Brooks Glycerin 18 Shoe Review

Brooks Glycerin 18 Shoe Review

I always seem to have a Brooks Glycerin in my running rotation. I started with the Brooks Glycerin 14 and went into the Glycerin 15, Brooks Glycerin 16, Glycerin 17 and now the Brooks Glycerin 18. I don’t have a favorite and have generally liked all of them. The Brooks Glycerin is an excellent recovery shoe with plenty of cushion for easy days.

Brooks Glycerin 18 Quick Facts:

Weight: 9 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm

Brooks Glycerin 18 Fit:

The Brooks Glycerin 18 uses a double-jacquard engineered mesh upper.  The Brooks Glycerin has had the same upper for a model now. The 3d Fit Print engineered mesh allows it to be stretchy, yet breathable.  I like that it gives the Brooks Glycerin 18 more room in the toebox. Plus, the internal bootie provides your foot smooth entry and exit.

For the last couple of models, the Brooks Glycerin 18 has remained more true to size. I typically wear a women’s 10-11 wide and I’ve found the 10.5 wide to be perfect for the Brooks Glycerin 18.  There were some years I was on the edge of even a wide being too narrow. I appreciate the wider toebox but narrow heel of the Brooks Glycerin 18.

Compared to other Brooks models, the Brooks Glycerin 18 has a more plush interior. You feel more padding in the heel collar, padded tongue, shoelaces, and even the OrthoLite Sockliner. Even part of the Brooks Glycerin feels like a high cushioned shoe. Brooks left no stone unturned.

Compared to previous models of the Brooks Glycerin, there hasn’t been too much change in the upper. There are a few overlays and seams gone, but other than not too much.

Brooks Glycerin 18 Ride:

For a few models, the Brooks Glycerin 18 has used a compound called: “DNA Loft Midsole.” What is DNA Loft? DNA Loft Cushioning is a foam compound made from EVA foam, air, and rubber.

Each of the compounds plays its role. The EVA (standard in most running shoes provides the soft cushioning, the air keeps the shoe light, and the rubber allows the Brooks Glycerin 18 to be durable.

Some high cushioned shoes (like the Hoka Clifton 6) are so soft and cushioned; they feel mushy under your foot. I’ve always appreciated that even though it’s a high cushioned shoe, the Brooks Glycerin 18 still feels responsive. Like most Brooks models, the Brooks Glycerin 18 has a smooth heel to toe transition.

Compared to previous versions of the Glycerin, the Brooks Glycerin is lighter.  The ride remains and feels relatively similar, but you’ll feel less weight under your feet.

Brooks Glycerin 18 Conclusion:

In all, the Brooks Glycerin 18 remains a traditional and true high cushion trainer. There isn’t much change from the Glycerin 17 to 18, which is a good thing. For the amount of cushion and weight, it’s a great shoe to keep in your rotation.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Glycerin 18, New Balance 880v10, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka One One Arahi 4, Asics Cumulus 21

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook I talk about why you need a good running shoe, the anatomy of a shoe, neutral vs stable, and even myths of running shoes. 

Questions for you:

What is your easy run shoe?

Have you tried the Brooks Glycerin 18?