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Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Hoka Arahi 8

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Hoka Arahi 8 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about heel strikers wanting mild stability and cushioning — read the strengths below before deciding.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Ranked #7 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
6 sources3 derived$154.95as of Aug 1

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 refines a long-standing stability shoe, adding cushioning without changing what it is for. Reviewers pointed to the 10mm drop and smoother heel transition as the meaningful improvements. Fit is secure and medial support is consistent, which suits daily training and long runs. Speed work is not the assignment: reviewers describe the ride as plush but unresponsive, and the updated DNA LOFT v3 foam adds comfort at the cost of responsiveness, which makes it better for slower, recovery runs than fast workouts. Runners who want moderate stability and cushioning, especially over longer distances, are the fit.

Strengths
  • — More cushioning added with 3mm forefoot and 1mm heel upgrade for smoother ride
  • — 10mm heel-to-toe drop for improved heel transition compared to previous models
  • — Secure fit with thick upper and stiff heel counter for stability
Watch-outs
  • — Not responsive, with midsole feeling less bouncy than other models
  • — Forefoot firms up over longer mileage, reducing plushness
  • — Average durability expectations for daily training shoe
$154.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Hoka Arahi 8
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
Hoka Arahi 8
4 sources1 derived$109.99as of Jun 7

RunRepeat says the Hoka Arahi 8 finally feels modern again after a long-awaited refresh. Reviewers praised the softer foam, wider fit, tall stack, and higher drop, all of which help heel strikers. It now borrows the H-Frame stability system from the Gaviota for steady support. RunRepeat also noted a small price increase and poor breathability in hot weather. Jordan Levy from Prevention.com found the Arahi 8 supportive, comfortable, and stable, though the rocker design makes it awkward for walking. Runners who want mild stability and cushioning are the fit; anyone training in hot climates or needing superior traction should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Impressively lightweight for its size
  • — Strong shock absorption with 138 SA in heel compared to 106 SA in previous version
  • — Wider fit than previous versions
Watch-outs
  • — Very poor breathability
  • — Grip needs to improve, especially on wet surfaces
$109.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 offers more cushioning and a smoother ride than the Saucony Hurricane 25, but lacks the energy return and lighter weight of the Saucony Tempus 2. Unlike the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, it provides a more balanced cushioning experience without the overly thick midsole that feels bottom-heavy.

Hoka Arahi 8

The Hoka Arahi 8 is more lightweight than the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 and offers better stability than the Saucony Guide 18, but it suffers from poor breathability compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14. Unlike the Hoka Gaviota 6, it provides better shock absorption but lacks the roomy fit of the Gaviota.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBrooks Adrenaline GTS 25Hoka Arahi 8
Weight10.6 oz9.1 oz
Stack Height37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot39.4 mm
Drop10 mm5 mm
MidsoleDNA LOFT v3CMEVA
StabilityModerateH-Frame
Arch SupportGuideRailsJ-Frame Stability
UpperEngineered meshJacquard mesh
OutsoleRoadTack rubberDurabrasion rubber
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