After putting these shoes through their paces over several weeks, I can say they’ve exceeded my expectations in nearly every department.
The Glycerin 22 delivers exceptional comfort and versatility with its dual-cell cushioning system that adapts to your running style, whether you’re tackling easy miles or longer training sessions. This isn’t just another incremental update – it’s a proper step forward that puts Brooks back in serious contention with the likes of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 and New Balance Fresh Foam 1080.
Having tested countless daily trainers over the years, I was curious to see whether Brooks could shed its “reliable but dull” reputation with this latest iteration. From the moment I laced them up, it was clear that something had shifted. The combination of thoughtful design updates, improved materials, and that new DNA Tuned technology creates a running experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
Key Features and First Impressions
The Brooks Glycerin 22 marks a major shift for the brand with its new DNA Tuned foam technology and refreshed design approach. After testing these running shoes extensively, I’ve found significant improvements in both performance and aesthetics.
What’s New in the Brooks Glycerin 22
The biggest change in the Glycerin 22 is the introduction of DNA Tuned foam. This replaces the previous DNA Loft v3 cushioning system entirely.
The new foam uses a dual-cell design. Larger foam cells sit in the heel and midfoot areas for maximum cushioning. Smaller cells are positioned in the forefoot to create more responsiveness during toe-off.
Brooks has also updated the upper construction. The engineered warp knit from version 21 is gone. It’s been replaced with an engineered double jacquard knit upper.
The midsole gets a visual refresh too. Brooks sculpted a more modern-looking profile that feels fresher than previous versions.
Colourway options have improved a lot. Brooks moved away from primary colours to more muted, sophisticated palettes. The White/Limpet Shell/Amparo Blue option I tested shows this shift perfectly.
The lacing system now combines traditional eyelets with what I’d call bungee cord-style eyelets. This creates better lockdown without pressure points.
Standout Specs at a Glance
Here are the key specifications for the Brooks Glycerin 22:
| Specification | Women’s | Men’s |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 258g | 289g |
| Stack Height | 38mm heel / 28mm forefoot | 38mm heel / 28mm forefoot |
| Drop | 10mm | 10mm |
| Price | £165 | £165 |
The 10mm drop keeps Brooks’ traditional heel-to-toe offset. This suits runners who prefer a more conventional running shoe feel.
The 38mm heel stack provides substantial cushioning without feeling excessive. It’s built on a slightly wider platform for added stability.
Brooks offers the Glycerin 22 in regular and wide fit options. This accommodates different foot shapes and sizes.
The foam technology is encased in a firmer carrier foam. This adds structural support while maintaining the dual-cell benefits.
Initial Comfort and Fit
My first impression when slipping on the Glycerin 22 was how well it wrapped around my foot. The new upper construction creates a snug, secure feel without being restrictive.
The heel cup strikes a good balance between stability and flexibility. There’s ample padding around the heel collar, similar to what you’d find on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus series.
I found the sizing to be true to size. This is an improvement over some recent Brooks models that ran small. The fit feels consistent with what I’d expect from my normal running shoe size.
The tongue provides good comfort but feels a bit over-padded. It’s not gusseted but stays in place during runs. Brooks could probably save a little weight here in future versions.
The lacing system impressed me right away. The mix of eyelet styles creates excellent lockdown without any upper puckering or pressure on the foot’s top.
Initial comfort levels are high straight out of the box. No break-in period was needed for comfortable running.
Performance and Cushioning Experience
The Brooks Glycerin 22’s DNA Tuned midsole delivers a noticeably different ride experience compared to previous models. The dual-cell foam technology creates distinct zones that work with your natural gait pattern, whilst the 10mm heel-to-toe drop provides a familiar platform for most runners.
Ride Quality on the Run
The DNA Tuned cushioning system really shines during longer runs. I found the larger foam cells in the heel create a plush yet supportive landing zone that doesn’t feel overly soft or unstable.
The transition from heel to midfoot feels smooth and controlled. There’s none of that sinking sensation you sometimes get with maximum cushioning shoes.
What stood out to me was how the midsole keeps its responsiveness even as fatigue sets in. During a 33km training run, the shoe continued to provide consistent energy return without feeling dead underfoot.
The slightly wider platform adds stability without making the shoe feel clunky. This works particularly well on longer efforts when your form might start to deteriorate a bit.
Soft Landings and Responsive Toe-Offs
The dual-cell technology creates two distinct experiences within one midsole. Heel strikers will notice the immediate benefit of the larger cells providing excellent shock absorption on impact.
Moving through to the forefoot, the smaller cells deliver a noticeably more responsive feel. It’s not explosive like a carbon-plated shoe, but there’s definitely more pop than traditional Brooks foam.
The DNA Tuned midsole encased in firmer carrier foam prevents the shoe from feeling too squishy. This combo gives you soft landings without sacrificing the responsive toe-offs that make daily training enjoyable.
Forefoot strikers might not experience the full benefit of this system. The technology really works best when you’re utilising the heel-to-toe transition the shoe was designed around.
Versatility Across Distances
I’ve tested the Glycerin 22 across various distances and paces with impressive results. Recovery runs of 10-12km felt effortless, with the cushioning providing just the right amount of comfort without being too pillowy.
For tempo work, the shoe performs adequately but isn’t its strongest suit. The responsive forefoot helps during uptempo sections, though it lacks the snappy feel of dedicated tempo trainers.
