Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4 vs GTS 10 Review: Nostalgia vs Modern Comfort

Brooks is quietly having one of the strongest years in sneakers right now. Between modern comfort-focused runners like the Glycerin line and the resurgence of retro-inspired lifestyle runners, they’ve built a lineup that honestly deserves more attention.

Recently, I reviewed the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 and was surprised by how comfortable it was thanks to the updated DNA Tuned cushioning. But after getting my hands on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4, I wanted to see how the older retro model stacked up side by side.

Even though these two models originally released about seven years apart, they actually make for a really interesting comparison because they represent two completely different eras of running shoe design.

🚨Buy Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4

🚨 Buy Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10

Price Comparison

  • Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4 — $140
  • Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 — $170

That $30 difference honestly feels justified once you start talking about comfort and underfoot feel.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4 Overview

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4 originally released in 2002 as the fourth version of the Adrenaline line.

From a design standpoint, this shoe absolutely nails the retro runner aesthetic. The upper features layered mesh panels mixed with suede and synthetic overlays, and the panel shapes themselves are honestly one of the coolest parts of the design. Instead of simple straight overlays, Brooks used sweeping zig-zag patterns and curved lines throughout the shoe that give it a really fun Y2K-era look.

The GTS 4 also includes reflective details throughout the upper, which adds both visibility and visual depth.

GTS 4 Pros

  • Excellent retro runner styling
  • Strong lifestyle appeal
  • Stable underfoot feel
  • Balanced ride
  • Surprisingly breathable
  • Firmer platform gives added support feeling
  • Reflective details throughout upper

GTS 4 Cons

  • Midsole feels outdated compared to newer models
  • Firmer ride may feel harsh for all-day wear
  • Not as soft or forgiving
  • Tongue is not gusseted
  • Heavier than the GTS 10

One interesting detail is that Brooks says the retro release uses updated foam technology alongside a rebuilt HydroFlow system. However, compared to the GTS 10, the cushioning still feels much more old-school and firm overall.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 Overview

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 originally released in 2009 and feels much closer to what people expect from modern comfort-focused retro runners today.

Visually, it has a sleeker and more streamlined look compared to the chunkier aesthetic of the GTS 4. But the biggest difference comes from the cushioning.

The DNA Tuned midsole on the GTS 10 completely changes the experience underfoot. The shoe feels softer, more forgiving, and much smoother during long periods of wear.

If your main priority is comfort, the GTS 10 wins this comparison very easily.

GTS 10 Pros

  • Much softer underfoot feel
  • DNA Tuned cushioning is significantly more comfortable
  • Smoother transitions
  • Better for long wear sessions
  • Lighter overall weight
  • More modern ride experience
  • Narrower, sleeker design

GTS 10 Cons

  • Less retro lifestyle appeal
  • Slimmer fit may not work for everyone
  • Less stable feeling than the GTS 4
  • More expensive

At 10.3 oz compared to the GTS 4’s 11.7 oz, the GTS 10 also feels noticeably lighter on foot.

Comfort Comparison

This is where the comparison becomes pretty one-sided.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 is simply far more comfortable than the GTS 4. The updated DNA Tuned cushioning provides softer landings, more bounce, and less foot fatigue overall.

The GTS 4 still feels solid and balanced, but it leans much more toward traditional stability-runner firmness.

If you want:

  • softer cushioning
  • modern comfort
  • better all-day wearability

…the GTS 10 is the clear winner.

However, if you prefer:

  • firmer rides
  • grounded feel
  • extra stability sensation

…then the GTS 4 may actually suit you better.

Fit & Sizing

Both shoes fit true to size overall. A size 9.5 worked well in both pairs.

The main difference is that the GTS 10 fits slightly narrower, while the GTS 4 feels a little roomier and easier to wear casually.

Breathability was surprisingly close between the two models as well. Despite the thicker-looking upper, the GTS 4 actually ventilates very well through the toe box.

Final Verdict

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 4 wins on style.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 wins on comfort.

That really is the easiest way to summarize this comparison.

The GTS 4 feels like a true retro runner with amazing early-2000s design language and a firmer, more stable ride. Meanwhile, the GTS 10 feels like Brooks modernized the formula with updated cushioning and a much more wearable underfoot experience.

If I had to choose one strictly for daily wear and comfort, I’d go with the GTS 10 every single time.

But if your priority is aesthetics and classic retro runner energy, the GTS 4 is honestly one of the better-looking retro Brooks models available right now.

And if maximum comfort is your priority overall, definitely also check out the Brooks Glycerin 23, which continues to be one of the most comfortable models Brooks currently makes.