Brooks Glycerin 18, Men’s race Running Shoe

Product Information

The updated design of the foam does cut down on some of the weight and offers a slightly softer ride. However, the difference during side-by-side runs, has been negligible.

These adaptations happen every time your foot touches the ground. The Glycerin has a lighter and overall softer version of the DNA Midsole for an even more plush ride. It probably comes as no surprise that the Glycerin 18 is an extremely comfortable shoe to wear, even from the first time you slip your foot into it. The soft cushioning and ample padding makes it feel more like you're wearing a slipper than a technical shoe. Upgrade your footwear: The best road running shoes to buy for men | The best road running shoes for women The range has become a staple for those looking for a daily trainer that offers a soft, cushioned feel with every step, instead of a fast race shoe. The latest versions of the Nimbus, Triumph, and Clifton are all softer shoes than the Glycerin 18. Now, with the release of the Invincible, it’s hard to imagine that any shoe could be softer.For those running in harsh winter conditions, the midsole does freeze a little bit. The ride becomes less soft, and you might be better off choosing a shoe with a TPU style midsole. The Glycerin is still a great choice. Exceptional traction DNA is made of a non-Newtonian compound, which means that it changes its state of matter when different amounts of pressure are applied to it. When you are running faster, you apply more pressure to the midsole. While the standard Glycerin model is a maximum-cushioned, neutral trainer, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19 and 20 (newly released in July 2022) are classed as stability trainers. Stability running shoes such as these are ideal for runners with overpronation, who need more ankle support and a less flexible sole. Consider coming into a store and doing a video gait analysis. Gait analysis monitors your body’s movement and your feet (sports biomechanics) whilst running. It’s commonly used to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify movement related problems for people with injuries who are seeking new running shoes. ADRIENNE: Tech bros at Brooks– this shoe has the potential to be a badass daily trainer/easy mileage shoe; but please liven up the midsole. I realize the Levitate 3 brings some bounce, but the sensation of slightly sinking into shag carpet is not my favorite. Not trying to be harsh, just sayin’. Like I said, the potential is there!

The midsole is as cushioned as possible while still not feeling mushy or slow. The Glycerin is the type of shoe that does not cause any problems for my feet, so I forget that they are there, even thirty miles into a run; and that is the true measure of a comfortable running shoe. No surprises with fit except pleasant These are ultra soft – I don’t find these the fastest Brooks shoes. Not ideal for every run, especially not speed workouts or your 5K PB attempt. The BioMoGo part of BioMoGo DNA means that in an anaerobic landfill, the midsole will decompose within 20 years, compared to the thousands of years that it takes other midsole materials to decompose.The Brooks Glycerin range has long been a favourite amongst the kind of runner that wants comfort above all else. The Glycerin 18 is the latest iteration of that shoe line, with Brooks adding a sprinkling of new design features to ensure it's still up there as one of the best daily trainers. The place where Brooks put most of their attention is in a slightly updated upper. Although the look of the upper is very similar to last year, Brooks changed the mesh materials to use a double jacquard mesh. At faster pace, it's clear that the Glycerin isn't a shoe designed for speed. It's by no means a slow option and the cushioning does an admirable job at offering a competent level energy return, however, if you're after something for a fast time on race day, it's not one of the Glycerin 18's strengths. The Glycerin has been using the same DNA Loft midsole foam for the past 4 versions with very subtle changes in midsole foam density in each version.

The toe box allows for a straight big toe and toe splay, which is biomechanically favorable. The laces are very adjustable, and the upper is slightly stretchy so the shoe can adapt to many different types of feet. Glycerin 18 cushioning suits any type of run The downside is that the rubber wears down faster than the norm. On my pair, on the outer lateral heel area, the rubber has already worn down 2-3mm so I expect to reach midsole foam by the time I hit 300 kilometres which is not ideal. The Glycerin 18 also showcases a double-jacquard mesh for some additional stretch in the midfoot and forefoot. The company logo, a thin overlay, adds a touch of structure to the midfoot. The upper exhibits a fresh, clean look, unencumbered by unnecessary clutter that adds weight and the possibility for pressure or hot spots. My feet felt secure every run, and the DNA Loft midsole makes for less ground feel. Shop Brooks Glycerin 18 As for its performance, I see the Glycerin 18 as a daily trainer with ample cushioning for everyday running or long slow distance runs. I found the DNA Loft midsole to run on the firmer side of the spectrum rather than being plush. I think the cushioning could be improved to better match the premium feel of the upper material, but overall the cushioning did allow for a smooth and consistent stride.The outsole uses plenty of soft, blown rubber. Brooks prefers using a softer type of outsole rubber to soften landings and increase the ground feel. According to Des, the Glycerin don’t “bring anything fancy to the table because that’s your job, but it’s never going to take away from your run.”

I’ve never ever thought of the Glycerin as a super soft ride. It’s always been one of the firmest max-cushioned trainers.

Our Verdict

We say training sessions because the Glycerin 18 is a shoe designed for covering a lot of miles, whether that's through consistent daily runs or longer distances, without making it feel like a slog. The midsole not only does an impressive job of absorbing repeated impact, but the padded upper makes the foot feel stable and secure without being constrictive. The tongue is soft and comfortable, and doesn’t move around much during runs. And one of the most pleasant surprises was the shoelaces. Yes, the shoelaces. ADRIENNE: With this iteration, Brooks appears to be heading in a decent direction. Those who are fans of previous Glycerin models will likely be fans of this one as well. The 18 is lighter, weighing in at 9.0 oz for my size 9. It may not be a spectacle, ride-wise, but the cushioning is reliable, consistent, and the shoe doesn’t feel heavy on the foot or in the hand. The upper and shifts in midsole-outsole ratio are likely the reason why. This long piece of rubber makes ride transitions smoother and also increases midfoot stability and structure because there is less flex in the midfoot.