We ran 55 miles in the Brooks Glycerin Max and it’s a shoe that delivers both comfort and energy return

Brooks has long been known for producing some of the best running shoes on the market, offering comfort and protection for runners of all abilities. But what makes the Glycerin Max different from other recent running shoe models from Brooks, like the Brooks Ghost 16 and the Brooks Glycerin 21?

Well, what sets the Glycerin Max apart is that it pushes Brooks into the max cushioned category, with the shoe showcasing a much greater stack height than other models. The Glycerin Max midsole is made from Brooks' DNA Tuned material, this tech is designed to increase the level of comfort at the heel and provide a more energetic, responsive feel at the forefoot. Brooks built this midsole design using two different densities: larger cells at the heel to create a softer, more cushioned landing, and smaller cells at the forefoot to improve energy return and propulsion with each step.

Both Nick Harris-Fry and I have tested this shoe on our runs, and we’re excited to share how it stacks up in our review of the Brooks Glycerin Max.

Brooks Glycerin Max Review: Price and Availability

The Brooks Glycerin Max launched on October 1st and is priced at $200 in the U.S. and £180 in the U.K. This Glycerin Max comes with a premium price tag, especially for a non-plated shoe. It’s worth noting here that the brand’s plated shoe, the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, costs $20 less than the Glycerin Max. Meanwhile, other non-plated and cushioned Brooks running shoes like the Ghost 16 will cost you less at $140, or the Glycerin 21 at $160. 

Brooks Glycerin Max Review Design

JD: The Brooks Glycerin Max is available in both men's and women’s sizes with one colorway for each, a Grey/Black/Nightlife colorway for men and a White/Black/Diva Pink for women. In person, they both look very similar with a largely white color base and touch of yellow sneaking through the midsole for the mens and a peek of pink for the womens.

The shoe weighs in at 9.8oz for a US women’s size 9 and 11.2oz for a men’s size 10 and has a 6mm drop from heel to toe. With a stack height of 45mm at the heel and 39mm at the forefoot, this max stack height represents a notable shift for Brooks, which previously had no supermax shoes until the Glycerin Max.

In my usual shoe size, the Glycerin Max fit true to size. I didn’t feel any slack in areas where I wouldn’t want to and I also didn’t feel restricted by the fit of the shoe.

NHF: I also found the shoe fit me well in my normal running shoe size, the same size I’ve had for all Brooks shoes in recent years. 

Upper

The upper of the Brooks Glycerin Max has a highly padded collar and tongue that contribute to a plush, soft feel. The thick tongue helps protect the top of the foot against any pressure from the laces. Meanwhile, substantial padding in the heel and a significant heel counter offer good levels of stability and support from the upper. 

The upper also features a mesh base which I found to be nice and breathable but I haven’t had the chance to try the shoes out in any particularly hot temperatures. I also liked the wiggle room I had in the toe box, I felt like my toes had plenty of space to naturally spread and remain comfortable during longer runs.

Midsole

The DNA Tuned midsole is the key feature of the Brooks Glycerin Max. The midsole is made from a nitrogen-infused foam that uses different sized cells to cater to different parts of the foot, providing a softer feel at the heel and a firmer, more responsive feel at the forefoot. Larger cells in the heel create a more compliant, cushioned landing. Meanwhile, smaller, denser cells in the forefoot deliver a snappier toe-off, giving you a more responsive push-off without compromising on overall comfort.

Nitrogen-infused foam in running shoes refers to a process where nitrogen gas is used to create small air pockets within the foam. This helps make a midsole lighter while maintaining a balance between cushioning and responsiveness. Running shoes with nitrogen-infused midsoles are also meant to offer better shock absorption, which I found to be true while wearing the Glycerin Max over longer distances.

The shoe also features Brooks’ GuideRoll rocker system to help smoothen transitions and, during my training in this shoe, made things feel less arduous on my longer runs. 

Outsole

The outsole of the Brooks Glycerin Max focuses on keeping the weight of the shoe low by placing rubber in key areas rather than offering full coverage. There is a durable looking rubber in the heel and forefoot for added traction and protection. So far I haven’t had any issues while wearing the shoe in wetter conditions.  

Brooks Glycerin Max Review: Running Performance:

JD: Despite the Brooks Glycerin Max landing on the heavier end, I found the shoe to offer a fun, comfortable and lively ride. While they may not be my first choice for speed work, the unique midsole provides a good snap to the ride and in terms of comfort and effortlessness, these shoes truly excel during longer runs and recovery runs. I’m definitely excited to keep using them in my current shoe rotation.

NHF: I used the Glycerin Max for a mix of training runs including a 20-mile long run where I progressed the pace from easy to tempo. It’s a more responsive option for faster running than Brooks’ other cushioned shoes like the Glycerin 21 and Ghost 16, with the new midsole foam giving it a poppier ride at toe-off and the rocker creating a smooth transition from heel to toe.

That said, I still think the shoe is best used for easier efforts, and it’s great for long runs at slower paces. It’s supportive and stable for a max-cushioned shoe, and comfortable over any distance thanks to the soft feel of the foam under the heel in particular. Despite being a large and fairly heavy shoe, I also found it feels quite light while running.

Should you buy the Brooks Glycerin Max?

JD: If you want to liven up your daily training and don’t mind a slightly bulkier shoe then I think the Brooks Glycerin Max has a lot to offer. It’s got plenty of cushioning without leaving you feeling swamped by the foam. It gives a nice little pop in your stride and overall it feels very comfortable on foot.

However, it is quite expensive for a daily trainer. For something more affordable, I’d look to something like the Saucony Hurricane 24 which also launched this year and although it’s a stability shoe it’s suitable for anyone looking for a comfy daily trainer.

NHF: I agree with Jess that the Brooks Glycerin Max is a great shoe for daily training, but one that doesn’t quite live up to its high price tag, especially given that Brooks has excellent, cheaper alternatives like the Glycerin 21 or Ghost Max 2 in its own range.

The Saucony Hurricane 24 is certainly a great option for those seeking a comfortable trainer, and one of my favorite shoes of 2024 even though I’m a neutral runner. I’d also say that the Asics Superblast 2 and New Balance Fresh Foam X Balos are worth looking at as cushioned shoes that are more versatile and better for fast runs than the Glycerin Max.