Ultimately, the Glycerin 19 is a good option for any long-distance runner seeking a cushioned and stable ride. Overall, it’s not much different from its predecessors and ranks comparably in comfort and ride. The 19 certainly gets the job done but isn’t a groundbreaking or fantastic trainer. The main disadvantage reported by testers is that this new Glycerin featured less rubber, which translates into more exposed foam and, unfortunately, signs of premature wear. You won’t experience “your softest run ever” in the Glycerin 19 like Brooks advertises. Compared to the other max-cushioned trainers, the Glycerin 19’s ride is a tad firmer but it is more stable because there is less lean bias. For less experienced and heavier runners, the Glycerin will be able to handle any kind of speed and distance.

So, the Brooks Glycerin 18 has more DNA Loft foam than ever before—there’s more dough there, as Brooks puts it—and Fleet Feet testers felt it.I have never run in a more comfortable shoe, and I cannot fathom that a more comfortable shoe exists on the market. A big difference between the two shoes is the flex grooves carved into the outsole. The grooves on the Glycerin 17 created channels that ran horizontally across most of the forefoot. But the Glycerin 18 shortened the channels and reduced the number of them from six to five. 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.

This long piece of rubber makes ride transitions smoother and also increases midfoot stability and structure because there is less flex in the midfoot.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 The Glycerin also shines in transition. Heel strikers and midfoot strikes alike will find an easy transition from landing to toe off thanks to the smooth-ride foam and flexible feel.

Of all the max-cushioned trainers, the Glycerin is the shoe that receives the most minimal of updates, every year.

Brooks Glycerin 18 Upper Unit

And when you want a shoe that does it all from fit to support and comfort, our women’s Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 and men’s Glycerin StealthFit GTS 20 combine the best elements of this collection in one all-around shoe. 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. 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. The redesigned mesh upper sports fewer overlays, and the sidewall pattern of the midsole is slightly different. Neither of those changes affect the overall ride.