Brooks Glycerin Max review

8 expert score
9 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 07th November by Brandon Law Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
204 other reviews

Brooks Glycerin Max Verdict

The Brooks Glycerin Max is a great maximalist daily trainer with a balanced and stable ride. It has a brand new DNA Tuned midsole which delivers a medium-soft and relatively versatile ride but doesn’t offer a high level of bounce or energy return. It has a stiff forefoot and a rocker to improve efficiency while it's best suited to long runs & easy runs but it can also handle steady-paced runs.

The pros

  • Luxurious upper that fits like a glove
  • Energy-saving rocker
  • Deep cushioning
  • Grippy outsole
  • Stable ride

The cons

  • Not much energy return from the DNA Tuned midsole
  • Its substantial weight (10.5 oz) limits its versatility

Rating breakdown

Comfort
9.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
8.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
7.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Glycerin Max
Family
Weight
10.5 oz (298 g)
MSRP
$200.00

Heel
45 mm.
Toe
39 mm.
Heel drop
6 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Balanced
Amount of cushioning
Highly cushioned
Stability
Very stable
Flexibility
Medium

Usage

Racing
Speedwork
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Brooks Glycerin Max ?

If you find the Glycerin 21 too firm or too flat, the Glycerin Max is a softer, more lively option.
If you’re looking for a stable daily trainer with no ground feel, the Glycerin Max is a good option for you.

Who should not buy the Brooks Glycerin Max ?

If you want a maximalist trainer with a super soft and squishy ride, the Glycerin Max is not for you.
If you’re looking for a Superblast replacement that you can also use for speedwork, the Glycerin Max is not the shoe for you.

Brooks Glycerin Max Introduction

Picture of Brooks Glycerin Max

The Aurora-BL that Brooks launched back in 2021 was a special and unique shoe: it was soft, stable, energetic and had a really fun ride thanks to its decoupled heel. The experimental Aurora-BL was part of the Blue Line range and was a concept running shoe designed to give us a glimpse of future exciting technologies from Brooks.

Disappointingly, Brooks hasn’t released another shoe similar to the Aurora, even though they have a number of trainers which utilise the same midsole foam. This year, we have the launch of the brand new Glycerin Max and even though it’s not Blue Line, the Glycerin Max is the spiritual successor of the Aurora-BL.

Maximalist trainers above 40 mm in stack height are all the rage right now. A lot of brands are bringing out upsized versions of their max cushioned trainers and are embracing the “more, the merrier” philosophy when it comes to cushioning.

PUMA launched the MagMax earlier this year, which stands for Magnify Max, and is a beefed up version of their Magnify. New Balance has the More (already on its 5th version) which is a maximised version of their 1080 and now Brooks has the Glycerin Max, a supersized version of their Glycerin.

The Glycerin Max weighs 10.5 oz (200 g) which is 0.7 oz (20 g) heavier than the regular Glycerin 21 but it has 7 mm more stack height in the heel and 11 mm in the forefoot.

It has a 6 mm drop which is uncharacteristically low for a Brooks trainer. The Brooks Ghost is 12 mm while the Glycerin 21 is 10 mm.

Brooks Glycerin Max First Impressions

Picture of Brooks Glycerin Max

My first run was an 8 km easy-paced run. It felt like a mashup of the Glycerin 21 and the Hyperion Max: it had the deep cushioning of the Glycerin with the forefoot rocker of the Hyperion Max.

It had an incredibly stable ride and the upper fit me perfectly. It felt like I could pick up the pace if I wanted to thanks to the rocker and the stiff forefoot.

The shoe that it reminded me of most was the Skechers MaxRoad 6. They both have tall midsoles, a stiff forefoot and very balanced rides.

Brooks Glycerin Max Upper

Picture of Brooks Glycerin Max

In typical Brooks fashion, the Glycerin Max upper is supremely comfortable and feels as if it was custom made for my foot shape. It’s made of soft engineered mesh that conforms to your feet but it’s thick so it’s more suited to cool climates.

There are holes on the top of the toe box and on the side panels for better ventilation but they don’t make a big difference. The tongue is similar to the one on the Ghost 16. It’s not gusseted but it doesn’t slide around during runs because of its wide wings.

