Four Glycerins, one perfect fit

In recent years, Brooks Glycerin has become the go-to name for seriously cushioned, comfortable running shoes.

The Glycerin collection has expanded into four distinct models: 

• • the original Glycerin,
  • the Glycerin GTS,
  • the Glycerin Max,
  • and the newest addition, the Glycerin Flex

Each offers a unique ride, all powered by nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED technology: a dual-cell cushioning system where larger cells in the heel deliver softer landings and smaller, denser cells in the forefoot create a responsive toe-off.

The result? High-cushion shoes with energetic pop, ideal for longer distances and faster paces.

Whether you need flexibility, stability, or maximum cushioning, there's a Glycerin engineered to deliver soft landings and energetic toe-offs for your stride.

This guide will help find the right Glycerin for you.

The Foundation: Glycerin 23

The base of the lineup is the new Glycerin 23, and it builds off the previous model with some meaningful refinements.

Specs:

• • • Drop: 8 mm (down 2 mm from the previous version)

    • Stack height: 30 mm / 38 mm

    • Weight: 9.6 oz (women) / 10.6 oz (men)

    • Cushioning: +2 mm compared to the Glycerin 22

Brooks also updated the upper, giving it a plusher, more comfortable fit overall.

On the run, the shoe feels noticeably firmer than the 22 (which I personally like). I found the Glycerin 22 became a bit too flexible the more I wore it, especially on longer efforts. 

I initially liked the Glycerin 22, but I found I personally couldn’t comfortably run much more than 10 km in it. This new cushioning setup feels closer to the Glycerin 21, which was my favorite version of the shoe before I started running in the Novablasts. That being said, our Run Club Coach Lara loves the Glycerin 22s, so this is all down to personal preference.

For me, the 23 hits the sweet spot—protective without being too soft—and brings the Glycerin back to a place I actually love running in.

The Support: Glycerin 23 GTS

The Glycerin 23 GTS is the stability twin of the Glycerin 23, featuring Brooks’ GuideRails support system.

Specs:

• • • Drop: 8 mm  (down 2 mm from the previous version)

    • Stack height: 30 mm / 38 mm

    • Weight: 9.8 oz (women) / 10.8 oz (men)

    • Cushioning: +2 mm compared to the Glycerin 22 GTS

The added support makes it slightly heavier than the regular Glycerin 23, but the difference isn't noticeable when running. The ride feels smooth and stable, and I honestly think many neutral runners could get away with this model.

The extra support along the heel is particularly helpful on longer runs when your form starts to break down, and fatigue sets in.

The Muscle: Glycerin Max 2

For runners who want maximum cushioning and a stiff rocker without losing momentum in overly soft foam, the Glycerin Max 2—the maximalist cousin of the Glycerin 23—is worth trying.

Specs:

• • • Drop: 6 mm

    • Stack height: 45 mm / 39 mm
      Weight: 10 oz (women) / 11 oz (men)
      
      

This version features a rocker-bottom design with Brooks’ GlideRoll Rocker technology, giving it smooth transitions and solid energy return. Compared to the older Glycerin Max, this one feels a bit firmer, which actually works really well with the rocker even if it’s slightly less poppy.

It’s a fantastic option for long-distance runs and recovery days, and Brooks fixed one of the biggest issues from before: the upper. The fit is much better around the midfoot now, without feeling too narrow up front.

The New Kid: Glycerin Flex

Brand new to the Glycerin line is the Glycerin Flex, and I think it is one of the most interesting shoes Brooks has released since the first Glycerin Max!

Specs:

• • • Drop: 6 mm

    • Stack height: 30 mm / 36 mm

    • Weight: 8.0 oz (women) / 8.8 oz (men)

This shoe features a unique asymmetrical midfoot flexibility combined with a lateral podular support, giving you a rare mix of flexibility and stability. It’s significantly lighter than the rest of the Glycerin lineup and feels completely unique. I honestly can’t think of another runner that I’ve had experience with on the market that compares directly to it!

I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. While it’s not a true cross-trainer, it’s close enough that I’d consider it a true do-it-all shoe. Personally, I think it would make a great HYROX shoe thanks to its versatility and lighter feel.

Let's Compare Glycerins

	Glycerin 23	Glycerin 23 GTS	Glycerin Max 2	Glycerin Flex
Stack height	30mm/38mm	30mm/38mm	39mm/45mm	30mm/36mm
Drop	8mm	8mm	6mm	6mm
Weight	W9.6oz/ M10.6oz	W9.8oz/ M10.8oz	W10.0oz/ M11.0oz	W8.0oz/M8.8oz
Shoe type	Neutral, High-Cushion	Support, High-Cushion	Neutral, Maximalist	Neutral, High-Cushion, Flexible

Final Thoughts

With this latest Glycerin lineup, Brooks has redefined what "high cushioning" means. The shoes feel more responsive, more stable where it counts, and better suited for a wider range of runners and workouts.

Whether you want classic comfort, extra stability, maximal protection, or something completely different, the Glycerin family now offers a plush, high-cushioned option for almost everyone.

We are here to help!

If you want to give the any of the Glycerin shoes a try, check them out on our website or come visit our shoefitters in-store!