If you’ve followed running shoe trends over the past few years, you’ve likely seen the rise of max cushioned running shoes. These plush, soft max cushion shoes offer lots of luxurious foam underfoot to help you feel like you’re walking or running on clouds.
Brooks joined in on this max cushioned running shoe trend back in 2024 with its ultra-cushioned daily trainer, the Glycerin Max. With the introduction of a new type of foam and a whopping stack height, the Brooks Glycerin Max took the running world by storm.
Now, Brooks is on the second iteration of this pillowy max cushioned training shoe. But how does it hold up next to the beloved first version? And what runners might want to consider adding the Glycerin Max 2 to their rotation?
At Marathon Sports, our review team put the Glycerin Max 2 to the test to answer these questions and more. In this review, we’ll cover the shoe’s specs and technical features, our road test findings, and how the shoe stacks up to the competition to give you a better idea of what to expect with this Brooks shoe update.
Our Review Process
There are so many technical details that go into each and every running shoe, and trying to make sense of it all can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the Marathon Sports review team is ready and willing to help.
Our dedicated footwear experts tested the new Glycerin Max 2 on a variety of different types of runs across every type of terrain. From uptempo track workouts to slow runs on icy roads and everything in between, we took a closer look at how the Glycerin Max 2 performs so we can help you make the most informed decision for your feet and running needs.
In this review, we’ll summarize our findings and take a look at all the Glycerin Max 2 technologies, from the tried and true to the new and improved features.
Glycerin Max 2: Features and Highlights
Before we take a more in-depth look at the newest iteration of the Glycerin Max, here are some fast facts and highlights.
- Advertised as a neutral, max cushion daily trainer
- Stack height: 45 mm/39 mm
- 6 mm drop
- Weight: 10.2 oz (W), 11.3 oz (M)
- Midsole made from nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam
- Triple jacquard mesh upper offers a secure fit with superior breathability
- GlideRoll rocker technology provides smooth transitions
- Sculpted heel bevel and wide base ensure stable landings
- High-coverage rubber outsole improves traction and durability
- Price: $199.95
Glycerin Max 2: A Closer Look
Now that you have a better idea of what features you can expect to find in the Glycerin Max 2, let’s take a closer look at these details and how they’re incorporated in the newest Brooks Glycerin Max.
Fine-Tuned Midsole Foam
Brooks first released its revolutionary DNA Tuned foam in the first iteration of the Glycerin Max, and we’re happy to report that the newest version relies on a high stack height of the same well-balanced nitrogen-infused cushioning.
Where DNA Tuned foam really stands out is in its unique dual-cell technology. This foam uses large cells in the heel, which offer plush, soft landings for maximum impact absorption. In the forefoot, you’ll find smaller cells for energetic, responsive toe-offs.
With such a high stack height – 45 mm in the heel and 39 mm in the toe – some of our reviewers were concerned that the shoe would feel overly plush and pillowy-soft. But the strategically designed, fine-tuned midsole foam gives the shoe an overall well-balanced feel that pushes boundaries without feeling too soft or spongy.
Upper Design and Fit
While the midsole foam remained the same between the first and second iterations of the Glycerin Max, Brooks made some key changes to the upper design and construction to improve all-around comfort and breathability.
The Glycerin Max 2 features a new triple jacquard mesh upper for a more streamlined and secure feel. This mesh construction is thick yet flexible, securely wrapping the foot with extra padding for unmatched lockdown and comfort.
Despite this new upper being thicker and more padded than before, it maintains a lightweight feel and fantastic breathability to keep your feet cool and comfortable during long runs.
And the shoe’s max cushion design doesn’t end in the midsole. The upper design offers plenty of extra cushioning around the heel and tongue to prevent any rubbing or hot spots as you’re cruising through your daily miles or long runs.
When it comes to fit, the Glycerin Max 2 runs relatively true to size. The shoe also has a wide, high-volume toe box, making this an ideal option for anyone who prefers a roomier fit in the front of their running shoe.
Shoe Geometry and Stability Features
The Glycerin Max 2 is a neutral shoe, meaning it doesn’t correct for overpronation throughout the gait cycle. However, despite this neutral construction, Brooks takes steps to improve stability and guide you forward with some unique design elements.
First, through every stride in the Glycerin Max 2, you can expect to feel the GlideRoll rocker geometry pushing you forward. This curved sole rolls you through each stride for smooth transitions and effortless turnover. Paired with a pronounced heel bevel, this rocker geometry keeps you moving forward in comfort step after step.
Brooks also takes some steps to ensure that even with the high stack height, the shoe feels stable and supportive over the course of your long runs. While some max cushion shoes can feel unstable or wobbly, the Glycerin Max’s wide platform, paired with firm cushioning and a low 6 mm drop, keeps you sturdy and grounded. The shoe may not have built-in corrective support, but this wide sculpted base adds some inherent support that both neutral runners and overpronators can appreciate.
Overall Value and Durability
Ringing in at just under 200 dollars, the Glycerin Max 2 is on the pricier end when it comes to daily trainers. With that, most runners will want to ensure it can withstand heavy mileage and hold up well over time before spending their money.
The good news is that the Glycerin Max offers lots of durability and is built to hold up after miles and miles of use. The rubber outsole covers the high-wear areas of the foam midsole to prevent early wear and keep you enjoying everything the shoe has to offer for longer.
