Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin (And Adrenaline)

If you’re considering a shoe from Brooks, you may be torn between the Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin. While both shoes are designed to provide a comfortable and supportive running experience, they have different features that cater to different runner needs. We’ll also throw in the Brooks Ghost Max and Brooks Adrenaline for comparison!

The great news is these are both long time favorites of many runners, so you’re already heading down the path of choosing a running shoe that you should enjoy for many miles.

AND a shoe that will likely be around for many more models. Because let’s be honest, nothing is worse than falling in love with a shoe and having it disappear (been there!).

Over the years, I’ve run in a variety of Brooks running shoes, including both of these.

In this article, we’ll compare the Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerine vs Brooks Adrenaline to help you determine which shoe is the right fit for your running needs. We’ll examine the fit, feel, and specific features of each shoe, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your next pair of running shoes.

Quick Jump

Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin Overview

Brooks Ghost and Brooks Glycerin are two shoes that seem to keep getting more and more similar, especially using the same cushioning system.

The Brooks Ghost is a great option for runners who value cushion and comfort in daily trainer.

The Glycerin without the GTS label is a neutral shoe with a little more cushion, a little more weight and a little more stability with the wider base than the Ghost.

Glycerin is more cushioned
Ghost is a better all around trainer for easy to pick up the pace for the mid pack runner

And the Glycerin Max is a WHOLE different shoe. We love it. But it’s softer and springier than either of these.

Here are some key differences in the Ghost vs Glycerin vs Adrenaline:

Same cushioning system, 3mm more cushion in the Glycerin
Additional 1mm of cushion in the Ghost Max to make it highest stack height
Similar in weight
10mm drop in Glycerin and Ghost
12mm drop in Adrenaline
Glycerin is higher price point due to more cushion
Glycerin has a slightly wider toebox than the Ghost
Adrenaline is the firmest of the 4 shoes
Glycerin upper feels a bit warmer

Both shoes run true to size compared to other brands.

When to Choose the Glycerin over the Ghost?

As noted these two are really similar, but I think the deciding factor may come down to what you want from your shoe.

If you want an all around daily trainer that you could also use for some tempo work, then the Ghost is going to be your winner. The 17 was updated to a 10mm heel to toe drop so we’re no longer worried about it being an issue for knee pain or IT band issues.

When you want a little more cushion and a light feeling of stability (not the GTS model) then the Glycerin is going to be your winner. Brooks ghost vs Glycerine

If you want stability first and foremost then you’ll go with the Adrenaline, though it will feel the least soft of the 4 shoes.

As I said to start, all of these shoes can be great options. So a lot of it comes down to what feels good for you because that is actually a big piece of avoiding injury.

Comparing the Stability Options

On the other hand, the Brooks Glycerin GTS is a shoe designed for stability and support. It features a GuideRails support system that helps keep the body aligned and reduces excess movement while running.

Both shoes utilize the same cushioning system, so we’ll touch more on that below. The Glycerin has a higher stack height and thus more of the v3 cushion which can make it feel a tad more plush. My Ghost’s are pretty broken in at this point and feel plenty soft to me, so this wasn’t a huge difference.

But with the addition of the stability to the GST model, the shoe is going to feel firmer. It’s a true stability shoe, compared to some newer models like HOKA which are using a wider base and stack height to create stability without controlling foot motion.

Brooks DNA Loft Cushioning

Brooks DNA Loft is a cushioning technology used in some of Brooks’ running shoes that combines their DNA foam with a soft, air-filled rubber compound. This combination results in a plush, responsive feel that’s designed to provide maximum comfort and support during a run.

The foam used in the DNA Loft technology adapts to the runner’s stride, providing cushioning where it’s needed most while also delivering energy return to propel the runner forward. The air-filled rubber compound is strategically placed in the midsole to provide additional cushioning and shock absorption without adding extra weight to the shoe.

But it’s so much more than just air here. There is a lot of technology happening, “Using the proprietary DNA LOFT cushioning as our base, we infuse it with nitrogen through a supercritical foaming process that heats the liquid nitrogen until it turns to gas.”

Here’s how this stacks up to their other shoe cushions:

DNA AMP provides the most energy return of all Brooks cushioning technologies, giving runners a lively, springy ride that propels them forward during their runs.
BioMoGo DNA strikes a balance between softness and responsiveness, offering a comfortable feel that’s softer than DNA AMP, but firmer than DNA LOFT.
DNA FLASH is Brooks’ lightweight cushioning technology, designed for speed. It’s not as plush as DNA LOFT, but still offers a soft, comfortable ride that’s ideal for racing and fast-paced training. Additionally, DNA FLASH is infused with nitrogen for added performance benefits.

Technically the Glycerin uses the DNA Loft v3 version where the Ghost uses the v2 version and so the Glycerin should be softer. They often call it plush, but having tested a TON Of cushioned running shoes, I wouldn’t call it plush.

Brooks Ghost 17 Overview

The change our team is most excited about is in the heel to toe drop.The Ghost 17 is a neutral running shoe now with a 10mm heel to toe drop.

It’s not a huge difference, but if the 12 mm felt too high, you’ll really appreciate this. Plus, the lower drop will make a difference in potentially reducing knee pain or IT Band issues that often pop up with newer runners.

