Hoka Arahi Vs. Brooks Adrenaline: Which Best-Selling Sneaker Is Best for You?

Stability is also the name of the game on these popular Brooks sneakers that Jen Garner has previously called herself “devoted” to. Although they clock in a full ounce heavier than the Arahi, they offer an exuberant amount of cushion shoe without compromising support. Enforced by Brooks’ signature GTS GuideRails technology, it helps eliminate excess movement to create the smoothest stride possible.

In terms of fit, these two are quite similar. Although previous iterations of the Arahi have been described as “foot hugging” and “sleek” by our editors, the current one has upgraded its toe box for a roomier fit. Similarly, the most recent Adrenaline GTS has become more fitted, hugging the arch for maximum support, while still allowing ample room in the toe box—not just horizontally, but also vertically, which I found improved the comfort levels after wearing them on long walks. In terms of length, I always order half a size up in athletic shoes, and I found both of these were true to size.

Though both lightweight and breathable, the cushion feels totally different in these two shoes. The Arahi does have cushion, but it is a dense and more grounded feel, likely due to its CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) midsole. Writer Mary Honkus agrees, having previously wrote of the Arahis: “It didn’t compress its shape with each step, instead offering support and shock absorption.” Its responsiveness really comes from its rocker outsole, rather than bouncy cushion. The Adrenalines, however, are fortified with Brooks’ nitrogen infused DNA Loft foam, giving it a plush level of cushion without heft or too much bounce. My feet never sank in too far, while still feeling a soft padding beneath my foot. I found it particularly well suited to my long walks for this reason. For me, in comfort, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS far outweighs the Hoka Arahi.

While the rocker outsole of the Arahi might take a slight learning curve to get used to, those who are familiar with Hokas should not have a problem (as both their Clifton and Bondi silhouettes have a similarly shaped outsole). And because of its dense, neutral cushion, it felt grounded and completely smooth and stable with each step. Staffer Jordan Levy, who has tested both Arahis and Cliftons recently wrote that in terms of stability the Arahis outperformed the Cliftons, especially for long distance walks and runs.

With such high marks in stability, I thought surely the Arahi would be the winner in this category, but the Adrenalines were shockingly evenly matched. Though they do not have a rocker bottom, the combination of the GuideRails, which help prevent excess movement in the foot and ankle to keep it secure, along with the shock absorbing foam midsole, made each step feel totally smooth and almost as if I were being propelled forward (similar to the rocker!). I will say because of the amount of cushion, I felt a bit less grounded than the Arahi but never less secure.

Both sneakers are worthy purchases, especially given how similarly they perform in terms of fit and stability. I mean, there is a reason they both boast a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). However, if comfort is your determining factor, I think that the Adrenaline gets the edge. Not only that, but the Adrenaline GTS 24 is currently marked down to $99 (as compared to the current Arahi sale price of $120), likely due to the recent drop of the newer GTS 25. But if you want to join the cult fanbase of those with HOKA flashing across their foot, the Arahi 8 is an extremely worthy purchase.