Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Women's Hushed VIOLET/ALLOY/COP

So, I've worn the 20s & the 21s for hiking, road walking, and running. I am very prone to suffering from plantar fasciitis and that is how I first came to these shoes. I love them & think they offer great support and stability. I've worn literal holes in these shoes & worn away the tread over about 1300 miles; on average, I've probably gotten about 350-400 miles out of each of them. These shoes have been life-savers for long in-town walks and multi-day backpacking trips.I would definitely recommend the 21s. Although, in my opinion, they are not as cushiony and breathable as the 20s, just something to keep in mind if you're coming from that iteration to this.I do want to note that I still have not bought the 22s - this is because I do not like any of the color ... MoreSo, I've worn the 20s & the 21s for hiking, road walking, and running. I am very prone to suffering from plantar fasciitis and that is how I first came to these shoes. I love them & think they offer great support and stability. I've worn literal holes in these shoes & worn away the tread over about 1300 miles; on average, I've probably gotten about 350-400 miles out of each of them. These shoes have been life-savers for long in-town walks and multi-day backpacking trips.I would definitely recommend the 21s. Although, in my opinion, they are not as cushiony and breathable as the 20s, just something to keep in mind if you're coming from that iteration to this.I do want to note that I still have not bought the 22s - this is because I do not like any of the color choices. I want the shoes to take care of my feet AND look good! I've now switched to a different brand that seems to be doing almost as well but also has pleasing, aesthetic color palettes. I would love for the Brooks team to bring back (or add some new) color palettes to the 22s.

Excellent walking shoe.

Each style has its merits and is drawbacks. This is an excellent shoe for stability and cushion. I do not like its round tubular laces, which twist and twist becoming unsightly. The sole projects slightly beyond the shoe upper providing a larger footprint than, say, the Ghost. This shoe is excellent for people going to be on their feet all day or for travelling where one only takes a very limited number of shoes. Excellent walking shoe.

Feet go numb…

First off, I have a love/hate relationship with these shoes. I purchased them at a sporting goods retailer so I had the opportunity to try on a couple of pairs for comparison. Not only did I like the look of these and the Revel 5 (I bought both pairs that day), I appreciated the comfortability of the shoe as well.While I am not a runner, I and my husband are avid walkers, logging between 10 and 15 miles five days a week on these shoes. He chose the Ghost and Levitate which he loves but I digress. My love for the shoes is they’re sturdy enough and supportive enough without killing my arches and allowing me maximum stride. The hate part comes in where, for some strange reason or another, these shoes make the front half of my feet numb. I wear moisture-wicking socks ... MoreFirst off, I have a love/hate relationship with these shoes. I purchased them at a sporting goods retailer so I had the opportunity to try on a couple of pairs for comparison. Not only did I like the look of these and the Revel 5 (I bought both pairs that day), I appreciated the comfortability of the shoe as well.While I am not a runner, I and my husband are avid walkers, logging between 10 and 15 miles five days a week on these shoes. He chose the Ghost and Levitate which he loves but I digress. My love for the shoes is they’re sturdy enough and supportive enough without killing my arches and allowing me maximum stride. The hate part comes in where, for some strange reason or another, these shoes make the front half of my feet numb. I wear moisture-wicking socks and the issue was even worse when I wore thinner socks; almost as though my feet slid around in the shoes and made for a horrible walk and excruciating foot pain.So switching socks helped a lot, but that numbness persists even on the lightest walks. My feet are fine until I hit the one mile mark and then they go numb. And oddly enough, it’s not every time I wear these shoes so I’m not sure if I still need to break them in or if something else is going on.The reason I don’t wear my Revel 5s as much is I want to get my feet used to wearing one pair before I try acclimating and adjusting to another. Sounds weird, I know, but the Revel 5 is so much more comfortable and forgiving. Aside from that, I bought them in a lighter color so I prefer wearing the Adrenaline’s for their darker color and the fact they handle equally well on different terrain—I just don’t like the fact my feet are numb when wearing them.

