When you think of testing a stability running shoe, climbing mountains might not be the first real-world scenario that comes to mind. But for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23, I wanted something different, something that would push the shoe beyond city pavements and treadmills. So I packed my gear and headed to Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in the Aravalli range, perched at 5,650 feet above sea level in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The rocky trails, steep inclines, and unpredictable terrain made it the perfect crucible to test the latest iteration of Brooks’ beloved GTS line.

The Adrenaline GTS series has long been a go-to for runners who need stability without sacrificing comfort. The 23rd edition carries that legacy forward with some notable improvements. This blog captures my personal experience and the shoe’s performance from the base of Guru Shikhar all the way to the summit.

First Impressions: A Familiar Friend with Fresh Touches

Unboxing the Adrenaline GTS 23, I was greeted with a familiar silhouette. The aesthetics haven’t changed drastically from the 22, but there’s a noticeable refinement in material quality. The engineered mesh upper looks sleeker and feels more breathable to the touch. The 3D Fit Print overlays are minimal and well-placed for structure without bulk.

Stepping into the shoes, the plush tongue and padded collar gave that signature Brooks comfort. They felt snug yet forgiving around the midfoot. As someone with slightly wide feet, I appreciated that Brooks offers multiple widths, I went with the standard width, and it hugged just right.

Technical Specifications Table

We use Brook’s official website to get all technical details quickly and accurately.

Feature	Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Weight	10.1 oz (286g)
Drop	12.6 mm (lab measured)
Heel Stack Height	34.1 mm
Forefoot Stack Height	21.5 mm
Midsole Material	DNA Loft v2
Stability Tech	GuideRails system
Breathability	5/5 (smoke test)
Torsional Rigidity	4/5
Heel Counter Stiffness	4/5
Outsole Thickness	3.6 mm
Outsole Durability	0.7 mm indentation (Dremel test)
Flexibility	10.4 N to 30° bend
Toebox Width	99.9 mm
Insole Thickness	4.5 mm
Width Options	Narrow, Normal, Wide, X-Wide
Price	$140 / ₹14,670

Climbing Guru Shikhar: Performance on the Ground

We began our ascent early in the morning. The paved roads quickly gave way to jagged rocks and loose gravel. Although the Adrenaline GTS 23 is not a trail shoe, it handled the mixed terrain with surprising competence. The outsole gripped well thanks to its smartly segmented rubber lugs. Even on wet granite slabs, I didn’t feel any slippage.

The 12.6 mm drop was a blessing on the climbs. As a heel striker, I felt well-supported. The DNA Loft v2 midsole provided a plush yet stable ride, especially during the initial steep segments. The GuideRails system worked subtly, keeping my gait aligned without feeling intrusive.

One of the standout moments came midway up the trail, where the rocky path narrowed and I had to make some quick lateral movements. The torsional rigidity (rated 4/5) helped maintain balance, and the heel counter stiffness gave me a locked-in feel. Stability, truly, is where the GTS 23 shines.

Breathability & Comfort: Cool Even Under Pressure

By late morning, the sun was blazing, and the climb was getting intense. That’s where the upper really impressed me. The engineered mesh with large ventilation holes kept my feet cool. Even after hours of sweating, my socks were merely damp, not soaked.

The tongue padding, an unbelievably thick 11.7 mm, made sure I felt no lace bite despite cinching the laces tight during descents. The semi-gusseted tongue stayed in place throughout the hike.

Cushioning & Responsiveness: Tailored for Heel Strikers

Let’s talk cushioning. The heel stack at 34.1 mm gave me ample shock absorption during downhill sections. I didn’t feel the harsh impact even when I misstepped on a rock. However, forefoot strikers may find the 21.5 mm forefoot stack a bit lacking, especially on long runs.

Responsiveness wasn’t its strong suit. The energy return measured at 53.9%, which is below average. That said, it’s a fair trade-off considering this is a stability shoe meant more for control than bounce.

Fit & Durability: Some Hits and Misses

The shoe fit true to size. My feet didn’t slide even during steep descents. The insole, at 4.5 mm, added just the right amount of cushioning without compromising ground feel.

However, durability is a double-edged sword here. The toebox material scored a poor 1/5 in the Dremel test, which aligns with the thin mesh feel. I can already see signs of wear after this one intense hike. On the flip side, the heel padding scored a perfect 5/5. It’s plush, durable, and didn’t show any degradation.

Traction & Outsole Performance: Grippy and Built to Last

The outsole deserves a special mention. It’s not often that a road shoe gives you confidence on rocky paths. With a forefoot traction score of 0.47 (wet conditions), it outperformed many shoes in its class. The 3.6 mm thick rubber outsole showed minimal wear, even after scraping against granite and grit.

Real-World Use Cases

After testing the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 in extreme conditions, I can confidently say it’s a versatile stability trainer. Here’s who it’s for:

• Runners with mild to moderate overpronation
• Heel or midfoot strikers
• People needing a reliable daily trainer for road running, walk-jogs, and treadmill sessions
• Runners who prioritize breathability and upper comfort

Final Verdict: A Trusty Stability Companion

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a rock-solid daily trainer that excels in providing stability, comfort, and breathability. It’s not flashy or overly cushioned, but it does its job, and does it well. Climbing Guru Shikhar in these shoes was a bold move, but one that paid off. The shoe remained comfortable, supportive, and dependable from base to summit.

If you’re a heel striker looking for a supportive ride with plenty of breathability, this shoe is a no-brainer. Just don’t expect it to double as a trail workhorse or give you a trampoline-like bounce. It’s a grounded, no-nonsense performer, much like the mountain it helped me conquer.