Comparing Brooks Trace vs Adrenaline will be interesting. Both are excellent as daily runners and are good at cushioning and shock absorption.
However, one is support running shoe while the other is a neutral running shoe.
Is that the only difference?
To find that out, we have compared Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 and Brooks Trace in this post. These are the latest versions of these two running shoes at the time of writing this post.
In the sections below we have tried to compare Brooks Adrenaline and Brooks Trace as objectively as possible. We have tried to provide a clear picture of the kind of experience you should be expecting.
So, without further ado let’s proceed.
This is our winner
Last update on 2023-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Why did we pick this one?
- Soft and stable cushioning.
- Upgraded heel counter.
- End-to-end DNA LOFT cushioning.
- Excellent stability.
- Buttery soft transitions.
The main differences between Brooks Trace Vs Adrenaline
- Brooks Trace is lighter than Brooks Adrenaline. For women, Brooks Trace weighs around 7.9oz or 224g whereas Brooks Adrenaline weighs around 9.1oz or 258g. For the men’s version, Brooks Trace weighs around 8.9oz or 252.3g whereas Brooks Trace weighs around 10.4oz or 294.8g.
- Brooks Adrenaline is an overpronation running shoe whereas Brooks Trace is a neutral running shoe.
- Brooks Adrenaline uses DNA LOFT in the midsole whereas Brooks Trace uses BioMoGo DNA in the midsole.
- For the men’s version of the shoe, Brooks Adrenaline has one more size available than Brooks Trace.
- Brooks Adrenaline has multiple toe-box widths available whereas for Brooks Trace there is only one toe-box width available for both versions.
- The latest generation of Brooks Adrenaline is 21 whereas the current generation of Brooks Trace is proverbially 1 or this is the first generation of this shoe.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS Vs Brooks Trace – An Overview
Brooks Adrenaline is a running shoe for overpronation whereas Brooks Trace is a neutral running shoe.
Both of these running shoes are comfortable and will provide you with good quality running. They are cushy and shock absorbent and will provide you with good breathability.
In the following sections, we have compared Brooks Ghost and Asics Nimbus in-depth so that it becomes easier for you to make a decision.
So, let’s check out what we have in store for you…
Brooks Trace Vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 – Features at a glance
| Brooks Trace | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Type | Neutral | Stability |
| Heel-to-toe Drop | 12mm |
12mm |
| Weight |
7.9oz/224g (Women) 8.9oz/252.3g (Men) |
9.1oz / 258g (Women) 10.4oz/294.8g (Men) |
| Arch Support | Medium, High | Medium to High |
| Midsole Type | BioMoGo DNA Cushioning | DNA LOFT Cushion |
| Technology | BioMoGo DNA Cushioning, Engineered Mesh, Blown rubber. | 3D Fit Print, GuideRails, Segmented Crash Pad, DNA LOFT |
| Sizes |
5.0 – 12.0 (Women) 7.0 – 15.0 (Men) |
5.0 – 13.0 (Women) 7.0 – 15.0 (Men) |
| Width |
Medium (1B) (Women) Medium (1D) (Men) |
Normal, Narrow 2A, Wide D, Extra Wide 2E (Women) Normal, Narrow B, Wide 2E, Extra Wide 4E (Men) |
| Use | Long Distance, Treadmill, Road | Long Distance, Treadmill, Road |
| Editor’s Rating |  |
|
PRODUCT
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
FEATURES
TYPE: Stability
HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 12mm
WEIGHT: 9.1oz / 258g (Women) / 10.4oz/294.8g (Men)
ARCH SUPPORT: Medium to High
MIDSOLE TYPE: DNA LOFT Cushion
TECHNOLOGY: 3D Fit Print, GuideRails, Segmented Crash Pad, DNA LOFT
SIZES: 5.0 – 13.0 (Women) / 7.0 – 15.0 (Men)
WIDTH: Normal, Narrow 2A, Wide D, Extra Wide 2E (Women) / Normal, Narrow B, Wide 2E, Extra Wide 4E (Men)
USE: Long Distance, Treadmill, Road
EDITOR’S RATING
PRODUCT
Brooks Trace
FEATURES
TYPE: Neutral
HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 12mm
WEIGHT: 7.9oz/224g (Women) / 8.9oz/252.3g (Men)
ARCH SUPPORT: Medium, High
MIDSOLE TYPE: BioMoGo DNA Cushioning
TECHNOLOGY: BioMoGo DNA Cushioning, Engineered Mesh, Blown rubber.
SIZES: 5.0 – 12.0 (Women) / 7.0 – 15.0 (Men)
WIDTH: Medium (1B) (Women) / Medium (1D) (Men)
USE: Long Distance, Treadmill, Road
EDITOR’S RATING
Brooks Adrenaline Vs. Brooks Trace – A head to head comparison
In the above sections, we have covered a brief overview and some major differences between Brooks Trace and Brooks Adrenaline GTS.
