Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7 Review

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7 provides durable support for serous runners. The best feature of these shoes are the support for those who over pronate moderately. What is pronation? See the end of the review.

When you first try the GTS 7s, the first thing you’ll notice is the support on the inside of your foot. The second feature is the sponge-like soles. Obviously, these shoes are only for people with a known tendency to roll in. Some may not like the feel along the inside of their foot as it almost feels like a bar is running along the inside of your foot. Once you start running, however, you’ll love how the shoe supports your foot and stops you from rolling in. It's almost impossible to over pronate with these shoes.

Brooks’ reputation among distance runners is well known and their marketing campaign makes a point of their new technology, “Mogo”. It's a midsole design that Brooks claims to make the shoes last for 300 miles. However, like every running shoe, no matter how well engineered and regardless of price, all shoes' cushioning, and thus support, will eventually fail as their cushioning becomes worn from the wear and tear of mileage. Also to keep in mind, at 11.5 oz, they’re not the lightest shoes on the market, but the support you gain on the inside of your foot makes up for the weight. Shoe comes in orange or purple with reflective segments are included on the outside of the shoes.

Price is another drawback. At $95, it’s not cheap. If you’re doing continuous running on a training schedule, you can expect to go about 2-3 months (at most) on these shoes. That’s about $400-$600 a year on shoes. If you’re excited about running, keeping your feet and legs are the most important part. The shoes are worth the money.

Why Do I Care About Pronation?

Pronation is the rolling motion of the foot from the back (heel) to front (toe) while walking, jogging, or running. Why should you care? When you roll too much on the inside of the foot, you distribute the weight and shock more heavily on the inside of the foot rather than evenly throughout the foot. By providing you motion control, the shoes prevent you from wasting energy while with each stride and increase your productivity and performance with every step. The Brooks have a control bar that prevents you from rolling into the inside of your foot.

How can you tell if you pronate? Take an old pair of shoes. Look at the inside of the sole? If the inside looks more worn, you’re an overpronator. If the outside of the sole is worn, you underpronate. If there is not apparent wearing from either direction, you’re neutral. Most people who pronate, tend to be overpronators. Still have questions? Find a running store in your area. Avoid big athletic chain stores. The people who work in these stores are not specialists in running shoes. Take the time and find a real running sports store. Ask the salespeople to evaluate your walk to see if they notice if you pronate. If you get a blank stare, turn around and look for another place.