Brooks Glycerin 20 (Test 2022): Top Pick for Comfy Cushioning?

Published on: 07/30/2022

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is ideal for runners looking for a road running shoe with soft, comfortable cushioning.

The Consensus

Brooks Glycerin 20 Complete Review Analysis

Introduction

For many testers, the Glycerin 20 is the best version in the series. Lighter, more comfortable, cushy, and responsive, the Glycerin’s brand-new midsole especially attracts compliments. As such, this new Glycerin seems like the perfect workhorse put in the miles and spice up recovery sessions. But how good is it really? Let’s dive in.

Cushioning

The main difference between the Glycerin 20 and the previous model, the Glycerin 19, is the DNA Loft V3 foam. First spotted on the Brooks Aurora BL, this nitrogen-infused foam now equips the midsole of the Glycerin 20. Needless to say, testers were very excited to finally see it on this model.

This foam provides light and soft cushioning, especially for a midfoot strike. This cushioning is durable and soft, which delivers optimal plush comfort. Also, the combination of the 10-mm heel-to-toe drop and widened platform provides much stability.

Regarding the underfoot feel, some testers find this sole a bit hard under the forefoot. Also, The energy return is less present than on other shoes of the brand. However, according to the testers, this is not necessarily bad: it contributes to making the shoe more secure.

Also, let’s note the Glycerin GTS (stability version) is equipped with additional support. It is perfect for overpronators looking for a relatively light stability option.

Foot lockdown (upper)

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is available with different uppers. The Stealthfit upper is knit with denser areas that require support and lighter ones where breathability is needed.

This upper has a normal fit that’s also suitable for wide feet. However, runners with more narrow feet will need to adjust the lacing for a better lockdown. The toe box is wide and thus adapts to many morphologies.

In the toe area, padding provides even more comfort. The whole thing stiffens in the heel and ankle area to provide better support.

Overall, the thin upper of these shoes is very comfortable, but its knit version is not as good as the breathable air mesh upper one. Fortunately, Brooks has released a Glycerin 20 with a well-designed, soft mesh upper for those who live in a warm region.

This shoe is lighter than the previous model. It weighs only 10 oz/286 grams (men’s version), which places it in the middle of the pack for its category. For such a stable shoe, it’s not bad at all!

Grip and durability

A thick rubber covers the outsole of the Brooks Glycerin 20 running shoes, reminiscent of the previous version. It looks very similar and, for testers, should have the same durability.

The redesigned outsole rubber provides a good grip on the ground, whether dry or wet. It even seems to do its job in gravel. This makes the Brooks Glycerin 20 a versatile trainer, perfect for long daily training sessions or recovery days.

Reviews differ on the flexibility of this sole. Some find it quite successful, while others feel that it lacks a little energy and is not very responsive. Its flat and heavy side disappoints many. Apparently, this is mostly a feeling at the beginning, it seems that the sole relaxes and becomes more effective over the outings. The DNA Loft V3 foam stands out in some places without showing signs of rapid wear.

The ride

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is quite pleasant. They are flexible without being soft and remain quite responsive. Nevertheless, speed is not its strongest suit, according to the testers. However, they are an excellent option for slow, long runs, regardless of pronation type.

Some note that these running shoes adapt more or less quickly. They are dull at first and then assert their personality. Flexion and bounce improve and make them cozy for those tired leg days.

Conclusion

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a good running shoe. It’s suitable for beginner runners who want to put in the miles with a comfortable, stable, and secure neutral shoe. Experienced athletes looking for optimal support will also enjoy it.

Overall, it’s a great pick for anyone looking for an easy and forgiving ride with smooth transitions through the different stages of the gait cycle from landing to toe-off. However, these shoes are not for uptempo work or any kind of speed sessions/racing use.

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use

Reference: Brooks 's official site

Comparisons – Brooks Glycerin 20 vs.:

Brooks Glycerin 19

Those who have tested the Brooks Glycerin 20 definitely rate it as a much better shoe than the 19. They find it much more flexible and note that the DNA Loft V3 technology provides a renewed comfort. It’s also lighter with notable weight savings in different places.

Also, the new foam feels softer and more responsive.

The shoe’s grip is better, especially with the new position of the flex grooves.

The new upper offers more padding in the tongue and heel area, making it more comfortable. Its support is also more precise, even on the standard version.

In short, the improvement is clear and the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a much better investment than the 19.

Brooks Adrenaline

The Adrenaline is more cushioned but lighter. It is a shoe for overpronation even if both shoes are available in GTS (stability). See the detailed comparison.

Brooks Levitate

The Levitate offers firmer cushioning and is also available in classic (universal) and GTS (overpronation) versions. See the comparison.

Brooks Ghost

Very similar on paper, these two shoes have some notable differences. See the side-by-side comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)