Brooks Beast GTS 24 Complete Review

You know, in the world of running shoes, there are the speed demons, the featherweight racers, and then there are the tanks—the shoes that promise to carry you through hell and high water without letting your arches collapse. The Brooks Beast GTS 24 falls squarely into that latter category. Honestly, if you've been around the running block a few times, you probably know the name; the Beast lineage has been a staple since 1992, consistently positioning itself as the "support specialist" for those of us who need a little extra structural integrity underfoot.

This isn't just another update; it’s the twenty-fourth iteration of a legend. Brooks has engineered this thing to be the pinnacle of stability in their massive portfolio, catering specifically to folks with severe overpronation or those who just need robust joint protection. It’s a shoe that knows exactly what it is and doesn't apologize for it. As we dive into this review, I’m going to break down every nook and cranny of this stability giant—from its nitrogen-infused midsole to its polarizing weight—so you can decide if it’s the right partner for your feet.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Best For: Severe Overpronators, Heavy Walkers, Flat Feet, Joint Pain Relief

Key Strengths: Unmatched Stability, Plush DNA LOFT v3 Cushioning, Exceptional Durability

Notable Limitations: Significant Weight (Heavy), "Boxy" Aesthetic, Premium Price Point

Visual Snapshot Summary

What Makes Brooks Beast GTS 24 Stand Out?

So, what’s the big deal with the Beast GTS 24? Let me explain. In a market flooded with shoes trying to do everything at once, the Beast stands out because it specializes in one thing: maximum support. It’s like the heavy-duty pickup truck of footwear. The headline feature here is the integration of the GuideRails® holistic support system. Think of these as bumpers on a bowling lane—they’re there to keep your foot moving in its natural path and stop that excessive inward rolling (overpronation) that can wreak havoc on your knees and hips.

But here is the thing that really grabs me: they’ve paired this rigid support with their nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning. Usually, "stability" equates to "hard as a rock," but Brooks has managed to make this midsole feel soft, adaptive, and surprisingly plush. Expert reviews suggest this foam is softer than any previous Beast model, marking a significant shift toward comfort without sacrificing control. It’s a "Max Cushion" shoe that doesn't feel like a marshmallow, primarily because of that wide, stable base.

As one satisfied user put it:

"The Beast is the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn! Its all I wear."

Real Customer Experiences

When you dig into what real people are saying—and I’m talking about sifting through over 1,600 reviews across Amazon and Brooks’ own site—a very clear picture emerges. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, hovering around that 4.4 out of 5-star mark, which is pretty stellar for a specialized shoe.

• Pain Relief is Real: The most common thread I found was relief. People aren't just saying "it's comfy"; they are saying it resolved arch pain or helped with joint issues. One user explicitly mentioned that after starting to wear the Beast, their arch pain resolved. That’s a massive endorsement for anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis or similar woes.
• The "Heavy" Elephant in the Room: It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. You can't talk about the Beast without talking about the weight. A recurring criticism in user discussions, including on Reddit, is that the shoe is "very heavy" compared to modern standards. It’s often described as better for walking than running because of this heft.
• Built to Last: Durability is a huge win here. Users are reporting getting hundreds of miles out of these. One individual even claimed to log approximately 800 miles on their first pair before seeing issues. That is distinctively higher than the industry standard.

Here is what the people are actually saying:

"They are my everyday walking must haves. The stability, support and cushioning are excellent..."

"But not so much as running shoes, because it's very heavy..."

Design and Build Quality

Let’s get technical for a second. The architecture of the Beast GTS 24 is fascinating because it’s a masterclass in structural engineering.

The Upper The upper is crafted from an engineered air-mesh. It’s designed to be breathable, sure, but its main job is security. Brooks uses something called 3D FitPrint technology here. Basically, they screen-print structure directly onto the mesh to give you stretch and support exactly where you need it, without adding heavy sewn-on overlays. It’s spacious, too—accommodating high-volume feet or custom orthotics easily. Oh, and a nice touch? About 52.4% of the upper is made from recycled materials. It’s good to see big brands thinking about the planet, even if just a bit.

The Midsole and Outsole I’ve already mentioned the DNA LOFT v3 foam, but the stats tell the real story. You’re looking at a stack height of 36mm in the heel and 24mm in the forefoot. That is a lot of foam underfoot. The drop is a generous 12mm. This steep drop helps transition your weight forward, which is super helpful if you have tight calves or Achilles issues. The outsole is blown rubber, but they’ve put High Performance Rubber (HPR) specifically in the heel. That’s the high-wear zone for heel strikers, and it explains why these shoes last so long.

Weight Okay, here is the heavy part—literally. A men’s size 9 weighs in at roughly 12.4 oz (about 351 grams). In an era where shoes are racing to be under 250g, this is a tank. But you know what? That weight comes from the dense foam and the robust GuideRails. It’s the price you pay for maximum protection.

Common Durability Issues Honestly, there aren't many "issues" with durability; it’s mostly praise. However, a few users have pointed out the insole could be better, with one mentioning it didn't feel as premium as previous versions. But the shoe itself? It’s built like a bunker.

Comfort and Fit

If you are slipping your foot into the Beast GTS 24, expect a "hug." The fit is widely regarded as spacious and accommodating, which is a breath of fresh air if you have wide feet. Brooks actually offers this model in multiple widths, which is critical for the target audience.

The comfort isn't just about softness; it’s about consistency. Users report wearing these for all-day shifts or long walks without that "tired foot" feeling setting in. The nitrogen-infused foam adapts to your stride, so whether you’re walking or plodding along on a slow jog, the impact absorption is top-tier.

Break-in time seems minimal for most, though because the support system is so rigid, it might feel a bit stiff straight out of the box compared to a neutral shoe. But as one user noted:

"The quality, durability, and comfort are unmatched..."

Style and Versatility

Let’s be real for a moment: nobody is buying the Brooks Beast GTS 24 for the runway. The style score here is... average. The design is utilitarian and boxy. It looks like a running shoe designed by engineers, not fashion designers. While clean colorways like white or navy can pass in an "Office Casual" setting—especially if you work in a hospital or a tech environment—it’s not going to win any beauty contests.

In terms of versatility, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

• Urban Wear: It’s fantastic for pounding the pavement in the city. The cushioning eats up concrete.
• Gym: Honestly, I’d skip it for dynamic workouts. It’s too heavy for HIIT or plyometrics, though it’s fine for the elliptical.
• Rain: The grip is average. It’s not a trail shoe, and it lacks specialized wet-weather traction.

Ideally, this is your "workhorse" shoe. It’s for the morning walk, the recovery run, or the 10-hour shift on your feet.

Quality and Durability

I touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: the quality of the Beast GTS 24 is exceptional. We are talking about a "praise percent" for durability that likely exceeds 90% based on the feedback. The materials feel premium and robust.

However, no shoe is perfect. While the outsole and upper are tough, the weight is the trade-off. It’s a dense shoe. And while some might find the insole a bit underwhelming compared to the rest of the build, the chassis itself is rock solid. One slight negative to balance the praise:

"My only comment thus far is the insole. I've owned previous versions of this shoe and they..." It’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things, but worth noting if you usually rely on the stock insoles.

Decision Matrix

To make this easy for you, I’ve mapped out how the Beast performs in common scenarios.

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor