The Glycerin fits true to size for me, with ample space in the forefoot and a secure midfoot. Ive put many more miles on both shoes since that video, but my conclusion remains the same. It immediately felt soft and bouncy, the upper fit like a glove, and I was ready to go for days (minus the afore-mentioned bum ankle). It seems like theyve pulled back on the bounce just enough that the result is a shoe thats bouncier than most, but not enough to cause problems. But for shorter tempo runs or speed workouts, these really held up.
Lets see what this all means on the run. Its not so apparent at easier paces, but go and try a few strides, and things start to feel blocky very quickly. Fortunately after a few runs the outsole (and midsole) developed good enough flex to improve transitions but overall the Glycerin is not particularly flexible with its flex point way back towards midfoot. Type: Road
No reak medial reinforcements higher up to go with the effective and even for me as a neutral runner kind of essential here Guide Rails to help support the foot at the critical lace up and rear collar area? According to Brooks, this new design makes for a smoother and more stable transition. In my opinion, the best Glycerin yet.
This could be a rose-colored glasses situation, but I dont love the 20 quite as much as I remember loving the 13 (or 14?). sign up for Outside+. The Stealthfit Upper as Joost said reminded me of the Infinity React but for me it was more like the Adidas Ultraboost Uncaged version. In 2021 the 19 introduced a 2nd version with GTS (Go-To-Support) Guide Rails for adaptive stability. Theres a slightly different outsole structure, while still very similar to the previous version of the Glycerin. PWRRUN+ is a nice midsole that also last a lot of miles and the outsole has great traction dry or wet with lots of rubber for durability.
If you want just a hint of bounce? I still dont think the Glycerin 20 is a huge smile shoe, but I think its a little smile shoe, maybe a big smirk, but its a big smirk you can put virtually all of your easy miles on and not have to worry about the extra wear and tear all the big bounces are putting on your lower legs. Im happy to say that the exposed v3 is holding up much better than the exposed v1, and should not be an early failure point. Overall, this is a fine and very comfortable upper, which secures the foot nicely in place. The midsole doesnt crease/compress much which helps deliver a stable ride at easy pace and moderate paces and for longer runs. Learn how to rack up those miles and be your healthiest self. For sure not boring or lumbering with a wonderful midsole but not exactly snappy or fast it is not nearly as exciting as the much lighter Aurora BL. As much as I enjoyed the ultra bouncy Aurora BL last year, the more conservative bounced Glycerin 20 is much easier to live with. $160. At first, this was not my impression. The regular neutral version of the style, featuring the new engineered mesh upper. Weight is way up there 10.9 oz US9 in my GTS with regular upper especially given DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam and how light the similar Aurora-BL was. The Nimbus 24 was a big step up for ASICS, using a FF Blast+ midsole and improving and streamlining the upper a great deal. The Glycerin 20 is soft but has enough flex and bounce to keep you rolling forward all day long. Better ride, better upper, more stable, better overall feeling on foot. As Ive mentioned, the ride really changed for me after a couple of runs. The Brooks Glycerin has a solid fan base its one of Brooks' most cushioned running shoes, and its a firm favorite for beginners and marathon runners alike. The Boston 10 new makeover changed the shoe but for me making it an Uptempo/Daily trainer. I unscientifically measured 34 mm in the heel without the sock liner (which is a standard Ortholite affair) in my mens 9.5US. When it comes to race day, the feather-weight technology and adaptable fit of your Stealthfit 20 takes all of your hard work and turns it into effortless performance.
The upper is a booty knitted upper and the toe box has volume and feels very comfortable and breathable too. As a max-cushioned shoe, theres quite a lot of it, too. The Best Trail Running Shoes for Spring and Summer 2022, Running Shoes are Finally Being Designed for Women, Saucony Endorphin Speed Review: 100-Mile Rundown, I Ran My Fastest 5K Ever in the Nike Pegasus 38. This is not a speedwork or tempo shoe, but for those days in between when your legs are tired and you just want a shoe that feels good as you shuffle through some recovery miles, you could do far worse than the Glycerin. Brooks has set the bar high, can anyone else clear it? RoadTrailRun receives a commission on purchases at the stores below. Ive put a lot of miles on last years Glycerin 19, and spent a fair amount of time in them casually after retiring them from running service, so Im very familiar with how the modern Glycerin looks and feels - and the Aurora BL (Brooks first shoe with DNA Loft v3) was my road shoe of the year last year, so I thought I knew what to expect.
After launching the mild stability GTS version, together with the standard one last year, this year there are none less than 4 different versions of the Glycerin. Given the shoes weight, it does not exactly have a snappy responsive ride, and with my Regular upper issues the ride is strictly moderate and easy days and trippy LSD (long slow distance) for me and a fine option for that.
