I’m a runner who’s spent years pounding pavement, chasing personal bests, and battling occasional knee twinges. When it came time to pick my next pair of Brooks running shoes, I found myself torn between two heavyweights: the Glycerin and the Adrenaline.
My goal with this article is to share my experience testing these shoes, breaking down their features, and helping you decide which one fits your running style.
With a conversational lens, I’ll explore their pros, cons, and key differences to guide you toward your perfect stride.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Brooks Glycerin 22 | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Cushioning | DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused, plush, max cushion | DNA Loft V3, balanced, firmer cushion |
| Stack Height | 38 mm heel, 28 mm forefoot (10 mm drop) | 35 mm heel, 23 mm forefoot (12 mm drop) |
| Weight | Men’s: 10.2 oz, Women’s: 9.0 oz | Men’s: 9.8 oz, Women’s: 8.6 oz |
| Stability | Neutral (GTS version for mild stability) | Moderate-to-max stability with GuideRails |
| Upper | Creel Jacquard mesh, snug, luxurious | Engineered mesh, secure, slightly stiffer |
| Outsole | RoadTack rubber, durable, good traction | RoadTack rubber, excellent grip, durable |
| Best For | Long runs, recovery, neutral runners | Overpronators, daily training, stability needs |
| Price | $160 | $140 |
| Feel | Soft, springy, cloud-like | Stable, responsive, grounded |
Understanding The Glycerin And Adrenaline
As a runner who’s logged countless miles, I’ve learned that the right shoe can make or break your experience. Brooks has been a go-to brand for me, known for its comfort and reliability. The Glycerin and Adrenaline are two of their flagship models, each catering to different needs.
The Glycerin is a neutral shoe with a focus on plush comfort, while the Adrenaline is a stability shoe designed to combat overpronation. I decided to test both the Glycerin 22 and Adrenaline GTS 24 to see how they stack up in real-world conditions.
My runs took me through city streets, park trails, and even a treadmill or two. I wanted to feel how these shoes performed during long, slow jogs, tempo runs, and even casual walks. I also paid attention to how they felt standing for hours, as I often do at work.
Here’s what I discovered about their design, performance, and fit, with a focus on helping you choose the right one.
The Glycerin 22: A Pillow For Your Feet
When I slipped on the Glycerin 22, it felt like stepping onto a cloud.
Brooks has packed this shoe with their new DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused midsole, which is a game-changer for cushioning.
The foam uses larger cells in the heel for impact absorption and smaller cells in the forefoot for a springy push-off.
This creates a ride that’s both soft and responsive, perfect for long runs where comfort is king.
The stack height is a generous 38 mm under the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot, giving a 10 mm drop.
This setup feels balanced, not too high to stress my forefoot, but enough to encourage a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
At 10.2 ounces for men’s and 9.0 ounces for women’s, it’s not the lightest shoe, but the plush feel makes up for it. I barely noticed the weight during my 10-mile runs, though I wouldn’t pick these for speedwork.
The upper is made of Creel Jacquard mesh, which wraps the foot like a cozy sock. It’s breathable, with a padded heel collar and external tab that makes slipping them on a breeze. I have slightly wide feet, and the Glycerin’s roomy toe box let my toes splay naturally without feeling sloppy.
The outsole uses RoadTack rubber, which gripped well on wet pavement and light gravel paths, though I wouldn’t take these on technical trails.
For me, the Glycerin 22 shone during recovery runs. After a tough interval session, my legs felt fresh thanks to the shoe’s shock absorption. It’s also great for standing all day—my arches didn’t ache after a long shift.
However, the softness can feel a bit mushy during faster paces, and the upper, while comfy, didn’t lock my foot as securely as I’d like for sharp turns.
Pros of Brooks Glycerin 22
- Unmatched cushioning: The DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused midsole is a standout, delivering a plush, almost bouncy feel that absorbs impact like a dream. During my 12-mile long runs, my knees and hips felt protected, even on unforgiving concrete. The foam’s dual-density design—larger cells in the heel for shock absorption and smaller cells in the forefoot for responsiveness—makes every step feel effortless, especially for runners who prioritize comfort over speed.
- Roomy fit: The Glycerin 22’s toe box is a blessing for my slightly wider feet. It allows natural toe splay without feeling loose, which reduced blisters during long runs. The Creel Jacquard mesh upper hugs the midfoot gently, and I never felt pinched or constricted, even after hours of wear.
- Durable outsole: The RoadTack rubber outsole held up impressively after 100 miles of mixed surfaces—pavement, light gravel, and even some treadmill runs. I noticed minimal wear, and the grip was reliable on wet city streets, though it’s not designed for rugged trails.