Picture of Brooks Glycerin Max

The collar and heel tab are generously padded and there’s a smooth lining inside the upper that makes it feel premium. Heel lockdown is excellent.

The narrow fit is similar to that of the Glycerin 21 and I find it true to size. Unlike the popular Glycerin, it’s not currently available in a wide version and I don’t recommend it for you if you have wider-than-average feet.

Brooks Glycerin Max Sole Unit

Picture of Brooks Glycerin Max

The Glycerin Max sole unit is big, bold and demands attention; it looks like a shoe from the future with its thick slab of translucent foam. If it didn’t have a Brooks logo on it, I would never guess that it was a Brooks shoe because it’s so unlike the ‘safe’ designs they usually churn out.

When it comes to ride, the Glycerin Max is firmer than it looks. It looks like it would have a really squishy, cloud-like ride but in reality, it has more of a balanced ride that’s comparable to a daily trainer.

I would have liked the Glycerin Max to have been slightly softer because I can choose the lighter Ghost or the regular Glycerin if I want a balanced ride. The Glycerin Max should be a much plusher experience.

Picture of Brooks Glycerin Max

DNA Tuned is a supercritical foam that feels similar to the DNA Loft that’s in the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21 but the Glycerin Max is a little bit softer. I find that it doesn’t possess the level of energy return of PEBA-based foams.

They don’t say what kind of foam DNA Tuned is but it feels like EVA. The main difference between DNA Tuned and Loft v3 is that Tuned is much lighter, which allows them to create such a tall midsole.

It has a softer heel made up of large cells with a firmer forefoot consisting of small cells that compress less when loaded. It’s designed to give you soft, padded landings when you land on your heel and then give you a firmer platform in the forefoot to push off from.

In theory, this makes sense but the difference between the heel and the forefoot softness is not very big and I don’t notice a significant difference during runs.

The Glycerin Max is surprisingly versatile. It’s great for long runs, easy runs, and moderately-paced runs. The stiff forefoot and rocker give it the ability to save you energy and they make it easier to speed up. It doesn’t cope well with speed workouts because of its weight but you can pick up the pace for short bursts.

It also has a very stable ride. Stability is created in 2 ways: it has high midsole sidewalls that cup your feet and it has a very wide base. It’s so stable that runners who need a moderate support shoe will find the Glycerin Max stable enough.

The outsole is really well designed. It has rubber placed on the high wear areas but the rubber is used sparingly to save weight. It started raining during one run and I had no slipping issues. I also haven’t noticed any rapid outsole wear after 80 kilometres.

Brooks Glycerin Max Conclusions

Picture of Brooks Glycerin Max

The Glycerin Max is currently my favourite Brooks trainer. It has a more dynamic ride than the Ghost and the regular Glycerin thanks to its rockered forefoot and it also has a lot more cushioning depth.

It’s a good long run trainer and an everyday workhorse for soaking up miles. I would however like it to be about 20% softer and to be more energetic. It’s not as lively or fun as the Brooks Aurora-BL but it has an engaging ride unlike any other current Brooks trainer.

I find myself looking forward to every run in the Glycerin Max and it will stay in my rotation for easy, long and steady-paced runs. I love the giant stack height and the stiff forefoot which makes running feel easier.

Compared to the ASICS Superblast, It doesn’t quite have the speed range of the best-selling ASICS shoe because it’s close to 2 oz (57 g) heavier so I don’t see the Glycerin Max being a Superblast killer.

At $200, it’s too expensive. The Superblast 2 is the same price and it is lighter, more versatile and uses a premier racing foam in its midsole. If I was Brooks, I would make it $180, which is the same price as the PUMA MagMax.

How does the Glycerin Max compare?

Asics GlideRide Max
Brooks Glycerin Max
Hoka One One Mach 6
Expert score
8
8
7
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$169.95
US$200
US$139.95
Weight
9.9 oz
10.5 oz
8.3 oz
Heel Drop
6 mm
6 mm
5 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
balanced/plush
balanced
responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
rigid
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
buy half size bigger
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Brooks at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.

Reviewed by Brandon

This review was written by Brandon Law on 07th November.
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.