They feel clunky and there are just too many shoes out there that I enjoy running in more. Joost: Lets get this out of the way: The gray Stealthfit version of the Glycerin 20 is, well, gray. Traction is ok and durability should be in line with other Brooks shoes. It looks a little dull compared to the mesh upper versions. Since those initial runs, Ive found the midsole to be soft but not dull. Then technology such as here DNA Loft v3 is adopted in the traditional lines like the Ghost, Caldera 6 trail (. The main differentiator between the Glycerin 20 and the 19 is the new DNA Loft v3 midsole. While it stuck with the same Fresh Foam X theyve been using for a few years, the shape and volume of the midsole changed, and with it, the entire ride improved by leaps and bounds. In this version the DNA Loft v3 plays an very important role and Glycerin is not only a high cushioned shoe or slow mileage trainer but it is now softer, bouncy and more responsive so it is a very nice update if you are a fan of the Glycerin line or want a highly cushioned shoe that can also pick up the pace and want to feel that extra energy return at each step while still staying stable.The Stealthfit Upper is a great addition to the line up as it gives a nice look and style, it reduces weight while also not compromising an important element of a high cushioned shoe which is comfort and lockdown. The dark blue accents and laces dont help much. This is more about supercritical foams than the place of the shoe in the lineup. While this midsole is fairly firm, preventing the chunky stack from acting out, it still manages to provide a bit of pop that you wont find in more traditional, EVA-esque compounds. As I mentioned above, the Stealthfit upper looks and feels like shoes from three years ago. Joosts score 8.98/10 (Ride 8.9 - 50%, Fit 9.5 - 30%, Value 8.5 - 15%, Style 8 - 5%), I will admit, I had such fond memories of my old Glycerins that I felt a little let down by the 20. No one should size up for width here given the loose upper. The forefoot outsole is a blown rubber which is firm to the touch and that actually gives a nice pop in combination which also helps make the shoe more stable at landing from heel to toe. This seems to make for a stable ride that still transitions well and doesnt feel clunky if you pick up the pace a little bit. Its a shoe meant for racking up casual miles and preventing injury, especially for runners who always desire more protection. The Glycerin 20 feels to me like a shoe thats gone through a few internal iterations before we got to see the final result. The Glycerin 20 reminded me of the Triumph 19 a very similar ride that has a soft but not a sink in feel and a nice bounce. The dark blue accents and laces dont help much. RELATED: The Best Gore-Tex Running Shoes for Rainy Day Runs. The midsole of the Glycerin 20 made of DNA Loft v3 which is a soft and responsive foam. Youll definitely get your moneys-worth out of this shoe. Theyre definitely durable.
Its definitely a cushioned shoe, but you dont sink into it when you first put the shoe on. I remember loving the Glycerins because they were soft but didnt feel slow, and they flexed in a way that made them feel responsive. Plenty of cushion to go for days, but it doesnt feel like the cushion is slowing you down. Get the wide version if you need to and if you have a very narrow foot potentially consider sizing down or maybe if typically in a mens version try the womens version. Check out our guide to buying running shoes here). Sam: This soft plush regular upper is not supportive enough around lace up and just behind. 10 Comparisons. Maybe, but this is a Glycerin after all! Not really a fit for me. Watch Jeff Beck's 1080 v12 to Glycerin 20 Comparative Review. The mesh is soft, has just enough stretch to still hold my foot in place, and it breathes. Im not a huge fan of knit uppers, and I think that even though this upper feels good on the foot and holds decently, it still contributes to the lack of harmony of the shoe. This new midsole works and performs very well.
For me, not having to limit my miles in them (to avoid achilles tendonitis flare ups that super bouncy shoes cause me 100% of the time), but still giving more bounce than a standard midsole foam puts it at the front of the pack for the best shoe of the year, even just a few months in.
It is significantly lighter than the Glycerin GTS in my regular upper version. The sample is US12 and fitted me like a perfect US12.5 thanks to the ample space up front. Traction has held up fine, and it seems like it should be durable, though its too soon to tell. I find that I feel like Im working against the Glycerin when Im running rather than working with it. Crafted to be barely felt thanks to a sleek design and new nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 that's terrifically innovative and ensures a softly-cushioned but bouncy landing. Did anyone who tested the GTS version also have experience with the Kayano 28s? Get the wide version if you need to and if you have a very narrow foot potentially consider sizing down or maybe if typically in a mens version try the womens version.
Powered by, The Glycerin 20 and in my version the GTS version with the regular upper had me paying attention for one key reason. Theres not a great amount of grip, but I had no issue during testing, even when running on wet sidewalks. - Beto, DNA Loft V3 midsole, flexibility, and stability make easy runs fun-Sam, GTS support Guide Rails not noticed and likely useful for neutral runners given the soft foam and fairly loose comfort fit regular upper version I have: Sam, DNA Loft v3 bounce is more subtle than the Aurora B;sL- Jeff/Sam, Weight is way up there 10.9 oz US9 in my GTS with regular upper especially given DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam and how light the similar Aurora-BL was. I have a medium narrow foot. Given the sloppy upper fit just above the rails, I am happy they are there. I checked reviews of past versions and Brooks own information of this new version to see what I might have been missing all these years. I wish it was more flexible. There is hope! Thank you, 2017 Road Trail Run. Its roomy, but this isnt an indicator to size up you definitely want some room in the toe box to allow for your feet to swell as you run (confused? The stitching itself is on the edge of the more densely knit part of the upper, providing the support to allow for the laces to secure your foot. Ive had a few runs in them and am still waiting for them to open up. If you are using a Stryd just release the bottom loop and use the middle one. My immediate takeaway was that the Glycerin 20 is a very solid marriage of a Glycerin and the Aurora. Someone who is looking for a reliable training shoe that is affordable, durable, and offers cushion and stability. If you tried recent GTS shoes such as Launch GTS 9 you will notice these rails are very subtle and I hardly noticed them at all on the run. This shoe has something else underneath the foot, but theres no mistaking that it is absolutely a Glycerin. Ride: 9.5 (50%) Fit: 9.5 (30%) Value: 9.5 (15%) Style: 9.5 (5%). If your wallet can take the hit and you want the best 1-2 punch of big cushion trainers ever put together? That said, if youre a Brooks fan or a Glycerin fan, this is a fantastic upgrade to an already reliable running shoe. I was true to size and snug and supported in the Ride 15 and correctly so for its purposes. FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns, or 5% offall products, even sale products. The step in feel, always a Brooks strength is sublime from underfoot to upper feel. Great review, Sam and ever growing team! Get ahead of the pack with new shoe alerts, special savings, and more. Perhaps if there was some more flexibility Id enjoy it more.
