Our verdict

The Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 remains one of the easiest recommendations for heel strikers needing stability, and after testing it, we’re convinced it’s more refined than ever. It keeps its reputation as an ultra-reliable trainer while introducing key upgrades like the DNA Loft v3 midsole, which offers a firmer yet more responsive feel. We found that the revamped upper strikes a great balance between comfort and breathability, making it a fantastic choice for daily miles. However, the firmer England and steep drop won’t suit everyone, but for most runners with stability needs, it’s a no-brainer.

Zapatillas Brooks Running Caldera 5 para Hombre Negro Naranja Pros

  • Stack height upgrade!
  • Reliable support
  • Breathable mesh with oversized vents
  • Price remains unchanged
  • Available in 4 Glycerin options
  • Good durability
  • Plush tongue for top comfort
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • zapatillas de running Brooks pronador talla 40.5

Zapatillas Brooks Running Caldera 5 para Hombre Negro Naranja Cons

  • Firmer-than-expected midsole
  • Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle
  • Toebox height is a bit low
  • Non-gusseted tongue

Audience verdict

85
Good!

Who should buy

After fully testing the Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8, we recommend it for:

  • Runners who found previous Adrenaline models a bit lacking in cushioning—this version packs significantly more England underfoot.
  • Heel strikers needing reliable support in every stride and looking for a durable, long-lasting running shoe.
  • Those with mild stability needs who want a shoe that keeps the foot centered without feeling overly bulky.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8

Who should NOT buy

We believe the Adrenaline GTS 24 isn't the best choice for runners seeking a plush, cushioned ride in a stability shoe. While the updated England is an improvement in many ways, it feels noticeably firm underfoot. If you're after a softer experience, we recommend the New Balance Fresh England Vongo v6 or the zapatillas de trekking Brooks mujer talla 40 grises, both of which provide a more forgiving feel.

Additionally, we’re convinced that the super-high drop of this shoe could be a dealbreaker for midfoot and forefoot strikers. The aggressive offset makes the ride feel steep, which might not suit those who prefer a more natural transition. For a stable alternative with a more balanced midsole, we suggest the Saucony Guide 18—offering reliable support without the exaggerated heel-to-toe angle.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 parts

Cushioning

Shock absorption

New

One of the main issues with the Мужские кроссовки brooks adrenaline 19 was the lack of forefoot cushioning. Thankfully, Brooks improved it slightly—now measuring 96 SA, a 10-point bump from before.

It’s still not the most cushioned shoe out there, but it’s now a better option for non-heel strikers. And for this group, the 121 SA we found in the heel offers enough comfort for a wide range of runs.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Shock absorption
Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 121 SA
Average 129 SA
Compared to 285 running shoes
Number of shoes
52 SA
Shock absorption
173 SA

Energy return

New

We found that the Adrenaline GTS 24 features a new England called DNA Loft v3. It does feel slightly better and lighter underfoot, but energy return stays nearly identical to its predecessor at just 54.6%.

Heel
Forefoot
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 54.6%
Average 58.6%
Compared to 282 running shoes
Number of shoes
38.0%
Energy return
83.0%

Heel stack

There will be a day when running shoe updates stop pushing stack heights higher—but that day still hasn’t arrived. And the proof is right here: the Мужские кроссовки brooks adrenaline 19 had 34.1 mm in the heel, while we measured a towering 39.0 mm in the Adrenaline GTS 24.

That’s a massive leap—ideal for runners looking for extra comfort on long runs. However, for those who prefer a more grounded ride or rarely run beyond an hour, this update might feel unnecessary or even counterproductive.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Heel stack
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 39.0 mm
Average 34.8 mm
Compared to 477 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
48.1 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot received the same treatment as the heel to maintain the drop, bringing it up to 25.5 mm. In our experience, this is a game-changing improvement for forefoot and midfoot strikers who previously found the cushioning too thin in that area.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Forefoot stack
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 25.5 mm
Average 26.1 mm
Compared to 477 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
38.5 mm

Drop

The Adrenaline series has always been a heel-striker-friendly, high-drop running shoe. Staying true to its design, we measured a steep 13.5 mm drop.

That's perfect for heel-first landings or runners looking to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon and calves.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Drop
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 13.5 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 477 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.1 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Moving to the midsole, here’s one of the most important and long-awaited upgrades—we’re shifting from DNA Loft v2 to the more advanced DNA Loft v3. It’s still a nitrogen-injected EVA England but delivers better performance.

