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

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Saucony Guide 18

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

Saucony Guide 18 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about overpronators seeking affordable stability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #7 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

4.2

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 Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Saucony Guide 18

4.4

8 sources$97.73as of Aug 1

Stability and pronation control are the Saucony Guide 18's job, and Tom's Guide calls it a 'solid choice for stability seekers.' RunRepeat praised the breathable upper and the cushioning on long runs while noting the outsole leaves too much foam exposed, which raises durability questions. Reviewers liked the wide platform and secure lockdown, though the midsole is firm and short on energy return next to modern foams. It fits runners who want a stable, supportive daily trainer at a reasonable price; anyone chasing a more responsive ride should consider the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21.

Strengths

— Ultra-breathable upper design improves comfort and ventilation
— Excellent pronation control and stable ride for overpronators
— Cushioned enough for long runs and comfortable for walking

Watch-outs

— Too much exposed foam on outsole raises durability concerns
— Midsole feels a bit firm and lacks energy return
— Outsole design doesn't provide sufficient rubber coverage for heavy strikers

$97.73 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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.

Saucony Guide 18

The Saucony Guide 18 provides better breathability than the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 and more pronation control than the Hoka Arahi 8, but it's less cushioned than the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and lacks the energy return of the Saucony Hurricane 25. It's also less stable than the Hoka Gaviota 6.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25	Saucony Guide 18
Weight	10.6 oz	9.63 oz
Stack Height	37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot	36.0 mm
Drop	10 mm	8mm
Midsole	DNA LOFT v3	PWRRUN PB
Stability	Moderate	Guidance Rail
Arch Support	GuideRails	Stability
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Outsole	RoadTack rubber	XT-900 rubber
Tech	—	CenterPath stability

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