Both are top stability trainers: Kayano 30 is softer; Adrenaline GTS 24 is snappier.
You want a stable, cushioned daily trainer that just works. I’ve put many miles on both the Asics Kayano 30 and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24. In my runs, both handled support well, but they feel very different. The Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 comes down to plush comfort vs lively control. I tested them on easy days, tempo efforts, and long runs. Here’s what I learned to help you pick the right shoe.
TOP PICK
ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 30 Running…
Engineered stretch knit upper: Improves breathability External back heel counter: Helps keep the foot stable and provide a more comfortable stride 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM feature:…
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RECOMMENDED
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24…
THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Adrenaline GTS 24 provides support to every stride, now with nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning for even more lightweight,…
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Is Asics Kayano 30 Good?
Yes—especially if you want soft, max cushion with smooth stability. The Kayano 30 wraps the foot with plush support and a calm, guided ride. It is great for easy miles, recovery runs, and long days when your legs need a break. If you overpronate or want gentle guidance without hard posts, it shines.
On my weekend long run, the Kayano 30 kept my form tidy in the final miles. The cushioning felt deep and forgiving. On a tired-leg recovery day, I noticed the guidance working in the background. It never felt bossy. It just let me roll forward. For me, the ride is quiet, steady, and very comfortable.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 4D Guidance System for smooth, non-intrusive stability
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam for soft, springy cushioning
- PureGEL in the heel for impact absorption
- Engineered mesh upper with plush heel collar
- Durable AHAR outsole with reliable traction
What I Like
- Very soft underfoot without feeling mushy
- Stability feels natural, not pushy
- Excellent comfort on long, slow runs
- Secure heel with a friendly, accommodating toe box
- Outsole grip holds up on wet city paths
What Could Be Better
- Heavier than some daily trainers
- Less lively for speed work
- Higher price than many stability shoes
My Recommendation
If you want plush comfort and smooth guidance for easy to long runs, choose the Kayano 30. It’s a premium daily workhorse with soft support and high durability.
| Best For |
Why |
| Easy and long runs |
Deep cushioning reduces fatigue |
| Runners wanting gentle stability |
4D Guidance feels natural |
| All-day comfort |
Plush upper and secure heel |
Is Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Good?
Yes—if you prefer a classic, stable ride with a bit more snap. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is a dependable daily trainer that keeps you centered without bulk. It suits runners who want support but still like a firmer, quicker feel underfoot. It is a reliable pick for mixed paces and everyday miles.
On my weekday tempo, the Adrenaline GTS 24 felt quick off the forefoot. The shoe stayed light on turns and held me steady on cambered roads. During a busy week with short runs, I reached for it because it felt simple and predictable. It is the set-and-forget shoe in my rotation.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- GuideRails support keeps knee and ankle motion in check
- DNA LOFT v2 midsole for light, stable cushioning
- Segmented Crash Pad for smooth transitions
- Engineered mesh upper with 3D Fit Print overlays
- Durable rubber outsole for daily training
What I Like
- Stable yet responsive ride for daily miles
- Easy to pick up the pace when needed
- Upper feels breathable and secure
- Outsole durability is excellent
- Lower price than many premium stability shoes
What Could Be Better
- Ride is firmer than plush-cushion fans may want
- GuideRails can feel noticeable for some runners
- Less “luxury” feel than max-cush alternatives
My Recommendation
If you want classic support with a quicker feel and better value, go Adrenaline GTS 24. It’s a daily driver that just works.
| Best For |
Why |
| Daily training and tempo |
Snappier transitions and firm response |
| Budget-conscious stability |
Lower cost for solid performance |
| Runners who dislike soft shoes |
Firmer cushioning with secure guidance |
Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24: Side-by-Side Test
I ran these back-to-back on the same routes to feel the differences. Below is how the Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 compare in the real world.
Cushioning & Ride: Plush or Snappy?
Both cushion well. The question is feel: soft flow vs firm pop.
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Underfoot feel |
Soft, plush, deep |
Firm-medium, lively |
| Transitions |
Smooth and calm |
Quick and snappy |
| Long-run comfort |
Excellent |
Very good |
| Impact protection |
High |
Moderate-high |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 9/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 8/10
Edge: Kayano 30 for max comfort and soft protection.
Stability System: How Do They Guide You?
Both support overpronation, but they do it differently.