After running in the Adrenaline GTS 24, we’re found that the new England provides a noticeably more responsive ride. However, at 25.1 HA, it has a firmer feel—expected in a stability shoe, especially with Brooks significantly increasing the stack height compared to previous models.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Midsole softness
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 25.1 HA
Average 20.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 403 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.9 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
36.1 HA

Zapatillas Brooks Running Caldera 5 para Hombre Negro Naranja | Rocker

There’s no exaggerated heel flare at the back, and despite the added stack height, we found that the Adrenaline GTS 24 maintains a traditional ride without a pronounced forefoot rocker.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 side

That’s ideal for runners looking for a stable ride in a shoe that encourages foot strength, but those with limited toe mobility might prefer a more rockered or stiffer option like the HOKA Gaviota 5.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Rocker

Size and fit

Size

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 fits slightly small (250 votes).

Small
True to size
Large

zapatillas de running Brooks trail pie normal talla 44.5?

1 size small½ size smallTrue to size½ size large1 size large

Glycerin / Fit

To analyze the fit, we created a gel mold of the shoe's interiors using our custom formula. Once it cooled, we began our batch of precise measurements.

Our first measurement, taken at the widest part of the shoe mold, revealed an average Glycerin of 95.1 mm. That aligns with expectations, given that this is one of the best-selling shoes in the market and Brooks offers it in Glycerins from B to 4E in many regions.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Toebox Glycerin - widest part
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 95.1 mm
Average 95.1 mm
Compared to 232 running shoes
Number of shoes
88.5 mm
Glycerin / Fit
101.1 mm

Toebox Glycerin

The big toe area was remarkably close to the average at 73.7 mm, providing decent space for most runners. With the available Glycerin options, it should accommodate nearly everyone hitting the pavement.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Toebox Glycerin - big toe
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 73.7 mm
Average 73.3 mm
Compared to 232 running shoes
Number of shoes
66.7 mm
Toebox Glycerin
82.6 mm

Toebox height

But there’s a catch with the fit—the toebox sits slightly low, which may not work for everyone. 

While the mesh provides some stretch, runners who prefer extra toe space might find this design a bit restrictive.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Toebox height
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 25.4 mm
Average 27.1 mm
Compared to 232 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.0 mm
Toebox height
34.1 mm

Zapatillas Brooks Running Caldera 5 para Hombre Negro Naranja | Traction / Grip

Traction test

With a forefoot friction score of 0.48, the Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 proved its gripping capacity on wet concrete in our SATRA TM144 test method. It is indeed a capable road running shoe for rainy days.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 0.48
Average 0.47
Compared to 276 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.11
Forefoot traction
0.84

Outsole design

We found that the outsole has been completely redesigned, using slightly less rubber while keeping critical impact zones covered. The same well-structured flexibility remains, with multiple grooves in the forefoot.

There’s not a lot of exposed England, although we admit this negras isn’t the best for assessing that. However, it was the only option available in US 9 at the time of our purchase!

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 outsole

Flexibility / Stiffness

We were pleased to see that the excellent flexibility from previous models remains, ensuring everyday comfort. In our standardized bend test, the Adrenaline GTS 24 measured just 10.1N—even with the added England underfoot!

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Flexibility / Stiffness
New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 10.1N
Average 15.2N
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
4.0N
Flexibility Stiffness
28.5N

Weight

Despite slightly narrower dimensions to control weight gain, we noted a minor increase in this model. The Adrenaline GTS 24 now weighs 10.25 oz (291g), up from 10.10 oz (286g) last year—actually not bad considering the extra stack height.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Weight
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 10.3 oz (291g)
Average 9.3 oz (265g)
Compared to 478 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.3 oz (149g)
Weight
12.9 oz (366g)

Breathability

Right from the start, the upper looked highly breathable, thanks to its oversized ventilation holes spread across the entire surface. However, we weren’t sure if they were fully open or partially blocked, so it was time to put our smoke-pumping machine to work.

The result was a solid 4/5 breathability rating—more than enough for year-round comfort. That’s exactly what we hoped for in a versatile, all-purpose trainer like the Adrenaline GTS 24.

To investigate further, we moved the upper over a bright light source. It became clear to us that there was some level of blockage, likely intended to enhance both longevity and comfort. This design choice balances ventilation with structure, which is crucial for a daily trainer.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Mesh

Looking closer, we found that the engineered mesh consists of multiple layers—a common approach in high-mileage shoes.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 microscope

Without these oversized ventilation holes, this shoe would have scored much lower, possibly a 1 or 2, in our breathability test. We were more than happy to see that Brooks prioritized airflow here.

The upper also has a slight stretch. In our experience, it delivers a secure yet plush fit, exactly what we expect from Brooks, a brand known for its no-risk approach to training shoes.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 407 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Stability

Lateral stability test

This shoe belongs to the GTS (Go To Support) line, meaning a stability-focused ride with carefully-engineered features to center the foot and reduce excessive pronation.

