Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a daily trainer for runners who want stability and comfort on their easy runs. It is neither the top of the range nor the shoe with the most pronation control, yet the Adrenaline GTS 25 is one of Brooks' flagships: reliable, stable and designed to rack up the miles with support that never feels intrusive. In fact it is more popular than the stability version of the brand's premium neutral shoe, the superb Glycerin 23. That may have to do with the American brand's naming, which adds the suffix GTS (Go-To-Support, or GuideRails™ Technology System, with pronation control), but runners tend to link each model to one particular use.

The engineered mesh upper is breathable and comfortable, true to size, with a medium fit that wraps the foot without pressure points. The padded tongue and traditional laces allow a precise, secure lockdown. The build is robust, made for daily wear and high mileage. The toe box is roomy, letting the toes move naturally even on long runs when the foot tends to swell.

The midsole uses DNA Loft v3, giving a fairly balanced ride where, as everyone expects, comfort wins over responsiveness. The GuideRails™ system provides stability without interfering too much with a pronator's natural gait (unlike the alternative of a firmer, denser medial section), guiding the foot when it strays. With a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, the geometry is classic and aimed at easing the stride for heel strikers. The rubber outsole covers key areas for traction and durability on the road, with a pattern that certainly stands out for its eccentric design and keeps transitions as smooth as possible. It is a very usable shoe for everyday running, ideal for runners who put stability and comfort ahead of speed, although it never quite wins you over, however hard its designers try.