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Among the many options available, the New Balance 860 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 stand out as popular choices for runners and everyday athletes. In this article, we will explore the key features of both shoes, comparing their comfort, style, fit, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which shoe might be the best fit for your needs.
Comfort
Comfort is probably the most important factor when selecting a running shoe. Let’s break down how the New Balance 860 and Brooks Adrenaline measure up in this area.
New Balance 860
The New Balance 860 offers exceptional cushioning and support for long-distance runs or daily wear. It features Fresh Foam technology in the midsole, designed to provide a soft and plush ride, which helps to reduce impact on your feet. The shoe also has a dynamic support system, making it a good choice for runners with moderate overpronation.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline also excels in comfort, particularly for runners looking for a balance of cushion and support. The shoe uses BioMoGo DNA cushioning, which adapts to your stride, weight, and speed for a personalized comfort experience. It’s great for those who want a responsive and cushioned feel with every step, offering a soft landing without compromising on stability.
Comparison:
Both shoes offer excellent cushioning, but if you prefer a softer, more plush feel, the New Balance 860 might be the better option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a shoe that offers more responsiveness, the Brooks Adrenaline would be a great choice.
Style and Design
While functionality is critical, the style of your running shoe also plays an important role in your decision. Let’s explore how both the New Balance 860 and Brooks Adrenaline compare when it comes to design.
New Balance 860
The New Balance 860 is designed with a sleek and modern look. It has a breathable mesh upper with supportive overlays, making it a stylish choice for both runners and casual wearers. The shoes comes in various color options, allowing for some personalization of your style.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline features a contemporary design, with a streamlined and athletic look. It has a breathable mesh upper and a smooth, almost futuristic finish. Available in multiple colors, this shoe offers a more refined design that suits runners looking for both function and fashion.
Comparison:
Both shoes are well-designed, but the Brooks Adrenaline has a slightly more premium feel, while the New Balance 860 offers a more classic athletic look.
Sizing Consistency
Sizing is one of the trickiest parts of buying shoes online. Let’s take a closer look at the sizing consistency of the New Balance 860 and Brooks Adrenaline.
New Balance 860
The New Balance 860 tends to run true to size. Most users find that they can order their regular size without issues. Additionally, New Balance offers different width options, which is great for runners with wider or narrower feet.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline is also known for consistent sizing. Like New Balance, it offers a variety of width options, ensuring a better fit for different foot shapes. However, some users report that the shoe may feel slightly narrower than expected, particularly in the toe box.
Comparison:
Both brands offer consistent sizing with width options, but if you have wider feet, the New Balance 860 may provide a better fit.
Brand Reputation
When it comes to footwear, a brand’s reputation can play a huge role in your decision. Let’s look at the standing of New Balance and Brooks in the running shoe market.
New Balance
New Balance is renowned for producing durable, high-performance footwear. With a focus on comfort and innovation, it has built a loyal following of athletes and everyday runners. The brand is often associated with quality, performance, and a commitment to supporting runners of all types.
Explore New Balance shoes with other brands such as Hoka in our Hoka vs New Balance Shoes Comparison guide.
Brooks
Brooks is a favorite among serious runners, with a reputation for designing shoes that focus on comfort, performance, and stability. The brand is known for its innovative use of cushioning technologies, making its shoes ideal for long-distance running.
Comparison:
Both brands have excellent reputations, but Brooks is often seen as the go-to brand for serious runners, while New Balance is praised for its versatility and comfort across different foot types.
Breathability
Good breathability is crucial for keeping your feet cool and dry, especially during long runs.
New Balance 860
The New Balance 860 has a breathable mesh upper that allows for excellent airflow, keeping your feet fresh and dry, even on warmer days. This helps reduce the chance of blisters and discomfort.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline also features a breathable mesh upper. The design helps air circulate around the foot, providing a cool and dry experience, even on long runs.
Comparison:
Both shoes offer excellent breathability, but the Brooks Adrenaline might provide slightly better airflow due to its more open mesh structure.
Durability
When investing in running shoes, durability is always an important consideration.
New Balance 860
The New Balance 860 features a durable rubber outsole that is built to withstand long miles on both pavement and trails. Its sturdy construction ensures that it will last for a considerable amount of time, even with frequent use.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline has a long-lasting rubber outsole designed for durability. It’s built to handle various running conditions and maintain its grip over time, providing solid performance even after many miles.
Explore Brooks with other Brooks shoes such as Ghost in our Brooks Adrenaline vs Ghost Shoes Comparison guide.
Comparison:
Both shoes are highly durable, but if you’re planning to use your shoes frequently, the New Balance 860 might last a little longer due to its rugged design.
Fit and Support
A good running shoe should provide the right level of support and fit, especially if you are an overpronator or have specific needs.
New Balance 860
The New Balance 860 is designed for runners with moderate overpronation, offering solid arch support and stability. It has a medial post in the midsole, which helps prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Brooks Adrenaline is perfect for those who need extra support. It’s designed with the GuideRails system, which helps keep your body aligned and provides stability without over-correcting, reducing the risk of injury.
Comparison:
Both shoes offer excellent support, but the Brooks Adrenaline is best for runners who need additional stability and alignment, while the New Balance 860 is better for moderate overpronators.
New Balance 860 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Pricing Comparison
Pricing is always an important factor when making a purchase decision.
New Balance 860
- Approcimately $139.95.
- The New Balance 860 is generally priced in the mid-range for running shoes. Given its comfort, durability, and support, it’s a great value for the price.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
- Approximately $139.95 (exact price may vary by retailer)
- The Brooks Adrenaline tends to be priced slightly higher, especially for the latest models. However, many users find the price worthwhile due to its exceptional performance and comfort.
Comparison:
Both shoes offer great value for the price, but if you’re on a budget, the New Balance 860 may be a more affordable choice. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, the Brooks Adrenaline delivers a premium experience.
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback can provide valuable insights into how a shoe performs in real-world conditions.
New Balance 860
Users appreciate the comfort and support, particularly for medium-sized arches and overpronation. Many find them ideal for daily activities and workouts. However, some note concerns about durability, with a few experiencing quicker wear than expected.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Users praise the fit, support, and lightweight design, particularly for sensitive feet. The stability and cushioning make them ideal for high-intensity workouts, though some note that the sole material may wear out faster than previous models.
Comparison:
Both shoes have positive reviews, but the Brooks Adrenaline stands out for its responsive cushioning, while the New Balance 860 is favored for its overpronation support.
Conclusion
Both the New Balance 860 and Brooks Adrenaline are fantastic running shoes, each with its unique strengths. If you’re looking for plush comfort and moderate support for everyday use or long-distance runs, the New Balance 860 might be the better fit. However, if you’re in search of advanced support for alignment and long-lasting stability, the Brooks Adrenaline would be a great choice.
FAQs
1. Which shoe is better for overpronators?
- The New Balance 860 is designed for moderate overpronators, offering excellent support to prevent excessive foot rolling.
2. Are the New Balance 860 and Brooks Adrenaline suitable for long runs?
- Yes, both shoes offer great cushioning and support, making them suitable for long-distance running.
3. Which shoe is more durable?
- Both shoes are durable, but the New Balance 860 is known for its rugged design, which may offer more durability over time.
4. Which shoe is better for neutral runners?
- The Brooks Adrenaline is ideal for neutral runners due to its GuideRails system providing extra support without overcorrecting.