A very pleasant ride made for turning on the cruise control and knocking out an above-average number of miles. As Jeff said the shoe uses the same Fresh Foam X its shape changed with the forefoot a bit wider and now I feel less road at each step. Perhaps after a few more runs they will open up as others have said. The Brooks Glycerin 20 was released in the UK in May 2022 and is expected to be released in the U.S. in July. The Simple Plan to Help Shed Stubborn Pounds. The DNA Loft v3 foam feels soft, but with enough firmness to not get the sensation that your feet sink into it. Ive been happy to see knit shoes receding from the marketand this looks very 2019 to me. The decoupled outsole helps in guiding your foot while youre in contact with the ground. In the GTS version, the shoe comes in two widths medium and wide. The Glycerin is a more energetic and has a more stable ride so is a good competitor in the same category.
Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. I agree, the Ride 14 is a very good daily trainer for almost any training session but it lacks that responsiveness at some efforts. The lacing system really works well and is very secure with those different loops in the tongue.
The Glycerin 20 was more fun to run with its energetic and soft midsole, amazing for a do it all high cushioned trainer with the Stealthfit upper giving it a nice style option to the normal Glycerin. Ive put a lot of miles on last years Glycerin 19, and spent a fair amount of time in them casually after retiring them from running service, so Im very familiar with how the modern Glycerin looks and feels - and the Aurora BL (Brooks first shoe with DNA Loft v3) was my road shoe of the year last year, so I thought I knew what to expect. As Joost says the stack is the same but they are two different shoes. The underfoot profile is quite flat in geometry contributing to stability and when new a bit flat footed and dull and lumbering in transition. I would grab the Glycerin 20 for my daily workouts and longer runs and the Razor Excess for faster and shorter work. Ill be honest, I dont love the look of this shoe.
Sam: The Loft v3 midsole foam retains the soft plush Glycerin ride and gives it smooth energy. The DNA Loft V3 feels soft with just the right amount of density not to feel a sink and gives an energetic bounce so is a responsive midsole and works really good and balanced in the Stealthfit Upper giving the shoe a lightweight feeling. At rest, theres a ton of ground contact given the midsoles shape, which as youll read later, provides for an exceptionally seamless transition. As Joost lays out, the Glycerin 20 has a new, nitrogen-infused supercritical foam that Brooks says is its softest foam yet. Soft, energetic and Glycerin appropriate plush it delivers a superb, fun ride feel. The outsole is stiff with some strategic breaks to give the shoe a little bit of flex. The midsole of the shoe is where we see the biggest difference between the Glycerin 20 and previous iterations. While underfoot is stable up top most support/stability shoes have at least some additional medial upper support via overlays, straps, or denser mesh. The Glycerin has the great advantages of a modern supercritical foam, being soft while not bottoming out, not too heavy and also quite responsive. On a progression run I started slow and felt the soft and bouncy ride but as the pace started to pick up the shoe feels more energetic which make a fun ride and the only other shoe I enjoyed that feeling was the Triumph 19 well balanced and soft and bouncy with that energy return to cruise the miles. Given the flatness of the underfoot geometry, theres a relatively high amount of outsole material in contact with the ground at any given time, further enhancing traction and improving the ride. One of the few changes is to the tongue, which now has a pull tab on it. The Loft v3 midsole foam retains the soft plush Glycerin ride and gives it smooth energy. We had to have the 19 to get to 20, but the 20 feels like it could be five generations later than the 19, its that big of a step forward.
Its that good. It took a few runs to break in the midsole and outsole flex so bear with it but once there you will have a smooth fun midsole that is clearly on the soft size. It seems like Im the oddball here, because Ive run in a LOT of Glycerin models over the last decade - I believe starting with the Glycerin 8. The DNA Loft v3 midsole here is unmistakably huge too huge, or just right? There was a problem. Salomon Glide Max Initial Review: Max Cruiser for Brooks Running Women's Run Within Collection Review. The main differentiator between the Glycerin 20 and the 19 is the new DNA Loft v3 midsole. weight of each underfoot flavor. has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links. I found it had plenty of volume, the laces were secure, and the heel collar is not too bulky. Everything seems set for a great review. The Brooks Glycerin has gone through its fair share of redesigns and it continues to be a go-to, supremely soft running shoe delivering cushioning for those who crave it.