Grateful that I found the Adrenaline GTS

I am a walker, not a runner and after having my right knee replaced (revised) for the second time, I was having pain in my shin when walking. Surgeon told me the problem wasn't with the new replacement and my podiatrist told me my ankles were weak, causing a gait problem. After trying inserts, new shoes, bio-freeze, exercises and a lot of ice, I decided to look for a shoe with some stability. Brooks website popped up in my Google search and having never worn Brooks before, I was leary, especially since I was having so many issues at once. After reading about the heel stabilizers in the Adrenaline 21, I thought, what the heck, I'll try it. I received the shoes about 3 days after ordering them (thank you, Brooks, for the fast delivery!). I immediately opened the box ... MoreI am a walker, not a runner and after having my right knee replaced (revised) for the second time, I was having pain in my shin when walking. Surgeon told me the problem wasn't with the new replacement and my podiatrist told me my ankles were weak, causing a gait problem. After trying inserts, new shoes, bio-freeze, exercises and a lot of ice, I decided to look for a shoe with some stability. Brooks website popped up in my Google search and having never worn Brooks before, I was leary, especially since I was having so many issues at once. After reading about the heel stabilizers in the Adrenaline 21, I thought, what the heck, I'll try it. I received the shoes about 3 days after ordering them (thank you, Brooks, for the fast delivery!). I immediately opened the box and slipped my feet into the shoes. I almost cried when I felt how wonderful they fit! I took a couple days to just walk around in them, doing my normal stuff. I have to say, I have NO shin pain, no ankle issues, no knee pain, NOTHING, when I am walking in these shoes. These shoes are incredible! I bought my normal size, after reading reviews and they fit like a glove! I will no longer buy Asics, they feel flimsy on my feet compared with the Adrenaline. I can actually feel my heel being held in place. I will be a Brooks customer from now on. Thank you for getting me back on my feet!

Great shoe, bad edition

I've been wearing various iterations of Adrenalines for about eight years, and they work fabulously for me–I have flat feet, and if my shoes are insufficiently supportive, I wind up with massive knee pain in very short order (even just walking). Adrenalines have enough cushion to keep me from pounding the heck out of myself, but they still feel springy rather than squishy. I really like them. Except this year.Initially, this pair felt just as good as the previous editions, but something about the way the interior of the heel was made caused it to wear out way, way faster than usual. Typically, I get six months to a year out of a pair of Brooks, depending on how intensely I'm running, but I've had these for three months and the heel has already worn through to the ... MoreI've been wearing various iterations of Adrenalines for about eight years, and they work fabulously for me–I have flat feet, and if my shoes are insufficiently supportive, I wind up with massive knee pain in very short order (even just walking). Adrenalines have enough cushion to keep me from pounding the heck out of myself, but they still feel springy rather than squishy. I really like them. Except this year.Initially, this pair felt just as good as the previous editions, but something about the way the interior of the heel was made caused it to wear out way, way faster than usual. Typically, I get six months to a year out of a pair of Brooks, depending on how intensely I'm running, but I've had these for three months and the heel has already worn through to the foam–and I'm not training hard right now. There's no way these have more than 100 miles of running on them (and I think they're a heck of a lot closer to 50) or more than 150 miles total (probably more like 100). Usually when I wear out a pair of these the support/cushioning fails first and causes me pain, though I think I wore holes in the uppers on the GTS 19s. I have had the heels wear out like this a couple of times before, but not this soon, and when they did, I could still wear them for a while before they caused blisters while I was in the process of replacing them. This pair went from "first layer of fabric is worn through but probably okay for the moment" to "blister-causing" in one day.

Not like previous models…shoe breaks down after 8-10 weeks.

