Nike Structure 26 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25:
Which to Choose

Start with how close they are: identical 10mm drop, identical 36/26mm stack, no plate in either, and weights of 298g (Structure 26) versus 295g (Adrenaline GTS 25) — a 3g gap you will never feel, so treat them as the same weight. Both rate 5/6 for stability and 4/6 for cushioning, and crucially both have moved away from an intrusive medial post in favor of guardrail-style guidance (Nike's dual guide rails, Brooks' GuideRails) that only steps in as your stride wobbles or you fatigue. The real split is the foam. Nike's full-length ReactX is the firmer, more planted of the two — it delivers a controlled, secure, track-straight feel that some runners read as reassuringly solid and others as a touch dead underfoot. Brooks' DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-infused EVA, is the softer and more forgiving platform; it cushions impact more pillowingly even though it is still a firm-ish ride with little spring back. Neither is bouncy or propulsive — but the Structure edges ahead slightly on responsiveness (4/6 vs 3/6) and feels a hair more willing at moderate efforts, with a comfortable zone around 5:00–6:00 min/km versus the Adrenaline's more relaxed 5:30–6:30 min/km. Both start to feel heavy and flat if you push toward 5:00 min/km or faster; neither is a tempo or race tool. Fit is the other deciding factor: the Adrenaline GTS 25 runs true to size with a roomier toe box than its predecessor but a slightly tapered front, and both models come in multiple widths, so wide-footed runners are covered either way.