Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Introduction

Glycerin GTS is the stability version of Brooks Glycerin. “GTS” stands for Go-To-Support, and the added feature of GuideRails® makes quite a difference in the stable feel of the shoe throughout footplant.

Glycerin GTS is the most plush stability offering from Brooks, joining the Launch GTS which is focused on supported speed, and Adrenaline GTS which offers a balance between speed and plush stability.

While this has always been a “stability shoe,” the updated GuideRails® in the 22 offer noticeably higher-level guidance.

Additional new tech in the shoe includes new DNA Tuned foam in the midsole geared toward a softer landing but more firm toe-off.

This version is more of a Cadillac of a shoe, with an added, flexible heel loop to pull it on and a more plush heel collar and tongue.

The 22 retails at $165 USD for both the Glycerin and Glycerin GTS, which is $5 up from many recent models of Glycerin GTS (and the line’s former name, Transcend).

In side-by-side testing, Glycerin GTS 22 offers significantly more stability than both the Glycerin 22 and the Glycerin GTS 21. What surprised me is that, of the three, Glycerin GTS 21 has the most responsive ride into a smooth toe-off. I rank the stability and cushion of Glycerin 22 higher than that of Glycerin GTS 21.
Buy the older GTS 21 for the best “speed shoe” of the three. Try Glycerin 22 for some stability and a lot of comfort, and go with Glycerin GTS 22 for maximum stability.

If you have flat feet and add your own orthotics, the Glycerin GTS is a great option to try, but you may want to stick with the brand’s long-proven Beast (men’s) and Ariel (women’s) which are designed specifically for this purpose.

Glycerin GTS competes with Saucony Omni, New Balance Vongo, and ASICS Gel-Kayano for top-end stability offerings.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 First Impressions

Opening the box, Glycerin GTS 22 struck me as a solid, cozy-looking shoe with a traditional upper look and plush midsole. I was eager to try Brooks’ latest foam!

In my first few steps I could already feel the added stability in the new shoe, with a Glycerin on one foot and the GTS version on the other.

Picking up into a run, Glycerin GTS felt comfortable but heavy. It is .6 oz heavier than the 21, in my women’s size 10, but the change feels more significant.

When my legs are fresh, I can still pick up the pace with this shoe, but any other time the weight is noticeable. The design of the 21 aids a quick ride, while the design of 22 is geared towards support and comfort.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Upper

The GTS 22 has an updated upper as well, now with a double-jacquard knit that aids the higher level of support that I feel in this version. It is a little less flexible than the knit upper from last year.

Plush comfort is increased with a thicker tongue and more padding around the ankle opening. Heel fit is secure, and the comfort is back to what Transcend used to offer.

This upper is not as hot as I expected, which is great, but this shoe is not ideal for hot or wet environments.
Heel support is top notch! A strong heel counter guides the foot forward. The 22 adds a comfortable, flexible loops to aid pulling the shoe on.

Fit is similar to the last model: a touch on the small side, for length, and true-to-size in width. If you’re between sizes, order half size up.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Sole Unit

A new “DNA Tuned” midsole is designed with a dual-cell nitrogen-infused foam with larger cells in the heel for softer landings and smaller cells in the forefoot for firmer, more responsive toe-offs.

I can tell! This shoe feels “maxed out” and primed for a great feel from foot strike to toe-off.

Updated GuideRails offer more support than in the past—like a lot more. As I roll onto my forefoot, I feel the shoe correcting my foot into more of a toe-off rather than letting me roll in on the side of my big toe.

The medial guiderail extends into the midfoot far enough to counter excess pronation, and the new forefoot foam is more firm for added support.

The durable rubber outsole in the 22 has been updated for better coverage under the medial forefoot into the toe, which is really key for overpronators who are looking for a shoe that can hold up for many miles. With 60 miles on the shoe so far, the outsole looks almost untouched.

All of this makes for a heavier, more blocky ride, unfortunately!

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Conclusions

Brooks has come full circle with this plush offering. The old Transcends used to be plush, maxed-out models, but when the line switched to Glycerin GTS, they were thinned down for a speedier support shoe. The 22 has gone back to plush, which I think is good!

The differences between shoes in Brooks stability line-up are now more pronounced, so consumers can get what they are looking for: Launch GTS for speed, Glycerin GTS for plush comfort, and Adrenaline GTS for the best of both worlds.

Does this newest version of Glycerin GTS work for you, or do you prefer the more streamlined 21? Let us know in the comments!