User feedback (4)

  • avatar-comment-1056351
    David Wilson
    6 days ago
    8 score

    Been using these as my long run shoe for over 300 miles now. The cushioning isn’t bouncy but feels fantastic on those 2-3 hour runs – that rocker design really helps when you’re tired. Definitely feels more premium than my Ghost 15s, though you’re paying for it. They’re a bit heavy, but just finished a 3:45 marathon in them and my feet felt amazing even at the finish. Not an all-rounder, but perfect for those long, slow miles.

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  • avatar-comment-1055725
    Marcus Reynolds
    2 weeks ago
    8 score

    After putting 150 miles on the Glycerin Max, I’m impressed with its max cushioning for long runs. The DNA Tuned midsole provides great impact protection, though I agree it lacks the springy feel of shoes like the Nike Invincible. The rocker geometry really shines on 15+ mile runs – my legs feel much fresher compared to my old Glycerin 20s. I’ve used these primarily for recovery days and Sunday long runs up to 20 miles. The upper fit is exceptional – no hotspots or irritation even on humid summer days. While it’s not a fast shoe, it excels at its intended purpose as a reliable daily trainer. My only real complaint is the weight, as it feels noticeably heavier than the Saucony Triumph 21 I was using before. Overall though, an excellent max cushion option.

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  • avatar-comment-1055635
    RunnerDude44
    3 weeks ago

    Just spent way too much time trying these on at Fleet Feet! Man, that upper feels fancy compared to my regular Glycerins. The DNA Tuned foam caught me off guard – definitely not the cloud-like squish I was expecting. Build quality seems legit but $200? Might have to wait for that end-of-season sale to hit!

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  • avatar-comment-1055265
    Jennifer Walsh
    4 weeks ago
    9 score

    I’ve put about 200 miles on my Glycerin Max and they’ve become my go-to shoe for long runs. The DNA Tuned midsole provides excellent protection – I used them for a recent marathon and had zero foot fatigue issues even in the later miles. While not as bouncy as my New Balance More v4, the rocker geometry makes up for it by keeping me efficient. The upper fit is absolutely perfect – no hotspots even on 20+ mile runs. They really shine on recovery days when I’m not worried about pace. My only real complaint is the weight – they feel noticeably heavier than other max cushion options like the Hoka Bondi 8. For easy miles though, these are nearly perfect. Completed my last marathon in 3:45 wearing these.

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  • avatar-comment-1055158
    K.Mitchell
    1 month ago

    Prepping for Chicago Marathon and can’t decide between these and the Ghost Max. That extra $40 for the rocker seems steep – but maybe worth it for those last tough miles? Anyone used these for their full marathon build-up? Training in hot Houston summers if that matters!

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  • avatar-comment-1055095
    T.J. Williams
    1 month ago

    My feet tend to roll in a bit and I’m debating between these and the GTS version. Been using regular Glycerins forever but curious about this new DNA Tuned stuff. Anyone with slight overpronation try the non-GTS version? Don’t want to buy the wrong one and have to return them.

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  • avatar-comment-1054810
    Amanda K.
    1 month ago

    Need some sizing advice! Been running in regular Glycerin 9s forever but thinking of switching to the Max. Should I stick with my usual size? Also curious how the cushioning compares – my knees have been bugging me lately and I’m hoping these might help on those long Sunday runs.

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  • avatar-comment-1054744
    Amanda Wells
    1 month ago
    9 score

    These have become my long run buddies – perfect for those 15-20 milers at easy pace (9:45-10:30). Love how the rocker helps keep my form together when I’m dragging at mile 16. Got through two 18-milers in my marathon build-up and they were champs. Don’t expect that bouncy super-shoe feel, but the cushioning stays consistent mile after mile. Fit is spot-on – no issues with slipping or hot spots. They’re definitely more protective than my regular Glycerin 20s, but I wouldn’t reach for them on tempo day.

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  • avatar-comment-1054404
    Jennifer Walsh
    2 months ago
    8 score

    The Glycerin Max has become my go-to shoe for long runs over the past 3 months. Put about 200 miles on them so far and the DNA Tuned midsole maintains consistent cushioning, though I agree it’s not particularly bouncy. The rocker geometry really shines after mile 15 when form starts to break down. Compared to the regular Glycerin 21, the Max offers noticeably more stability and cushioning, though at the cost of agility. Used these for a recent 50K and my feet felt fresh even after 6 hours. The weight is noticeable but acceptable given the protection level. Only wish they had more energy return for picking up the pace.

