Few brands do reliable, dependable comfort like Brooks. Since it was founded, the brand has built a loyal fanbase among runners and walkers looking for premier comfort, consistency, and stability in their daily trainers.
Brooks is a giant in the running shoe world, in part due to longstanding legacy shoes such as the Glycerin. Over 23 iterations, the Glycerin has cemented itself as one of the most trusted high cushion running shoes around.
But with so many loyal customers, each new update brings with it a lot of questions. What did Brooks change? Is the shoe as comfortable as its predecessors? And how does the new version compare to similar shoes out there today?
Our Marathon Sports review team is here to answer these questions and more. We put the newest Glycerin to the test, comparing it to the Glycerin 22 and seeing how the new features hold up on a variety of different runs. Throughout this review, we’ll highlight the updated specs, discuss some of the features, and cover our road test findings to help you decide if you should add the Glycerin 23 to your shoe rotation.
Our Review Process
Our goal at Marathon Sports is to help every person find the perfect running shoe for them. And to achieve this mission, we need to learn each running shoe inside and out.
Our review team completed extensive research and testing on the Glycerin 23 so we can give you the most accurate picture of the new model. Not only did we dive into all the features, both old and new, but we laced them up for several different test runs for a complete understanding of how the shoe feels and performs.
Between tempo runs, speed workouts, long runs, and casual miles, we learned everything there is to know about the Brooks Glycerin 23. Keep reading for a closer look at all these features and how they held up throughout our road testing.
Glycerin 23: Specs and Highlights
Looking for a quick overview of the newest Brooks Glycerin 23? Here are some fast facts about the newest update:
- High cushion, neutral daily trainer
- Stack height: 38 mm/30 mm
- 8 mm drop
- Weight: 9.5 oz (W), 10.6 oz (M)
- Midsole is made from plush dual-cell DNA Tuned foam
- Upper is made from triple jacquard warp knit with added cushioning around the heel collar and tongue
- Wide platform designed for steady transitions
- Full-coverage rubber outsole boosts durability and traction
- Upper is made up of 58.1% recycled materials
- Price: $174.95
The Glycerin 23: A Closer Look
While Brooks shoes remain consistent and reliable, the brand is constantly adapting and incorporating new technology and features into its running shoes. Let’s take a closer look at these features and highlights in the Glycerin 23.
Fine-Tuned Midsole Foam
Brooks first introduced its DNA Tuned midsole foam in the Glycerin 22, and the dual-cell foam was a big hit among our review team. We’re happy to report that Brooks brought this well-balanced and plush foam back in the Glycerin 23.
The nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam uses two cell sizes to create a plush yet energetic running experience. The larger cells in the heel provide soft shock absorptions and plush landings, while the smaller cells in the forefoot create springy, energetic toe-offs.
While the Glycerin 23 has the same amount of foam in the heel as the previous iteration, the shoe now features 2 more mm of foam in the forefoot, bringing the stack height to 38 mm/30 mm. With more of this DNA Tuned foam in the front of the shoe, you can enjoy more soft and responsive cushioning through the entire heel-to-toe transition to optimize comfort on long runs or recovery days.
Brooks also uses the overall shape and construction of the midsole unit to deliver a reliable and stable ride. While the shoe itself is neutral, the wide base adds some inherent stability to help you feel secure with every step.
Enhanced Upper Construction and Fit
The cushioning in the Glycerin 23 doesn’t stop in the midsole. The upgraded triple jacquard warp knit upper is soft and flexible, with extra padding throughout the tongue and heel for maximum step-in comfort.
The enhanced warp knit material makes the upper thicker and more plush around the foot. Between the high-quality material and soft cushion on the heel collar, the shoe certainly delivers a premium feel. The upper’s thicker construction also adds a bit of structure to help securely hold your feet in place throughout runs or walks.
Overall, the Glycerin 23 fits true to size. And while the upper feels snug and secure around the heel and midfoot, the wider toe box ensures you have plenty of wiggle room at the front of the shoe. Those who need extra all-around width will also be happy to hear that the Glycerin 23 is available in both standard and wide widths.
Updated Heel-to-Toe Offset
Over the years, Brooks has typically been a go-to brand for runners looking for high drop shoes. Most Brooks daily training shoes have a 10-12 mm drop, meaning the heel has 10-12 mm more foam than the forefoot. Traditionally, Brooks shoes tend to have one of the highest drops in the running shoe industry.
Brooks switched it up with the Glycerin 23, adding more foam in the forefoot to bring the shoe to a moderate 8 mm drop. While the 8 mm offset still allows heel strikers to enjoy extra padding as they land, it also keeps the foot in a more natural position, creating a more fluid and comfortable ride for mid-foot strikers.
Value and Durability
At $174.95, the Brooks Glycerin has a relatively high price tag compared to some other daily trainers. However, with a premium feel and durable design, you’ll likely find the Glycerin 23 offers plenty of value for your money.
