We had them both and would like to review Brooks Levitate vs Adrenaline GTS side by side. Basically, the key difference between the Brooks Levitate 5 and Adrenaline GTS 22 is their design intent. Indeed, the difference between them is the trade-off between cushioning and energy-return (springy & bouncy feel). Long story short, the Brooks Adrenaline is a cushioned support/stability trainer, which is soft and protective. On the other hand, the Brooks Levitate is an energized trainer which is designed for responsiveness and its springy structure adds extra lift to your stride.
Therefore, the first question you need to answer is how you would like each step to feel?
If you seek a soft and protective running shoe including stability function, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS is your go-to shoe. If you want springy feel to propel you forward, then Brooks Levitate 5 is the top-notch and highly recommended.
Levitate GTS vs Adrenaline GTS: We would like to highlight a very important point! As well as the Adrenaline GTS line, the Levitate 5 comes with GTS version which is the stability model of the Levitate Line. So, Brooks implemented its stability technology “GuideRails” on both Adrenaline and Levitate running shoes. So, if you need a stability shoe, the GTS models of both product line are good enough to help you correct your gait. But, if you are in between Levitate GTS 5 or Adrenaline GTS 22, you should ask yourself that whether you need a soft and protective running shoe (Adrenaline GTS 22) or a responsive and springy running shoe.
You can consider Brooks’ Own Shoe Finder Tool in the Amozon.com to see how Brooks shoes differs than each other.
Related Article: Best Brooks Running Shoes
Brooks Levitate vs Adrenaline GTS Comparison Chart
Here is a chart that we have put together to help you understand Levitate 5 vs Adrenaline GTS 22 comparison better:
| Comparison of # | Adrenaline GTS 22 | Levitate 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 92/100 | 85/100 |
| Our Selection for | Great Stability | Best for Marathons |
| Support | Stability | Neutral & Stability (GTS version) |
| Feel | Balanced Cushioning (2/3) | Energize 3/3 & Balanced Cushioning (2/3) |
| Flexibility | Moderate (3/5) | Flexible (4/5) |
| Drop-mm (M/W) | 12 | 8 |
| Weight-gr (M/W) | 289/258 | 292/260 |
| Width Options | Narrow/Normal/Wide/XWide | Normal |
| CampArest Expert Review | Adrenaline GTS 22 Review | Levitate 5 Review |
| Deals & Discounts | Rates Men’s / Women’s | Rates Men’s / Women’s |
Based on these facts, we use Brooks Levitate 5 for long distance running, it is designed for marathons or ultra-marathons. However, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a cushioned stability trainer which is designed for long distance but slow-paced running.
Brooks Levitate vs Adrenaline GTS: Pros & Cons Comparison
Levitate 5 Pros & Cons
- Great Flexibility
- Both neutral and stability versions available
- Very Springy & Tons of Responsiveness
- Perfect Fit
- Fast Heel to Toe Transition
- Not so breathable
- The thin outsole is not forgiving
- Heavy a bit
Adrenaline GTS 22 Pros & Cons
- Super stable and supportive
- Stability oriented and cushioned trainer.
- Very comfortable
- Reliable
- Durable
- Smoother and softer than its predecessor
- Updated Air Mesh Upper: Lighter / Breathable / Snug Fit
- Roomy for toe splay
- Lacks responsiveness compared to its contenders in the same class
Upper Comparison for Levitate 5 vs Adrenaline GTS 22
Both the Levitate 5 and Adrenaline GTS 22 have highly comfortable upper. In this case, the Adrenaline GTS 22 upper is air mesh. It is highly reliable and breathable than the Levitate 5.
On the other hand, the Levitate 5 Upper is Fit Knit. It is lighter than its competitors and has a sock-like fit. Frankly, it can easily conform to any foot shape and offers a wider and custom fit. Yet, it feels so unstable especially on uneven surfaces. Therefore, the upper of Adrenaline GTS 22 is more supportive compared to the Levitate 5.
The lacing system for both of them are fine, but not the same. The Adrenaline GTS 22 has plusher laces, but the Levitate 5 has flatter which makes it lighter and sleeker feeling shoe.
Sole Unit Comparison for Brooks Levitate 5 vs Adrenaline GTS 22
This is the main difference between Brooks Adrenaline and Levitate line. The sole unit of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 offers soft, protective, plush feeling and provides more supportive landing compared to the Brooks Levitate 5. However, the Brooks Levitate 5 is bouncier, and provides great energy return in each stride.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTs 22 uses DNA Loft in the midsole, it is the softest material that Brooks company uses in their running shoes.
The Brooks Levitate 5 uses DNA AMP which is highly propulsive (the most responsive). It is highly cushioned as well, but not as much as the cushioned & stability trainer Adrenaline.
Bottom-line for Brooks Levitate 5 vs Adrenaline GTS 22 Comparison
As a final statement for Brooks Levitate vs Adrenaline GTS comparison, we do recommend both of them, they are well above the average of the running shoes we tested so far. Before deciding which one to pick, consider how you would like each step to feel. Do you expect cushioning or a responsive and springy feel from a running shoe? Generally speaking, we chose Adrenaline GTS 22 for recovery runs, it is highly cushioned, protective and soft. It is the best choice for slow-paced long-distance runs. However, the Levitate 5 fits the best for marathons or ultra-marathons. It is highly responsive and very springy which propels you forward in every stride. Again, the Levitate 5 has also GTS version which is the stability-oriented marathon trainer. So, if you tend to over-pronation, you may consider it.
Here is a useful video of Brooks Running Company which highlights the key points of Brooks Levitate Shoe:
Here is a useful video of Brooks Running Company which highlights the key points of Brooks Adrenaline Shoe:
You may also want to check out our HOKA vs Brooks, Brooks vs Saucony and Brooks vs Asics posts, where you might find very useful details about the great running shoes.