After putting in plenty of miles in both, I can say the differences may seem small on paper but actually stand out on the run. It’s not so much about which shoe is “better,” but more about which one matches your preferences and running style. If you’re torn between upgrading or snagging the 22 at a discount, it really comes down to what you want most in a daily trainer.
I’ll break down what Brooks changed between these two, how each performs for different runners, and whether the updates are worth the extra weight. I’ll also touch on situations where you might actually prefer the older Glycerin 22.
Brooks Glycerin 23 vs 22: Key Differences and Performance
The Glycerin 23 brings a handful of updates, especially in how the DNA Tuned foam feels and how the shoe spreads out cushioning. The drop drops from 10 mm to 8 mm, the weight goes up by around 30 grams, and the upper uses some new materials.
Midsole Technology and DNA Tuned Foam
Both the Glycerin 22 and 23 use DNA Tuned midsole tech, which is a nitrogen-infused foam with two different cell sizes. The bigger cells compress for shock absorption, while the smaller, denser ones give you a bit of bounce as you push off.
Brooks definitely tweaked the foam blend in the 23. When I ran in both, the 23 felt noticeably springier and more lively underfoot compared to the 22. The new DNA Tuned cushioning keeps things plush but adds a bit of pop that the series needed.
The nitrogen-infused foam still absorbs shock well on longer runs. The Glycerin 23’s midsole felt more responsive at easy paces, yet still soft and protective, which was a big plus in the 22 too.
Stack Height, Heel-to-Toe Drop and Cushioning
Brooks changed up the cushioning geometry between these two:
| Specification | Glycerin 23 | Glycerin 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Heel stack height | 38 mm | 38 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 30 mm | 28 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
The Glycerin 23 adds 2 mm under the forefoot and drops the heel-to-toe by 2 mm, making the platform feel more balanced and spreading pressure out better during longer runs.
This was most obvious to me on long efforts, where the lower drop just felt more natural. If you’re used to the 22’s higher 10 mm drop, especially for Achilles support, you might need a brief adjustment. The extra forefoot stack in the 23 helps during push-off but doesn’t make the shoe feel unstable.
Updates to Fit, Upper and Comfort
The Glycerin 23 gets a new engineered mesh upper, swapping out the old construction for something a bit sleeker and more modern, but the comfort is still there.
Both shoes have a plush heel collar and padded tongue. The 23 keeps the handy external heel pull tab. The fit felt about the same to me in both, with solid lockdown through the midfoot and a roomy but not sloppy toe box.
The Glycerin 22 already removed the lateral midfoot sidewall seen in earlier models. Brooks also changed up the outsole rubber on the 23, which should help with durability if you’re racking up miles. The heel cup is supportive but doesn’t clamp down too much.
Weight and Ride Experience
The big trade-off in the 23 is the weight. In a men’s US size 12, the Glycerin 23 comes in at about 370 grams, compared to 339 grams for the 22. That’s a pretty noticeable jump.
Still, the bouncier DNA Tuned foam helps offset some of that. The 23 doesn’t feel as heavy as you’d think, but you do notice the extra bulk, especially as the miles add up.
On the road, the Glycerin 23 feels smoother thanks to a tweaked heel bevel. I actually enjoyed it more for easy runs than the 22, and it gives a bit more energy back at toe-off. Both shoes are really best for easy days, long miles, or recovery runs, not for speedwork or tempo days.
The roadtack rubber gives solid traction on most surfaces. The Glycerin 23 keeps the flexible forefoot the series is known for, which is comfy for most but could bother folks with sensitive forefeet.
Choosing Between Brooks Glycerin 23 and 22: Suitability and Alternatives
Both work well as daily trainers, but the Glycerin 23 is for folks who want more forefoot cushioning and bounce, while the 22 is better if you like a lighter shoe with a higher drop. I’ve also looked at how they stack up to other popular cushioned trainers, just for context.
Fit Options and Sizing Advice
Both the Glycerin 23 and 22 fit true to size with a standard medium width. I’d just go with your usual Brooks size. The toe box is roomy enough for most feet, but the midfoot doesn’t feel loose.
If you need more stability, the Glycerin GTS adds GuideRails support but keeps the same cushioned platform. It’s worth a look if you overpronate a bit or want extra guidance.
For wider feet, Brooks makes 2E and 4E options in both. The mesh upper on the 23 has a bit more stretch than the 22, which is nice if you have a higher-volume foot and don’t want to size up.
