Brooks Ariel GTS 24 Complete Review

Let’s be real for a second: the Brooks Ariel GTS 24 isn't trying to be the "cool" shoe at the run club. It’s not a super-shoe designed to shave seconds off your marathon time, and it’s certainly not winning any runway awards. Instead, this shoe is effectively a medical device masquerading as a sneaker. As the flagship motion control option in Brooks' lineup (the sister shoe to the men’s Beast GTS 24), it serves a very specific, high-need population: severe overpronators, heavy walkers, and occupational athletes who spend 12 hours a day on concrete floors.

If you’ve been hunting for a shoe that acts like a tank for your feet—protecting your arches from collapsing and your knees from twisting—this is arguably the most important release of the year. But here’s the thing: while the engine under the hood has been modernized with nitrogen-infused foam, the bodywork has some frustrating new quirks that longtime fans need to know about before dropping $160.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.3/5

Best For: Severe overpronation, Plantar Fasciitis relief, standing all day, heavy walkers

Key Strengths: Unmatched stability, "pain-free" arch support, lighter feel than previous versions

Notable Limitations: Toe box is vertically tight, laces are ridiculously short, "Black" colorway looks blue

Visual Snapshot Summary

What Makes Brooks Ariel GTS 24 Stand Out?

Honestly, the magic here is the shift from "correction" to "support." For decades, shoes like the Ariel used a hard block of foam under the arch (a medial post) to physically force your foot outward. It worked, but it felt like running on a brick. With the GTS 24, Brooks has fully matured its GuideRails® system. Think of these as bumpers on a bowling lane—they don't force you into a specific path, but they’re there to catch you if your ankles roll inward (pronation) or outward.

Combined with the new DNA LOFT v3 midsole—a nitrogen-infused foam that is lighter and more durable than standard EVA—the shoe finally sheds its "clunky" reputation. It’s still substantial, but it doesn't feel like you're dragging an anchor. As one user perfectly summarized: "The shoe is the only thing that has offered me relief from the pain. In my opinion it is even causing repair to the damage."

Real Customer Experiences

The reception has been passionate, to say the least. It’s a polarizing release where the mechanics are praised, but the fit causes friction.

• The "Pain-Free" Miracle: A massive cluster of reviews comes from nurses and retail workers who claim this is the only shoe that lets them end a shift without back or foot pain.
• The Toe Box Squeeze: Longtime Ariel wearers are frustrated by the reduced vertical volume. The width is there, but the ceiling is lower, pressing down on toes.
• The "Blue" Black: Workers with strict "solid black" uniform codes are returning the shoe because the black colorway appears blue or purple in sunlight.

"I have purchased this same size and style for over a decade, but the current generation has major flaws... the toe box has been narrowed significantly to the point of causing bruising on my toes." — nicole l., Verified Buyer

"My podiatrist called [it] nerve damage between my metatarsals. The shoe is the only thing that has offered me relief from the pain." — Jessica L., Verified Buyer

Design and Build Quality

Let's pop the hood. The upper is an Engineered Air Mesh with 3D Fit Print overlays. These printed overlays are crucial—they fuse to the mesh to create a "saddle" that locks your midfoot down without the irritation of stitches. However, the volume management here is aggressive; it holds the foot very securely, perhaps too securely for some.

The midsole uses that nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3. Don't let the word "nitrogen" fool you into thinking "squishy." This foam is tuned to be firm (approx. 30.1 HA hardness), which is necessary to support heavier loads without collapsing.

The outsole is a beast. It features a massive, broad waist (the middle part of the shoe) that creates a stable platform, reinforced with HPR (High Performance Rubber) in the heel. However, there have been murmurs on forums about sole separation—where the rubber peels from the foam—occurring around the 100-200 mile mark for some users, likely due to bonding issues with the new foam.

Comfort and Fit

Here is the most critical advice I can give you: Size up. The Ariel GTS 24 runs small, specifically in vertical volume. If you wear thick orthotics or have "tall" feet, the standard size will likely crush your toes. I highly recommend going up a half size or opting for the Wide (D) or Extra Wide (2E) width even if you don't typically wear wides.

• Break-in: The sole is stiff torsionally (it resists twisting), so don't expect it to be flexible right out of the box. It breaks in slightly, but the "bucket seat" feel is permanent.
• Lace Warning: You might need to buy your own laces. The stock laces are often too short to use the extra "runner's loop" eyelet, which is a baffling oversight for a stability shoe.

"These are way too tight across the top of the foot... They actually put my toes to sleep." — Megan S., Verified Buyer

Style and Versatility

If you’re buying the Ariel GTS 24 for style, you’re looking in the wrong aisle. This is a functional piece of equipment. The aesthetic is "orthopedic chic"—chunky, substantial, and unapologetically technical.

• Aesthetic Note: Be warned, the "Ebony/Black" colorway has a distinct blue/purple tint in natural light. If your workplace demands strict all-black footwear, this might get you cited for a uniform violation.
• Ideal Scenarios: This is not a versatile daily driver for brunch. It is for 12-hour shifts on concrete, recovery walks, or running with severe pronation mechanics.

Quality and Durability

Quality control is a mixed bag this year. While 72% of reviews are positive, the 18% negative slice is loud and specific.

• The Good: The foam is resilient. Heavier runners report that the DNA LOFT v3 doesn't "pack out" or flatten as quickly as the old EVA foams.
• The Bad: The sole adhesion issue is a concern. While Brooks has a great warranty, having your outsole peel off at mile 150 is annoying.
• One Negative Take: "After paying $180... they completely fell apart on the sole... after only walking about 200 miles." — Reddit User ministerman

Value for Money

At $160 USD, the Ariel GTS 24 sits at the premium end of the market.

• Vs. Competitors: It’s comparable to the Hoka Gaviota 5 ($175) but offers a higher drop (12mm vs 6mm) which is better for Achilles issues. It’s more expensive than the New Balance 860v14, but offers significantly more structural control.
• Verdict: If you need this level of support, the price is irrelevant because the alternative is custom orthotics ($400+) or physical therapy. For the right person, it's a bargain. For a neutral runner, it's a waste of money.

Decision Matrix

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor