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Weight: 297g US M 9 269g US W 7.5 |
Use: Easy Day Recovery Run |
Price: $349.99 AUD |
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Stack Height // Drop: 45mm Heel // 39mm Forefoot 6mm Drop |
Favourite Features: DNA Tuned Midsole Foam GlideRoll Rocker Technology |
Available: Now |
What’s the Brooks Glycerin Max all about?
Brooks has taken an exciting step forward with this max-cushioned shoe. Developed by the Brooks BlueLine Lab—a team dedicated to bringing futuristic models and concepts to life—the Glycerin Max offers a super-cushioned, fun ride whilst still delivering the desired performance. For runners who love maximal protection on easy runs and recovery days, the Glycerin Max is sure to impress.
The Good, The Bad and The Run: Josh’s Take on the Glycerin Max
I was a huge fan of the Aurora, the first release from the Brooks BlueLine Lab, which introduced us to the nitrogen-infused midsole (DNA Loft v3). With this shoe, Brooks has taken the learnings from that model and combined them with philosophies from the Ghost Max 2 and their Glycerin franchise, creating what has become my favourite Brooks of all time. The fit is exceptional, which is to be expected from Brooks. I especially appreciate the additional room in the toe box, making the shoe more accommodating for runners like me who fluctuate between D and 2E widths.
My only criticism is the weight. While the midsole performance was great, I feel that if Brooks could have shaved 20g off the shoe, it would have opened up a larger market and made the shoe more versatile. At around 275g to 280g, the shoe would have felt lighter and perhaps been more versatile for runs other than the easy/recovery days. However, I understand that reducing the weight might have compromised its function and performance, so it's only a minor critique overall for me.
The shoe performed exceptionally well for daily mileage and recovery runs. The rocker is perfectly placed, making for an effortless toe-off, especially during slower recovery runs (around 5:30-40 min/km). As a midfoot striker, I found the entry point to be flawless, with just the right amount of compression followed by balanced stability through toe-off. Overall, the shoe felt smooth and responsive, making it a reliable option for recovery days. Final thoughts - it’s a big yes from me and a shoe I'll continue to run in.
The Good, The Bad and The Run: Georgia's Take on the Glycerin Max
Firstly, I am a huge fan of the colourway for both the women’s and men’s; Brooks have nailed the aesthetics and I have no doubt many customers will agree. Once it was on my foot, the padded heel collar and tongue were two features that I noticed straight away. Some heel collars don’t agree with the shape of my Achilles and I certainly had no issues with the Glycerin Max. The toebox has the perfect amount of room to allow my toes to splay without it feeling like my foot is swimming; although it is worth noting that I wear a well padded tech running sock and a thinner sock may result in the fit feeling different. The DNA Tuned midsole feels plush and protective yet responsive and I enjoy the aggressive rocker which sits exactly where I need it for a smooth toe-off.
The only negative aspect of this shoe for me, which Josh and Nathan have also found, is the weight. There is a lot of shoe underfoot and it has taken a few runs to get used to this so it has made it a bit harder for me to pick up the pace when I want to incorporate some quicker kilometres within a long run.
The Glycerin Max will be used on my mid week long runs when the legs are feeling a bit beaten up from a session the day before. They are certainly a fun shoe to lace up and allow me to set into a good rhythm that feels both comfortable and effortless, whilst also providing protection for my fatigued legs, so it’s a big tick for me!
A New-Generation Brooks Foam
The first thing that stood out to me about the Glycerin Max midsole is its density. Brooks’ new DNA Tuned nitrogen infused midsole foam really nails that sweet spot—soft and protective, but not so soft that it turns mushy over longer runs. On my first few runs, I noticed how cushioned the landings felt and how smooth the rocker moved me forward. The dual-layer cushioning design, with larger cells in the heel and smaller ones in the forefoot, really enhances the ride, offering subtle bouncy responsiveness that I haven’t found in a lot of other max-cushion shoes.
Compared to other super-cushioned models on the market, the Glycerin Max has a unique feel. It weighs in at 297g for men and 269g for women with a 6mm drop, and while it’s not the lightest shoe out there, the aggressive rocker design really helps you get through the amount of cushioning. I found it moves a little quicker than the Puma MagMax, which is probably its closest competitor on the market in my opinion. That said, it doesn’t quite have the versatility of the Asics Superblast 2, mainly due to its weight. But that’s okay—it was designed to shine on easy recovery runs, not necessarily for uptempo days or quicker long runs.
Comfort and Fit: Classic Brooks with Modern Aesthetic
One thing Brooks often nails is the fit, and the Glycerin Max fits my foot really well. It has that classic Brooks fit with great depth and volume, especially through the midfoot and forefoot. I felt the shoe offered ample space, but not so much that it impacted the lockdown. The triple jacquard engineered mesh upper feels durable, but breathable enough over longer runs.
One small gripe I have with the upper is the lack of a gusseted tongue. It’s a feature I’ve come to appreciate in other shoes, as it keeps the tongue in place and adds a bit of extra security. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I do wish Brooks had incorporated it here.
Broad Footprint Stability and Durable Traction
What really impressed me is how stable the Glycerin Max feels, despite such a high stack height. The wide midsole platform and well-executed sidewalls make for a stable ride, but you still have to be weary going around sharp corners! I feel as though stability is a really important aspect of shoes designed for easy days as it allows your legs to recover from high training loads so I’m really glad Brooks have thought about this when designing the Glycerin Max.
The outsole of the Glycerin Max features its durable RoadTack rubber, and combined with the HPR Plus in the heel, the shoe grips the road really well. Whether I’m running on wet or dry surfaces, the traction has felt solid. It’s not the lightest shoe but Brooks has done a great job putting outsole in areas where you need it most. I’ve logged quite a few miles in these already and they’re showing no real signs of wear just yet.