RTR German, Spanish, French, Danish, Polish Reviews, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Multi Tester Review: Speed Meets New Comfort & Versatility! I think of this shoe as the reliable workhorse of the fleet. adidas adizero Boston 10 Multi Tester Review - Road Trail Run, Stop me if youre heard this before, because it lines up very cleanly to the Glycerin 20- part of the reason I made the video below. 100% agree, the Ride is a really good, if pedestrian, daily trainer. In general, the running experience was a soft, ride with some springy responsiveness to add to some pep when the legs begin to tire. Glycerin. While the upper is extremely similar, the new midsole foam has a lot more energy and doesnt feel as dead as the 19 did. Not a fun shoe for me to run in so far. Peter The rubber hits the road. I still havent found any fluidity in the ride or enjoyment on runs. Each style is offered at the same $160 price point. The platform is broad and a bit lumbering but for the Glycerin in my GTS version the actual return of the foam, its soft yet very noticeable rebound and its level of protection are outstanding for those easy days. The stability plus knit version of the style. The star feature here is clearly the DNA Loft v3 midsole foam. It looks a little dull compared to the mesh upper versions. If you want just a hint of bounce? Very tempted. It took a few runs to break in the midsole and outsole flex so bear with it but once there you will have a smooth fun midsole that is clearly on the soft size. Of course the outsole plays a key role in holding it all together. It retails at $190/155, which is around the same price as other cushioned everyday running shoes like the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run and the New Balance 1080v12. Its a little clunky and a little old-school, but dont let this put you off. The lateral heel piece is firmer rubber. We tested these shoes on wonky sidewalks and loose gravel roads, as well as traditionally paved roads. also with DNA Loft v3, high stable side walls all around and a very supportive gusseted upper. I found older versions indeed plush all around and quite ponderously soft and dull. Its basically everything the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit was hyped up to be, but never was.Its not the least expensive of daily miles shoes, but durability should be great, and of course you pay a little extra for that luxurious feel. It reminds me a bit of the Impossible Whopper from Burger King - yeah, its Impossible Meat instead of beef, but theres no mistaking that its a Whopper. Thanks! Adidas Adizero Boston 10 (adidas adizero Boston 10 Multi Tester Review - Road Trail Run). They feel very similar, too, in spite of some obvious differences. I ran 85 miles in this shoe and the outsole is holding pretty well even at my normal wear areas. More focused on stabilizing the knee than controlling pronation per say. The previous version had an EVA-foam midsole. The feeling is one could run all day through the night and on to the next day, easy does it, smooth and plush but never mushy soft and relatively easy to transition given its flex at moderate and slow paces. While the shoe is comfortable when you step into it, the DNA Loft V3 definitely takes a good few miles to break in, as I mentioned above, its not overly plush from the get-go. The Triumph 19 was one of my favorite high cushioned shoes for longer runs and I mean I ran a 36k long run and ended up running a Marathon is this shoe. Its looks are polarizing, its upper unconventional, and its bounce undeniable, the Aurora-BL was one of the most unique shoes to come out in some time, and I was and am a big fan of it. Its not either of those shoes, but takes elements of both very cleanly. The midfoot feels very secure and the heel counter has no issues and no slippage. What no gusset in such an upper in general and especially in a support oriented shoe? -, DNA Loft V3 midsole, flexibility, and stability make easy runs fun-. So, I was pretty excited to see a new pair of Glycerins show up, especially when Id just started having issues with the same ankle. Lots of car companies put cool features in their halo car, and then years later those features make their way into the daily drivers. The Glycerin 20 and in my version the GTS version with the regular upper had me paying attention for one key reason. The result?
The 20 put on a little weight, but gained a lot of stack height and width, and transformed the shoe from being a really good soft daily trainer to a class all by itself. The Glycerin fit the bill without being offensive in anyway, and I ended up enjoying them so much I ran a half in them (and PRd!). Lets say the Boston didnt make it into my rotation and the Glycerin most likely will be my recovery shoe of choice for the coming future. Brooks has made the Glycerin 20 available in four versions to meet the needs of different running gaits and upper preferences (see the breakout of different styles below). I concur with the other reviewers in that these deliver a pleasant, seamless ride. It is a modern do it all daily trainer whereas the Glycerin is a plush cruiser for slower miles. The knit version of the neutral style with a sleek, sock-like fit offering mild compression. Testedsamples were provided at no charge for review purposesRoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate linksin this article. Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. While underfoot is stable up top most support/stability shoes have at least some additional medial upper support via overlays, straps, or denser mesh.
But they didnt change their overall formula, sticking with an outstanding, if a little boring, upper, and slapping a very durable but flexible outsole on the bottom to give it plenty of durability to help blunt the sting of the price tag. The Brooks logo overlays on either side of the Glycerin provide a tiny extra bit of structure to the midfoot. The Glycerin is the better executed shoe for me because of the DNA Loft v3 midsole. Perhaps after a few more runs they will open up as others have said. There is a new nitrogen-infused midsole foam called. With DNA Loft V3, Brooks said it was able to fine-tune where you feel the softness underfoot. Perhaps if there was some more flexibility Id enjoy it more. The mesh is super breathable and soft. All versions get Brooks DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam which delivered a fantastically energetic and fun ride in the 2021 concept car Aurora-BL (RTR Review) a super light max cushion trainer with a far out, like outer space (the intent) visual design.