- Versatile use: Beyond running, these shoes were a lifesaver for standing during 8-hour work shifts. The cushioning prevented arch fatigue, and the soft upper felt like a cozy slipper. They’re also great for casual walks, making them a multi-purpose option for runners who want one shoe for multiple activities.
- Luxurious upper: The Creel Jacquard mesh is breathable and feels premium, with a padded heel collar and external tab that make slipping them on a breeze. The material wicks sweat well, keeping my feet dry during humid summer runs, and the aesthetic is sleek enough to wear casually.
Cons of Brooks Glycerin 22
- Weight: At 10.2 ounces for men’s and 9.0 ounces for women’s, the Glycerin 22 isn’t the heaviest shoe, but it’s not built for speed. During tempo runs, I felt the extra weight compared to lighter options like the Adrenaline, making it less ideal for races or interval training.
- Less responsive: The soft DNA Tuned foam prioritizes comfort over energy return. When I pushed the pace above 7:30 per mile, the shoe felt a bit mushy, lacking the snap I wanted for faster efforts. It’s great for cruising but not for chasing PRs.
- Upper lockdown: While the upper is comfy, it didn’t secure my foot as tightly as I’d like during sharp turns or quick direction changes. On a winding park path, I noticed slight heel slippage, which could be an issue for runners with narrow feet or those tackling technical routes.
- Price: At $160, the Glycerin 22 is a premium investment. While the quality justifies the cost for many, it’s $20 more than the Adrenaline, which might deter runners on a budget or those who don’t need max cushioning.
- Limited traction: The RoadTack outsole performs well on roads and light gravel, but it struggled on slick, muddy surfaces during a rainy trail run. If you frequently run on technical terrain, you might need a shoe with more aggressive lugs.
The Adrenaline GTS 24: Stability Meets Versatility
Switching to the Adrenaline GTS 24, I immediately noticed a firmer, more grounded feel. This shoe is built for runners like me who overpronate—my ankles tend to roll inward, especially when I’m tired.
The Adrenaline’s GuideRails system is a standout, using denser foam on the medial side to gently guide my foot back into alignment. It’s like having a subtle coach keeping my stride in check without feeling restrictive.
The midsole features DNA Loft V3, a nitrogen-infused foam that’s firmer than the Glycerin’s but still cushioned. With a 35 mm heel and 23 mm forefoot (12 mm drop), it’s slightly lower than the Glycerin, giving a more connected-to-the-ground feel.
At 9.8 ounces (men’s) and 8.6 ounces (women’s), it’s lighter than the Glycerin, which I appreciated during tempo runs. The engineered mesh upper is straightforward but secure, with a padded tongue and heel counter that locked my foot in place.
The Adrenaline’s RoadTack outsole matched the Glycerin’s durability and grip, performing well on concrete and light trails. I tested it during a rainy 5K, and the traction held up impressively.
The shoe’s wide base and sole flare in the forefoot added stability, especially when my form started to slip on longer runs. It’s a versatile daily trainer, handling everything from short jogs to half-marathons with ease.
However, the firmer cushioning isn’t as plush as the Glycerin, which some runners might miss on recovery days. The 12 mm drop also put a bit more pressure on my forefoot, which I noticed after 10 miles. For neutral runners or those who prefer a softer ride, the Adrenaline might feel too structured.
Pros and Cons of the Adrenaline GTS 24
Pros
- Excellent stability: The GuideRails system is a game-changer for overpronators like me. The denser foam on the medial side gently corrects inward ankle roll without feeling like a clunky orthotic. During a 10K race, my stride stayed aligned even as fatigue set in, reducing strain on my knees and shins.
- Lightweight: At 9.8 ounces for men’s and 8.6 ounces for women’s, the Adrenaline feels nimble for a stability shoe. I appreciated the lighter weight during 5-mile tempo runs, where it kept up with my 7:00-per-mile pace without dragging me down.
- Secure fit: The engineered mesh upper locks the foot in place with a snug midfoot and a padded heel counter that prevents slippage. Even during lateral movements in a park workout, my feet felt anchored, giving me confidence on varied terrain.
- Versatile performance: This shoe handles everything from 3-mile recovery jogs to 13.1-mile half-marathons. The DNA Loft V3 foam strikes a balance between cushioning and responsiveness, making it a reliable daily trainer for runners who want one shoe for most workouts.
- Affordable: Priced at $140, the Adrenaline offers high-end stability and durability at a lower cost than the Glycerin. For runners who need support without breaking the bank, it’s a fantastic value that doesn’t skimp on quality.
Cons
- Firmer ride: The DNA Loft V3 foam, while cushioned, is noticeably firmer than the Glycerin’s. On recovery runs after a tough workout, my legs felt less pampered, and I missed the plush softness of a max-cushion shoe. It’s not harsh, but it’s not a cloud-like experience either.
