As a professional shoe reviewer and serial walker, I’m picky when it comes to adding a new pair of sneakers to my rotation. My closet is already overflowing, and I want each pair to support my feet during my daily 10K step walks. While I have tried-and-true kicks that have been in my closet for years, there’s one style that has recently earned a permanent spot on my shoe rack: the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25. Not only are they sporty and cool, but they feel ultra-light and springy during every step I take. Long story short — you need to cop a pair ASAP.
I have cursed feet, and by that I mean I have two large bunions on each foot. So, wearing comfortable sneakers that don’t irritate my feet is a non-negotiable for me (IYKYK). Luckily, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 comes in wide and extra-wide widths to accommodate my foot woes. Better yet, Emily Ruane, managing editor of HuffPost Shopping, said her mother loves Brooks shoes for her wide feet post-bunion surgery. That was the green light that these are a safe bet.
I first took these for a spin during my morning matcha stroll. Immediately after my first steps, my feet experienced pure bliss. I felt the knit upper material stretch to match my foot shape as my soles lightly sank into the pillow-soft bed. The shoes moved with me as I speed walked, almost as if they were an extension of my feet. I ended up walking four miles, but the shoes left me excited for my next hot girl stomping session. It’s safe to say I’m now addicted.
I ran straight to Google afterwards to research how Brooks made such a God-tier shoe. My findings? The cushioning is infused with nitrogen, creating pockets of air in the foam. This makes the cushioning less dense and springy, resulting in an unforgettable bouncy ride. It’s also worth highlighting Brooks’ GuideRails technology, which are hard pieces of plastic on both sides of the heel that help keep your walking pattern aligned and stable. This is especially helpful if you overpronate (have collapsing arches) or supinate (walk on the outer edge of your foot).
I have since accumulated close to 70 miles on the Adrenaline GTS 25, and they still look pristine. Even more impressive than its durability is the non-slip traction. I was able to run and walk on icy sidewalks, which honestly really surprised me. The outsole is well-made, but it doesn’t feature any thick lugs like a trail shoe, for example. Instead, it has light ridges and a circular tread pattern that doesn’t feel bulky.
Besides acting as a workhorse during power walks, these have become my go-to cozy shoes for mundane errands, grocery shopping and traveling. I’m able to wear these for hours without any foot pain, which is a top priority for me in a shoe. Bonus: They’re super compact for stashing away in a suitcase, carry-on or backpack.
I plan on keeping these shoes around for as long as they hold up. They deliver on all fronts, and I’m not the only one who’s wowed by their performance. By the looks of customer reviews, there are many Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 stans. With up to 15 color options and sizes ranging from women’s 5 to 13 and men’s 7 to 15, they accommodate almost anyone’s feet. Find them at Zappos below, or shop the men’s and women’s shoes directly from Brooks.
“The perfect combination of style, comfort and support. I walk the trail 3-6 miles everyday. I’m 57 and had a hip replacement 5 months ago. I know these shoes were part of getting me back out there quickly.” — Robert H
“This is, by far, the best edition of the Adrenaline GTS. It has been my exclusive running shoe since I identified my pronation issues 16 years ago, and I’ve bought dozens of pairs over the years. The 25 is in a completely different league — especially compared to the 24, which was one of the weakest versions on record in several respects. Kudos to Brooks — you’ve outdone yourselves.” — Ricardo L
“These are my favorite pair of Brooks yet and I have been wearing them for at least 15 years. These are so comfortable and provide the stability that I need.” — Ellen B
“I really like this version of Adrenaline. I have bunions, so the wider toe box worked for me. I did get the Wide version of the show. I also liked the fabric loop at the heel to help pull the shoes on. So very convenient. The support is fantastic. I wear these for my every day, every event shoe so I look for good shoes that support my feet. My arch support fits great in this style. Love it! Always wish there were more options for colors for the Wide series, however I really did like this one.” — Jen Z
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