This outsole is also incredibly grippy, giving you extra security and traction no matter where your long runs take you.
Road Results
All of these unique features and highlights help establish the Glycerin Max 2 as a durable and dependable daily trainer. But the most exciting part of any shoe review is when our team gets to truly put these features to the test on roads, trails, treadmills, and more.
One of the standout updates from the first to the second iteration is the upper, and this upgrade was immediately noticeable when we slid the Glycerin Max 2 on for the first time. The new triple jacquard mesh provided immediate step-in comfort, with a flexible, stretchy feel that felt snug around the foot with plenty of wiggle room in the toe box.
As our review team headed out for some runs in the Glycerin Max 2, another immediate standout was the DNA Tuned midsole foam. The Glycerin Max 2 has a high stack height – a whopping 45 mm in the heel and 39 mm in the forefoot – yet the cushioning didn’t feel overly soft or unstable. The unique dual-cell technology worked well to provide a balanced underfoot feel with every step, while the GlideRoll technology kept us moving forward efficiently with smooth transitions and springy toe-offs.
This shoe truly excels when it comes to long runs, recovery runs, or easy daily mileage. The sheer amount of foam effectively absorbs impact and keeps legs and feet feeling fresh mile after mile. The stable cushioning and wide platform, paired with the rocker geometry, propel you forward while providing inherent support and comfort with every step.
However, not every running shoe is built to handle every type of run, and our review team found that the Glycerin Max 2 lacks the versatility and adaptability some runners may be looking for in a daily trainer.
With such a high stack height and a wide, stable base, we found that the Glycerin Max 2 felt a bit heavy and bulky as we tried to pick up the pace during track workouts or uptempo road runs.
At 10.2 oz for women’s shoes and 11.3 oz for men’s, the Glycerin Max 2 is heavier than its predecessor, as well as many of the other comparable neutral daily trainers on the market today. In a time where new shoes are getting lighter and lighter, the Glycerin Max 2 will likely feel too bulky to serve as a speedy, versatile everyday shoe.
If you’re looking for a dedicated long-run shoe or a comfortable, cushioned shoe to tackle daily miles, the Glycerin Max 2 could be your perfect option. While it’s certainly not the sleekest or lightest shoe on the market, it shines when it comes to comfort and stability on daily miles, and is guaranteed to provide unmatched protection throughout your mileage.
Pros and Cons
The unfortunate truth is that no shoe is perfect for every runner. Each running shoe model has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you. Here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind with the Glycerin Max 2:
Pros:
- High stack of DNA Tuned foam absorbs shock without feeling too spongy, offering maximum comfort and protection during long runs
- Triple jacquard mesh upper is soft and secure around the foot with plenty of breathability on runs
- Broad base and heel bevel ensure stability and support despite the large amount of cushion
- GlideRoll rocker geometry keeps you moving forward with smooth transitions
Cons:
- Bulky design reduces versatility and efficiency on speedier runs
- A few ounces heavier than the previous version
- High price point for a daily trainer
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 vs The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
Brooks tried something new with the Glycerin Max, using a new foam and unique construction to deliver maximum cushioning and comfort on long runs. However, in this saturated running shoe market, even this one-of-a-kind max cushion trainer has some competition you may want to consider.
Nike has also been dipping its toes in the max cushion running shoe space, releasing new, ultra-cushioned shoes like the Nike Vomero Plus. Like the Glycerin Max 2, this plush everyday training shoe features a high stack height – 45 mm/35 mm – a rocker geometry, and a padded, flexible upper. While the Vomero Plus is the significantly lighter option, the 10 mm drop and pillowy-soft cushion result in less stable landings compared to the Glycerin Max 2.
And if you value the reliability and stability Brooks has to offer but aren’t sure if the Glycerin Max 2 is for you, you’re in luck. Brooks has a huge variety of similarly stable, well-trusted shoes worth checking out, such as the Ghost Max 3.
As the name suggests, the Ghost Max is similar to the high-cushion Glycerin Max, but with slightly less cushioning, weight, and bulk. With the Ghost Max 3, Brooks loyalists can still enjoy some inherent stability and a wide-volume design, without the immense platform and higher price tag.
Final Thoughts: Is the Glycerin Max 2 Right For You?
At Marathon Sports, we know that every runner is unique, and what works for one person and their goals certainly won’t work for everyone. That’s why it’s so important to stop by one of our locations and try on the Glycerin Max 2 for yourself.
That being said, we hope this review gives you a better idea of whether or not this new Brooks shoe is right for you, and what you can expect when you put the Glycerin Max 2 on for the first time.
If you’re looking for a well-cushioned, comfortable shoe to absorb impact and keep your feet happy during long mileage, the Glycerin Max 2’s high stack height and padded construction might be for you.
With this newest iteration, Brooks has taken even more steps to ensure long-lasting comfort, cushioning, and support that countless runners can enjoy. While it may not be the most versatile shoe, our review team felt this shoe shines on long runs and is built to handle any distance you throw at it.
Brooks’ goal is to make every walk or run feel better than before, and at Marathon Sports, we’re excited to support that goal and help you along every step of your running, walking, or workout journey. Stop in today to try out the Glycerin Max or some of the other top running shoes that will keep you moving towards your goals.
