Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Review – Return of the MAX!

Design

The Glycerin Max 2 is all about the cushioning, and that’s exactly where the technology on this model is centred.

It’s the brand’s DNA Tuned, nitrogen-infused midsole foam in this super-deep midsole that accounts for the cushioning. Combined with the GlideRoll rocker geometry, the shoe manages to feel nimble and flexible.

The nitrogen midsole in the Glycerin Max 2 is infused with larger cells in the heel for plush landings and small cells in the forefoot for more responsive toe offs.

The shoe has a redesigned pattern to the sidewalls of the midsole, with vertical slices cut into the foam exposing the tuned DNA within. While this doesn’t have any bearing on the cushioning or feel of the shoe, it helps explain the way in which the different cells in the midsole are made up.

A new triple-layer jacquard upper is used and this makes for a slightly lighter and more supple design thanks to the manner in which it is knitted, particularly in the forefoot region of the shoe.

The outsole sees a slightly different pattern used, and although the overall rubber coverage remains pretty much the same, the new pattern offers a slightly better level of traction.

Fit

The Glycerin Max 2 fits true to size in both length and width, and I have gone with my usual size. The new upper feels a little more flexible and forgiving in the forefoot, but it doesn’t affect the sizing.

Although I have kept with my usual size, I have noticed some of my customers going up a half size. Perhaps it you are between say 9 and a 9 and a half, go up to the half to be safe.

Performance

The ride of the Glycerin Max 2 is instantly welcoming and, just like the first iteration of the shoe was, plush and surprisingly stable.

Despite looking unusually high in the midsole, your foot sits within the cushioning a little, and this helps create the stability and any initial fears of being unstable are quashed.

This isn’t a fast shoe, but you shouldn’t need telling that; it’s all about cushioning and comfort on those easy days. When you simply want to tick off the miles, the shoe soaks up the impact and, just as I have said to many people about the original version, you often return from a run feeling as fresh as when you started!

The shoe’s geometry contributes greatly to the overall ride, as is often the case with deeply stacked models. The aggressive-looking forefoot rocker in particular plays a big part in helping the shoe roll forward smoothly and efficiently.

On easy runs, as I mentioned, the ride is simply soft and welcoming with a slightly bouncy ride. When you pick up the pace a little, the difference in the feel of the heel and forefoot is apparent, and the responsiveness is noticeable, adding a little spring.

The Glycerin Max 2 is still one of the most cushioned shoes on the market right now and has one of the more naturally ‘bouncy’ rides, but remains well balanced and composed from heel strike to toe-off.

Shoes Like the Glycerin Max 2

When it comes to high stack shoes, there are a few competitors to consider.

HOKA Bondi 9

From HOKA, the Bondi 9 provides a 43mm stack of cushioning and is the most cushioned of the shoes from a brand that became recognised for its high stack models.

The Bondi 9 is undoubtedly the best version yet of this model and uses a supercritical EVA foam. While it’s soft and well cushioning, I still think it lags behind nitrogen injected foams and the more premium feel they provide. The Glycerin Max 2 just feels like it offers more in terms of both cushioning and responsiveness.

Puma Mag Max 2

The Puma Mag Max 2 is a very close competitor to the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 and uses nitrogen-infused foam for its 46mm deep midsole. The difference between the two is that Puma use a single density of foam, Brooks uses the DNA Tuned composition, with the softer heel and springy forefoot. It’s a subtle difference, but it adds to the ride and again makes the Glycerin Max 2 the better choice.

Mizuno Wave Sky 9

The Mizuno Wave Sky 9, at 44mm deep in the midsole, is another high stack trainer. Again, using a nitrogen-injected foam (Enerzy NXT) it provides a light and responsive feel.

Of the competition, I think this shoe comes closest in contending for a place in your shoe rotation. It’s a soft, plush and energised ride offered from the single density midsole but feels a little lighter than the Glycerin Max 2, so is a little better for faster paced training.