- Higher drop: The 12 mm drop (35 mm heel, 23 mm forefoot) put more pressure on my forefoot during long runs, especially past 10 miles. Runners sensitive to higher drops might notice slight discomfort or prefer a lower-drop shoe for a more natural stride.
- Less plush upper: Compared to the Glycerin’s luxurious Creel Jacquard mesh, the Adrenaline’s engineered mesh feels more functional than fancy. It’s secure and breathable but lacks the premium, sock-like comfort I loved in the Glycerin.
- Limited color options: The Adrenaline’s colorways are more subdued than the Glycerin’s vibrant offerings. While this didn’t affect performance, I wished for more bold or fun designs to match my running gear.
- Not for neutral runners: The GuideRails system is designed for overpronators, so neutral runners or those with high arches might find the stability features unnecessary or slightly restrictive, especially on shorter, casual runs.
My Testing Experience: Putting Them To the Test
To really understand these shoes, I took them through a variety of scenarios. My weekly routine included three 5-mile runs, one 10-mile long run, and two days of walking or standing for 6+ hours.
I alternated between the Glycerin 22 and Adrenaline GTS 24 to compare their performance head-to-head.
On a 5-mile tempo run, the Adrenaline felt snappier. Its firmer midsole and GuideRails kept my stride efficient, especially when I pushed the pace. The Glycerin, while comfortable, felt a bit sluggish at higher speeds due to its softer foam.
For my long run, the Glycerin was the clear winner—its plush cushioning made the miles feel effortless, and my knees thanked me afterward. The Adrenaline, though stable, left my legs a bit more fatigued.
For walking and standing, the Glycerin’s softer ride was a godsend. After a day on my feet, I had no arch pain or soreness. The Adrenaline was solid but less forgiving, as its focus on stability meant a less cushioned feel.
On wet pavement, both shoes gripped well, but the Adrenaline’s wider base gave me more confidence on slippery surfaces.
Key Differences of Brooks Glycerin And Adrenaline
When I set out to compare the Brooks Glycerin 22 and Adrenaline GTS 24, I wanted to pinpoint what sets them apart for runners like you and me. After testing both shoes across city streets, park paths, and long workdays, I’ve broken down their differences into key factors.
Each sub-heading below highlights a specific aspect, helping you understand which shoe aligns with your running style, foot needs, and goals.
- Cushioning and Ride Feel
The Glycerin 22 and Adrenaline GTS 24 take different approaches to cushioning, and it’s the most noticeable distinction.
The Glycerin’s DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused midsole is a plush, cloud-like dream, designed for maximum comfort.
Its larger foam cells in the heel soak up impact, while smaller cells in the forefoot add a touch of springiness.
On a 10-mile run, my joints felt pampered, making it ideal for long, easy runs or recovery days. However, the softness can feel mushy at faster paces.
In contrast, the Adrenaline’s DNA Loft V3 foam is firmer and more responsive. It’s still cushioned but prioritizes a grounded, stable ride, which I appreciated during tempo runs at 7:30 per mile.
The firmer feel supports overpronators by working with the GuideRails system to keep your stride aligned. For me, the Adrenaline felt less forgiving on sore legs, but its responsiveness shone in varied workouts.
- Stability and Support
Stability is where these shoes diverge sharply. The Glycerin 22 is a neutral shoe, built for runners whose feet don’t excessively roll inward (overpronate). It offers a balanced platform, and I found it worked well for my neutral strides on flat, predictable surfaces.
Brooks does offer a GTS version of the Glycerin with mild stability, but the standard model lacks corrective features.
The Adrenaline GTS 24, however, is a stability powerhouse. Its GuideRails system uses denser foam on the medial side to gently correct overpronation.
As someone who slightly overpronates, I noticed the Adrenaline kept my ankles in check during a 10K, especially when fatigue set in. The wider base and sole flare in the forefoot added extra stability, making it a go-to for runners needing support without a clunky feel.
- Weight and Agility
Weight plays a big role in how a shoe feels, and here the Adrenaline has a slight edge. At 9.8 ounces (men’s) and 8.6 ounces (women’s), it’s lighter than the Glycerin’s 10.2 ounces (men’s) and 9.0 ounces (women’s).
During a 5-mile tempo run, the Adrenaline’s lighter build made it feel nimbler, letting me push the pace without feeling weighed down. It’s a great pick for runners mixing speedwork with daily training.
The Glycerin, while not heavy for a max-cushion shoe, feels bulkier due to its plush foam and higher stack. I didn’t mind the weight on long, slow runs, but it wasn’t my choice for intervals or races. If agility is your priority, the Adrenaline’s lighter frame gives it an advantage.
