Are you familiar with the softest Brooks shoe, the Glycerin? Meet the Brooks Glycerin Max, which raises the bar even higher. It’s a shoe with more volume and an even higher level of softness. Despite this, it retains good dynamics, allowing for easier acceleration. Most importantly, it makes everyday running comfortable and enjoyable. Is it better?
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Brooks Glycerin Max running shoe is designed for maximum cushioning and comfort on hard surfaces. They are ideal for everyday training and longer distances. This extremely comfortable model effectively absorbs shock on hard surfaces like sidewalks and gravel paths, as well as forest trails. They are especially recommended for people with a higher body weight and are suitable for runners weighing up to 100 kilograms.
Pros
- maximum cushioning,
- very soft midsole,
- profile facilitating running under the front part of the foot,
- suitable for the heaviest runners,
- plenty of space inside,
Cons
- quite heavy (among the 25% heaviest training shoes with maximum cushioning)
Brooks Running Shoes – lineup
First, it’s important not to confuse the Glycerin 21 and Glycerin Max models. Although they are aimed at similar runners, these are two completely different models. They are designed for runners who prefer maximum softness, comfort, and cushioning. The Glycerin Max model is much softer. Thanks to its contouring, it also offers a more dynamic performance. It is currently the softest running shoe from this brand. You have to like this level of softness.
The classic Glycerin 21 is also highly cushioned, but for those who prefer slightly firmer shoes. This model differs from the Glycerin Max in its midsole profile. The classic Glycerin has a flatter profile, which requires more effort when running but provides greater stability.
The third option in the Glycerin family is for those looking for the greatest stability. It is primarily intended for runners with excessive pronation. This is the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21.
You can find the full lineup of Brooks running shoe models in our shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning | Glycerin Max Glycerin | Glycerin GTS |
| very high cushioning | Ghost Max Ghost | Adrenaline GTS |
| high cushioning | Trace |
Similar to Brooks Glycerin Max
The Brooks Glycerin Max is one of the softest shoes on the market. It is a worthy competitor to icons of softness, such as the Nimbus, Invincible, and Triumph. Its greater dynamic nature sets it apart from the competition and makes it a worthy alternative to models such as the Asics Superblast, which is not included in the table.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WAGA DAMSKI (gram) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Ultraboost 5X | 38/28 | 10 | 275 | 237 | 180 |
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 | 41/33 | 8 | 305 | 262 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin Max | 45/39 | 6 | 298 | 270 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin 21 | 36/26 | 10 | 278 | 249 | 180 |
| Diadora Atomo V7000 2 | 41/37 | 5 | 275 | 220 | 190 |
| Hoka Bondi 8 | 33/29 | 4 | 306 | 252 | 180 |
| Mizuno Wave Sky 8 | 42/34 | 8 | 275 | 230 | 190 |
| New Balance 1080 v13 | 36/32 | 6 | 261 | 206 | 190 |
| Nike Invincible 3 | 40/31 | 8 | 310 | 258 | 190 |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | 35/26 | 6 | 295 | 245 | 190 |
| Saucony Triumph 21 | 37/27 | 10 | 279 | 250 | 190 |
| Salomon Aero Glide | 37/27 | 10 | 254 | 220 | 160 |
Dual-Foam Cushioning Setup
The Brooks Glycerin Max midsole features an entirely new design. While it uses nitrogen-saturated foam like the classic Glycerin model, the midsole construction itself has changed. The Glycerin Max features DNA Tuned technology, which uses two types of foam with different structures and properties. One type, with larger capsules, provides maximum softness. The other type has smaller, denser capsules that make the foam more resilient and dynamic.
Softer foam is located under the rear of the shoe and forms the midsole frame. The more resilient foam is located primarily under the front of the shoe. This design supports push-off and provides a more dynamic run. This foam layout is designed to support running: it is soft at the back to protect the heel when it hits the ground and responsive at the front to facilitate push-off.
As befits a shoe with “max” in its name, the stack height is maximized. The midsole is 39 millimeters high in the rear and 29 millimeters high in the front. Brooks also provides the total stack height, which includes the midsole, insole, and outsole. Thus, the Glycerin Max is 45 millimeters high at the rear and 39 millimeters high at the front. These values place the Glycerin Max among maximalist shoes, and few models currently offer a thicker midsole.
