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I was eager to give the Brooks Glycerin Max a try. Brooks' social media campaign around this shoe had me intrigued, and I couldn’t resist checking it out. It feels like so many social media influencers are sharing how great it is which made me curious. It led to me to the question: is the Brooks Glycerin Max good? I think it's a good step in the right direction, but compared to other similar models, I don't know if it's "good".
While many brands have quickly embraced the maximalist trend, Brooks took a more patient approach before entering the game. After easing into it with the Ghost Max, they've now fully committed with the Glycerin Max. To me, the Ghost Max feels more like a shoe made for walking rather than running.
The Glycerin Max boasts Brooks' highest stack height yet, featuring a towering 47 mm in the heel. It’s one of the boldest entries into the running shoe market, with an over-45 mm stack height. Just looking at the shoe, you can see how big it really is.
Quick Facts
The Glycerin Max features a triple-layer mesh upper that combines durability and breathability, though it can feel a bit warm. I'm really confused of why they slapped a big plastic logo on it, which does nothing for the weight or breathability. It just seems unnecessary.
It has a wider fit through the midfoot and forefoot, with a tapered toe box that might feel snug to some. Because of the non-gusseted tongue and thick upper material, it may take a bit of adjusting for a snug fit, especially for narrower feet.
The heel has solid padding and a rigid counter that locks the foot in place without irritation for most runners. However, the thick material adds weight, which can make it feel heavy, especially on longer runs. The best shoes tend to disappear off your feet, but I’ve found the Glycerin Max feels a bit too warm during summer runs. Still, the overall fit is solid.
For reference, I usually wear a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes. In this case, the size 11 fit me best. While the fit was good, my main gripe is how warm the upper gets and that weird plastic logo.
Now, let’s talk about the midsole. When you first see the Brooks Glycerin Max, it’s hard not to think, wow, that’s a lot of shoe. It’s wild to think that just a few years ago, minimalism was the big thing in running shoes...how quickly things change!
The DNA Tuned midsole is the main feature here, using dual-density foam to create a smoother ride. The softer heel helps with a cushioned landing, while the firmer forefoot aims to provide more energy at push-off.
For me, the shoe felt firmer overall. It does have some softness on impact, but once you're in motion, it feels relatively stiff. I went into the Glycerin Max hoping for a well-cushioned shoe, especially after being disappointed by the Ghost Max 2. The Glycerin Max feels much better for running, but it’s still a bit clunky (and I’m a fan of the Glycerin series!). If they could trim the weight down a bit, it would get much closer to being ideal. I use it for easy runs, and while it’s okay, it’s not my top pick for high-cushioned runs, mainly because it feels a bit bulky.
Brooks is known for making durable shoes, and the Glycerin Max fits the bill. The outsole features thick rubber in the high-wear areas, contributing to its durability.
After about 100 miles, the outsole has minimal signs of wear, making this a solid option for runners needing a shoe that will go the distance. I’d expect it to last around 400 miles. However, the midsole has some exposed areas that could wear down faster than we’d like. I’ve tested the Glycerin Max in various conditions, from wet weather to sandy trails, and it holds up decently. That said, the upper makes it less ideal for running in hot or rainy conditions, as it can become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.
The Glycerin Max offers a comfortable, cushioned ride that's ideal for easy runs, long runs, or recovery days. Its weight and firmer forefoot may be a downside for some, especially if you're after a more flexible and responsive feel. At $200, the price reflects its durability and plush cushioning, but there are more wallet-friendly options out there. Personally, I’d compare it to the ASICS Superblast 2, which feels lighter and easier to run in. I believe the Glycerin Max is onto the right start, but it's still a bit clunky compared to other similar running models.
Who Should Buy This Shoe?
Who Should Not Buy This Shoe?
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