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  • avatar-comment-1054376
    Sarah K
    2 months ago

    Hey everyone! Training for my first marathon and eyeing the Glycerin Max. Currently in the regular Glycerin 20s but looking for extra cushioning for those 20-milers. Bit worried about the weight though – anyone use these for long runs? Also, my current Brooks are 8.5 but heard these fit kinda tight. Should I size up to 9?

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  • avatar-comment-1054358
    R.Smith
    2 months ago

    Need some help deciding between these and the Bondi 9 for my recovery days. My knees have been pretty beat up lately from marathon training. Worth shelling out the extra cash over the regular Glycerin? Local store doesn’t have both to try on side by side.

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  • avatar-comment-1054147
    Amanda Torres
    2 months ago
    9 score

    After 200 miles in the Glycerin Max, I’m thoroughly impressed with its performance as a daily trainer. The DNA Tuned midsole hits a sweet spot of cushioning – not too soft like the Hoka Bondi, but plusher than the regular Glycerin. I’ve used these for everything from 5 mile recovery runs to a 20 miler, and they’ve performed admirably. The rocker geometry really helps on longer runs when form starts to break down. While they’re not particularly bouncy, the stability and consistent ride make up for it. My only real complaint is the weight – they feel noticeably heavier than my Saucony Triumph 21s. For pure easy day comfort though, these are hard to beat.

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  • avatar-comment-1054001
    FastFeet5k
    2 months ago

    Training for my first ultra and torn between these and the Invincible 3. Anyone put serious long run miles in both? Regular Glycerins were my go-to but wondering if the Max version is worth the extra cash for those 20+ mile training days.

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  • avatar-comment-1053925
    RoadRunner365
    2 months ago

    Just spent an hour at my local running store testing these out. Love how the DNA Tuned feels but man, $200 is tough to swallow! My trusty regular Glycerins are doing fine, might hold off until these hit the sale rack. Though that new midsole does feel pretty sweet…

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  • avatar-comment-1053898
    Jennifer Martinez
    2 months ago
    8 score

    I’ve put the Glycerin Max through its paces with 175 miles of training, including my weekend long runs. The DNA Tuned midsole provides great protection for high mileage weeks – I used them throughout my marathon build-up. While not as bouncy as my Hoka Bondi 9, they feel more stable and predictable. The rocker geometry helped maintain my form during a recent 18-miler. The premium upper is worth mentioning – zero hotspots or blisters. My only gripe is the weight limiting their use for faster sessions.

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  • avatar-comment-1053597
    RunnerDude84
    3 months ago

    Gotta say, I’m a bit disappointed. Been running in regular Glycerins forever and thought these would be next level. Sure, there’s tons of cushion, but they feel kinda dead compared to my Bondi 8s. Not sure the extra $20 is worth it – might just grab another pair of regular Glycerins when they’re on sale.

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  • avatar-comment-1053143
    RunningDoc
    3 months ago

    Training for Chicago (my first marathon!) and eyeing these for the big day. Anyone use both these and the regular Glycerin 21? Need something comfy for those 20-milers but $200 is a lot… wondering if that fancy DNA Tuned midsole is worth the extra cash?

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  • avatar-comment-1052987
    Rachel Stevens
    3 months ago
    8 score

    Long-time Glycerin fan here (worn every version since 18) and wow, this Max version is totally different! Been crushing my Boston training in these – legs feel way better after 18+ milers compared to my regular Glycerin 20s. That rocker design is clutch when you’re tired and trying to maintain pace. Not the shoe for speedwork, but perfect for long runs and recovery. Zero blisters even on my longest training runs, which is huge for me. Just ran my marathon in them and my feet felt fresh even at the finish. If you’re logging serious miles, they’re worth every penny.

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  • avatar-comment-1052807
    Sarah T.
    3 months ago

    Training for my fall marathon and eyeing these for those long Sunday runs. Currently in regular Glycerins but curious how different this max cushioned version feels. I slightly overpronate – anyone using these without stability features? My physio suggested I might not need the extra support anymore.

