Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
12 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Stability
Key Features
• The Adrenaline ASR 13 is a stability shoe best adapted for the road to light trail.• It is surprisingly lighter than most other stability shoes, let alone trail stability shoes.• Brooks’ use of its DNA midsole technology provides a personalized real-time fit for all runners.• The moisture management system includes an Element Mesh upper and hydrophobic sockliner to keep feet dry and cool and increase the longevity of the shoe.• The midfoot saddle and arch support work together to keep feet securely in place for a confident ride.
Upper
The upper of the Brooks Adrenaline 13 ASR features a new, more pliable mesh and reduced overlays that work together to create a lighter, more spacious-feeling toebox and heel. In addition, Brooks has implemented its durable water resistant (DWR) finish along with a hydrophobic foam to repel water for more breathability and comfort. The cushiony eco-friendly BioMoGo sockliner has also received high remarks for comfort from some reviewers.
Midsole
Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA midsole foam cushion is well regarded in the running community and it is put to good use in the Adrenaline ASR 13 as well. This unique technology that provides a personalized, adaptive ride runs the full length of the shoe, increasing smoothness and responsiveness. More comfortable miles and stability are a result of the Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar (PDRB) which assist in a more natural transition from midfoot to heel. And a segmented crash pad in the heel promotes better flexibility and shock absorption while assisting in the foot’s more natural running movement thereby reducing the potential for injury.
Outsole
In this latest incarnation of the Adrenaline ASR series, the rubber of the lugs in the forefoot took a step back toward more basic roots, only utilizing blown rubber. While it reduces weight, this change introduces a loss of ruggedness. And although Brooks retained much of the outsole construction and technology with its significant lugs, this alteration to the footprint created a less aggressive shoe. Some have said it is now more of a hybrid road/less technical trail-like shoe. Brooks still uses its HBR+ carbon rubber in higher impact areas like the heel that help with durability and the forefoot maintains the blown rubber compound keeping the ride smooth and soft with more feel.
Breathability
The ASR 13’s upper is comprised of Element Mesh and is newly modified to incorporate strategically placed welded overlays that, while they reduce the weight of the shoe, also keep air circulating to keep feet cooler, manage moisture, and improve flexibility. In addition, the inclusion of the durable water resistant (DWR) system to the upper creates a water repellent shoe that gives runners the freedom to run in colder temperatures and even wet conditions.
Comfort
The Adrenaline ASR 13 is considered to be a very comfortable shoe with a moderately cushioned, secure, flexible ride. With its midfoot saddle, pronation control features, shock absorbing foam sole, and the BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapting to each runner’s specific biomechanics, weight, height, movement cycle, many cite Brooks as superior to its competitors in the stability trail shoe market. And for temperature and moisture control comfort, the mesh upper, DWR system, and the hydrophobic interior work cohesively.
Style
Brooks has a reputation for understated but elegant style. The Adrenaline ASR 13 is no exception. While some reviewers would like to see a little more flash as the colors are slightly muted, its more laid-back design and color scheme is no indication of its performance. The women’s shoe is still currently available in Crown Blue/Teaberry/Stonewash and blue/pink and the men’s can still be found in Moroccan Blue/Lime Punch/Anthracite.
Durability
Some felt that the sole wore down slightly quicker than expected but most believed that, with its durable carbon rubber on the outsole and its sturdier upper with welded overlays, Brooks Adrenaline ASR 13 is a shoe that can be expected to go the distance. The BioMoGo DNA cushioning, with its unique adaptive shock attenuation properties, stands up to repeated daily use and, in addition to the fact that it is actually biodegradable and durable in that sense, Brooks’ use of moisture control elements in the upper and sockliner foam extends the life of the shoe as well.
Protection
The upper’s Element Mesh and welded overlays offer just the right amount of breathability and protection. While flexible, the mesh upper also keeps air moving around the foot to protect against wetness or overheating in warmer conditions. The DWR covering also works toward controlling moisture for happier feet. The foam-cushioned sole unit offers protection to the underfoot as well with its crash pad in the heel to absorb impact and the way it works to promote a healthier, more efficient midfoot strike to stave off possible injury.