Lets see what this all means on the run. Its not so apparent at easier paces, but go and try a few strides, and things start to feel blocky very quickly. Fortunately after a few runs the outsole (and midsole) developed good enough flex to improve transitions but overall the Glycerin is not particularly flexible with its flex point way back towards midfoot. Type: Road
No reak medial reinforcements higher up to go with the effective and even for me as a neutral runner kind of essential here Guide Rails to help support the foot at the critical lace up and rear collar area? According to Brooks, this new design makes for a smoother and more stable transition. In my opinion, the best Glycerin yet. This could be a rose-colored glasses situation, but I dont love the 20 quite as much as I remember loving the 13 (or 14?). sign up for Outside+. The Stealthfit Upper as Joost said reminded me of the Infinity React but for me it was more like the Adidas Ultraboost Uncaged version. In 2021 the 19 introduced a 2nd version with GTS (Go-To-Support) Guide Rails for adaptive stability. Theres a slightly different outsole structure, while still very similar to the previous version of the Glycerin. PWRRUN+ is a nice midsole that also last a lot of miles and the outsole has great traction dry or wet with lots of rubber for durability.
If you want just a hint of bounce? I still dont think the Glycerin 20 is a huge smile shoe, but I think its a little smile shoe, maybe a big smirk, but its a big smirk you can put virtually all of your easy miles on and not have to worry about the extra wear and tear all the big bounces are putting on your lower legs. Im happy to say that the exposed v3 is holding up much better than the exposed v1, and should not be an early failure point. Overall, this is a fine and very comfortable upper, which secures the foot nicely in place. The midsole doesnt crease/compress much which helps deliver a stable ride at easy pace and moderate paces and for longer runs. Learn how to rack up those miles and be your healthiest self. For sure not boring or lumbering with a wonderful midsole but not exactly snappy or fast it is not nearly as exciting as the much lighter Aurora BL. As much as I enjoyed the ultra bouncy Aurora BL last year, the more conservative bounced Glycerin 20 is much easier to live with. $160. At first, this was not my impression. The regular neutral version of the style, featuring the new engineered mesh upper. Weight is way up there 10.9 oz US9 in my GTS with regular upper especially given DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam and how light the similar Aurora-BL was. The Nimbus 24 was a big step up for ASICS, using a FF Blast+ midsole and improving and streamlining the upper a great deal. The Glycerin 20 is soft but has enough flex and bounce to keep you rolling forward all day long. Better ride, better upper, more stable, better overall feeling on foot. As Ive mentioned, the ride really changed for me after a couple of runs. The Brooks Glycerin has a solid fan base its one of Brooks' most cushioned running shoes, and its a firm favorite for beginners and marathon runners alike. The Boston 10 new makeover changed the shoe but for me making it an Uptempo/Daily trainer. I unscientifically measured 34 mm in the heel without the sock liner (which is a standard Ortholite affair) in my mens 9.5US. When it comes to race day, the feather-weight technology and adaptable fit of your Stealthfit 20 takes all of your hard work and turns it into effortless performance.
The upper is a booty knitted upper and the toe box has volume and feels very comfortable and breathable too. As a max-cushioned shoe, theres quite a lot of it, too. The Best Trail Running Shoes for Spring and Summer 2022, Running Shoes are Finally Being Designed for Women, Saucony Endorphin Speed Review: 100-Mile Rundown, I Ran My Fastest 5K Ever in the Nike Pegasus 38. This is not a speedwork or tempo shoe, but for those days in between when your legs are tired and you just want a shoe that feels good as you shuffle through some recovery miles, you could do far worse than the Glycerin. Brooks has set the bar high, can anyone else clear it? RoadTrailRun receives a commission on purchases at the stores below. Ive put a lot of miles on last years Glycerin 19, and spent a fair amount of time in them casually after retiring them from running service, so Im very familiar with how the modern Glycerin looks and feels - and the Aurora BL (Brooks first shoe with DNA Loft v3) was my road shoe of the year last year, so I thought I knew what to expect.
After launching the mild stability GTS version, together with the standard one last year, this year there are none less than 4 different versions of the Glycerin. Given the shoes weight, it does not exactly have a snappy responsive ride, and with my Regular upper issues the ride is strictly moderate and easy days and trippy LSD (long slow distance) for me and a fine option for that.