Long time consumer of Brooks Adrenaline. My go to running shoe for 7+ years. Bought the 21s in end-April preparing for a hiking/walking trip. By the end of June, the shoe had already worn out, specifically the support and the cushioning. On a short run, my knees would ache and my feet were tired…always the first sign that I need to replace my running shoes. I am no longer the distance runner I had been, now average 15-20 miles a week during this time period of walking/jogging/running. I also rotate trail shoes. Bought a new pair of Brooks 21s first week of July and by September the shoe was already broke down. No cushioning, no support, hurt my feet in a way “old shoes” would. I actually went to my local running store and complained about how quickly the shoes broke ... MoreLong time consumer of Brooks Adrenaline. My go to running shoe for 7+ years. Bought the 21s in end-April preparing for a hiking/walking trip. By the end of June, the shoe had already worn out, specifically the support and the cushioning. On a short run, my knees would ache and my feet were tired…always the first sign that I need to replace my running shoes. I am no longer the distance runner I had been, now average 15-20 miles a week during this time period of walking/jogging/running. I also rotate trail shoes. Bought a new pair of Brooks 21s first week of July and by September the shoe was already broke down. No cushioning, no support, hurt my feet in a way “old shoes” would. I actually went to my local running store and complained about how quickly the shoes broke down. Normally I purchase 3 pairs of running shoes per year ( don’t wear running shoes in frigid WI winters)…these shoes are lasting about 8-10 weeks. No way am I buying 5 to 6 pairs of running shoes a year. Maybe if I was an ultra runner and not a middle aged lady. Very different experience in all of my loyal years as a Brooks Adrenaline consumer. I will be finding a different brand of shoes. Very disappointing. I do not recommend these.

Not the shoe I have always loved

I’ve been loving my runs in the Adrenalin GTS shoes for over a decade, I wear a narrow width and these were the first running shoes that felt like they fit me. However, the 2021 version has not held up. I average 25 miles of road running per week and I replace my shoes when the sole begins to wear down, every 4 months at 400-500 miles. However, with the 2021’s, like other reviewers, I experienced the shoe wearing holes for the first time. For me this was in the inner heel, on both sides (2 months in), a nickel size hole wearing through the fabric and foam down to the plastic inner brace. Usually in a new pair of Adrenalins I feel like I am running on fluffy pillows, but with the 2021’s I was having pain in the balls of my feet and calluses I had never experienced ... MoreI’ve been loving my runs in the Adrenalin GTS shoes for over a decade, I wear a narrow width and these were the first running shoes that felt like they fit me. However, the 2021 version has not held up. I average 25 miles of road running per week and I replace my shoes when the sole begins to wear down, every 4 months at 400-500 miles. However, with the 2021’s, like other reviewers, I experienced the shoe wearing holes for the first time. For me this was in the inner heel, on both sides (2 months in), a nickel size hole wearing through the fabric and foam down to the plastic inner brace. Usually in a new pair of Adrenalins I feel like I am running on fluffy pillows, but with the 2021’s I was having pain in the balls of my feet and calluses I had never experienced before. I thought my foot pain was just due to my aging until I read other reviews and realized I was not alone. I now need a new pair of shoes and have been waiting for the new 2022 Adrenalin GTS to be released with the hope that the shoe will have improved. This usually happens in November but I am reading that I may be waiting until next February-April

Sticking with my GTS 19 stockpile...for now

I was contacted by Brooks a couple of weeks ago and asked if I would test run a pair of the new Adrenaline GTS 21 free of charge in exchange for an honest review. In regards to my running background, I consider myself a casual runner who runs 3 to 4 miles three times per week with occasional increases in mileage when training for spring/fall 10k/quarter marathon races. Due to COVID-19, my socially distanced test runs took place on my treadmill. Due to flat feet and overpronation, I was fitted for former versions of the Adrenaline GTS at a local running store. Of note, the sizing for this model appears comparable to that of the last model I purchased (Adrenaline GTS 19).To aid in my review, I did side-by-side comparisons of this new shoe with the Adrenaline GTS 19 ... MoreI was contacted by Brooks a couple of weeks ago and asked if I would test run a pair of the new Adrenaline GTS 21 free of charge in exchange for an honest review. In regards to my running background, I consider myself a casual runner who runs 3 to 4 miles three times per week with occasional increases in mileage when training for spring/fall 10k/quarter marathon races. Due to COVID-19, my socially distanced test runs took place on my treadmill. Due to flat feet and overpronation, I was fitted for former versions of the Adrenaline GTS at a local running store. Of note, the sizing for this model appears comparable to that of the last model I purchased (Adrenaline GTS 19).To aid in my review, I did side-by-side comparisons of this new shoe with the Adrenaline GTS 19 that I was currently running in. This new version is noticeably lighter and has a more streamlined tongue integrated into the mesh upper decreasing bulk under the laces and creating a more secure fit. When wearing the shoe, I could feel the arch support (issue with the guide rail?) of the left shoe pushing into my foot and it felt as if my left toes had no support (maybe an issue with the extended DNA LOFT?). As my foot and the shoe warmed up, these issues resolved, but after running 2 miles, it felt like my toes were stuck in melting butter. The cushioning, that I initially thought was great, felt squishy/mushy the longer I ran and my feet felt sweatier despite the improved breathability of the shoe. The guiderail support system appeared to be similar or unchanged from what I am used to as I developed no new knee/hip aches or pains.Fortunately, I have several pairs of the Adrenaline GTS 19 stockpiled; however, if I had to purchase a pair of the Adrenaline GTS 21, my test run experience would not deter me. My first impression is in no way a gamechanger for a brand and shoe that I have loved for years. Thanks again, Brooks!

