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The Brooks Glycerin has long been one of the brand’s most reliable cushioned daily shoes, but in recent years it’s faced increasing competition from shoes offering lighter builds and more energetic midsoles.
With the Glycerin 23, Brooks hasn’t made any radical changes, but it has tweaked the formula, most noticeably with an additional 2mm of stack height in the forefoot to improve the overall ride.
After putting around 70km into the shoe, including a 30km long run, the shoe is still an impressive comfort-first cruiser. But how does it compare to the best cushioned shoes out at the moment?
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £165/$175
- Weight: 303g / 10.7oz (men’s UK 8)
- Drop: 8mm
- Stack height: 38mm heel, 30mm forefoot
- Upper: Â Engineered knit
- Midsole: DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused EVA foam
- Outsole: Thick rubber on forefoot and heel
Brooks Glycerin 23 Review
How’s The Fit
Like most Brooks shoes, the Glycerin 23 fits true to size and offers an excellent level of comfort. There’s a bit of extra room in the toe box and across the length of the shoe, making it a good option for runners who prefer a less restrictive fit.
The upper feels soft but structured, with plenty of padding around the tongue and collar adding to the overall comfort. It’s easy to get a secure lockdown without any pressure points and although it’s not especially wide, there’s enough space to accommodate slightly broader feet.
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The Run Test: Likes
The biggest improvement in the Glycerin 23 comes from the updated midsole. That extra 2mm of cushioning in the forefoot makes a noticeable difference, especially for midfoot strikers. It gives the shoe a smoother roll and a slightly more cushioned, balanced feel through transitions. It’s still not a particularly bouncy or energetic shoe, but it does feel like it has touch more bounce than previous versions.
Like it’s predecessors, the Glycerin 23 excels at comfort, making it a great choice for easy runs, recovery sessions, and longer distances. Over a 30km run, the shoe felt consistently comfortable with a smooth turnover throughout.
Stability is also a strong point. The wide platform and overall geometry give it a secure, dependable feel, which is particularly useful on longer efforts where form can start to break down.
The outsole performs well too. There’s a generous amount of rubber, which not only suggests good durability but also provides reliable grip across a range of surfaces, including wet pavements and light trails.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The main drawback is the weight. At just over 300g, it’s noticeably heavier than many modern daily trainers. Although versatility is not a key feature of the shoe, the chunky feel does limit it’s appeal when compared to lighter options.
It also lacks the energy return you get from newer midsole foams. While the ride is improved, it still doesn’t feel particularly lively or fun compared to competitors like the R.A.D UFO.
The other downside is the price. Although shoes are generally getting more expensive, many brands are releasing more cost-effective cushioned options that provide comparable performance benefits. Examples being the Saucony Ride 19 or the New Balance Ellipse.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a solid update that improves the ride without changing what the shoe is all about.
That small increase in forefoot cushioning makes it smoother, slightly more responsive, and more enjoyable over longer distances. It still sits firmly in the comfort-first category, but it now feels a bit more modern than previous versions.
Compared to similar shoes, it offers a more enjoyable ride than options like the Saucony Triumph 23, which can feel a bit flatter underfoot. However, it still can’t match the versatility of something like the New Balance 1080 v15, which offers a bouncier midsole and works across a wider range of paces.
If you’re after a reliable, cushioned cruiser for easy miles and long runs, the Glycerin 23 is a strong choice, and a clear step forward for the range.