They feel clunky and there are just too many shoes out there that I enjoy running in more. Joost: Lets get this out of the way: The gray Stealthfit version of the Glycerin 20 is, well, gray. Traction is ok and durability should be in line with other Brooks shoes. It looks a little dull compared to the mesh upper versions. Since those initial runs, Ive found the midsole to be soft but not dull. Then technology such as here DNA Loft v3 is adopted in the traditional lines like the Ghost, Caldera 6 trail (. The main differentiator between the Glycerin 20 and the 19 is the new DNA Loft v3 midsole. While it stuck with the same Fresh Foam X theyve been using for a few years, the shape and volume of the midsole changed, and with it, the entire ride improved by leaps and bounds. In this version the DNA Loft v3 plays an very important role and Glycerin is not only a high cushioned shoe or slow mileage trainer but it is now softer, bouncy and more responsive so it is a very nice update if you are a fan of the Glycerin line or want a highly cushioned shoe that can also pick up the pace and want to feel that extra energy return at each step while still staying stable.The Stealthfit Upper is a great addition to the line up as it gives a nice look and style, it reduces weight while also not compromising an important element of a high cushioned shoe which is comfort and lockdown. The dark blue accents and laces dont help much. This is more about supercritical foams than the place of the shoe in the lineup. While this midsole is fairly firm, preventing the chunky stack from acting out, it still manages to provide a bit of pop that you wont find in more traditional, EVA-esque compounds. As I mentioned above, the Stealthfit upper looks and feels like shoes from three years ago. Joosts score 8.98/10 (Ride 8.9 - 50%, Fit 9.5 - 30%, Value 8.5 - 15%, Style 8 - 5%), I will admit, I had such fond memories of my old Glycerins that I felt a little let down by the 20. No one should size up for width here given the loose upper. The forefoot outsole is a blown rubber which is firm to the touch and that actually gives a nice pop in combination which also helps make the shoe more stable at landing from heel to toe. This seems to make for a stable ride that still transitions well and doesnt feel clunky if you pick up the pace a little bit. Its a shoe meant for racking up casual miles and preventing injury, especially for runners who always desire more protection. The Glycerin 20 feels to me like a shoe thats gone through a few internal iterations before we got to see the final result. The Glycerin 20 reminded me of the Triumph 19 a very similar ride that has a soft but not a sink in feel and a nice bounce. The dark blue accents and laces dont help much. RELATED: The Best Gore-Tex Running Shoes for Rainy Day Runs. The midsole of the Glycerin 20 made of DNA Loft v3 which is a soft and responsive foam. Youll definitely get your moneys-worth out of this shoe. Theyre definitely durable.
Its definitely a cushioned shoe, but you dont sink into it when you first put the shoe on. I remember loving the Glycerins because they were soft but didnt feel slow, and they flexed in a way that made them feel responsive. Plenty of cushion to go for days, but it doesnt feel like the cushion is slowing you down. Get the wide version if you need to and if you have a very narrow foot potentially consider sizing down or maybe if typically in a mens version try the womens version. Check out our guide to buying running shoes here). Sam: This soft plush regular upper is not supportive enough around lace up and just behind. 10 Comparisons. Maybe, but this is a Glycerin after all! Not really a fit for me. Watch Jeff Beck's 1080 v12 to Glycerin 20 Comparative Review. The mesh is soft, has just enough stretch to still hold my foot in place, and it breathes. Im not a huge fan of knit uppers, and I think that even though this upper feels good on the foot and holds decently, it still contributes to the lack of harmony of the shoe. This new midsole works and performs very well.
For me, not having to limit my miles in them (to avoid achilles tendonitis flare ups that super bouncy shoes cause me 100% of the time), but still giving more bounce than a standard midsole foam puts it at the front of the pack for the best shoe of the year, even just a few months in.
It is significantly lighter than the Glycerin GTS in my regular upper version. The sample is US12 and fitted me like a perfect US12.5 thanks to the ample space up front. Traction has held up fine, and it seems like it should be durable, though its too soon to tell. I find that I feel like Im working against the Glycerin when Im running rather than working with it. Crafted to be barely felt thanks to a sleek design and new nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 that's terrifically innovative and ensures a softly-cushioned but bouncy landing. Did anyone who tested the GTS version also have experience with the Kayano 28s? Get the wide version if you need to and if you have a very narrow foot potentially consider sizing down or maybe if typically in a mens version try the womens version.
Powered by, The Glycerin 20 and in my version the GTS version with the regular upper had me paying attention for one key reason. Theres not a great amount of grip, but I had no issue during testing, even when running on wet sidewalks. - Beto, DNA Loft V3 midsole, flexibility, and stability make easy runs fun-Sam, GTS support Guide Rails not noticed and likely useful for neutral runners given the soft foam and fairly loose comfort fit regular upper version I have: Sam, DNA Loft v3 bounce is more subtle than the Aurora B;sL- Jeff/Sam, Weight is way up there 10.9 oz US9 in my GTS with regular upper especially given DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam and how light the similar Aurora-BL was. I have a medium narrow foot. Given the sloppy upper fit just above the rails, I am happy they are there. I checked reviews of past versions and Brooks own information of this new version to see what I might have been missing all these years. I wish it was more flexible. There is hope! Thank you, 2017 Road Trail Run. Its roomy, but this isnt an indicator to size up you definitely want some room in the toe box to allow for your feet to swell as you run (confused? The stitching itself is on the edge of the more densely knit part of the upper, providing the support to allow for the laces to secure your foot. Ive had a few runs in them and am still waiting for them to open up. If you are using a Stryd just release the bottom loop and use the middle one. My immediate takeaway was that the Glycerin 20 is a very solid marriage of a Glycerin and the Aurora. Someone who is looking for a reliable training shoe that is affordable, durable, and offers cushion and stability. If you tried recent GTS shoes such as Launch GTS 9 you will notice these rails are very subtle and I hardly noticed them at all on the run. This shoe has something else underneath the foot, but theres no mistaking that it is absolutely a Glycerin. Ride: 9.5 (50%) Fit: 9.5 (30%) Value: 9.5 (15%) Style: 9.5 (5%). If your wallet can take the hit and you want the best 1-2 punch of big cushion trainers ever put together? That said, if youre a Brooks fan or a Glycerin fan, this is a fantastic upgrade to an already reliable running shoe. I was true to size and snug and supported in the Ride 15 and correctly so for its purposes. FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns, or 5% offall products, even sale products. The step in feel, always a Brooks strength is sublime from underfoot to upper feel. Great review, Sam and ever growing team! Get ahead of the pack with new shoe alerts, special savings, and more. Perhaps if there was some more flexibility Id enjoy it more.