- Fit and Upper Design
The upper design impacts comfort and lockdown, and both shoes deliver, but in different ways. The Glycerin’s Creel Jacquard mesh is luxurious and breathable, wrapping my foot like a cozy sock.
Its roomy toe box was perfect for my wider feet, allowing natural toe splay without slippage. The padded heel collar and external tab made it easy to slip on, and it stayed comfortable during 8-hour workdays.
The Adrenaline’s engineered mesh upper is more structured, offering a secure fit that locked my foot in place. I felt confident making sharp turns on a winding park path, with no heel slippage.
However, the upper lacks the Glycerin’s plush, premium feel, leaning more functional than fancy. For runners prioritizing lockdown over luxury, the Adrenaline wins.
- Stack Height and Drop
Stack height and drop affect how a shoe feels during a run. The Glycerin 22 has a 38 mm heel and 28 mm forefoot (10 mm drop), creating a balanced, cushioned platform. This setup felt smooth for heel-to-toe transitions, especially on long runs.
The Adrenaline GTS 24, with a 35 mm heel and 23 mm forefoot (12 mm drop), sits lower and puts more pressure on the forefoot. I noticed this during a 12-mile run, where the higher drop caused slight forefoot fatigue. Runners sensitive to drop might prefer the Glycerin’s lower 10 mm.
- Price and Value
Price is a practical factor, and the Adrenaline GTS 24 comes in at $140, while the Glycerin 22 costs $160. The $20 difference reflects the Glycerin’s premium cushioning and materials, but the Adrenaline offers excellent value for a stability shoe.
For budget-conscious runners or those needing support, the Adrenaline’s lower price and versatility make it a smart choice. If you’re after max comfort and don’t mind the extra cost, the Glycerin’s luxury is worth it.
- Best Use Cases
The Glycerin 22 shines for neutral runners, long-distance enthusiasts, and anyone craving plush comfort. It’s my pick for recovery runs, marathon training, or standing all day. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is better for overpronators, daily training, and runners mixing tempos with longer runs.
Its stability and lighter weight make it a versatile workhorse. Your choice depends on whether you value cushioning (Glycerin) or support (Adrenaline).
Who Should Choose the Glycerin?
If you’re a neutral runner or someone who loves a soft, cushioned ride, the Glycerin 22 is your match. It’s perfect for:
- Long-distance runners training for marathons or half-marathons.
- Recovery runs where comfort trumps speed.
- Walkers or those standing all day, thanks to its plush foam and roomy fit.
- Runners with wider feet who need a spacious toe box.
I found the Glycerin ideal for my easy 8-mile runs, where I could zone out and enjoy the ride. It’s also great for beginners who want a forgiving shoe that won’t punish their joints.
Who Should Choose the Adrenaline?
The Adrenaline GTS 24 is a better fit for runners who overpronate or need extra support. It’s suited for:
- Runners with mild to moderate overpronation, as the GuideRails keep your stride aligned.
- Daily training, from short runs to tempo sessions.
- Those who prefer a firmer, more responsive feel over plush cushioning.
- Budget-conscious runners looking for a versatile shoe at a lower price.
As someone who overpronates, I appreciated how the Adrenaline kept my ankles stable during a 10K race. It’s a workhorse that handles a variety of runs without fuss.
Which Shoe Wins?
After weeks of testing, I’m torn. The Glycerin 22 is my go-to for comfort and long runs—its softness makes every step feel like a treat. But the Adrenaline GTS 24 wins for versatility and stability, especially when I’m pushing the pace or need extra support.
If I had to pick one, I’d lean toward the Adrenaline for its all-around performance and lower price. But honestly, it depends on your needs. If you’re after plush luxury, the Glycerin is hard to beat. If stability and responsiveness are key, the Adrenaline has you covered.
Also Read: Key Differences Between Hoka Mach 6 And Clifton 9 Shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your needs. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is better for overpronators needing stability, while the Glycerin 22 excels for neutral runners seeking maximum cushioning.
Runners with mild to moderate overpronation, those needing a versatile daily trainer, or anyone who prefers a firmer, stable ride.
The Glycerin 22 is Brooks’ most comfortable shoe, thanks to its plush DNA Tuned cushioning and luxurious upper.
The Adrenaline is ideal for runners with low to medium arches who overpronate, offering GuideRails for stability and support.
Conclusion: Your Run, Your Choice
You’re out there chasing miles, and the right shoe can make all the difference. My journey with the Brooks Glycerin 22 and Adrenaline GTS 24 showed me that both are stellar, but they serve different purposes.
The Glycerin wraps your feet in plush comfort, perfect for long runs or recovery days. The Adrenaline keeps your stride in check, making it a versatile choice for overpronators. Think about your running style, foot shape, and goals. Try them on if you can, and let your feet decide.
Happy running!