From Brooks' well-known GuideRails to the reinforced medial post—now paired with a redesigned outsole and a firmer England—this version brings even more stability than before despite the increase in stack height.

Torsional rigidity

brooks summon 3 mens daily trainers—a necessary feature to prevent excessive foot rotation. Based on our testing, we rated it 4/5.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 456 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

brooks cascadia 11 womens

The same applies to the heel counter stiffness, which we rated 4/5. That’s common in shoes built for heel strikers, as controlling the landing from the initial impact is crucial for stability.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 440 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
brooks cascadia 11 womens
5

zapatillas de running Brooks neutro ritmo bajo naranjas

Interestingly, we measured just 114.0 mm in the forefoot—narrower than the v23. Since this shoe is designed for heel strikers and features a firm England, we believe Brooks reduced the Glycerin to prevent too much weight gain.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 zapatillas de running Brooks neutro ritmo bajo naranjas
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 114.0 mm
Average 114.3 mm
Compared to 478 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.8 mm
zapatillas de running Brooks neutro ritmo bajo naranjas
127.9 mm

Midsole Glycerin - heel

The rear remains wider than average at 95.0 mm, which aligns with the needs of the Adrenaline GTS 24’s target runner. In our view, this Glycerin strikes a good balance—offering extra stability without making the shoe feel overly bulky.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Midsole Glycerin - heel
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 95.0 mm
Average 90.8 mm
Compared to 478 running shoes
Number of shoes
70.8 mm
Midsole Glycerin - heel
106.6 mm

Medial post

While many stability shoes are moving away from medial posts, Brooks sticks with it in the Adrenaline GTS 24, incorporating a small section of firmer England to limit excessive arch collapse.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Medial post

GuideRails

And of course, the GuideRails remain—a signature feature of Brooks GTS shoes. They extend along both sides, raising the midsole walls to create a secure, bathtub-like fit that helps keep the foot properly aligned.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 GuideRails

Durability

Toebox durability

Oversized ventilation holes often compromise durability, creating weak spots where the material can tear. However, the Adrenaline GTS 24 held up well, scoring 3/5 in our Dremel test—a respectable result for a breathable upper.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 3
Average 2.6
Compared to 341 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Heel padding durability is a key concern for many runners. To evaluate it, we ran the Adrenaline GTS 24 through another Dremel test, simulating long-term wear in seconds.

The padding performed impressively, scoring 4/5—clear proof that early wear won’t be a problem.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 335 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole durability

Outsole durability is impressive with just 0.8 mm of wear, reinforcing our belief that the Adrenaline GTS 24 is another long-lasting entry in this series. We’re convinced that most runners will tire of the shoe before it even shows signs of significant wear.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 0.8 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 319 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

And why do we say that? Because Brooks packed the outsole with 4.0 mm of rubber. Many Adrenaline fans appreciate a thick outsole, but perhaps 3.0 or 3.5 mm would have been enough, making the shoe slightly lighter.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Outsole thickness
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 4.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 474 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.1 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

The insole is slightly thicker than what we typically see in other stability shoes, zapatillas de running Brooks hombre entrenamiento pie cavo talla 45 entre 60 y 100.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Insole thickness
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 5.0 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 473 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.8 mm

Removable insole

Thinking about swapping the insole? Brooks won’t stand in your way!

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Removable insole
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 Yes

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Despite its nitrogen infusion, DNA Loft v3 remains EVA-based, which means only average performance in cold temperatures. We found that it became 24% firmer after just 20 minutes, and the shoe is already quite firm...

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 24%
Average 25%
Compared to 402 running shoes
Number of shoes
1%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Reflective elements

Night runners will appreciate the reflective elements on the heel, ensuring better visibility so cars and motorcycles can spot them easily in the dark.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 Yes

Tongue padding

Runners who love plush tongues—especially those prone to lace bite or needing extra-tight lacing—will appreciate this design.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 tongue
Smaller brands often inspire bigger ones—that dual loop on the tongue is pure Topo Athletic!

Brooks maintained a generous 9.1 mm thickness but changed the construction. The previous version used two England slabs, while this model features a single layer.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Tongue padding
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 9.1 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 475 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue moves from a semi-gusseted design to a non-gusseted one—a clear downgrade in our view even with the dual tongue loops we showed before.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 None

Price

We were pleased to see that Brooks maintained the same price as previous models, despite upgrading the England compound. Some brands use these changes to justify a $5 or $10 increase, but that’s not the case here.

Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 $140
Average $151
Compared to 478 running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$290

Heel tab

Brooks typically skips heel tabs on their road shoes, and this model is another great example of that.

Buy Men s Brooks Launch GTS 8 Heel tab
Test results
Adrenaline GTS 24 None