By Paul Freary
The Brooks Glycerin 22 was a breakthrough daily training shoe in that it offered nitrogen-injected cushioning in a ‘tuned’ manner, DNA TUNED, which allowed for a different cushioned feel in one midsole.
Previously, nitrogen-injected midsoles had been a single density. The tuned nature of the Glycerin 22 mean softer cushioning in the heel and more responsive cushioning in the forefoot.
DNA TUNED provided a highly cushioned and responsive ride in a single package. Combine this with the durability provided, and we had a great, all-around daily trainer.
The NEW Glycerin 23 adds to the great feel of the shoe with additional forefoot cushioning for an improved ride, which transforms the overall feel of the shoe.
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Stats
Brooks | Glycerin 23 | Glycerin 22 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Daily training | Daily training |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | High, near max stack cushioning | High, near max stack cushioning |
Stack Height | 38mm heel 30mm forefoot | 38mm heel 28mm forefoot |
Drop | 8mm | 10mm |
Weight | Men 300g (10.6oz) Women 272g (9.6oz) | Men 289g (10.2oz) Women 257g (9.1oz) |
Suggested Retial Price | $165 | $165 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 9.5/ 10 | 9/ 10 |
What's New and What's Different?
Upper
The Glycerin 23 gets a new triple-jacquard engineered upper, which further enhances the premium fit and feel of the shoe. The triple-knit design creates a 3D-like mesh upper that provides a little padding around the foot while remaining breathable. The fit is neat and plush and befitting of a premium model.
Midsole
While the Glycerin 23 gets a higher stack midsole cushioning, it is only 2mm more in the forefoot. Despite just a small increase, the shoe does feel significantly more cushioned and responsive. The DNA TUNED midsole remains unchanged – as far as we know, but Brooks, as could any brand, gently ‘tweak’ a midsole without advertising the fact.
The cushioning feels a little softer and more responsive, particularly in the forefoot.
Outsole
There’s a new outsole pattern to the Glycerin 23. While not a massive departure from the pattern on the Glycerin 22, it is a little more flexible and feels a little softer to compress. This also contributes to the overall softer feel of the cushioning in my opinion.
Fit
The fit of the new Glycerin 23 is great. I am already enjoying the snug, yet plush fit and feel. The overall length and width are true to size, BUT some people have commented that they need to go up a half size. With this in mind, try to try before you buy to be safe.
Weight
Okay, on paper, the Glycerin 23 has gained a little weight over its predecessor, but this is marginal, and it really doesn’t feel any heavier when you are wearing and running in the shoe.
My advice in the department would be to simply ignore the weight and try the shoe. It instantly feels like an extension of the foot, with a neat, snug and wrap-around fit.
Drop
The increased forefoot cushioning (2mm more) means the shoe now has a 2mm lower drop. When running, the small difference in drop is unnoticeable, and the shoe now actually feels better and more balanced for the change.
Glycerin 23
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Glycerin 22
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Performance
The Glycerin 23 refines the run experience with 2 mm more cushioning in the forefoot and a slightly lower drop, which makes the shoe feel even plusher and more balanced between heel and toe. Many runners have already reported back to me that the 23 feels smoother and more cushioned, with transitions that feel natural and more effortless, making it ideal for long easy runs, recovery days, or steady training miles.
In everyday running, the Glycerin 23’s updated cushioning and geometry give a softer, more luxurious feel overall, while the 22 still offers a very comfortable, slightly firmer ride that many runners are still enjoying. This in itself is a testament to the durability of the Glycerin. Many runners report taking the shoes way beyond the 500-mile ‘norm’.
My Verdict
In conclusion, the Glycerin 23 is most certainly an improvement over what was already a great shoe.
The Brooks Glycerin 22 refreshed the Glycerin line on its introduction with nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED cushioning, giving runners a plush, soft heel landing and responsive toe-off while maintaining a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop and comfortable double jacquard knit upper. It served as a premium daily neutral trainer with smooth transitions and solid comfort for easy miles and long runs.
Building on that foundation, the Glycerin 23 focuses on refined ride feel and fit rather than a complete overhaul. The core midsole tech remains DNA TUNED, but Brooks has added 2 mm more cushioning in the forefoot, resulting in a lower 8 mm, which makes the shoe feel slightly more balanced and less steep from heel to toe.
The improvement in the cushioned feel of the shoe is so good that the small increase in weight goes unnoticed.
The fit is neat, and the ride is entertaining and engaging, involving you more in the run and forgetting any concerns over weight at all!
Do you know if they plan on having a stealthfit option for the glycerin 23’s?
There is no Stealthfit in the currently showing in the range for Spring or Autumn 2026 for the Glycerin 23