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  • avatar-comment-1052694
    Marcus Johnson
    3 months ago
    8 score

    After logging 150 miles in the Glycerin Max, I’m very impressed with the balanced ride and stability. The DNA Tuned midsole provides excellent protection for my long runs, though I agree it lacks the springiness of super foams. I’ve used it primarily for easy 10-15 mile runs and recovery days. The rocker geometry really helps reduce fatigue in the later miles. Compared to my previous Hoka Bondi 8s, these feel more stable and natural. The upper fit is exceptional – no hotspots even on 2+ hour runs. My only real complaint is the weight, which becomes noticeable on faster efforts. Great everyday trainer for those prioritizing comfort over speed.

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  • avatar-comment-1052668
    Curt
    3 months ago
    9 score

    I love how, for a max shoe, these are pretty stiff. Really makes them feel efficient and saves your feet from extra work turning over the extra foam…and I love the sort of firm feel too…never feels like it comes close to bottoming out and runs so much lighter than it actually is. This is the only max shoe I’ve liked, and I like it much better than the Superblast 2 which feels light but not enough under forefoot to serve the purpose I’d use it for.

  • avatar-comment-1052315
    RunningDoc
    4 months ago

    About to pull the trigger on new Glycerins – torn between these and the regular 21s. Anyone actually notice enough difference in cushioning to justify the extra $50? Training for my first marathon and want to make the right choice!

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  • avatar-comment-1051274
    Michael Stevens
    4 months ago
    9 score

    The Glycerin Max has been my primary shoe for the past two months, covering about 250 miles. The DNA Tuned midsole provides fantastic impact protection during long runs – I used them for a recent marathon and had zero foot fatigue issues at the finish. The rocker geometry really helps maintain form when fatigue sets in. While they’re not the bounciest shoes, the stability and cushioning make up for it. The upper fit is indeed exceptional – no heel slip or hotspots even during humid conditions. I’ve found them most effective for runs over 90 minutes where the max cushioning really shows its value. Compared to the standard Glycerin 21, these offer noticeably more protection without feeling overly bulky.

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  • avatar-comment-1050463
    David Chen
    4 months ago
    9 score

    The Glycerin Max has become my go-to shoe for long runs over the past two months. I’ve logged about 200 miles in them, primarily using them for runs 15+ miles. The DNA Tuned midsole isn’t bouncy like ZoomX or PWRRun PB, but it provides consistent cushioning that doesn’t bottom out. The rocker geometry really helps maintain efficiency in the later miles of long runs. I recently completed a 20-miler in these and my legs felt fresher than usual afterward. While they’re too heavy for tempo work, they excel at easy and moderate paces. The upper fit is absolutely perfect – no hot spots even on 3+ hour runs. Compared to the Glycerin 21, these offer noticeably more protection without feeling unstable.

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  • avatar-comment-1046830
    Mike D
    5 months ago

    Tried these on at my local shop since I’ve been running in regular Glycerins forever. That rocker sole definitely feels different – took a few laps around the store to get used to it. Picked up my Ghost 15s right after and wow, the Max feels like a tank in comparison. Not sure I can justify the extra cash over the regular Glycerin, especially when the standard version already works so well for me.

  • avatar-comment-1046543
    Jennifer Wright
    5 months ago
    9 score

    I’ve put about 200 miles on the Glycerin Max and can confidently say it’s become my go-to shoe for long runs. The DNA Tuned midsole, while not particularly bouncy, provides consistent cushioning that doesn’t bottom out even after 15+ miles. I’ve used these for two 20-mile training runs preparing for Boston, and my legs felt fresher compared to my old Glycerin 20s. The rocker geometry really shines in the later miles when form starts to deteriorate. One minor issue is the weight – you definitely feel it during pickup sections. Compared to the Nike Invincible 3, these offer more stability but less energy return. They’ve held up extremely well, with minimal wear on the outsole.

  • avatar-comment-1046227
    JamesR
    6 months ago

    Currently running in the regular Glycerin 21s for my long runs but starting to feel some knee niggles. Anyone make the switch to the Max version? Curious if the extra cushioning is worth the weight penalty, especially for those 15+ mile training runs.

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