I was excited about the Brooks Glycerin 20. It seems like a bit since Brooks updated their daily neutral training shoes. I don’t want to say I’ve been running consistently in the Brooks Glycerin before. It was cool…but I have. My first review of the Glycerin was the Brooks Glycerin 14, but that was because I started reviewing shoes around there. I believe the first model of the Glycerin I ran in was the 11 or 12. I always have a pair of Glycerin in the rotation as they are a super soft, high cushioned trainer.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Quick Facts:
Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm
Weight: 9.1 oz
Price: $160
Brooks Glycerin 20 Introduction:
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is one of the most anticipated shoes of 2020. I can see why. Brooks uses the DNA Loft v3 in the Glycerin midsole. The DNA Loft v3 is the same nitrogen-infused foam found in one of the craziest-looking shoes: the Aurora-BL. The Aurora-BL was one of the most popular shoes from Brooks, so how would the Brooks Glycerin 20 be?
It’s also available in Stealthfit. While I haven’t been a fan of that particular fit from Brooks, I know many people are. Different shoes for different people. Anyway, this specific version has been substantially updated (in a good way) with a wider fit and a more responsive and bouncy midsole. Plus, as a bonus, the Stealthfit has a different upper if that is what you are into.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Fit:
The big update for the Brooks Glycerin 20 is that it’s 7mm wider in mid-foot than Glycerin 19. That might not seem like a lot, but it is! 7 mm is enormous in the running world. It doesn’t make it a wide shoe, but it makes it more comprehensive than in previous years. Typically the Brooks Glycerin has always run narrow. I always say: I wish I could have the Brooks Glycerin ride with the Brooks Ghost’s fit.
That isn’t the case anymore, and the Brooks Glycerin 20 fits true to size. The upper uses a plush and breathable, engineered air-mesh. This means it has a secure fit that comfortably holds the foot. The tongue and heel counter are both plush and padded.
I firmly believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet and the Brooks Glycerin 20 does just that. I haven’t had any hot spots or annoyances.
Typically, I wear between a size 10-11 wide in running shoes, and in the Brooks Glycerin 20, a size 11 fits well. I’ve been in size 11 wide for the last few years, but this year’s regular width is excellent.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Ride:
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is like previous versions of the Glycerin in that it is highly cushioned and soft. For me, it’s always been a recovery or easy run shoe for me. I appreciate the extra cushion. Brooks added the DNA Loft v3, which is the same type of cushion as the Aurora BL. The Glycerin is less responsive and bouncy than the Aurora BL, but it’s different. It takes a few miles to feel comfortable with the Brooks Glycerin 20. Unlike the Brooks Ghost, which feels good initially, the Glycerin takes a few miles to warm up.
Durability and Traction: Brooks is known for durability and traction, and the Brooks Glycerin 20 is no different. I can typically get about 400 miles in the Brooks Glycerin, and the twentieth version looks about the same. The Glycerin 20 has plenty of traction. Even on inclement weather days, I don’t feel like I’m sliding around. I occasionally wear them on the dunes, and they don’t feel too terrible.
Typically I’ve used the Brooks Glycerin as an easy daily run shoe, and the Brooks Glycerin is excellent. It’s not a shoe I feel particularly fast in, but my body always feels more recovered when I run in the Brooks Glycerin 20. Can you pick up the pace in the Glycerin 20? Of course, it’s not a cinderblock shoe, but it has many soft cushion.
What is the difference between the Brooks Glycerin 20 and Brooks Glycerin GTS?
They are made for different foot types. You either do well in one or the other, and your foot typically won’t do well in both. They are not interchangeable. I firmly believe Brooks did themselves a disserve by naming their stability shoes the GTS version of their neutral. The GTS has stability, whereas the Glycerin 20 is strictly a neutral shoe.
What I the difference between the Brooks Glycerin 20 and the Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit?
The Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 20 is for runners who want a close-to-foot fit upper and feel. Do you like your shoes too but know you shouldn’t have tight running shoes? This fit is for you! The Glycerin 20 is the traditional style fit. The Stealthfit and Glycerin 20 both have the same midsole and ride. They just fit differently.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Conclusion:
Is the Glycerin 20 a great daily trainer, high cushioned option? Yes. It’s a good shoe that you can trust year after year. I’m happy to see it get a reasonably big update as I believe the Glycerin 20 could use it. Not that anything is wrong with it, but with so many running shoes getting more technologically advanced, it’s nice to see the Glycerin 20 moving forward too. It was probably my favorite high-cushioned trainer so far in 2020.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Brooks Glycerin 20, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, 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, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Glycerin 20?
What is your favorite daily trainer?