By Paul Freary
Brooks’ premium support shoe, the Glycerin GTS, gets an update with the new Glycerin GTS 23. Offering the best combination of responsive cushioning and control, the GTS features a higher midsole stack while retaining the super-smooth DNA TUNED midsole for cushioned impact and responsive toe-off.
Support comes as always from the GTS - "GuideRail Technology System", note a slight shift from the ‘Go To Support’ terminology previously used by the brand. Nevertheless, the system works in the same manner. Higher side walls to the shoes midsole cushioning wrap up and around the rearfoot to cradle it on both the lateral and medial sides, helping to keep the foot in a neutral position.
The Glycerin GTS 23 is built for runners seeking a luxurious underfoot feel without sacrificing stability, reliability or durability. The Glycerin GTS 23 remains focused on control, cushioning, comfort, and durability. This makes the shoe particularly appealing to high‑mileage runners, heavier runners, and those who value comfort and supportive control.
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Stats
Brooks | Glycerin GTS 23 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily training |
Support | Structured Support |
Cushion | Maximum cushioning |
Stack Height | 38.3mm heel 30.3mm forefoot |
Drop | 8mm |
Weight | Men 306g (10.7oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $165 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9.5/ 10 |
Design
The standout feature of the Glycerin GTS 23 is its cushioning, and once again, here it’s the brand’s DNA Tuned midsole foam. With an additional 2mm of foam in the forefoot midsole, the shoe feels softer and plusher yet retains the same level of responsiveness on toe-off.
Now with a slightly lower 8mm drop, thanks to the additional forefoot cushioning, the shoe feels more balanced and has a noticeably more cushioned ride.
DNA TUNED is a nitrogen-infused foam that uses larger cells in the heel to create a soft, plush landing and smaller cells in the forefoot for a responsive, more energised take off.
Guiderails - The support and control comes from the GuideRail Technology System (GTS). As seen in previous models and other GTS-category shoes in the Brooks range, the GuideRails provide support on both the lateral and medial aspects of the midsole. Should the foot roll laterally or medially (supinate or overpronate), the GuideRails help reduce roll and control stability.
Triple jacquard warp knit makes for a great, plush fit, with neat padding around the ankle collar, Achilles area and tongue. The tongue isn’t gusseted, but the laces pass through loops placed on each side of the tongue, and it remains securely in place.
Outsole - A new outsole design is proving to be both durable and provides good traction during the first few weeks of my testing (here in the UK in cold, damp and icy conditions!). I also think the new rubber pattern adds a little to the overall cushioning of the shoe.
Glycerin GTS 23
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Fit
The fit of the Glycerin GTS 23 is even better than the previous model. It’s now a triple jacquard warp knit design and feels plush and welcoming immediately. It has a small degree of natural stretch, and I find it wraps around the foot and fits very well.
The shoe fits true to size in terms of both length and width and is consistent with all Brooks models as usual.
The Glycerin GTS 23 is also available in a wide options for both men and women.
The ankle collar is the now familiar double-layer design, with plush padding around the ankle and heel area, holding the foot securely in place, with an outer stretch heel tab. It’s a design we’ve seen on previous Glycerin models, including the Glycerin 23, and one which is also used on shoes from other brands, such as the Puma MagMax and ASICS Kayano. I think it’s a great design, and I personally love the comfort it provides.
Performance
The focus of the Glycerin GTS 23 is Brooks’ DNA Tuned midsole combined with the GuideRail Technology System. Brooks’ nitrogen-infused foam midsole cushioning is soft without feeling too mushy, offering a level of plushness that perfectly hits the sweet spot for daily miles. In this supportive model, I find it perfectly balanced and able to cope with any pace.
The new 8mm heel-to-toe drop isn’t immediately noticeable from the previous version, but the shoe feels very natural and very well balanced.
I’ve also observed around 30 other runners in the shoes, with all of them finding the level of support and control able to keep them in a neutral position. Feedback on the new Glycerin GTS 23 has also been overwhelmingly positive.
On my longer runs, I have found the additional forefoot cushioning to be a real bonus and gives the shoe more comfort and an improved level of responsiveness.
The Glycerin GTS 23 is very easy to get along with support-type shoe. The GuideRails work effectively and provide an uninstrustive, yet supportive ride that easily adapts to keep a wide range of runners neutral. I also find that GuideRails help maintain the overall structure of the shoe, thereby retaining the long-term shape and durability of the cushioning.
While it’s not designed for speed workouts, the Glycerin GTS 23 doesn’t feel as slow or bulky as some daily training models can. When you pick up the pace slightly. There’s enough energy return to keep things lively and engaging, and again, that additional 2mm of forefoot cushioning really adds to the responsive nature.
Shoes Like the Glycerin GTS 23
The Glycerin GTS 23 is about plush AND supportive cushioning, and in that respect, it’s hard to find direct competitors. With such a broad range of models, Brooks has now been able to subcategorise support-type shoes.
New Balance 860v14
The New Balance 860v14 is, without doubt, a great, supportive daily trainer, but it is more a competitor to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 than this premium cushioned model.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
With that in mind, a close competitor comes from within the Brooks family, with the Adrenaline GTS 25 offering nitrogen-injected cushioning and GuideRail support. Where the Adrenaline has a single-density midsole, the DNA Tuned in the Glycerin is plusher, being softer in the heel and more responsive in the forefoot.
Saucony Hurricane 25
The Saucony Hurricane is a premium cushioned support type shoe, and while it offers good cushioning and good control, when compared to the Glycerin, these two features feel somewhat separate characteristics, whereas in the Glycerin, they blend seamlessly.
My Verdict
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 is exactly what I had hoped for from this update. The playbook from books is well established, and the new shoe sticks to it.
Improvements come from the cushioning, and they elevate the overall running experience of the shoe.
From the very first steps, the new Glycerin GTS 23 is comfortable, plush and instantly entertaining.
For runners requiring support but still wanting the very best of cushioning, the Glycerin GTS 23 is now the benchmark by which other shoes should be measured.
I just thought I would share my experience with you. I am not a runner. I am actually handicapped at the moment. I have been wearing Brooks for at least 5 years. Right now I have the glycerin l
22 GTS. I wear them all day long, every day. I have 2 pairs. They are amazing. I feel and fractured all my vertebrae. These shoes are the only ones that help my back. I just want you to know that not only runners benefit from these amazing shoes. Thank you so much.
Sorry to hear about your situation. Glad to know the shoes are helping. Hope you get better soon.
I have several pairs of the 20 GTS and one of the 22 GTS and they have been awesome! Yes three pairs of the glycerins but I use them for different things and I have worn them down and they still work. I have dealt with plantars fasciitis 3 to 4 years ago and went through trying out the ghosts, the adrenalin’s and then decided to go for the glycerin gts… I was literally 99% pain free within 12 hours. I have tried to use the ghosts again for doing stuff outside but they seem to re-irritate my planters. I look forward to trying out the 23’s sometime in the near future here.