Under the shoe, you’ll find a refined rubber outsole covering most of the soft foam. While the foam itself is pretty durable, this protective outsole adds even more longevity so you can enjoy mile after mile without the shoe compressing or bottoming out.
And while high-cushion shoes tend to shine during long runs or recovery days, the Glycerin 23 offers more versatility than lots of other shoes in the same category. The responsive foam makes the shoe capable of handling both long runs and more uptempo workouts, so if you’re looking for a do-it-all workhorse shoe, the Glycerin is a great choice.
Road Test Results
While the Glycerin 22 shook things up with a new foam and total makeover, it seemed as though the Glycerin 23 relied more on minor tweaks to improve your running experience. However, we wouldn’t truly know how the newest update felt until we laced up the Glycerin 23 and tested it out for ourselves.
The upgrades to the upper were immediately clear right out of the box. The triple jacquard knit and super plush cushioning resulted in an amazing step-in feel. And while the upper hugged the feet nicely, we appreciated the wider toe box, especially as we started building up some miles.
Brooks hit a slam dunk with the release of DNA Tuned cushioning, and this balanced foam felt just as plush and comfortable underfoot as it did in the Glycerin 22. Each landing felt soft and protected, while the foam felt livelier and more energetic as we rolled through each stride and toed off.
Along with giving us a comfortable and smooth ride, this fine-tuned foam also made the Glycerin 23 more versatile. While the amount of cushioning kept our legs feeling fresh during long runs, the energetic ride also meant the shoe could easily handle more uptempo runs.
Our review team was also a fan of the switch to a moderate 8 mm drop. While previous versions of the shoe felt clunky and unnatural for midfoot or forefoot strikers, this more middle-of-the-road offset lets more runners enjoy all the cushioning and comfort the Glycerin 23 has to offer.
With all the positives, there are a few downsides we noticed as we put the new Glycerin to the test. At 10.6 oz for men’s shoes and 9.5 oz for women’s, the Glycerin 23 is relatively heavy compared to some other daily drivers on the market. In fact, while most shoes are striving towards becoming lighter, the Glycerin actually added weight from its previous iteration.
We also found that the upper, while incredibly comfortable, lacked some breathability due to the plush, padded construction. During hotter months of the year, some runners may find the upper feels too warm and constricting.
However, despite some limitations, our team was impressed with the way Brooks blended new technology with its reliable and consistent designs. If you’re looking for a durable and dependable shoe that can do it all, you may want to try out the Glycerin 23.
Pros and Cons
Our thorough road testing allowed us to learn more about every element of the Glycerin 23, and we uncovered both some pros and cons to keep in mind when you’re shopping around for your next running shoe.
Pros:
- Introduced in the previous Glycerin, the DNA Tuned foam continues to provide a plush, balanced ride that can handle any type of run you throw at it
- Wide platform creates stable landings and smooth transitions
- Extra padding in the heel and tongue wraps your foot in soft cushioning for maximum comfort through long runs or walks
- Durable rubber outsole improves traction and longevity
Cons:
- Increased in weight from the Glycerin 22 and slightly heavy compared to other daily trainers
- Upper is a bit warm and could use more breathability
Brooks Glycerin 23 vs the Competition
With so many options out there, choosing a running shoe can feel overwhelming. While the Glycerin 23 is one great option for a high cushion daily trainer, there are a few other options to consider if you’re looking for a new shoe to add to your rotation.
The new 8 mm drop makes the Glycerin 23 more versatile, but heavy heel strikers might miss all the extra cushioning and protection in the heel. The Saucony Triumph 23 offers a similar high cushion design, but has a higher 10 mm drop to absorb shock and impact for heel strikers. The Triumph also tends to feel a bit softer underfoot, making it a great choice for runners looking for maximum plushness. However, the soft spongy ride also makes this shoe less versatile on uptempo runs compared to the Glycerin.
Brooks is also constantly adding to all of its running shoe lineups, and if you wanted to compare the Glycerin 23 to another member of the Glycerin family, you should check out the Glycerin Flex. This unique Brooks shoe has a similar midsole and fit as the Glycerin 23, but is a more flexible, lighter weight design to promote more natural foot movement on runs.
The Glycerin 23 is a fantastic and reliable shoe, but we always recommend trying out different options to ensure you’re picking the right running shoe for your feet.
Final Thoughts: Try the Glycerin 23 at Marathon Sports
At Marathon Sports, we’re fortunate to be able to try out new models of shoes and truly dive into what makes them special. With this information on each new shoe, we aim to find you the perfect pair to help you meet your fitness and running goals.
The Glycerin 23 is just one of the many cushioned, comfortable, and dependable running shoes we carry at Marathon Sports. When you stop by your nearest store, our dedicated team will use the Right Fit process to ensure you end up in the right shoes to keep you moving forward.
