Editor rating:
8/10 on
TJ JONES
User's rating:

PROS

  • Smooth ride transtions
  • Comfortable (midsole and upper)
  • Stable

CONS

  • Lacks responsiveness
  • Breathability
  • Longer break in period

OUR VERDICT

The Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 is a new stable spin on the classic neutral trainer. Although there are higher cushioned, or more responsive, max trainers out there, you’re unlikely to find a smoother, more comfortable ride.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Glycerin GTS 19
Model
Type
9 oz. (255 gr.)
Weight
150 US$
MSRP
99 mm
Heel Drop
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
I would recommend the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 to anyone who is looking for a premium max cushioned stability trainer that is built for miles.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Intro

“Less is more” has become the motto for Brooks in 2021. They decided to phase out the Ravenna and Transcend, the low and high tiers of their stability offerings.

Instead of replacing them with a brand new trainer, they opted to release two versions of Launch (neutral counterpart of Ravenna) and Glycerin (neutral counterpart of Transcend), a neutral and a stability (GTS) version with guide rails.

The Glycerin GTS is Brooks’ max cushioned stability trainer.

Their line of stability trainers has three tiers of cushioning with the Launch GTS being the first tier, the Adrenaline GTS the second tier, and the Glycerin GTS the top tier.

The Glycerin GTS competes with the ASICS Kayano, Saucony Hurricane, and the Mizuno Wave Horizon.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 First Impressions

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 - Closeup Toe

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 – Closeup Toe

Upon opening the box I was impressed with the design and colorway of the Glycerin GTS 19. The neon yellow logo along with the light blue/yellow of guide rails stood out from the navy blue of the rest of the upper.

I wish there were a few more accents of neon yellow throughout the shoe. One drawback for stability runners is the lack of colorway options. There are only 3 options for the GTS version while there are 6 for the neutral offering.

I have never run in either a Glycerin or Transcend in all my years of running. So, I put them on for the first time expecting to have it feel similar to the Adrenaline.

I was taken aback when I was greeted with a different sensation. Initially, it was a softer and more cushioned feeling than the Adrenaline. It was also a more tailored fit than the Adrenaline.

They were comfortable from the get-go and I was excited to take them out to pound the pavement.

The maiden voyage of the Glycerin GTS was a 5-mile hilly route. Although they had an ample bounce out of the box, they were stiff and I knew I was in for a break-in period.

The tailored fit of the upper provided a comfortable fit. I immediately felt the rocker motion provided by the midsole which propelled me along. After the initial run, I was looking forward to many more miles in these.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Sole Unit

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 - Sole

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 – Sole

The Brooks Glycerin has been around for 18 editions but this is the first with stability technology. So let’s introduce this technology by starting from the ground up.

The same blown rubber used in Brooks’ offerings is used in the Glycerin GTS. This is a less dense and softer blown rubber compared to others.

This does two things: first, it increases the flexibility of the shoe and second, it isn’t as durable. They showed some wear after 75 miles, not drastic wear, but noticeable.

The midsole is made of a single density DNA Loft EVA compound. This material provides a cushioned, yet bouncy, feel. It translates in a comfortable ride from the first step.

On the downside, it lacks responsiveness and speed. This material was combined with a toe scoop and a 10 mm drop to give the shoe a natural rocker-like quality.

The transition from impact to toe-off was one of the smoothest I felt in a max cushioned stability trainer. The amount of cushioning and feeling of it make the Glycerins GTS 19 perfect for easier and longer runs.

Brooks introduced their GuideRail technology in the Transcend seven years ago. They incorporated into their other stability offerings (Ravenna and Adrenaline) three years ago.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 - Closeup Medial Side

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 – Closeup Medial Side

This monumental change was welcomed by many. The GuideRails serve like bumpers for your feet, engaging and balancing the movement of your feet.

There is a long medial side railing and a shorter lateral side railing. In the Glycerin GTS 19 I was aware of their presence occasionally.

The awareness was small and only when they were engaged because of my stride. They provided moderate stability when I needed it.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Upper Unit

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 - Top

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 – Top

With the Glycerin GTS 19 being the top tier stability offering you expect top tier materials and technologies, which it delivers both.

The upper features a dual layer air mesh material that is breathable, flexible, and durable. It adapts and molds to your feet resulting in an incredibly comfortable fit.

The gusseted tongue (attached to the midsole) aids this fit as well, making it almost a glove like feel. This increases the temperature in the upper.

It wasn’t an issue for me because they were reviewed in the end of winter, but it might be a drawback running in the summer months.

There is a simplified look to the upper which means fewer 3d printed overlays. Because of this there are no points of irritation for your feet.

The heel fit is important in the stability trainer because it can either add or subtract an amount of the stability felt. The Glycerin GTS 19 heel fit adds to the stability.

It’s ample amount of plush cushioning holds the heel in place securely. The lacing system is a traditional one and helps with the perfect fit of the upper.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Conclusion

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 - Closeup Lateral

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 – Closeup Lateral

Brooks as a brand that fosters loyalty from their runners more than most brands out there. Would this simplifying of their stability lineup help or hinder that loyalty?

If the Glycerin GTS 19 is an indicator of what’s to come, it is only going to strengthen that loyalty.

This was my first experience with Brooks’ top-tier stability technology so I went in with few expectations. The DNA Loft midsole was a comfortable and cushy ride from the first step.

They provided one of the smoothest foot strike to toe offs transitions I have experienced. This lends itself perfectly to easy runs and longer distances.

Responsive, these are not, which is a drawback if you want to push the pace in these. Another drawback is the longer break in period (about 30 miles).

This has been the case for my Brooks experiences. Once they are broken in they were a dream to run in.

The upper of the Brooks Glycerin GTS features top tier materials and it shows and performs as such. The air mesh upper along with gusseted tongue adapt and form to your foot while maintaining flexibility.

Because of this fit the Glycerin struggles slightly with breathability. The comfort of the fit overshadowed this small breathability drawback.

The heel counter and ample cushioning provide a secure fit that translated into stability of the shoe. Overall, the upper carried on the dream-like feeling of running in these.

Priced at $150, the Glycerin GTS offers the best Brooks has to offer and it is worth it. They provided me with 100 comfortable miles because of the execution of all aspects.

I wanted to run in them long after my review miles. Together with the Adrenaline, they would make an ideal running rotation.

It was a brave move for Brooks to simplify an already small lineup of stability trainers. The move streamlines their lineup and makes it simpler for the runner to decide.

Based on my experience with the Glycerin GTS it was the right move and I look forward to future versions.

Sure you could find more cushioning or responsiveness in a max stability trainer, but I doubt you will find one that is a more comfortable and smoother ride than the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19.

We purchased a pair of Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 Price Comparison

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