THE BROOKS BLOG

I get a lot of questions from runners who want to give Brooks a try, and are looking for the “closest shoe” to some other model they’ve been running in. As in: I’ve been running in the [Asics Kayano/New Balance 1063/Nike Structure Triax/etc...], so which Brooks running shoe should I try?

Of course no two shoes are the same, but this handy Running Shoe Comparison Chart shows which Brooks shoe is most similar to some other popular running shoes.

How’d we forget to post this? The guys at Flotrack came out to Brooks Headquarters back in November and filmed a little tour of the office!

A bunch of us from Brooks had the pleasure of visiting Starbucks Headquarters yesterday to give away prizes, analyze some folks running on the treadmill, and show off some new Brooks gear coming out for Spring.

Brooks athlete Scott Jurek also gave a presentation highlighting some lessons learned over the course of his fifteen year career as a top ultrarunner. Scott’s a seven-time champion of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, two-time champion of the Badwater Ultramarathon, two-time Spartathlon champion, and winner of the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run. I won’t attempt to do the presentation justice, but some things that work for Scott include a vegan diet, avoiding blisters during long runs (and I mean LONG) by lubing up his entire foot with “unpetroleum jelly” or doubling up his socks, carefully calibrating his carbohydrate intake during both training and races…and of course, never giving up!

Scott’s going for his 8th title at Western States this year, so stay tuned for more info as we follow his progress - or check out his blog over at scottjurek.com.

Thanks to Starbucks and Scott for a fun afternoon!

We’re excited to unveil the latest update to Brooks’ #1 shoe - the Adrenaline GTS 9! We update the Adrenaline GTS every year, and this version is the best yet. If you enjoyed the GTS 8, 7 (or 6, 5, 4…), then you’ll be thrilled with this one.

What makes this shoe great? We call it the GTS because it’s the ‘Go To Shoe’ for so many runners. The recipe for success is superior support, a snug “midfoot wrap,” and great “forefoot capture.”

Say what?

“Midfoot wrap” is how the upper of the shoe conforms to the middle of the foot. Not just the arch, but also the side of the foot. With a snug midfoot wrap you get a shoe that feels “at one” with the foot.

“Forefoot capture” refers to how the shoe holds the forefoot in place and keeps it from sliding around. One aspect that makes the Adrenaline so phenomenal is its ability to offer a generous fitting forefoot, while at the same time maintaining an unsurpassed level of forefoot capture. This is possible because the met head windows (mesh panels on either side of the forefoot) expand out to accommodate multiple foot types, but the overlays keep the foot securely in place. (Ha! I used to think the non-mesh overlays were just pretty designs!)

So what’s different vs. prior versions of the shoe?

* Sustainability: The Adrenaline GTS 9 becomes more environmentally responsible with the addition of our biodegradable midsole, BioMoGo, and recycled shoe laces.

* Midfoot Wrap: We altered the placement of the non-mesh overlays for even better midfoot wrap.

* Engineered Heel Geometry: We altered the “crumple zone configuration” (the lateral/outsole heel where the foot strikes the ground — or, the “colored heel” portion of the shoe) through a separate mold piece that helps to better control motion at impact.

* Last but not least, cool new colors! (Including an edgy all-black for both men and women!)

What’s the Same?

* Stability: The stability of the Adrenaline GTS 9 has been maintained through consistent placement and geometry of the PDRB® (Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar).

* Snug Forefoot Capture: Once again, the Adrenaline GTS 9 delivers on this desirable feature.

* Outsole Pattern Configuration:  The flex grooves from the decoupled heel outsole pattern all the way through the forefoot are anatomically designed for the moderately pronating foot. Optimal support and integrity are offered while guiding the foot to an effortless toe off.

So there you have it! Check out the Adrenaline GTS 9 for Men and for Women.

Like what you heard but need a neutral shoe? Then check out the Defyance 2 - it’s modeled on the Adrenaline GTS 8 but is purposefully devoid of the stability features.

Like what you heard but want a trail shoe? Look for the Adrenaline ASR 5. It adopts the upper pattern and midsole package of the Adrenaline GTS 8 - but has a “weatherized” upper and an aggressive outsole which provides traction off-road and is still reliable on pavement.