Brooks Glycerin 10 General Info
The Glycerin 10 is Brooks’ premium offering, and is packed with cushioning to provide the smoothest ride possible. While the overall look of the shoe has gone through a major overhaul, the key features remain quite similar to previous versions, so longtime wearers should expect a smooth transition when upgrading to the latest edition.
The changes for the Glycerin 10 are meant to increase flexibility and cushioning to create a smoother ride and heel to toe transition, while maintaining the fit of previous versions. In all, the Glycerin 10 is a great shoe for runners looking the maximum cushioning without sacrificing flexibility or a smooth ride.
Brooks Glycerin 10 Impressions
I was a bit wary of the Glycerin 10 initially, thinking that they would be far too clunky and heavy for my taste. While the weight difference between the Glycerin 10 (almost a full ounce heavier than my current go-to shoes, the Ghost 5) was noticeable on the first few runs, the Glycerin 10 grew on me, and I found myself reaching for them on recovery run days more frequently.
One of my initial concerns was the amount of cushioning, and I assumed that I wouldn’t be able to feel the ground beneath me, but the Glycerin 10 still allowed me to feel some contact with the ground. Though they may not be the most responsive shoes, they’re a solid choice for runners whose primary concern is cushion and comfort. For me, the weight was definitely an issue on long runs, but I loved that the feel was reminiscent of the Brooks Ghost.
Brooks Glycerin 10 Sole Unit
The Glycerin 10 is designed for comfort, and much of this comes from the features in the sole unit, which has been created to provide maximum cushioning while still allowing the runner to feel some connection with the road. As in the previous two models, the midsole features Brooks’ DNA cushioning throughout, which absorbs shock while allowing for a more responsive and flexible sole. Like several other recent Brooks models, the crash pad has been elongated to make the Glycerin 10 a bit friendlier to midfoot strikers.
The caterpillar crash pad, which is constructed of rubber with deep grooves, not only absorbs shock, but also creates a more flexible sole. The sole unit is rounded out by a plastic shank, called a DRB Accel, and is intended to provide additional support for pronation issues. In previous versions, the plastic shank extended across the middle of the shoe, but was shorted to only over the inner half to allow for better ground contact and make room for additional cushioning. This change does mean that there is slightly less support in the Glycerin 10, so heavy pronators may want to give these a solid test run to ensure that they are providing enough support.
Brooks Glycerin 10 Upper Unit
As a premium shoe, the Glycerin 10 is designed for comfort, and this is evident throughout the upper unit. Constructed mostly of mesh overlays, the upper is extremely breathable and smooth. The key feature of the upper is the arch saddle, which conforms to each runner’s foot and results in a snug, comfortable fit. Adding to the feeling of a customized fit is the plastic overlay along the laces, which makes it easier to adjust them as needed for a perfect fit. Switching between thinner compression socks, and much more plush and padded pairs, I found this to be a great advantage, and would love to see this element spread to other shoes in the Brooks line.
Overall, the upper was exceptionally smooth, and it was easy to adjust tightness quickly, and as a result heel slipping, blisters, and chaffing were never an issue.
Brooks Glycerin 10 Opinion
After adjusting to a heavier, more cushioned shoe, the Glycerin 10 really started to grow on me, and I found myself reaching for them over and over again.
While they are a bit too heavy for my everyday runs and track workouts, they were a fantastic option for me for days when I was looking for a bit more cushion without sacrificing a smooth ride.
While a bit on the pricy side, the Glycerin 10 is incredibly durable, standing up well to the abuse that I put them through—taking them through the rain, mud, and pavement—and are still holding strong.
We thank the nice people at Brooks for sending us a pair of Glycerin 10 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
price comparison
 | Men's Brooks Glycerin 10 Running Shoe - White/green 12.5 RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. | $119.95 |
 | Brooks Men's Glycerin 10 Running Shoes BrooksRunning All the latest Brooks shoes and apparel, Free shipping on orders over 75$ | $140.00 |
 | Brooks - Glycerin 10 (diva Pink/anthracite/silver) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $140.00 |
Written by Courtney Roy
Courtney lives and runs in New York City. When she’s not running through her favorite parks, you can find her shopping, cooking, or watching her favorite football teams.
In an age when every other shoe company is finding ways to drop weight on their shoes, why did this one gain weight from the previous version? Combine that with the price tag, and I have a hard time taking the plunge.
I weigh 220 lbs and I’m 6’1. Mostly what I care about is cushion and durability. I typically run between 15-20 miles per week. I have tried the asics nimbus 14 and now I’m using the Brooks Glycerin 10. It was a very hard decision for me since both shoes felt very very comfortable during what I concider a long run for me (5-6 miles). I am very happy with this shoe and after a week full of running I have had no issues with calf or shin soreness. The Asics Nimbus felt a little to squishy in the midfoot area for me but still felt nice. I like the brooks as they feel a less squishy. Both are great shoes for us big guys, or even the smaller guys looking for a comfy shoe on recovery days. I highly reccomend this shoe. Very comfy.
I’m a neutral runner looking for nice cushioned shoes! I love these brooks, just hate to pay an arm and a leg. (again)
Is there anything comparable to these that aren’t so pricey?
The tricky thing about my feet is that they are wide. I wear a d in these brooks.
Hi Delmi,
If you’re looking for a similar fit/feel, check out the Ghost 5. As a “premium” shoe, the Glycerins have a bit more support and cushion than the Ghost 5, but I found that the overall feel was quite similar.
Hope this helps!
Courtney
I will check those out…thanks!!!
I was a die hard Ghost 3 runner, having put more than a 2,400 miles on 10 pair over three years. When the supply ran out I bought a pair of Ghost 5′s but the change in cushion material was devastating. While the reports say the heel-to-toe ratio has not changed, the much softer material compresses so much the effective height during running changes enough to cause strain on my achilles tendon resulting in heel pain.
After trying several different shoes I finally put some miles on a pair of Brooks Glycerin 10′s and it was a dream come true. I’m a mid-foot to heel striker and the cushioning in the shoe is the best I have ever felt. While I will not likely race any distance in these shoes, they are great for daily trainers.
So I put on around 400 miles on Brooks Dyad 7′s. I had orthotics that I went ahead and got away from so I wanted to get into a more shallow shoe and really like the neutral feel of the Dyad’s. I tried on both the Ghost 5 and the Glycerin 10′s and decided to go for the Glycerin’s.
Today I went out for my initial run in them and am disappointed. I got a blister under the ball of big toe on my right foot and the flexibility in the toe does not seem like it is there. I knew it is a bit more rigid but thought I would feel a bit more flexibility while running. I only ran 4.5 miles, and who knows, maybe I should have shortened it up for my first run.
I hope these break in, but I am beginning to wonder if I bought my shoes a 1/2 size too small ot not enough width? The toe box definitely feels narrower and shorter in the Glycerin’s than in the Dyad’s.
My co-worker uses Glycerin’s to run all his marathon’s (he just ran the Boston this past weekend) and swears by them.
Again I hope these break in for me.
Long time Nike Zoom Vomero runner, they made significant changes to the shoe that didn’t work for me at all. The Glycerin 10s are a major improvement to the Vomeros, better firmness and stability but soft on impact. Fit is perfect, heel padding is comfortable. Good design for a 30 mile per week roadie. Very impressed!
I have run in Glycerin’s for years, including more recently 2 half marathons. While I like the feel of the narrower toe box in the 10 compared to the 9, I too have had chronic blister problems at the base of my big toes with this version. Just tried to find another 9 online to no success. May have to go back to my worn out shoe, or maybe try the Ghost.