The second change that you may notice if you’ve worn previous models is from the cushion in the midsole. Brooks still uses its DNA Loft v3 foam but added more nitrogen in the forefoot (3mm) and heel (1mm) for a more cushioned and snappy feel underfoot.

The increase in stack height is actually why they changed the heel drop. It’s allowing for more stability in the shoe and ensures that you aren’t sinking to the ground as they keep adding cushion.

Ghost 17 Heel Drop

The Brooks Ghost 17 is a mix between soft and firm, like a shoe that you’d throw on when you want to hit party paces, but you also want to be able to get down to business.

They kept the same DNA Loft v3 foam but added more nitrogen to the heel and forefoot to give a little bit more of a pop and softer feeling underfoot. Now, there’s not enough pop that you’d grab these for a speed workout, or if you’re looking to run something like a fast 5k.

Heel toe drop: 10mm
Weight: 9.0 oz women’s, 10.1 oz men’s
Stack: 36 mm
Available in six colors
Available in Wide, Narrow and Extra Wide in select colorways
Available from Brooksrunning.com for $150
Read our full review of the Ghost 17 here >>

Brooks Ghost Max Overview

Feels like this has to be mentioned here because so many are now leaning in to the bigger stack and more cushion.

The Brooks Ghost is a hugely popular shoe, so of course they’d want to take advantage of that when launching a new shoe. But my first take was a swing and a miss. I’d much rather keep running in the Brooks Ghost.

That might not be a popular opinion and am I supposed to say that as someone who hopes they will keep sending me shoes to review? Dunno, but honestly is what you’ll get here. brooks ghost max review

I found the Ghost to be softer, while the Max might be more stable. So it could be the slightly more cushioned stable option if you aren’t wanting to pick up a support shoe. Though we have to say this shoe looks like an orthopedic support shoe.

It’s not that I didn’t enjoy my runs in this shoe! It simply didn’t seem like a better option than the Ghost, Glycerin or Adrenaline on any level except the lower heel drop.

Neutral shoe
6 mm heel drop
9 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
Moderate cushion
Available in 7 colors
Available in Wide
Available on BrooksRunning.com, Amazon, Zappos and retail stores for $170

Brooks Glycerin 22 Overview

The Glycerin remains one of Brooks most loved running shoes. I told you I ran a marathon in it! It‘s a great all–around running shoe, providing great cushioning for a variety of running distances.

Brooks slightly changed things and use their DNA tuned foam underfoot. This EVA foam is the most durable and allows for a lot of softness. With their DNA tuned technology they can change the softness in different areas of the shoe based on usage type. In this case, a go to daily trainer.

Brooks Glycerin 22 Overview

Despite all the cushion, the shoe remains fairly light at 9 oz and has a 10mm heel drop, encouraging speed and comfort.

The upper is made from a engineered double jacquard knit that keeps your feet cool and comfortable. The midsole offers great shock absorption, and the rubber sole provides reliable traction on a variety of surfaces.

Weight: 10.2 oz Men’s, 9.1 oz Women’s
Heel Drop: 10 mm
Available in 9 colors
Available in Medium, Wide and Extra Wide (wide and extra wide widths available in select colors)
Also available as the very popular Glycerin GTS for stability lovers
Available on www.brooks.com for $165
Check out our full review of the Brooks Glycerin 22 here >>

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Overview

The “GTS” in Brooks Adrenaline GTS stands for “Go-To-Support.” It’s a nod to the fact that the Adrenaline GTS has become a go-to shoe for many runners who prioritize stability, support, and comfort in their running shoes. It’s simply gotten lighter and less rigid over the years!

The Adrenaline GTS has been a staple in Brooks’ running shoe lineup for many years, and its popularity among runners has made it a top-selling shoe in the industry.

One of the standout features of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS is its GuideRails support system. This technology helps keep the body aligned and reduces excess movement while running, which can be particularly important for runners who overpronate or have other gait issues. The GuideRails support system works by gently guiding the foot and ankle into proper alignment, helping prevent knee and hip pain and reducing the risk of injury.

Brooks ADrenaline GTS

It’s a shoe that’s well-suited for runners who need stability and support, particularly those with overpronation or other gait issues. It’s also a great choice for runners who want a comfortable, cushioned ride without sacrificing responsiveness or performance.

Stability shoe
12 mm heel drop
9 oz women’s, 10.2 oz men’s
Moderate cushion
Available in 20 colors
Available in Wide
Available on BrooksRunning.com, Amazon, Zappos and retail stores for $140

Drawbacks to Brooks Running Shoes

As noted, every runner has a preference, so there are just a couple of things from my experience.

They are not ideal for those with high arches or a high mid-foot
Most of them run a bit more narrow than say HOKA or Altra, but not as narrow as Saucony and Nike
Still a very traditional looking run shoe, not fashion forward
Bright colors or white dominate the selections
Limited wide selection

All right, hopefully this Brooks Ghost vs Glycerin breakdown gave you the insights you needed to pick the perfect shoe! The good news is, you’re never married to one running shoe for life! You can keep testing and testing til you find the one that works RIGHT NOW.

Your feet and body change, so you may change what shoes you prefer over time.