One of the longest-running shoes (pun-intended) returns for its 22nd edition, with one very big update. But does the new midsole foam elevate the Glycerin, or is it more of the “same old, same old”? I share my experience through 60 miles, in this Brooks Glycerin 22 review.
Brooks Glycerin 22 Review
| STACK HEIGHT | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 38 mm/28 mm (10 mm drop) | M9: 10.2 oz (289.2 g) W8: 9.1 oz (258.0 g) | $165 |
Midsole and Ride
First introduced a few months earlier in the ultra-stacked Brooks Glycerin Max, DNA Tuned is a nitrogen-infused foam created with dual-sized cell technology—larger cells in the heel and midfoot for soft landings and smaller cells in the forefoot for responsive toe-offs. Brooks injects millions of microscopic nitrogen cells in the midsole. Science!
The generous stack height of 38/28 mm firmly puts it in the maximum cushion category, although it is unusual for a max cushion pair’s forefoot stack height to sit below 30 mm. The Glycerin’s classic 10 mm drop may be a non-starter for some who prefer low-drop shoes; it feels great to me as a heel striker who occasionally lands with the midfoot first.
While it’s just one foam, the midsole’s two different underfoot sensations are reminiscent of a shoe incorporating two foams, like the Saucony Hurricane 24. More brands should experiment with creating versatile foams like this for a more dynamic running experience.
Compared to Brooks’ other nitrogen-infused foams, DNA Tuned is softer than DNA LOFT v3, (Ghost Max 2 and Glycerin 21) and DNA FLASH v2 (Hyperion Max 2). But while it provides soft landings, there is a great energy return and it feels more responsive than DNA LOFT v3.
Upper
The new engineered double jacquard knit is one of the most luxurious, accommodating uppers from Brooks in some time. It hugs the feet tremendously well and the non-gusseted tongue—while massive—helps attain a secure lockdown. Seriously, this is one of the thickest tongues I’ve ever experienced—and I experienced quite a few of them during my college years. What can I say? I was going through a phase—a tongue fetish phase.
Frankly, the tongue looks a bit intimidating at first, and it looks like it’s going to be intrusive to the top of the foot. But it’s a seamless fit once you slip your feet into the comfort of the upper, including the ample padding in the heel collar. And despite the upper’s extreme coziness, it’s breathable thanks to the abundance of ventilation holes.
Outsole
Brooks is known for durable outsoles with a shit ton of rubber— too much rubber, some would argue. Personally, I’m not one of those arguers. No, I just come out and say it and don’t get into a disagreement: Some Brooks outsoles have too much rubber. Fortunately, the Glycerin 22 is not one of those shoes; compared to the 21, there’s a bit less rubber underfoot for a smoother ride. Like literally every other running shoe, there are flex grooves and just the tiniest bit of exposed foam.
Weight
The only downside to the 22nd edition is the gain of 0.4 ounces, likely caused by the plusher upper. Although, the midsole’s improved energy return doesn’t make the shoe feel noticeably heavier than the Glycerin 21. It’s a negligible weight gain that doesn’t detract from the experience of the shoe. And at just 10.2 ounces for a men’s size 9, it’s still on the lighter side of maximum cushioned trainers.
Price
Brooks shamelessly broke running shoe rule #43.197 and seven-eighths by raising the shoe’s price $5 to $165. Thanks, Brooks; this is why we can’t have nice things. It’s frustrating when companies don’t follow the established set of running shoe rules I devised many years ago for them to follow, but what can you do?
Well, I suppose you could not purchase the shoe. Although, I doubt Brooks would notice your little boycott of one. Perhaps you could organize a formal public protest, but, honestly, that sounds like a lot of time and energy for nothing. Oh well, I guess you’ll just have to give in and purchase the shoe at $165. Unless, of course, you wait about a year for the shoe to go on sale.
Aesthetics
It’s the best-looking Glycerin yet, although that’s not really saying much—like, at all. The Glycerin has never been one of the more attractive pairs on the roads. But the design of the Glycerin 22 is much more contemporary and more visually appealing than the 21st edition. And the 20th. And the 19th. Ok, you get it. Not yet? And the 18th.
But it’s not just one of the best-looking Brooks pairs; the improved aesthetics of the shoe elevate it to one of the best-looking shoes on the market.
Glycerin vs Glycerin Max
Let’s not avoid the question on everyone’s mind: why is this reviewer so cringe? No, not that one; we don’t have time to get into that one. Let’s focus on this one, instead: How does the Glycerin 22 compare to its big brother, the Glycerin Max? Well, with a stack height of 46/40 mm, the Max has roughly 8 mm more DNA Tuned foam in the heel and a whopping 12 more millimeters in the forefoot. Basic math tells us the Glycerin Max has a 6 mm drop, compared to the aforementioned 10 mm in the regular version.
Naturally, the Glycerin Max provides a much more cushioned running experience, while still providing soft underfoot landings. But the regular Glycerin’s 38 mm in the heel is nothing to sneeze at. The weight comparison is negligible, with the Max coming in at just 0.3 ounces heavier. Both uppers are great, but the Glycerin 22 is unquestionably more comfortable and better-fitting.
Neither shoe has a plate, so you should find it easier to pick up the pace in the lower stacked Glycerin 22. Essentially, it comes down to the amount of cushioning and drop you’re looking for and your budget. The Max is $35 more.
Conclusion
I’ve run in every version of the Glycerin since the Glycerin 17—released way back in 2019—so you could call me a Glycerin expert, of sorts. I know, I know: it’s not the sexiest shoe to be an expert on. And it’s far from the sexiest topic to an expert on. But it could be worse. I could be an expert on STDs. Or erectile dysfunction. Or premature ejaculation. Three topics that are quite the opposite of sexy.
While the Glycerin has always been a solid, reliable daily trainer, no one would ever confuse it for an exciting shoe. No one. But with the introduction of the dynamic DNA Tuned midsole foam, the Glycerin 22 promises to be the start of a new era for the shoe.
The Glycerin 22 is available on the Brooks website, or wherever you prefer to empty your wallet on shoes.
Brooks graciously provided the Glycerin 22 to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Brooks Glycerin 22 review and Brooks did not get an opportunity to see this review before I published.
