Brooks Glycerin Max Shoe Review

I was excited to try the Brooks Glycerin Max. The hype from Brooks was real, and I bought in. While many brands have quickly embraced maximalism, Brooks has taken its time to enter the market. After a gradual launch of the Ghost Max, Brooks has now introduced the Glycerin Max. If you’ve read my review of the Ghost Max 2, you know I feel as though Brooks missed the mark with that. It feels more like a walking shoe versus a running shoe.

This shoe features Brooks’ tallest stack height to date and stands out in the industry with its 47 mm heel. The Glycerin Max pushes boundaries with its over-45 mm stack height, which is very uncommon as of 2024 in the running shoe market. Brooks has enhanced its nitrogen-infused foam technology, combining two densities of foam in the DNA Tuned midsole for a soft heel landing and an energetic toe-off.

Before trying the Brooks Glycerin Max, I had a few questions:

• Does the Brooks Glycerin Max fit true to size? Yes, Brooks usually does a good job with their running shoes, and the Glycerin Max does fit true to size.
• Is the Brooks Glycerin Max good for running? YES. Honestly, after the Ghost Max 2, I wondered this myself, and the Brooks Glycerin Max does handle running well.
• Is the Brooks Glycerin Max good? Yes. I have been pleasantly surprised.

Now on to an honest Brooks Glycerin Max Shoe Review. 

Brooks Glycerin Max Quick Facts

• Price: $200
• Weight: 10.9 oz (Men’s), 9.3 oz (Women’s)
• Stack Height: 47 mm (heel) / 41 mm (forefoot)
• Drop: 6 mm

Brooks Glycerin Max Fit

The Glycerin Max features a triple-layer mesh upper, offering a blend of durability and breathability, though it runs on the warmer side. The fit is slightly wider through the midfoot and forefoot, with a slightly tapered toe box. For some, this can result in a snug feeling up front. The non-gusseted tongue and thicker upper may require adjustments to ensure a good fit, especially for those with narrower feet.

The heel is padded with a thick and plush counter, providing solid security without causing problems. However, the thick upper material contributes to the shoe’s weight, which may feel cumbersome during longer runs. The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and I’ve found in the summer and warmer months, that the Brooks Glycerin Max does not do that. It feels very warm, but other than that, it fits and feels good. One thing I must point out is the weird, heavy, logo they put on the side…just why? That plastic piece adds weight for literally no reason.

In running shoes, I tend to wear a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I found the size 11 to fit the best for the Glycerin Max. It fits well, and my only complaint is how warm the upper gets.

Brooks Glycerin Max Ride

The midsole is where the magic happens, right? Just looking at the Glycerin Max, you think, “Whew, that is a lot of shoe.” It doesn’t feel like that long ago that minimalist running shoes were a thing. Now look at us.

The DNA Tuned midsole is the key feature of the Glycerin Max, combining two foam densities for a smooth ride. The softer heel is designed for cushioned landings, while the firmer forefoot aims to deliver a more responsive push-off.

I’ve personally found it to be on the firmer side. Yes, it feels soft when you land, but overall the ride feels firm. I was really excited to first try the Brooks Glycerin Max. I wanted a high-cushioned training shoe, and I was underwhelmed with the Brooks Ghost Max 2. Really underwhelmed.

The Brooks Glycerin Max feels a lot better for running, but I’ve found it to still be a bit clunky (I’m a huge fan of the Glycerin). I think if they knocked a couple of ounces off the Glycerin Max, it might be close to perfect. I use it as an easy run shoe, and it’s fine, but it’s not my first choice when I think of easy run, high-cushioned shoes, and I feel as though that’s because it feels so bulky. I do think this is a good start, but Brooks has a bit to go with perfecting the Glycerin Max.

Outsole

Brooks is known for its durability, and the Brooks Glycerin Max is no different. The outsole provides excellent durability, with thick rubber covering most high-wear areas.

After logging about 100 miles, the outsole shows minimal wear, making the Glycerin Max a good choice for runners who need a long-lasting shoe. I expect it should last around 400 miles or so. The Brooks Glycerin Max does have exposed midsole areas, so keep that in mind because sometimes those don’t hold up as we’d like. I’ve used the Brooks Glycerin Max in inclement weather as well as on sandy trails, and for the most part, it’s fine. I do think the upper is holding it back because when it gets hot or wet from rain, it becomes heavy and cumbersome to run.

Brooks Glycerin Max Conclusion

The Glycerin Max offers a cushioned ride that’s great for easy runs, long runs, or recovery days. However, its heavier weight and firm forefoot may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a more flexible and responsive shoe. The $200 price tag is justified by its durability and cushioning, but there are more affordable options in the same category. I compare the ASICS Superblast 2 to the Glycerin Max, and the ASICS just feels easier to run in.

Who Should Buy the Brooks Glycerin Max?

• Runners who prefer a high stack height and need extra cushioning for long, slow runs.
• Runners seeking a shoe with long-lasting durability and solid protection for easy paces.

Who Should Not Buy the Brooks Glycerin Max?

• Runners looking for a lighter, more flexible shoe for faster workouts or races.
• Those who prefer a more breathable upper, especially for warm weather running.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, , ASICS Superblast

Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3

Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review

Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,

Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 1.5 Shoe Review Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280,  Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris

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:

What is your favorite max cushioned training shoe?

Have you tried the Brooks Glycerin Max?