The Brooks Glycerin 23 brings plush cushioning with DNA Tuned foam, a premium triple-jacquard upper, and an 8mm heel-to-toe drop that makes it a solid pick for easy runs, long miles, and daily training. The biggest changes from the last model? Two more millimetres of foam under the forefoot and a fancier upper material that somehow feels more luxe without weighing things down.
Let’s dig into what makes the Glycerin 23 stand out, how it handles different runs, and whether it’s the right fit for your routine. I’ll toss in some comparisons and share who’ll probably enjoy this plush trainer the most.
Key Features and Updates
The Brooks Glycerin 23 tweaks an already strong formula, with the headline update being 2mm more DNA TUNED foam up front. I noticed these changes make the ride a bit smoother yet still keep that premium vibe the Glycerin’s always had.
Midsole and Nitrogen-Infused Cushioning
This shoe uses DNA TUNED midsole foam, which is nitrogen-infused for a cushioned but still lively feel. That foam tech isn’t brand new, it showed up in the last version, but the stack height, especially in the forefoot, is different now.
Brooks added 2mm extra cushioning to the forefoot, which gives you a little more protection when pushing off but doesn’t make the shoe feel bogged down. The nitrogen-infused midsole balances soft landings with a bit of bounce back.
The platform shape’s also been tweaked. I felt the shoe was a bit more stable than the Glycerin 22, even with the added foam. The DNA TUNED foam holds up nicely whether you’re going slow or picking up the pace.
Upper Design and Fit
The triple jacquard warp knit upper feels premium right out of the box. It wraps the foot comfortably without any weird pressure spots. The material’s breathable and seems to adapt as your foot moves.
The fit is pretty classic and roomy. It works for a lot of foot shapes without being too squishy or tight. The upper locks you in through the midfoot but lets your toes move naturally.
Outsole and Traction
Brooks uses RoadTack rubber in the high-wear spots. Grip is reliable on roads, wet or dry. The wider platform helps with stability too.
The outsole design is straightforward but does the job. I didn’t slip on damp pavement, and after a few weeks, the rubber’s barely worn down.
Performance and Comfort on the Run
The Glycerin 23 gives you a plush ride that manages to feel soft but not slow, making it a good match for everything from easy jogs to long training days. The cushioning genuinely feels protective, and the updated shape helps transitions feel smooth, no matter your running style.
Cushioning Experience and Ride Quality
The DNA Loft v3 cushioning is, honestly, pretty luxurious. What stood out to me was the dual-cell foam tech. The heel uses bigger cells for shock absorption, while the forefoot has smaller cells for a bit more energy return. So, you get soft landings without that squishy, marshmallow feeling.
The underfoot feel is balanced, enough ground feel to keep your form in check, but still enough cushioning to save your joints on hard roads. The toe-off feels more responsive thanks to those smaller forefoot cells, so you get a little spring without it getting too bouncy or unstable.
The RoadTack Rubber outsole seems durable, and Brooks says it’s 50% more abrasion-resistant than before. The flex grooves help your foot move naturally as you run.
Stability and Support Options
The regular Glycerin 23 is stable just from its wide platform and the way the midsole’s shaped, even though it’s not a dedicated stability shoe. That’s good news if you’re a neutral runner who sometimes needs a touch more steadiness on tired legs.
For runners who want extra support, the Glycerin GTS 23 adds GuideRails® tech. The rails don’t force your foot into place, they just step in when your stride gets a bit off. The medial GuideRail helps with overpronation, while the lateral side keeps your foot from rolling out too much.
If I had to compare, I’d say the Glycerin 23 feels a little firmer than the Saucony Triumph 23. The Brooks Ghost 17 is a bit lower in the lineup, with less cushioning but a similar shape.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 takes things up a notch with a 6mm drop and a big 45mm stack. Its GlideRoll Rocker helps with transitions, so it’s great for anyone dealing with Achilles issues or plantar fasciitis.
Fit for Different Runners
The Glycerin 23 fits true to size with a medium-width feel in standard sizing. The engineered knit upper shapes to your foot nicely, no weird pressure spots, at least for me. It’s roomy enough through the midfoot and still manages to feel secure.
Brooks actually gives you some width choices: men’s D, 2E, and 4E, plus women’s B, D, and 2E. That’s a win if you’ve got wider feet or need space for orthotics.
At 300g for men’s and 272g for women’s, it lands squarely in the daily trainer camp. Sure, it’s heavier than a racing flat, but for a plush everyday shoe, that’s to be expected. If you’re a heavier runner, you’ll probably appreciate the extra cushioning. Lighter folks might notice it feels like a lot of shoe for speedier sessions.