A very pleasant ride made for turning on the cruise control and knocking out an above-average number of miles. As Jeff said the shoe uses the same Fresh Foam X its shape changed with the forefoot a bit wider and now I feel less road at each step. Perhaps after a few more runs they will open up as others have said. The Brooks Glycerin 20 was released in the UK in May 2022 and is expected to be released in the U.S. in July. The Simple Plan to Help Shed Stubborn Pounds. The DNA Loft v3 foam feels soft, but with enough firmness to not get the sensation that your feet sink into it. Ive been happy to see knit shoes receding from the marketand this looks very 2019 to me. The decoupled outsole helps in guiding your foot while youre in contact with the ground. In the GTS version, the shoe comes in two widths medium and wide. The Glycerin is a more energetic and has a more stable ride so is a good competitor in the same category.
Thank you for signing up to Tom's Guide. Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. I agree, the Ride 14 is a very good daily trainer for almost any training session but it lacks that responsiveness at some efforts. The lacing system really works well and is very secure with those different loops in the tongue.
The Glycerin 20 was more fun to run with its energetic and soft midsole, amazing for a do it all high cushioned trainer with the Stealthfit upper giving it a nice style option to the normal Glycerin. Ive put a lot of miles on last years Glycerin 19, and spent a fair amount of time in them casually after retiring them from running service, so Im very familiar with how the modern Glycerin looks and feels - and the Aurora BL (Brooks first shoe with DNA Loft v3) was my road shoe of the year last year, so I thought I knew what to expect. As Joost says the stack is the same but they are two different shoes. The underfoot profile is quite flat in geometry contributing to stability and when new a bit flat footed and dull and lumbering in transition. I would grab the Glycerin 20 for my daily workouts and longer runs and the Razor Excess for faster and shorter work. Ill be honest, I dont love the look of this shoe.
Sam: The Loft v3 midsole foam retains the soft plush Glycerin ride and gives it smooth energy. The DNA Loft V3 feels soft with just the right amount of density not to feel a sink and gives an energetic bounce so is a responsive midsole and works really good and balanced in the Stealthfit Upper giving the shoe a lightweight feeling. At rest, theres a ton of ground contact given the midsoles shape, which as youll read later, provides for an exceptionally seamless transition. As Joost lays out, the Glycerin 20 has a new, nitrogen-infused supercritical foam that Brooks says is its softest foam yet. Soft, energetic and Glycerin appropriate plush it delivers a superb, fun ride feel. The outsole is stiff with some strategic breaks to give the shoe a little bit of flex. The midsole of the shoe is where we see the biggest difference between the Glycerin 20 and previous iterations. While underfoot is stable up top most support/stability shoes have at least some additional medial upper support via overlays, straps, or denser mesh. The Glycerin has the great advantages of a modern supercritical foam, being soft while not bottoming out, not too heavy and also quite responsive. On a progression run I started slow and felt the soft and bouncy ride but as the pace started to pick up the shoe feels more energetic which make a fun ride and the only other shoe I enjoyed that feeling was the Triumph 19 well balanced and soft and bouncy with that energy return to cruise the miles. Given the flatness of the underfoot geometry, theres a relatively high amount of outsole material in contact with the ground at any given time, further enhancing traction and improving the ride. One of the few changes is to the tongue, which now has a pull tab on it. The Loft v3 midsole foam retains the soft plush Glycerin ride and gives it smooth energy. We had to have the 19 to get to 20, but the 20 feels like it could be five generations later than the 19, its that big of a step forward.
Its that good. It took a few runs to break in the midsole and outsole flex so bear with it but once there you will have a smooth fun midsole that is clearly on the soft size. It seems like Im the oddball here, because Ive run in a LOT of Glycerin models over the last decade - I believe starting with the Glycerin 8. The DNA Loft v3 midsole here is unmistakably huge too huge, or just right? There was a problem. Salomon Glide Max Initial Review: Max Cruiser for Brooks Running Women's Run Within Collection Review. The main differentiator between the Glycerin 20 and the 19 is the new DNA Loft v3 midsole. weight of each underfoot flavor. has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links. I found it had plenty of volume, the laces were secure, and the heel collar is not too bulky. Everything seems set for a great review. The Brooks Glycerin has gone through its fair share of redesigns and it continues to be a go-to, supremely soft running shoe delivering cushioning for those who crave it.
