Honestly, the running shoe world is a bit obsessed with the "next big thing." Every year, brands drop a new version of their flagship trainers, and we’re all supposed to act like the previous one is suddenly garbage. But if you’ve spent any time on the road, you know that’s just marketing noise. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 women's is a perfect example of a shoe that, despite being a few years old now, still holds a weirdly loyal grip on the running community.
Why? Because it was the last of its kind before Brooks started getting really experimental with nitrogen-infused foams and softer builds in the GTS 23 and 24. For a specific type of runner, the 22 isn’t just an "older model"—it’s the gold standard.
The GuideRail Truth
Most stability shoes are basically like wearing a corrective brace. They have a hard "medial post" (a chunk of dense foam) on the inside of the arch to stop your foot from rolling in. It works, but it can feel like running on a brick.
The Adrenaline GTS 22 uses GuideRails instead. Think of them like the bumpers in a bowling alley. If your foot is moving straight, they don't do anything. You don't even feel them. But the second your form starts to break down—maybe you’re 8 miles into a long run and your ankles are getting lazy—those bumpers keep your heel and knee in alignment.
It’s a "holistic" approach. Brooks focuses on the knee, which is usually where the pain actually shows up for overpronators. By keeping the foot from rotating excessively, it protects the joint further up the chain.
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What’s Under the Hood?
The 22 was a big deal when it launched because it was the first time the Adrenaline featured 100% DNA LOFT cushioning throughout the midsole. In the 21, it was a mix of different foams. Making it full DNA LOFT made the transition from heel to toe feel way smoother.
It’s not "marshmallow" soft. If you want that, go buy a Hoka or a Brooks Glycerin. The Adrenaline 22 is firm but forgiving. It’s snappy. It actually lets you feel the ground, which is something a lot of modern "max cushion" shoes have completely lost.
- Weight: About 9.0 oz (for women's standard).
- Drop: 12mm. That’s a steep hill. If you have tight calves or Achilles issues, this high drop is your best friend.
- Upper: Engineered air mesh. It’s breathable, but honestly, it’s the 3D Fit Print that does the heavy lifting, providing structure without adding weight.
The "Bad Year" Controversy
If you dig into Reddit or running forums, you'll see people claiming the 22 was a "bad year" for the Adrenaline. This is where things get nuanced.
A handful of runners reported that the 22 felt narrower than the 21. Others complained the laces were too short (which, let’s be real, is an easy $5 fix). But the biggest gripe was the durability of the mesh. A small percentage of users found that the upper developed holes near the pinky toe faster than previous versions.
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But here’s the flip side: for every person who hated the 22, there are five who bought three "back-up" pairs when the 23 came out. The newer GTS 23 and 24 moved to DNA LOFT v2 and v3. Those foams are lighter and softer, but some purists think they feel "mushy." The 22 has a specific "pop" to it that the newer versions haven't quite replicated.
Who Is This Shoe Actually For?
Not everyone needs a stability shoe. If you have high arches and a neutral gait, the Adrenaline is overkill. You’re just carrying extra weight for tech you don't use. Go get the Ghost instead.
But if you’re a heel striker who overpronates, the Adrenaline GTS 22 is basically a tank. It’s built for daily miles. It’s for the person who wants one shoe to handle their 3-mile morning jog, their 10-mile Saturday long run, and their shift at the hospital.
It also comes in four widths: Narrow (2A), Medium (B), Wide (D), and Extra Wide (2E). That’s rare. Most brands give women one or two options. Brooks actually respects that "wide" doesn't just mean "a bigger size."
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The 2026 Verdict
Is it still worth buying the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 women's today?
Yes, if you can find it. Because it's an older model, you can usually snag it for $80 to $100, which is a steal for a high-performance trainer. Just be careful with where you buy. Stick to reputable retailers or the official Brooks "ReStart" program to ensure you aren't getting a knock-off or a pair that’s been sitting in a hot warehouse for three years (which can degrade the foam).
Actionable Steps for Your Next Run
- Check your wear pattern: Look at the bottom of your old shoes. If the inside of the heel and the ball of the foot are significantly more worn than the outside, you’re an overpronator. The Adrenaline 22 is calling your name.
- The "Thumb" Rule: Brooks uppers can be snug. Always ensure you have a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you're between sizes, go up.
- Lock the Heel: Since the 22 has a slightly lower heel collar than some older models, use the "runner's loop" (that extra eyelet at the top) to prevent heel slippage.
- Rotate: Don't wear these every single day. Let the DNA LOFT foam decompress for 24-48 hours between runs to extend the life of the shoe.
The Adrenaline 22 isn't trying to be flashy. It doesn't have a carbon plate or a weird rocker shape. It's just a reliable, stable workhorse that protects your knees and gets the job done. Sometimes, that's all you really need.