Brooks Beast / Ariel GTS 26 vs Beast / Ariel GTS 24
Beast / Ariel GTS 26 or Beast / Ariel GTS 24? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The Beast / Ariel GTS 26 replaced the Beast / Ariel GTS 24.
The same DNA Loft v3 foam and GuideRails, with a new RoadTack rubber outsole and a heel pull tab. It feels less dense underfoot.
What changed
- Foam: Same DNA Loft v3, though it feels less dense underfoot.
- Support: Same front-to-back GuideRails.
- Outsole: New RoadTack rubber outsole.
- Heel: New heel pull tab.
- Specs: 2mm more heel stack.
- On the run: The Beast / Ariel GTS 26 hasn’t been lab tested yet, so we can’t measure the difference in feel.
Still like the Beast / Ariel GTS 24? It’s $10 less than the Beast / Ariel GTS 26 while supplies last, with 1 color in stock.
On the run
Beast / Ariel GTS 26: Maximum support for walking and easy miles. Very supportive, with front-to-back GuideRails that are prominent but well integrated. Best for walking and heavy heel strikers; the midsole feels limited for running.
Beast / Ariel GTS 24: The max-support workhorse. Unmatched stability with a firm, substantial midsole. Exceptional for heel strikers and walking, but heavy and not for forefoot strikers.
The Beast / Ariel GTS 26 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Beast GTS 24 lab test (RunRepeat) and Doctors of Running’s review of the 26.
Specs side by side
| Beast / Ariel GTS 26 | Beast / Ariel GTS 24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 | $160 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 38 / 28mm* | 36 / 24mm* |
| Drop | 12mm | 12mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 12.5 oz | 12.6 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 11.2 oz | Brooks no longer lists it |
| Support | Stability | Stability |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Walking & all-day wear, Easy days | Walking & all-day wear, Easy days |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Beast / Ariel GTS 26. True to size with a very secure, structured upper. Called the Ariel in women’s sizes. Wide and extra-wide available.
Beast / Ariel GTS 24. True to size with a comfortable, roomy upper. Called the Ariel in women’s sizes.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Beast / Ariel GTS 26 · Shop the Beast / Ariel GTS 24 · Compare other running shoes