RTR German, Spanish, French, Danish, Polish Reviews, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Multi Tester Review: Speed Meets New Comfort & Versatility! I think of this shoe as the reliable workhorse of the fleet. adidas adizero Boston 10 Multi Tester Review - Road Trail Run, Stop me if youre heard this before, because it lines up very cleanly to the Glycerin 20- part of the reason I made the video below. 100% agree, the Ride is a really good, if pedestrian, daily trainer. In general, the running experience was a soft, ride with some springy responsiveness to add to some pep when the legs begin to tire. Glycerin. While the upper is extremely similar, the new midsole foam has a lot more energy and doesnt feel as dead as the 19 did. Not a fun shoe for me to run in so far. Peter The rubber hits the road. I still havent found any fluidity in the ride or enjoyment on runs. Each style is offered at the same $160 price point. The platform is broad and a bit lumbering but for the Glycerin in my GTS version the actual return of the foam, its soft yet very noticeable rebound and its level of protection are outstanding for those easy days. The stability plus knit version of the style. The star feature here is clearly the DNA Loft v3 midsole foam. It looks a little dull compared to the mesh upper versions. If you want just a hint of bounce? Very tempted. It took a few runs to break in the midsole and outsole flex so bear with it but once there you will have a smooth fun midsole that is clearly on the soft size. Of course the outsole plays a key role in holding it all together. It retails at $190/155, which is around the same price as other cushioned everyday running shoes like the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run and the New Balance 1080v12. Its a little clunky and a little old-school, but dont let this put you off. The lateral heel piece is firmer rubber. We tested these shoes on wonky sidewalks and loose gravel roads, as well as traditionally paved roads. also with DNA Loft v3, high stable side walls all around and a very supportive gusseted upper. I found older versions indeed plush all around and quite ponderously soft and dull. Its basically everything the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit was hyped up to be, but never was.Its not the least expensive of daily miles shoes, but durability should be great, and of course you pay a little extra for that luxurious feel. It reminds me a bit of the Impossible Whopper from Burger King - yeah, its Impossible Meat instead of beef, but theres no mistaking that its a Whopper. Thanks! Adidas Adizero Boston 10 (adidas adizero Boston 10 Multi Tester Review - Road Trail Run). They feel very similar, too, in spite of some obvious differences. I ran 85 miles in this shoe and the outsole is holding pretty well even at my normal wear areas. More focused on stabilizing the knee than controlling pronation per say. The previous version had an EVA-foam midsole. The feeling is one could run all day through the night and on to the next day, easy does it, smooth and plush but never mushy soft and relatively easy to transition given its flex at moderate and slow paces. While the shoe is comfortable when you step into it, the DNA Loft V3 definitely takes a good few miles to break in, as I mentioned above, its not overly plush from the get-go. The Triumph 19 was one of my favorite high cushioned shoes for longer runs and I mean I ran a 36k long run and ended up running a Marathon is this shoe. Its looks are polarizing, its upper unconventional, and its bounce undeniable, the Aurora-BL was one of the most unique shoes to come out in some time, and I was and am a big fan of it. Its not either of those shoes, but takes elements of both very cleanly. The midfoot feels very secure and the heel counter has no issues and no slippage. What no gusset in such an upper in general and especially in a support oriented shoe? -, DNA Loft V3 midsole, flexibility, and stability make easy runs fun-. So, I was pretty excited to see a new pair of Glycerins show up, especially when Id just started having issues with the same ankle. Lots of car companies put cool features in their halo car, and then years later those features make their way into the daily drivers. The Glycerin 20 and in my version the GTS version with the regular upper had me paying attention for one key reason. The result?
The 20 put on a little weight, but gained a lot of stack height and width, and transformed the shoe from being a really good soft daily trainer to a class all by itself. The Glycerin fit the bill without being offensive in anyway, and I ended up enjoying them so much I ran a half in them (and PRd!). Lets say the Boston didnt make it into my rotation and the Glycerin most likely will be my recovery shoe of choice for the coming future. Brooks has made the Glycerin 20 available in four versions to meet the needs of different running gaits and upper preferences (see the breakout of different styles below). I concur with the other reviewers in that these deliver a pleasant, seamless ride. It is a modern do it all daily trainer whereas the Glycerin is a plush cruiser for slower miles. The knit version of the neutral style with a sleek, sock-like fit offering mild compression. Testedsamples were provided at no charge for review purposesRoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate linksin this article. Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. While underfoot is stable up top most support/stability shoes have at least some additional medial upper support via overlays, straps, or denser mesh.
But they didnt change their overall formula, sticking with an outstanding, if a little boring, upper, and slapping a very durable but flexible outsole on the bottom to give it plenty of durability to help blunt the sting of the price tag. The Brooks logo overlays on either side of the Glycerin provide a tiny extra bit of structure to the midfoot. The Glycerin is the better executed shoe for me because of the DNA Loft v3 midsole. Perhaps after a few more runs they will open up as others have said. There is a new nitrogen-infused midsole foam called. With DNA Loft V3, Brooks said it was able to fine-tune where you feel the softness underfoot. Perhaps if there was some more flexibility Id enjoy it more. The mesh is super breathable and soft. All versions get Brooks DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam which delivered a fantastically energetic and fun ride in the 2021 concept car Aurora-BL (RTR Review) a super light max cushion trainer with a far out, like outer space (the intent) visual design.