Verdict is still out, but so far impressed

I am a cardio queen! I used to run outdoors in the summer and do a combination of running and stairs indoors in the winter. After my last pregnancy 10 months ago, and physical therapy to restore my hip mobility I was still unable to run without experiencing severe hip pain after any amount of running. Since obtaining my brooks adrenaline shoes I am now able to run up to 1.5 miles before the pain begins. I hope with continued use I will be able to return to my normal 3-5 miles runs indoor as well as outdoors. The shoes themselves feel very stable while on, they are cushioned, but not overly soft like hookahs. I am undecided on the laces, they are oddly stretchy, not something I have ever experienced before. I hope to do another review closer to the 90 day mark of my ... MoreI am a cardio queen! I used to run outdoors in the summer and do a combination of running and stairs indoors in the winter. After my last pregnancy 10 months ago, and physical therapy to restore my hip mobility I was still unable to run without experiencing severe hip pain after any amount of running. Since obtaining my brooks adrenaline shoes I am now able to run up to 1.5 miles before the pain begins. I hope with continued use I will be able to return to my normal 3-5 miles runs indoor as well as outdoors. The shoes themselves feel very stable while on, they are cushioned, but not overly soft like hookahs. I am undecided on the laces, they are oddly stretchy, not something I have ever experienced before. I hope to do another review closer to the 90 day mark of my trial with additional positive comments.

go-to-shoe is right

To start off - I'm generally considered a neutral runner. I actually overpronate *very* mildly on my left foot, and tend to weight weight the outside of the right foot more heavily - but only very slightly. The first Brooks shoes I bought were the Ghost 13, and while I loved them, after a few weeks I started getting knee pain and noticing that it felt like my foot kept travelling on my right foot and would almost feel like it was riding on/falling off the inner edge of the sole. After having to take 3 weeks off with knee issues, and the suggestion of a friend, I gave the Adrenaline's a try and have never looked back. I actively feel the guiderail keeping my foot from travelling over the inner edge like it did the in Ghost. I'm up to about 85 miles in these shoes and ... MoreTo start off - I'm generally considered a neutral runner. I actually overpronate *very* mildly on my left foot, and tend to weight weight the outside of the right foot more heavily - but only very slightly. The first Brooks shoes I bought were the Ghost 13, and while I loved them, after a few weeks I started getting knee pain and noticing that it felt like my foot kept travelling on my right foot and would almost feel like it was riding on/falling off the inner edge of the sole. After having to take 3 weeks off with knee issues, and the suggestion of a friend, I gave the Adrenaline's a try and have never looked back. I actively feel the guiderail keeping my foot from travelling over the inner edge like it did the in Ghost. I'm up to about 85 miles in these shoes and am about to order 2 more pairs for backups I love them so much. My local run shop pretty much told me I'm neutral and they'd never recommend the Adrenaline's for me, but what works works. I truly feel like the guiderail system Brooks uses would work for anyone. When you need it, the gentle support is there to correct without overcorrecting. When you're neutral - you don't notice it at all. I like that these shoes are well cushioned and protect my legs, while also providing the right amount of energy and feel of the pavement. 10/10 could not recommend more. They do run a little big. I usually wore an 8.5 in the Ghost 13 and Glycerin 19, and am generally an 8.5 most running shoes. But these were way too large, so I have a size 8 and they're perfect.