By Paul Freary
Always the brand’s premium cushioned model, the Glycerin 23 sees a higher midsole stack but retains the super-smooth DNA TUNED midsole for cushioned impact and responsive toe-off.
While the Glycerin Max 2 is now the highest stack model offered by Brooks, the Glycerin 23 remains the sweet spot for daily training versatility with a premium cushioning ride.
The Glycerin 23 is built for neutral runners who want a luxurious underfoot feel without sacrificing reliability or durability. Rather than chasing aggressive geometry or race‑day responsiveness, the Glycerin focuses on consistency, comfort, and durability. This makes the shoe particularly appealing to high‑mileage runners, heavier runners, and those who value comfort and smooth transitions over lighter, racier options.
Stats
Brooks | Glycerin 23 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily training |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Maxiumum cushioning |
Stack Height | 38mm heel 30mm forefoot |
Drop | 8mm |
Weight | Men 300g (10.6oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $165 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9.5/10 |
Design
The standout feature of the Glycerin 23 is its cushioning, and here it’s the brand’s DNA Tuned midsole foam. With an additional 2mm of foam in the midsole’s forefoot, the shoe feels softer and plusher yet retains the same level of responsiveness on toe-off. This additional 2mm forefoot cushioning reduces the shoe’s drop to 8mm.
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.
A new, triple jacquard warp knit upper improves the fit and feel of the shoe and is similar to that used on the Glycerin Max.
Glycerin 23
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Fit
The fit of the Glycerin 23 is even better than the previous model. It’s now a triple jacquard warp knit design and feels plush and welcoming immediately.
The shoe fits true to size in terms of both length and width and is consistent with all Brooks models as usual.
The Glycerin 23 is also available in a wide option 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 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 heart of the Glycerin 23 is DNA Tuned, Brooks’ nitrogen-infused foam midsole cushioning. This midsole is soft without feeling too mushy, offering a level of plushness that perfectly hits the sweet spot for daily miles.
Even on longer runs, it maintains its feel and structure, with a consistent feel. On push off, the energy return is again great for daily training miles and longer efforts. Okay, it’s not a super-responsive race shoe feel, but for everyday running, it’s well-balanced and energetic.
The 2mm lower drop isn’t noticeable, and it’s the additional 2mm cushioning in the forefoot that enhances the overall feel and ride.
The Glycerin 23 is a neutral shoe but feels very stable. So much so that I have been able to incorporate it into my shoe rotation without any issues, when I often opt for support-type options. Yes, the GTS model does offer more control, but for many, this neutral option provides a stable enough ride.
On the run, the cushioning truly shines during easy and moderate-paced efforts. The shoe absorbs impact exceptionally well, smoothing out the road and reducing impact.
While it’s not designed for speed workouts, the Glycerin 23 doesn’t feel cumbersome when you pick up the pace slightly. There’s enough energy return to keep things lively and engaging.
The Glycerin 23’s ride is very smooth, and the heel-to-toe transitions are fluid, with no noticeable change between heel and forefoot. The midsole didn’t feel at any point like it might bottom out, something that some highly cushioned shoes can do.
Shoes Like the Glycerin 23
This category of shoe is now a very competitive section of the market. With all brands having highly cushioned and premium daily trainers.
For me, the Glycerin 23 is about plush AND responsive cushioning, so that can narrow the choice a little as some models focus solely on soft cushioning that can feel a little like running on soft sand after a while.
New Balance 1080v15
The latest version of the New Balance 1080 has become a more versatile model, positioning it as a competitor to the Glycerin 23. Its new INFINION foam midsole, a nitrogen-injected foam, lifts its performance over the previous generation model, giving it a much livelier feel. It’s still a touch softer than the Glycerin, but now has the energy return that the 1080v14 lacked.
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28
ASICS’ range-topping neutral cushioned model has a higher stack than the Glycerin 23, and many may consider it more of a competitor to the Glycerin Max 2. That said, with its FF Blast+ midsole, I think it performs more closely to the Glycerin 23. I think the Nimbus 28 is a touch softer than the Brooks Glycerin 23, and its midsole is not quite as durable in terms of cushioning lifespan, but it is certainly a close contender.
Ghost 17
Brooks Ghost 17 and Brooks Glycerin Max 2, these two models from Brooks themselves could prove the toughest competition for the Glycerin 23. As with ASICS, Brooks now has a wide range of models that are essentially aimed at the same runner.
The Ghost 17 offers a great value proposition to the Glycerin 23, and for many who perhaps run only 2 or 3 times a week, it will be enough.
Glycerin Max 2
The Glycerin Max 2 is a max-stack version of the Glycerin 23. I personally fit both shoes into my shoe rotation, but again, many may want a one-shoe option. For heavier runners, the Max might be perfect, but the Glycerin 23 is a little more versatile.
My Verdict
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is just what I expected from this seasonal update. It’s a tried and tested formula and once again delivers the soft cushioned landing and smooth, responsive toe off.
It’s instantly comfortable, fits very well and allows you to simply pull it on and go.
The space between the Glycerin 23 and the Glycerin Max 2 has narrowed a little, but the Glycerin can still operate in your shoe rotation alongside the Max 2. The Glycerin 23 is a more versatile option and, for many, will be easier to get along with than the max stack of the Glycerin Max.
As I said in my introduction, the Glycerin 23 is built for neutral runners who want a luxurious underfoot feel without sacrificing reliability or durability and in that respect, it delivers perfectly.
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