When you think of ultimate softness and unmatched comfort on long runs, you think of the Brooks Glycerin. The latest, 22nd edition of this legendary model is another step toward perfection! The new foam blend makes even more luxurious cushioning possible, and the redesigned upper ensures a perfect fit. As always, this is a shoe that will envelop your feet in softness and let you enjoy every kilometer, no matter the distance.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
Brooks Glycerin 23 is synonymous with maximum cushioning and comfort, designed for running on hard surfaces. It performs best during daily, easy workouts and long runs where comfort is a priority. It feels right at home on roads, sidewalks, and paved gravel paths. In its latest version, the model offers even more foam underfoot and a redesigned upper, which translates to an even higher level of comfort as you cover more kilometers. It’s an excellent choice for runners who value a soft and smooth ride, especially those who are heavier.
Pros
- maximum cushioning
- very soft sole
- great support and stability in the rear
- soft and very comfortable interior lining
- suitable for the heaviest runners
Cons
- heavier than the previous version
- limited performance
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| GLYCERIN 23 | GLYCERIN 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 38/30 mm | 38/28 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Weight men’s | 300 g | 289 g |
| Weight women’s | 269 g | 258 g |
| Upper | Engineered mesh / engineerd knit | Engineered mesh + 3D Fit Print |
| Midsole | DNA Tuned | DNA Tuned |
| Outsole | RoadTack | RoadTack |
Brooks Running Shoes – Lineup
The Brooks Glycerin 23 remains one of the most cushioned shoes in the Brooks lineup. In addition to the classic version, there’s also the air-cushioned, slightly futuristic Glycerin Max 2 and the stability version—the Glycerin GTS 23. Each offers maximum cushioning but in a slightly different way. That said, the Glycerin 23 is the most classic and feels the least surprising on your feet, which is a major advantage.
Want to find out which Brooks model best suits your needs? Check out this brand’s running shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Glycerin Max 2  Gliceryn 23 |  Glycerin GTS 23 |
| very high cushioning |  Ghost Max 3  Ghost 18 |  Adrenaline GTS 25 |
| high cushioning |  Trace 4 |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is, above all, a shoe designed for long, relaxed runs. For many runners, it may even be the only shoe they need. However, if you also do faster runs in addition to your daily training, it’s worth supplementing it with a more dynamic model. The natural choice would be the Hyperion Max 3, in which tempo runs and faster runs are noticeably more enjoyable than in the Glycerin. If even that proves insufficient, Brooks’ lineup also includes the Hyperion Elite 5—the lightest and fastest racing shoe, designed exclusively for competitions and chasing personal bests.
| GLYCERIN 23 | HYPERION MAX 3 | HYPERION ELITE 5 |
|---|---|---|
|  |  |
| easy, long runs | speed training, tempo runs | race day |
Similar to Brooks Glycerin 23
The Brooks Glycerin 23 ranks among the very best and most comfortable training shoes on the market and competes with models such as the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Nike Vomero Plus, and Saucony Triumph 23. It stands out from the competition thanks to its very stable platform, predictable performance while running, and comfort that doesn’t come at the expense of control. It offers a soft landing while making runners feel more confident than many other heavily cushioned constructions. This is the perfect choice for runners who expect not only a high level of cushioning but also stability and reliability.
Want to see how it compares to other models with maximum cushioning? Check out our shoe guide for the most cushioned running shoes.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Hyperboost Edge | 45/39 | 6 | 258 | n/a | 200 |
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 | 43.5/35.5 | 8 | 281 | 242 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin 23 | 38/30 | 8 | 300 | 269 | 180 |
| Brooks Glycerin Max 2 | 45/39 | 6 | 298 | 270 | 200 |
| Diadora Atomo Star | 41/35 | 6 | 275 | 215 | 190 |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | 43/38 | 4 | 306 | 252 | 180 |
| Mizuno Wave Sky 9 | 44/36 | 8 | 290 | 230 | 190 |
| New Balance 1080 v14 | 38/32 | 6 | 298 | 236 | 190 |
| New Balance More v6 | 44/40 | 4 | 306 | 241 | 170 |
| Nike Vomero Plus | 45/35 | 10 | 292 | 242 | 170 |
| Nike Vomero Premium | 55.5/45.5 | 10 | 351 | 278 | 230 |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | 35/29 | 6 | 295 | 230 | 190 |
| Puma Magmax Nitro | 46/38 | 8 | 290 | 250 | 190 |
| Saucony Triumph 23 | 37/27 | 10 | 263 | 239 | 190 |
| Salomon Aero Glide 3 | 40/32 | 8 | 245 | 205 | 160 |
Midsole – DNA Tuned, a New Version
In the latest version of the Brooks Glycerin 23, the midsole has been refined to provide an even smoother and more comfortable run. A key role is played by the DNA Tuned foam, enriched with nitrogen and based on two structures with different properties. The softer section with larger cells provides a high level of cushioning and comfort, while the denser and more resilient structure supports performance.
