When we talk about “support” in running shoes, we always think of a structure that prevents the foot from pronating, that is, from resting on its inside. In truth, this is a fairly limited approach since correcting the foot makes little sense unless one thinks about the entire “leg system.”
With this very premise in mind, Brooks created the GuideRails system: designed not to be an “anti-pronation support” but a tool to bring natural alignment to the entire foot-ankle-knee-hip system.
How it works
Unlike traditional one-sided support systems on the inside of the shoe, the GuideRails system is incorporated into the midsole of the shoe and features two inserts-one on the inside and one on the outside-that provide guidance to the foot. Thus, by providing on-demand support, GuideRails® allows your hips, knees and joints to move within a single axis of motion.
This technology does not passively “correct” your support. Instead, it is designed to actively assist your body in finding its natural posture or, as Brooks calls it, the Run Signature.
A good way to understand how the GuideRails system works is to think about children’s bicycle wheels. When you are in perfect balance-that is, you are running with the right alignment-neither wheel touches the ground because you do not need correction. Whereas, if you get off balance to the right or left, they intervene to keep you in the correct balance anyway.
In the same mode, the GuideRails steps in to help the proper alignment of the entire foot-ankle-hip system only when there is a need and with the proper lateral correction. Unobtrusively and with the goal of keeping your posture natural and your running efficient.
It is also important to remember that when you are efficient and go along with your natural running setting, you not only have more fun and go harder, but also reduce your chances of injury.
Where do you find the GuideRails system? To tell if a Brooks model is equipped with this technology, simply read its name; if the initials GTS are present, then you know the shoe has GuideRails inside the midsole. In detail, you will find it in the brand new Adrenaline GTS 22, the super-comfortable Glycerin GTS 19, the Addiction GTS 15, and the fast Launch GTS 8 and Levitate GTS 5 (also in StealthFit variant).