I’m going to be honest right from the start - I am a HUGE Glycerin stan.
I have now had the pleasure to run in not one, not two, but THREE iterations of the Glycerin line-up (if we include the Glycerin Max it would actually be four, but who’s counting).
First Fit Impressions
The Glycerin 22 is a great combination of the firmness of the previous iterations and the soft landings of the nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned cushioning technology first introduced in the Glycerin Max. While running nerds may appreciate all this fancy terminology, essentially it means that the new Glycerin provides a softer landing while still maintaining the responsiveness loved in the previous versions.
To do this, they have larger cushion cells in the heel of the shoe and transition to smaller, denser cells in the forefoot of the shoe. This gives you the best of both worlds – softer landings with increased impact absorption rolling forward into an energetic, springy toe-off!
Some other changes in the Glycerin 22 are the finger loop in the back of the shoe, and they changed the lace shape compared to the Glycerin 21s. I can talk for days about how much I love the laces, but long story short is that they never come untied! Ever! No double knots needed (looking at you Glycerin 20)! They also upgraded to a double jacquard upper, which allows the shoe to hug the food very comfortably and still accommodate many different foot shapes.
The Glycerin 22 introduces a few notable updates, including a finger loop at the back of the shoe and a redesigned lace shape compared to the Glycerin 21. I could go on forever about how much I love these laces, but the bottom line is—they never come untied! No double knots needed (looking at you, Glycerin 20)! Additionally, Brooks upgraded to a double jacquard upper, providing a snug, comfortable fit while accommodating a variety of foot shapes.
Taking them for a Spin
My personal experience with the shoe has been great. When I first chose the Glycerin 20 as my running shoe, I really appreciated the responsiveness and firmness of the shoe even though it was highly cushioned. I was even more pleased with the improvements in the Glycerin 21 as it was even more cushioned, still responsive, and they shifted to a new lace material that never let the laces unravel. The Glycerin 22 is a softer feel, but still maintains the energetic toe-off of the previous versions. For fans of the Glycerin Max, the Glycerin 22 is essentially a lighter, more minimal version of the Glycerin Max that is better suited for everyday running, not just long runs. The plushness of the cushioning also felt extremely nice on my recovery runs. As the Glycerin 22 is a more traditional-style runner than the Glycerin Max, this would also make a great well-cushioned shoe for walkers looking to add a bit more luxury to their day.
Key Takeaways
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Soft landings and responsive toe-offs
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Great for everyday walking or running and long distance running
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Neutral, premium-cushioned runner
Specs
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Stack Height: Heel (38mm); Forefoot (28mm)
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Heel drop: 10mm
If you want to try these shoes, visit our awesome shoe fitters or you can buy them online.
Peyton Holder is a member of the Rackets & Runners family and last time she counted she had an unreasonable amount of running shoes in her closet (is that a bad thing though?). She is currently training for her first marathon. Her favorite pre-run snack is peanut butter toast topped with banana slices and drizzled with honey.