The Brooks Glycerin Max is a premium max-cushion shoe designed with Brooks’ cutting-edge DNA Tuned Nitrogen-Infused Midsole. Brooks claims this shoe is at the forefront of running technology, but does the hefty $200 price tag justify the features? In this review, we’ll break down the key aspects of the Glycerin Max, including its cushioning, stability, and fit, and discuss how it performs for conditions like Metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, and Achilles tendinopathy.
Cushioning & Drop
The Brooks Glycerin Max boasts a 45mm stack height in the rearfoot and 39mm in the forefoot, giving it a 6mm drop. This medium-to-low drop is ideal for forefoot conditions, as it helps evenly distribute force across the foot, making it a solid option for those suffering from Metatarsalgia or Morton’s neuroma.
- Cushioning Feel: The DNA Tuned Nitrogen-Infused midsole offers a balance between softness and responsiveness. Compared to the super-soft New Balance 1080 v13, the Glycerin Max is firmer yet not as firm or responsive as the On Cloudmonster 2. It sits right in the middle, delivering comfort with mild responsiveness.
Stability & Sidewalls
One of the standout features of the Glycerin Max is the sidewalls that run from the heel to the midfoot, helping cradle the foot and keep it centred. This added stability makes it relatively secure despite the high stack height. Additionally, lateral flare on the outsole helps manage outward foot motion, improving overall stability for road running.
- Who Benefits: This shoe is great for runners with foot conditions that require added cushioning without sacrificing stability. However, for those who need a higher level of control, such as runners with Achilles tendinopathy or Haglund’s deformity, the shoe may feel less stable due to its mild-to-moderately stiff heel counter.
Fit & Toe Box
Fit is crucial when choosing the right shoe, especially if you have specific foot conditions. The Brooks Glycerin Max offers a true-to-size fit with a spacious toe box, accommodating normal to wide feet comfortably. This makes it an excellent choice for those with conditions like Bunions, Morton’s neuroma, or wide feet.
- Toe Box Space: Compared to other brands like Hoka, which often requires a wide version for comfort, the Glycerin Max provides ample space in the standard model. However, note that it does not come in a wider version (yet), which may be a consideration for those with particularly wide feet.
Heel Bevel & Forefoot Rocker
A nice early heel bevel helps with a smooth transition for heel strikers, while the aggressive late-stage forefoot rocker adds stability by increasing ground contact. This setup makes the shoe feel more secure despite its high cushioning, but it’s not ideal for faster or uptempo running.
- Forefoot Rocker: The late-stage forefoot rocker is designed to enhance propulsion, making it a standout feature for those prioritising comfort over speed. While it might not excel in speed workouts, it’s perfect for long-distance cruising or standing all day.
Upper & Tongue Design
The engineered mesh upper offers breathability, but there are some disappointments, especially for a shoe at this price point. The moderately padded tongue is not gusseted, which is typically expected in a premium shoe. Despite this, there was no noticeable slippage or movement during testing.
- Heel Counter: The heel counter is mildly rigid, which helps stabilise the foot, but isn’t as supportive as other max cushion shoes like the Brooks Ghost Max 2. This might be a downside for those seeking high stability for conditions like Achilles tendinopathy.
Is the Brooks Glycerin Max Worth $200?
Overall, the Brooks Glycerin Max delivers excellent cushioning and a comfortable fit, making it suitable for runners with foot conditions like metatarsalgia or Morton’s neuroma. However, with a hefty $200 price tag, you may wonder if it’s worth the investment.
- Price Comparison: If you’re looking for more stability, you might prefer the Brooks Ghost Max 2, which offers a more stable platform, or the On Cloudmonster 2, if you want a firmer, more responsive ride. The Glycerin Max is best suited for runners seeking max comfort in a more relaxed pace rather than speed-focused performance.
Conclusion
The Brooks Glycerin Max is an excellent choice for those who need maximum cushioning and a roomy fit, particularly if they suffer from forefoot conditions. While it might not be the best choice for uptempo work or those requiring high levels of stability, it offers great comfort for cruising and long-distance running.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions about the shoe, and be sure to check out our other reviews on max cushion running shoes!
