Brooks Glycerin 22 Shoe Review

I was excited to try the Brooks Glycerin 22. The Brooks Glycerin has always been one of those shoes you almost forget about, and I mean that in a good way. It has never been flashy and sometimes feels like a ghost that gets overtaken in popularity. The Glycerin 22 continues that tradition.

In a market full of plated trainers and oversized stacks, the Glycerin 22 is refreshingly straightforward. It is built for runners who want a soft, reliable daily trainer that works for easy miles, long runs, and recovery days without demanding attention.

I’ve put the Glycerin 22 through a mix of desert pavement runs, early morning easy miles, and tired-leg long runs. I’ve used the Glycerin since earlier versions, and it has always been one of my favorites. It’s just a great easy run shoe.

Before running in the Brooks Glycerin 22, I had a few questions.

Is the Brooks Glycerin 22 good for marathon training?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin 22 works well for marathon training, especially for easy runs, long runs, and recovery days. It provides plenty of cushioning and protection for high mileage, making it a good option for runners who want to keep their legs feeling fresh between workouts.

Is the Brooks Glycerin 22 a stability shoe?
No, the Brooks Glycerin 22 is a neutral running shoe. That said, its wide platform and consistent ride give it a naturally stable feel, which some runners appreciate even without formal stability features.

Can you run fast in the Brooks Glycerin 22?
You can pick up the pace if needed, but the Glycerin 22 is not designed for speed work or racing. It performs best at easy and steady paces where comfort and efficiency matter more than quick turnover.

How does the Brooks Glycerin 22 fit compared to previous versions?
The fit is true to size and very consistent with past Glycerin models. Runners who have worn earlier versions should feel right at home, with a comfortable toe box, secure heel, and no major changes in sizing.

Is the Brooks Glycerin 22 worth the price?
If you are looking for a durable, cushioned daily trainer that can handle a lot of miles, the Brooks Glycerin 22 is worth the price. It may not be the most exciting shoe, but it offers reliability and comfort that many runners value over flashier options.

Now, let’s get into an honest Brooks Glycerin 22 shoe review.

Quick Facts

Weight:
Men’s: 10.2 oz
Women’s: 9.1 oz

• Stack height: 38 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
• Drop: 10 mm
• Price: $160
• Intended use: Daily training, easy runs, long runs, recovery runs

Brooks Glycerin 22 Upper

The upper on the Glycerin 22 feels familiar and similar to previous versions. Brooks did not overcomplicate things here. The engineered knit is soft, flexible, and accommodating. It has enough structure to hold your foot in place but never feels restrictive.

Fit is true to size. The toe box is classic Brooks. Not overly wide, not narrow, just enough room for toes to spread naturally on longer runs. For a while, the Glycerin was pretty narrow and I had to wear a wide. That isn’t the case with the Glycerin 22, and the fit is true to size.

Heel lockdown is secure without excessive padding. The collar and tongue are well cushioned, which adds to the overall comfort but does not feel bulky. This is a shoe you can put on and forget about once you start running, which is exactly what you want from a daily trainer. The best running shoes disappear off your feet, especially easy run shoes, and the Brooks Glycerin 22 does just that.

I usually wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide in running shoes, and the Brooks Glycerin 22 has fit the best. I haven’t had any issues.

Brooks Glycerin 22 Ride

The biggest update to the Glycerin line in recent versions has been the DNA Loft v3 foam, and that continues here. This foam is nitrogen infused, which gives it a lighter and slightly more responsive feel compared to older versions, while still staying true to the Glycerin identity.

The ride is soft, but not mushy. There is compression underfoot, especially at slower paces, but it rebounds smoothly rather than sinking and staying there. It feels protective without disconnecting you from the ground entirely. Sometimes very soft shoes feel mushy, but that isn’t the case here.

This is not a fast shoe. It does not encourage quick turnover or aggressive pacing. What it does encourage is relaxed running.

The 10 mm drop will work well for a wide range of runners, especially those who land more toward the heel or midfoot. The transition from heel to toe is smooth and predictable, which makes this shoe especially good when fatigue sets in.

On tired legs, the Glycerin 22 shines. It is the kind of shoe you reach for when you know the run is about time on feet, not pace on the watch.

Where does the Brooks Glycerin 22 fit in my rotation? As you might guess, this is an easy run shoe. It’s the shoe I want after hard workouts and when I want to run easy. My body feels protected. You can kind of pick up the pace, but it definitely feels best for daily training.

Outsole and Durability

The RoadTack rubber outsole continues to be one of Brooks’ strengths. Traction on pavement is great, even on sandy desert roads and slightly worn asphalt. It does not feel sticky, but it does not slip either.

Durability is exactly what you would expect from a shoe in this category. This is a high-mileage trainer. After consistent use, the outsole shows minimal wear, and the midsole maintains its shape well. I would guess the Brooks Glycerin 22 will last about 400 miles.

Brooks Glycerin 22 Conclusion

This shoe delivers exactly what long-time Glycerin fans expect while improving comfort and ride quality. I appreciate that Brooks doesn’t always do massive updates on running shoes. Sometimes you want a new version that is similar to the previous one.

In a crowded shoe market, that reliability is underrated. The Glycerin 22 is a dependable daily trainer for runners who value comfort, durability, and predictability. The Glycerin is the shoe I can come back to year after year and know it’s going to work.

Who Should Buy the Brooks Glycerin 22

• You want a soft, cushioned daily trainer that prioritizes comfort

• You run a lot of easy miles and long runs

• You want a durable shoe that can handle high mileage

Who Should Skip the Brooks Glycerin 22

• You want a lightweight, fast daily trainer

• You prefer a firmer or more responsive ride

• You want a shoe that feels exciting or aggressive

• You are looking for something specifically for workouts or racing

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2

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

Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura,  Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3 

Races/Speedwork: ASICS Metaspeed Ray, Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4

Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.

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 daily trainer?

Have you run in the Brooks Glycerin?