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Method |
4D Guidance (geometry + platform) |
GuideRails side support |
| Feel on foot |
Subtle, in the background |
Noticeable side “rails” |
| Control on tired legs |
Very steady |
Very steady |
| Intrusiveness |
Low |
Medium |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 9/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 8.5/10
Edge: Kayano 30 for natural-feeling guidance; Adrenaline if you like firmer rails.
Fit & Upper: Comfort and Lockdown
Both uppers breathe well. The fit vibe is different.
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Heel hold |
Plush and secure |
Secure, less padded |
| Midfoot |
Hugged but comfy |
Structured and supportive |
| Toe box |
Moderate room |
Slightly more volume |
| Breathability |
Good |
Very good |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 8.5/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 8.5/10
Edge: Tie—Kayano for plush comfort; Adrenaline for airy hold.
Weight & Drop: How Do They Feel to Lift?
Weight affects turnover. Drop affects feel on calves.
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Weight (men, approx) |
~10.7–10.9 oz |
~10.0–10.3 oz |
| Drop |
10 mm (men) |
12 mm |
| Perceived lightness |
Moderate |
Lighter on foot |
| Turnover at pace |
Steady |
Quicker |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 8/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 9/10
Edge: Adrenaline GTS 24—lighter feel and higher drop aids quick turnover.
Durability & Traction: How Long Will They Last?
I tested them on asphalt, paths, and light gravel.
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Outsole rubber |
AHAR coverage |
Durable blown rubber |
| Expected mileage |
400–500 miles |
400–500 miles |
| Wet grip |
Very good |
Very good |
| Wear pattern |
Even with mild scuffing |
Even with solid edge hold |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 8.5/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 8.5/10
Edge: Tie—both are sturdy daily trainers with reliable grip.
Speed & Versatility: One Shoe to Do It All?
Can each shoe handle easy days and faster work?
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Easy/recovery |
Excellent |
Very good |
| Tempo/uptempo |
Okay |
Good |
| Long runs |
Excellent |
Very good |
| Daily “do-it-all” |
Good |
Very good |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 8/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 9/10
Edge: Adrenaline GTS 24—more range for mixed-pace training.
Value for Money: What Do You Get for the Price?
MSRPs vary, but one is clearly cheaper.
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Typical MSRP |
Higher (premium) |
Lower (budget-friendlier) |
| Feature set |
Max cushion + plush build |
Stable and versatile |
| Cost per mile |
Good |
Very good |
| Overall value |
High if you want plush |
High for most runners |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 8/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 9/10
Edge: Adrenaline GTS 24—similar durability at a lower price.
Comfort & All-Day Wear: Stand, Walk, Run
How they feel off the run matters too.
| Aspect |
Kayano 30 |
Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| Step-in feel |
Luxurious and plush |
Clean and supportive |
| Walking comfort |
Cloud-like |
Balanced |
| All-day standing |
Excellent |
Very good |
| Hot spots |
Rare in my testing |
None after break-in |
Rating: Kayano 30 – 9/10 | Adrenaline GTS 24 – 8.5/10
Edge: Kayano 30—plush padding is hard to beat for all-day wear.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Asics Kayano 30 wins if you want soft, max cushion with gentle, seamless stability. It is my pick for easy days, long runs, and all-day comfort. It makes the Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS
24 choice easy for plush seekers.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is better if you prefer a firmer, snappier ride and a lower price. It handles daily miles and uptempo efforts well. In short, comfort lovers go Kayano 30; value and versatility fans go Adrenaline GTS 24.
FAQs Of Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
What is the main difference in the Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 ride?
The Kayano 30 is softer and more cushioned. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is firmer and quicker. Both stabilize well. Choose plush flow (Kayano) or lively snap (Adrenaline).
Which has more subtle stability: Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24?
The Kayano 30. Its 4D Guidance feels natural. The Adrenaline’s GuideRails are more noticeable, which some runners prefer for a locked-in feel.
Which is better for long runs: Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24?
Kayano 30 for softness and protection over time. Adrenaline GTS 24 is fine for long runs too, but it shines more on daily miles and tempos.
Which offers better value: Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24?
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24. It is usually priced lower yet remains durable and versatile. The Kayano 30 is pricier but adds premium cushioning.
How do they fit: Asics Kayano 30 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24?
Both are true to size for most. Kayano 30 feels plusher around the heel and midfoot. Adrenaline GTS 24 has a breathable upper with a bit more forefoot volume.