In the following sections, we look into each part of these shoes and compare them against each other.
Outsole
The outsole of Brooks Trace is made from blown rubber. This is a soft and resilient rubber that will provide you with excellent grip and durability.
This doesn’t get worn down easily and will provide an ample amount of protection to the softer BioMoGo DNA midsole.
Also, it has a similar layout to Brooks Ghost and has grooves made in the forefoot. Also, the gap under the first metatarsal is also fused to provide you with additional support during toe-off.
The outsole of Brooks Adrenaline is made from blown rubber as well. This provides you with a durable outsole that will provide you with a good grip and stability while running.
Much like Brooks Trace, Brooks Adrenaline also has grooves in the outsole to ensure optimized flexibility of the sole.
Also, the heel area has a harder rubber to provide additional protection to the heel strikers.
Midsole
The midsole of Brooks Trace is made from BioMoGo DNA. It fuses two technologies of BioMoGo and DNA and provides you with a shock-absorbing, responsive midsole.
This material adapts to your stride and works with the outsole to adapt to the terrain as well. With this running shoe, you will truly get custom cushioning tailored to your feet.
Also, this is a very lightweight material and will not feel heavy on your feet.
The midsole of Brooks Adrenaline is made from DNA LOFT. This is a soft material that will provide you with plush and luxurious cushioning.
It is a resilient cushioning and will not pack out under your weight.
The responsiveness of this midsole comes from BioMoGo DNA. This makes the cushioning adaptable for your running.
Also, it has GuideRails Holistic Support System. This keeps your extra movement in check thus giving ample protection to your knees.
It also has omega flex grooves that improve the flexibility of this running shoe without compromising the cushioning.
It also has a segmented crash pad like Brooks Trace to help you with the easier heel-to-toe transition.
Upper
The upper of Brooks Trace is made from enginereed mesh. This mesh stretches with your feet providing you with a breathable and comfortable fit.
Due to the stretching, it provides you with a snug and comfortable fit customized to your feet.
Also, due to this, the ventilation of this shoe is very good and keeps you cool and dry during your running session.
This mesh material helps the moisture to escape thus reducing the overall weight of this running shoe.
Brooks Adrenaline has also an engineered mesh upper, that is lightweight and provides you with good breathability.
Also, it has the 3D fit print that will provide you with structure and support. With this version of Brooks Adrenaline, the heel counter is updated. This provides you with a more secure and comfortable fit.
The overall fit of Brooks Adrenaline (this version) feels roomy and you will not feel squished inside this running shoe.
Weight
In terms of weight, Brooks Trace is lighter than Brooks Adrenaline.
Brooks Trace weighs around 7.9oz /224g for women and 8.9oz/252.3g for men.
Brooks Adrenaline weighs around 9.1oz/258g for women and 10.4oz/294.8g for men.
Price
The price of Brooks Adrenaline is much more than Brooks Trace. If you compare these two running shoes, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 will cost you around $30 more than Brooks Trace. (At the time of writing this post).
However, for these two shoes, the price may not be the deciding factor, your pronation is.
$30 is a big price gap and if you are running whose daily miles doesn’t exceed 2-3miles, then a running shoe in the price range of Brooks Trace will work just as fine.
In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between Brooks Adrenaline and Brooks Trace.
However, there are a few alternatives that may be well worth your time. They can be your main running shoe or you can put them in your shoe rotation. Do take a look.
Similar Shoes
Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Trace
Brooks Trace is a neutral running shoe with responsive cushioning. It is a very good daily runner and will provide you with good mileage. Also, the in-shoe environment is also very comfortable.
A running shoe that can provide you with a similar running experience is New Balance 1400. It is a lightweight running shoe that is responsive and will provide you with a great running experience.
- Barefoot friendly internal construction
- Blown rubber outsole
- Breathable air mesh
Last update on 2023-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks Adrenaline is a stability running shoe. It is lightweight and will provide you with good stability and cushioning. It is roomy and will not squish your feet while you run.
Also, it is a high mileage shoe and will last for at least 300-500 miles.
Another running shoe that can provide you with a similar running experience is New Balance 860. It is also a stable running shoe with Fresh Foam cushioning and is a high mileage running shoe.
Last update on 2023-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
In the above sections, we have tried to provide you with a comprehensive comparison of Brooks Trace Vs Brooks Adrenaline.
Although we know that ultimately you will make a decision based on your type of pronation, however, we liked some of the characteristics of one of them more and will like to see that no matter the kind of shoe you choose.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS has a softer cushioning and has a knee-focused design. It has multiple toe-box widths that will be able to cater to more types of feet than Brooks Trace. Also, overall, Brooks Adrenaline feels spacious.
These are the reasons that we chose Brooks Adrenaline over Brooks Trace.
If you own any of these shoes, we would love to hear from you. We would feature your story in this post and share your experience with our readers.
Madhusree Basu
Author, Admin
Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.
