ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 26

Support is the Gel-Kayano 33's brief: ASICS calls it one of its pinnacle shoes for support and comfort, and it heads the brand's road stability shoes above the lighter, more nimble GT-2000 15. This version drops the 4D Guidance System for FluidSupport, which ASICS says adapts to changing biomechanical needs and guides key phases of the gait cycle while still allowing natural foot motion.

The dual-layer midsole pairs FF Blast Max with FF Blast Plus foam, with a PureGEL unit in the rearfoot that ASICS describes as much softer than its standard GEL. A Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole mixes ASICSGRIP and AHARPLUS rubber, and the upper is engineered mesh with a roomier toe box than before. ASICS lists it at 298 g in a men's US 9 (UK 8.5), with an 8 mm drop. It comes in standard, wide and extra-wide fittings.

Specs and features from asics.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.

Structured support with just-right cushioning is how Brooks describes the Adrenaline GTS 26, its everyday road stability shoe for daily runs, long runs and walking. Support comes from GuideRails, which the brand says work with the cushioning to manage excess movement without a traditional medial post. Underfoot is DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-infused foam that is also used in the neutral Ghost 18.

Replacing the Adrenaline GTS 25, this version keeps the support system, the cushioning and the 10 mm drop, and changes the upper: an engineered double-jacquard air mesh, a soft flat-knit tongue designed to reduce bulk, and a flat-knit collar with a heel loop for easier on and off. It weighs 306 g in a men's UK 8.5, with wide and extra-wide fits alongside the standard width. The Glycerin GTS 23 is the more cushioned GuideRails alternative.

Specs and features from fit2run.com, brooksrunning.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.