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As a lifelong runner and fitness writer, I always have a few pairs of good running shoes in my closet. But I just haven’t found the right walking shoe. Some are too bouncy; others are too rigid. My feet clearly have a Goldilocks problem.
I’ve simply used my running shoes for walking in the past, but it always makes me burn through pairs faster than I want. Plus, my feet crave a little more stability and cushioning in a walking shoe compared to what I need on runs. As a Brooks stan, I finally decided to try the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25. This shoe has only been out for months, but it already has a massive fanbase, including among Women’s Health editors. (It was named the best walking shoe in our 2026 Fitness Awards and is our best overall pick in our walking shoes guide.)
After slipping my feet into them, I can see why. The Adrenaline GTS 25 perfectly toes the line between cushioning and stability, giving you an all-in-one shoe that feels like a dream on your feet. I don’t usually wear sneakers when I’m not working out, but I started wearing the Adrenaline GTS 25 all day because they feel that amazing. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance is a nice perk, too.
While these shoes are not perfect, they’re pretty close. I’ve been wearing the Adrenaline GTS 25 for a month and I have a lot of thoughts on their stability, cushioning, performance and fit for walking. I’ve also run in them, just to see how it feels. Here’s my honest take.
How the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 Performed
Brooks advertises the Adrenaline GTS 25 as a road running and walking shoe, so there’s a lot to work with. I took these sneakers on three-plus mile walks on pavement and sidewalks, on the beach, and on light trails to see how they held up.
The shoes did well across all surfaces, although I wouldn’t take them on heavier trails—the outsole just isn’t made for it. I also made a point to walk in the rain, including over slick cobblestones, to see how the grip performed. The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses a RoadTack rubber outsole that provided an almost sticky footing that kept me from any kind of slipping or sliding.
I’ve had issues in the past with sneakers feeling good at the start of a walk, and ending up with aching feet after a few miles. That wasn’t a problem with this pair. Brooks uses the brand’s special DNA LOFT v3 foam in the Adrenaline GTS 25 that shows up in several of its shoes, and it delivers. My feet felt well-supported, from start to finish.
The cushioning is a big draw for me. There’s an almost plush feel underfoot, but not so much that it feels like you’re sinking into the shoe. It also delivers a little bounce that propels you forward with each step. It definitely doesn’t feel like you have springs in your shoes, but you can tell there’s a little something.
It’s worth pointing out that the Adrenaline GTS 25 is slightly heavier than your standard walking shoe. At 9.5 ounces, you may notice a difference in weight if you’re currently striding around in something in the 7- to 8-ounce range. My feet never felt heavy, but I did notice a difference in weight when I switched out of them after a long walk for a lighter pair. I also noticed the weight a little more when I took these on runs.
The upper on these shoes is breathable, but not so airy that rain gets in when the weather is bad. My feet felt warm at the end of some walks but, to be fair, those walks were during a heat wave—I don’t think it was the shoe’s fault.
Fit: You Have a Lot of Options to Work With.
Everyone has their own needs in a walking shoe. I’m obsessive about toe boxes after dealing with too many shoes with a narrow top that scrunched my toes. Brooks has always done a good job serving up a roomy toe box, and the Adrenaline GTS 25 is no exception. It’s not so wide that you feel like you’re walking in clown shoes, but definitely isn’t narrow. It’s perfectly medium. I can wiggle and splay my toes as needed, but my feet aren’t swimming in the shoes.
The Adrenaline GTS 25 comes in a huge range of sizes—narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide—making it easy to find the right fit.
Stability: It’s Designed to Keep You in Line
The Adrenaline GTS 25 isn’t technically a stability shoe, but it leans on the side of stable. The shoe has a nice, locked-in fit at the heel and midfoot (the center part of your foot), so you’re not sliding around when you move.
Brooks also uses its specialized GuideRails support system in the Adrenaline GTS 25, which gently guides your feet or knees back into neutral alignment. It’s not a heavy-handed correction, though—it’s very subtle. I noticed the correction more when I was going over unstable ground like sand and light trails. But on the road and sidewalk, it was almost unnoticeable. When you couple that stability with the 10 millimeter heel-to-toe drop, you end up with a smooth, stable stride, whether you’re walking or running.
Alternatives: There’s Plenty to Choose From
At $155, the Adrenaline GTS 25 isn’t a cheap shoe, but it’s not horribly expensive. If you’re looking for a similar feel but want to save, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is still a solid choice. The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a more supportive, stability-style shoe, while the Glycerin 23 delivers a highly cushioned ride. If you want even more stability, the Hoka Arahi 8 will keep you in line.
Final Verdict
I test dozens of shoes each year, and I’m impressed. The Adrenaline GTS 25 delivers a little of everything in a shoe without being overly intense in any one category. It’s cushioned, but not too bouncy; stable, but not corrective. And it feels amazing under your feet. If you’re been struggling with a Goldilocks walking shoe problem like me, give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.
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