exception. The purpose behind a drop of 12mm, like this one, is to take the strain off the Achilles tendon, plus add cushioning to the heel and promote forward propulsion. While this is great for many, some runners who have been running in a minimalist shoe may feel a shoe with such a large drop is too clunky or that it lacks in a certain speed and agility. However, I don’t believe it would take anyone long to realize the benefit of this stability shoe.
Stability
In order to reduce stress on your ankle joint, the rounded heel of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 actually absorbs and disperses the force of impact. As if that wasn’t enough, this shoe features a segmented crash pad, made of fully integrated shock absorbers, that provides cushioning as well as a smooth heel to toe transition. Then, you have what’s called a Diagonal Rollbar. Most runners have a natural tendency to pronate when the foot comes into contact with the ground. With the Rollbar’s position on the medial side of the midsole, the rate and speed of pronation are reduced. In addition, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17 is also an ideal shoe for runners with flat to medium arches.
Bottom Line
With the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17, the bottom line is that you get a tailored, made-for-you running shoe. This shoe will adapt to your specific running style, your pace, your individualized movements, and even your desired running environment. You also get a mid-foot saddle that will adjust in order to give you a more customizable fit. It doesn’t even have to be the same on each foot! My left foot is slightly longer than my right, but with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17, I was able to make adjustments to give myself a secure fit on either foot. This is not usual for me, without having to wear an extra sock on my right foot. I would definitely purchase a pair of these shoes. And because I enjoyed these, the next model in this series will definitely get my attention. I really appreciate Brooks allowing me to test and review the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17.
