When you think of maximum softness and unmatched comfort during long runs, Brooks Glycerin comes to mind. The 22nd edition of this legendary model is another step toward perfection! A new foam blend provides even more luxurious cushioning, and a redesigned upper ensures a perfect fit. As always, this shoe will wrap your feet in softness, letting you enjoy every mile, no matter the distance.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is synonymous with maximum cushioning and comfort. It is designed for running on hard surfaces. It’s ideal for easy everyday training and long runs. It performs well on asphalt streets, sidewalks, and gravel paths. It’s an excellent choice for runners who value softness and comfort, especially those who are over 90 kg and need reliable protection. This shoe is designed for runners with a neutral foot type. However, if you are looking for additional stability, consider the Glycerin GTS version.
Pros
- maximum cushioning
- very soft midsole
- great grip and stability in the rear
- suitable for the heaviest runners
Cons
- heavier than the previous edition
- low dynamics
Brooks running shoes – lineup
The Brooks Glycerin is the absolute best when it comes to cushioning in this brand’s running shoes. There are two versions: the classic, neutral version (the one discussed here) and the stabilizing version, the Glycerin GTS. What’s the difference? Subtle but crucial. The GTS model is equipped with Guide Rails, special side rails that control movement and provide additional stability. If your feet need more support, the GTS is perfect for you.
Want to find out which Brooks model is right for you? Check out our shoe guide for this brand!
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Glycerin Max  Gliceryn 22 |  Glycerin GTS 22 |
| very high cushioning |  Ghost Max 2  Ghost 16 |  Adrenaline GTS 24 |
| high cushioning |  Trace 3 |
Brooks Glycerin 22 alternatives
The Brooks Glycerin rivals such softness champions as the Nimbus, the Invincible, and the Triumph. What makes it stand out? First, its solid construction and exceptional stability make it appealing to a wide range of runners. It’s ideal for those who prefer luxurious cushioning and reliability.
Want to see how it compares to other maximum-cushioning models? Check out our shoe guide for running shoes with maximum cushioning!
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Ultraboost 5X | 38/28 | 10 | 275 | 237 | 180 |
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 | 43.5/35.5 | 8 | 305 | 265 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin Max | 45/39 | 6 | 298 | 270 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin 22 | 38/28 | 10 | 289 | 257 | 180 |
| Diadora Atomo V7000 2 | 41/37 | 5 | 275 | 220 | 190 |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | 43/38 | 5 | 323 | 263 | 180 |
| New Balance 1080 v14 | 36/32 | 6 | 298 | 236 | 190 |
| Nike Invincible 3 | 40/31 | 8 | 310 | 258 | 190 |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | 35/26 | 6 | 295 | 245 | 190 |
| Saucony Triumph 22 | 37/27 | 10 | 286 | 250 | 190 |
DNA Tuned cushioning
The latest version of the Brooks Glycerin 22 features a redesigned midsole that enhances the running experience. The new DNA Tuned foam, which is enriched with nitrogen and has two different structures, plays a key role in this improvement. The soft foam with larger capsules provides maximum comfort and cushioning, and the denser, more resilient foam offers dynamic energy return.
Similar to the Glycerin Max, the soft foam is concentrated under the heel and in the midsole frame, while the denser foam is concentrated under the front of the shoe to aid push-off.
What else? The midsole has grown slightly, with a 2 mm increase in stack height, reaching 38 mm under the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot. These values are typical of the maximum cushioning segment, and the extra millimeters haven’t altered the shoe’s character. It remains extremely soft, comfortable, and springy. It is a shoe designed to support runners during easy, long training sessions.
Thanks to the wide and stable base at the rear of the shoe, the Brooks Glycerin 22 still maintains a high level of stability. Among max-cushioned shoes, it remains one of the more stable models, which will be appreciated by runners looking for high stability.
However, fans of the previous edition may be slightly disappointed with this stability. When comparing the Glycerin 22 to the previous edition, a subtle difference can be noticed. The new, softer midsole in the rear of the shoe makes the Glycerin 22 slightly worse in terms of stability in this area, in my opinion. For those looking for more stability, this model is also available in a stabilized version called the Glycerin GTS 22.
RoadTack outsole
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is designed for urban runners who cover most of their mileage on hard surfaces, such as asphalt and pavement. This is evident in the construction of the outsole, which is made of RoadTack rubber—a blend of recycled rubber and silica. The outsole consists of five strategically placed rubber blocks that protect key areas of the midsole.
At 1.7 millimeters, the outsole is quite deep for a typical asphalt model. Combined with the transverse grooves in the rubber segments, it provides sufficient traction on urban surfaces and harder, compacted trails outside the city. In this regard, it is a fairly versatile urban running shoe.
Upper made of jacquard mesh
The upper of the Brooks Glycerin 22 is made of double jacquard mesh, combining durability with improved ventilation. The outer layer has numerous holes that should improve airflow compared to the previous edition, which, in my opinion, was a bit “warm.” The new material is slightly thinner yet sturdy enough to provide comfort in various weather conditions. In winter, your feet should not get cold, and in summer, they should not overheat, although individual experiences may vary.
The front of the shoe is quite spacious, which runners who like freedom for their toes will appreciate. The measured width at its widest point is 106.4 millimeters, slightly above average. These features make the Glycerin 22 a comfortable choice for most runners.
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is not complete without a solid heel counter that ensures foot stability and a secure fit. It is constructed with a rigid frame wrapped in soft foam cushions. This design keeps the heel in place and softly wraps around the foot like a soft blanket.
Compared to the previous version, the heel counter’s finish has changed. It is now a thin layer of material that smoothly transitions into a practical loop, making the shoes easier to put on. Interestingly, this soft edge barely touches the ankle, so it plays a minimal role in the fit. What remains crucial for stability and comfort lies deeper inside, where everything works as it should to keep the foot secure and comfortable.
Average weight
According to the manufacturer, the men’s version of the Brooks Glycerin 22 weighs 289 grams, and the women’s version weighs 257 grams. This represents a slight increase in weight compared to the previous model. For a shoe with such powerful cushioning, this result is decent, though hardly an advantage.
In size 12 US, the weight was 340 grams, 31 grams more than the Glycerin 21. Is this a significant difference? For heavily cushioned shoes, weight isn’t the most important factor; comfort and softness matter most. Nevertheless, if I had a choice between two shoes with the same properties, I would choose the lighter one.
Compared to the competition, the Glycerin 22 still falls slightly below average in the maximum cushioning segment. With an average weight of 350 grams, it ranks among the 33% lightest models in this category. While this is a solid result, it would be better to see a downward trend instead of an upward one.
Summary
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is an exceptionally cushioned shoe that provides unbeatable comfort on long runs thanks to its new DNA Tuned foam blend and solid foot support. It also has improved ventilation and a roomy toe box, making it a great choice for runners seeking comfort and stability. However, while these shoes are not heavy for maximum cushioning, some runners may notice that they are slightly heavier than previous models.