Responsiveness
Again, Brooks’ DNA midsole cushioning comes into play. With its unique technology that behaves as if it contains real-time nano-springs, it provides a customized fit for every runner and adapts on the move. While some seem skeptical at first, this new system has been well-received and lauded by many in the running community as highly responsive and comfortable.
Support
The ASR 13 is the trail version of Brooks’ best-selling stability shoe. As such, most note that it offers decent support. With its midfoot saddle (Adjustable Saddle Construction) locking the foot into place with the help of well-received Arch support, and the upper’s well placed synthetic overlays and sockliner foam that offer fitted cushioning, runners are pleased with the ASR 13’s support. To round it out, they added in the impressive cushioning of the sole unit with a moderate stack height of 31mm (heel) and 19 mm (toe), and the Progressive Diagonal Rollbar in the midsole aiming to prevent inward roll and to create a more natural ride for those who tend to overpronate.
Terrain
The Adrenaline ASR 13 is the companion shoe to Brooks best-selling stability road shoe, the Adrenaline GTS. It already has a leg up on competition as a lightweight stability trail shoe as most road stability shoes tend to be heavier, but Brooks’ step back into using blown rubber in the forefoot lugs seems to preclude the ASR 13’s use on heavy, technical trails. While it is well-received on light trails, gravel, and dirt, some are hard-pressed to call it a true trail shoe, claiming it is more of a hybrid. Because it seems to handle solidly on roads as well, it has even been deemed a “door to trails” shoe. With its moisture control upper, it is set up to be able to handle wet conditions, but again, users seem to feel rainy, slippery conditions are not the ASR’s strong suit. Though, viewing this shoe as a hybrid, many runners will delight in a comfortable ride that can offer more adventures than just the ones around the neighborhood streets.
Price
When this shoe debuted, it fetched a similar ticket price as comparable shoe types. It is currently less widely available with a price about half of what it was making it a great steal for runners needing some pronation control on light trails.
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference in measurement of the heel to the surface versus the toe to the ground. The Adrenaline ASR 13 heel measures 31mm while the forefoot measurement is 19mm. This creates a differential of 12mm. With a drop height of 12mm drop, this shoe is on the higher end of heel drops but considered traditional. This height could be better suited for those struggling with known Achilles issues or dealing with plantar fasciitis but overall usually proves to be quite comfortable.
Stability
The Adrenaline ASR 13 is based on Brooks’ existing stability shoe line (Adrenaline) that has proven itself in the road running world among those needing some motion control without unnecessary heft and loss of flexibility. To help promote natural foot motion on the run, Brooks implements its Performance Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) system. The PDRB runs from medial heel to the forefoot and is made of a tri-density foam that helps to smoothly promote proper footing and correct mild to moderate overpronation. Other stability features include arch support that seems to please most and a midfoot saddle system with adjustable elastic lacing for a secure fit. It is considered to be an exceptionally stable shoe.
Flexibility
Brooks’ updated previous installments of the Adrenaline ASR with pliable mesh in the upper and eliminated the heavier overlays in favor of thinner welded ones to create a more forgiving and flexible fit. In addition, another benefit of the DNA technology and Flextra rubber that Brooks employs is that it enhances flexibility in the forefoot that promotes a more natural feeling running motion reducing heel strike encouraging a smooth transition from heel to midfoot strike to toe-off. Running the length of the sole is a shock absorbing segmented crash pad that works with the omega flex grooves in the sole to increase flexibility as well.
Traction
Marketing this shoe as a hybrid road/light trail shoe would yield it high marks. Its traction for that purpose seems to be on point. The midfoot and heel lugs are sturdy and aggressive, however, Brooks move toward blown rubber in the forefoot prevent this shoe from being a hardy contender on more technical terrain and also in slippery and wet conditions. Reviewers have indicated that they have not felt as confident in situations in which their footing would be tested. Overall, for the hybrid purpose on dry surfaces, this shoe does the job.
Bottom Line
With Brooks’ attention to detail and uncompromising standards, it has produced an all-around winner in the Adrenaline ASR 13. While some feel it is not ideal in wet conditions, runners that need some added stability control will enjoy a comfortable, confident, and secure ride, when taking these kicks out for a light trail excursion in most weather. This shoe is a definite must try.