Where it truly excels is on long runs and easy miles. The DNA Tuned cushioning system seems to adapt well to extended time on feet, maintaining comfort even as distances stretch beyond 30km.
The shoe handles mixed surfaces reasonably well, though it’s clearly designed for road running. Light gravel paths and packed trails are manageable, but don’t expect trail shoe levels of grip or protection.
Materials, Technology, and Design
The Brooks Glycerin 22 introduces significant material upgrades that set it apart from previous versions. The most notable change is the switch to DNA Tuned cushioning technology, replacing the previous DNA Loft v3 foam system.
DNA Tuned Versus DNA Loft v3 Foam
The DNA Tuned cushioning represents a major technological leap for Brooks. This nitrogen-infused foam features a dual-density design that’s far more sophisticated than the DNA Loft v3 foam.
Here’s how the two systems compare:
| Feature | DNA Tuned | DNA Loft v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Structure | Dual-density (large heel, small forefoot) | Single density |
| Responsiveness | Adaptive to foot strike | Consistent throughout |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
The larger cells in the heel provide maximum cushioning for heel strikers like myself. The smaller cells in the forefoot deliver enhanced responsiveness during toe-off. This creates a more dynamic riding experience that adapts to your natural stride pattern.
The nitrogen infusion process makes the foam lighter whilst maintaining durability. I’ve found this technology works particularly well during longer runs when fatigue sets in.
Double Jacquard Knit Upper Explained
Brooks replaced the engineered warp knit upper with a double jacquard knit upper construction. This new material provides better breathability without sacrificing structural support.
The upper uses a mixed lacing system. Traditional eyelets work alongside what I’d describe as bungee cord-style eyelets. This creates excellent lockdown without pressure points on the top of your foot.
The heel cup maintains stability whilst remaining flexible. There’s generous padding around the heel collar, similar to what you’d find on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus series.
One minor issue I’ve noticed is the tongue padding. It’s slightly too thick and could benefit from being trimmed down in future versions.
Build Quality and Breathability
The build quality feels premium throughout the shoe. The midsole features a newly sculpted design that looks more modern than previous Glycerin models. Brooks has also moved away from primary colours towards more muted, sophisticated colourways.
The double jacquard air mesh upper delivers excellent ventilation during runs. I’ve tested these shoes in various conditions and never experienced overheating issues.
The outsole design is robust, though maybe a bit over-engineered visually. The dual-cell technology sits within a firmer carrier foam for added stability. This construction method ensures the innovative cushioning system maintains its performance over many miles.
The shoe sits on a slightly wider platform, which enhances stability without feeling clunky during transitions.
Comparisons and Ideal Use Cases
The Glycerin 22 fills a specific niche in Brooks’ lineup between the standard daily trainer and the maximalist Glycerin Max. It works best for heel strikers who want premium comfort without excessive bulk, though it faces stiff competition from established rivals like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27.
Brooks Glycerin 22 vs Brooks Glycerin Max
The main difference lies in stack height and overall feel. The Glycerin Max offers 40% more foam with a towering 42mm heel stack compared to the Glycerin 22’s 38mm.
I found the Max feels more cushioned underfoot. It’s better for runners who want maximum impact protection. The regular Glycerin 22 feels more responsive and closer to the ground.
Weight differs significantly – the Glycerin 22 comes in at 289g for men’s, whilst the Max is notably heavier. Both use the same DNA Tuned foam technology with dual-cell construction.
The Max suits ultra-distance runners and those with joint concerns. The Glycerin 22 works better for daily training where you want cushioning without feeling disconnected from the pavement.
Price-wise, the Glycerin 22 costs less at £165. The Max commands a premium for that extra foam.
Runner Profiles That Will Love the Glycerin 22
Heel strikers get the most benefit from the dual-cell DNA Tuned foam. Those larger cells in the heel soak up impact, making it a real treat for folks who land hard on their heels.
Runners logging 10-35km training runs will notice the comfort, especially as the miles add up. I took it out for a 33km run and, honestly, my legs were a lot less beat up than usual.
Heavier runners might like the stable platform and generous cushioning. The base feels a bit wider but not awkward or stiff—just supportive in a way that makes sense.
Beginner runners will probably appreciate how forgiving it is, especially when they’re starting to rack up more mileage. That 10mm drop feels familiar, especially if you’re coming from more casual shoes.
If you’re into recovery runs, the comfort is hard to beat. The soft landings really take the edge off when your legs are already tired.
Forefoot strikers might feel less impressed—the tech is geared more for heel-to-toe transitions, so you might not get the full effect up front.
How It Compares to Other Top Running Shoes
Against the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, I’ve gotta say, I lean toward the Glycerin 22. It just feels fresher and a bit more responsive, while still giving you that plush comfort you’d expect.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 is pretty versatile too, but it’s a touch firmer underfoot. Both are solid picks for daily miles, though the 1080’s price is a little easier to swallow.
Saucony Triumph brings that premium cushion vibe, but with a lower drop. For heel strikers, the Glycerin 22 definitely feels more planted and stable.
The Nike Invincible 3 is all about bounce—almost too much, honestly. The Glycerin 22 tones it down and keeps things more controlled, which I appreciate for everyday runs.
At £165, yeah, it’s definitely in that premium bracket for daily trainers. You’re paying for the DNA Tuned tech and, well, Brooks’ reputation for build quality. Honestly, with how long these last, most runners will probably feel like it’s worth the investment.