The foam layout is no accident. Softer foam dominates the heel area and the lateral zones of the sole—where greater perceived softness and cushioning are needed. Harder, more responsive foam is located closer to the forefoot. This arrangement supports a natural roll and improves the smoothness of your run.
The Glycerin 23 also features more foam. The forefoot stack is 2 mm greater than in the previous generation, at 30 mm. Under the heel, however, it remains the same as in the previous edition at 38 mm. The drop—the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot—is now 8 mm, which results in a more balanced front-to-back cushioning profile compared to the previous edition. However, the shoe’s character remains the same. It’s still a very soft, comfortable model for daily workouts and long runs.
Stability remains one of its strongest points. The wide platform in the rear and well-distributed foam ensure that the shoe maintains a secure feel despite its high level of softness. The Glycerin line has been famous for this for years, and the latest edition is just as good as ever. However, for those who need even more stability and additional support for overpronation, there’s the Glycerin 23 GTS version, equipped with the GuideRails system, which helps control excessive foot and knee movement.
RoadTack – Traction on Road and… Gravel
The Brooks Glycerin 23 was designed primarily for running on hard surfaces. It performs best on roads, sidewalks, and compacted dirt trails—where its high cushioning can truly shine. This is further enhanced by the RoadTack outsole, made from a blend of rubber and silica, some of which is recycled.
The outsole consists of strategically placed rubber segments that protect the areas of the sole most vulnerable to wear. For a model designed primarily for running on the road, traction is excellent. Numerous grooves in the rubber segments help maintain contact with the ground. The Glycerin 23 also handles compacted gravel roads or park paths with ease. Of course, it’s not a trail shoe, but for everyday use, it offers versatile enough traction that it isn’t limited solely to city roads.
Upper – a Comfortable Fit for Long Runs
The upper of the Brooks Glycerin 23 has been redesigned compared to the previous generation. It’s made of a modern, multi-layered mesh that combines breathability with adequate foot support. The forefoot offers a comfortable and fairly standard amount of toe room, making the Glycerin 23 a good fit for many runners. The upper doesn’t constrict the foot, making it possible to provide optimal width and ample room for volume. Runners needing even more space can opt for the Wide or Extra Wide versions.
Also worth noting are the soft tongue and the collar area around the ankle, which are generously padded with foam. This is a hallmark of the Glycerin series, which for years has prioritized maximum comfort without being overly concerned about weight. The exceptionally soft fit is noticeable from the very first time you put them on. The shoe comfortably cradles the foot, and the materials used make the shoe feel premium both while running and during everyday use.
One of the strongest elements of the construction remains the heel counter. As befits a shoe of this class, it is equipped with solid internal reinforcement. Importantly, this reinforcement rests on a sufficiently wide and stable platform, which further improves control over foot movement. The entire area (as I mentioned earlier) is generously padded with soft foam, ensuring that the heel is not only securely held in place but also very comfortably cradled. This construction enhances stability while doing so so subtly that you barely feel it while running.
Weight – Comfort Is More Important Than Lightness
According to the producer’s data, the Brooks Glycerin 23 weighs about 300 g in the men’s version and 269 g in the women’s version, which means that compared to the previous edition, it has “gained a little weight”; however, considering the high level of cushioning and the large amount of foam underfoot, these figures are perfectly acceptable, though it’s hard to consider weight one of this model’s main strengths.
In practice, the Glycerin 23 isn’t exactly a featherweight either. In my size, US 12, the shoe weighs a solid 371 grams. This places it among the heavier shoes for everyday urban running—in fact, it’s one of the heaviest 10% of models in this segment. It’s definitely not among the lightest constructions in its class, but it also doesn’t feel excessively heavy during relaxed runs. When trying to run faster in the Glycerins, the weight may be noticeable. This model is designed for comfortably racking up kilometers, not for light, dynamic running. However, if maximum cushioning and comfort over long distances are your priority, the weight of the Glycerin 23 shouldn’t be an issue.
Final Thoughts
The Brooks Glycerin 23 isn’t a revolution compared to the Glycerin 22, but it is a very successful evolution of a proven construction. Brooks focused on refining what worked well: they increased the amount of foam, improved the comfort of the upper, and maintained the high level of stability for which the Glycerin series has been renowned for years. The shoe’s character remains unchanged—it’s still one of the best models for relaxed workouts and long runs. If you’re using the Glycerin 22 and are happy with it, there’s no need to switch. However, if you’re planning to buy a new pair or replace a worn-out pair, the Glycerin 23 is undoubtedly a more refined version of its predecessor.