The drop, or the difference in height between the heel and toe, is six millimeters. This is lower than the standard of 8–10 millimeters. However, due to the midsole thickness and level of cushioning, this difference will likely go unnoticed by most runners. At the same time, this makes the shoe smooth and comfortable while running.
In practice, it is a very soft shoe, and the “max” in the name reflects how soft it feels. Comparisons to pontoons and maximum-cushioned shoes are justified.
Therefore, it will work well for the heaviest runners and those who simply prefer extremely soft shoes. If you don’t like it, choose a less cushioned shoe, such as the Glycerin, Ghost Max, or Ghost models.
Smooth Geometry With a Touch of Bounce
Such soft shoes often lack dynamism and speed. Some are even clunky. The Brooks Glycerin Max bucks this trend. This is thanks to the foam, which feels good underfoot, and the GlideRoll Rocker contouring.
The front midsole is gently contoured in a boat shape from back to front to relieve pressure on the foot as it rolls from heel to toe. In other words, the shoe helps you roll your foot.
Does this have a positive effect on running dynamics and speed? Yes, quite significantly. However, this shoe should not be considered for speed. In the case of the Glycerin Max, dynamics are at the service of cushioning. It is primarily designed to be soft and comfortable, but it also supports a slightly faster foot roll. For those looking for a universal running shoe for slow, calm runs and faster sections, this is the perfect solution.
Road-Focused Outsole
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a running shoe designed for runners who mainly run on streets and in urban areas. The outsole is designed for this purpose as well. It consists of three rubber elements that cover key areas of the midsole. The moderately deep outsole is 1.4 mm, which is standard for this type of shoe.
While this outsole can handle off-road and sidewalk running, the flat tread pattern and large amount of exposed foam make it better suited for parks than more difficult terrain. You won’t feel the biggest advantage of these shoes on soft surfaces, which is their cushioning. For more difficult forest conditions, the brand offers much better models, such as the Cascadia.
Simple, Comfortable and Fairly Roomy Upper
The upper is made of classic technical mesh. The outer layer is more perforated, and the inner layer is uniform and smooth. This is a well-known, reliable solution commonly found in running shoes. It also appears slightly thinner than comparable materials from competitors and provides decent breathability. Even in hot weather.
The upper part of the shoe offers plenty of space, too. The measured width at its widest point is 105.8 mm, a standard value on paper. However, it is worth trying on because the shoe has more interior space than the measurement suggests. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much space there is inside. It’s also worth taking a look at the size chart. For many years, I wore a size 12 US Brooks shoe. For this model, however, I chose a shoe that was half a size larger.
The Glycerin Max offers a lot of support and stability. The heel counter is stiff enough to stabilize the foot in the shoe, although it may also seem quite low. Additionally, the shoe’s construction creates a frame around the foot, making it “fall” slightly into the midsole and increasing stability. The interior of the shoe is comfortable, though it has less foam than the Glycerin 21 and Ghost 16 models. The tongue is not integrated with the upper, which could improve the fit. Nevertheless, the shoe remains highly comfortable, and if comfort is your priority, this model will certainly meet your expectations.
On the Heavier Side
According to the manufacturer’s data, the men’s version of the shoe weighs 298 grams, while the women’s version weighs 270 grams. However, in size 12 US, it weighs 364 grams, which is not low. This is a slightly higher weight, even for shoes with such high-level cushioning. Among shoes in this category, the Glycerin Max is one of the 25% heaviest models.
Its dynamic nature redeems it, providing such a soft, springy feel that it’s hard to say it’s clunky or heavy on the foot. When running, they feel light, even though they are not light on the scale. When it comes to training shoes with maximum cushioning, though, weight is not a key factor. Many lighter models feel heavy and clunky on the foot. The Glycerin Max is not one of them.
Final Thoughts
In the introduction, I asked whether the Glycerin Max model is better than the Glycerin model. It depends, of course, on what you expect. If you are not a fan of maximalism, it will not be better. If, like most runners, you are looking for maximum comfort and cushioning and you like a shoe that doesn’t slow you down, then yes. You will find all these features in the Glycerin Max in its maximum version.
