Brooks Glycerin 23 Review: Ultimate Comfort? (2026)
With its Ghost-Adrenaline-Glycerin trio, it is hard to say which model is the most popular from the American brand Brooks.
One thing is certain: the Glycerin is the priciest of the three and sits at the premium end. You might have expected the arrival of the Max versions to eclipse it, but that has not happened: runners stay loyal to this iconic model.
The new foam introduced with version 22 was a hit, and it carries over to this Brooks Glycerin 23, which has a few more changes in store.
Does it fit your runner profile and your goals?
That is what we are going to find out in this full review.
Why trust me?
With a 2:38 marathon PR and high weekly mileage, I test a lot of running shoe models to support my training.
I field-tested the Brooks Glycerin 23 across different types of runs to judge its comfort and ride feel. I also checked in with runners of various levels to validate my impressions and make sure my recommendations work for as many runners as possible.
Our verdict
A very good shoe with premium comfort, made even more versatile by its new drop.
- Weight: 297 g / 10.5 oz (EU 42)
- Foam: DNA TUNED
- Stack: 38 mm (heel), 30 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
- Training, all distances
This Glycerin 23 stays fully in line with the series. The DNA TUNED foam is back, after it came in to freshen up the aging DNA LOFT V3 on the previous version.
The feel is still very well balanced, even plush, with very good shock absorption. The big change is the drop, now 8 mm, for a more natural ride and better protection up front.
Responsiveness is decent, even if it is not this model’s strength. The new engineered triple jacquard knit upper offers excellent comfort, though the added third layer cuts breathability.
The RoadTack rubber delivers good grip, including on wet surfaces.
This new Glycerin 23 is very similar to version 22 and keeps its place as a comfort benchmark for your daily runs.
Pros
- More standard drop that should suit more runners
- High shock absorption for any runner profile
- Impressive comfort and a reliable fit
- Well-balanced feel
- Reliable traction
Cons
- Less breathable upper with the third mesh layer
- Responsiveness varies with your foot strike
- A bit firm for some runners
Cushioning
On a model that sells this well, loyal runners hold the brand to a high standard. Proof of the shoe’s popularity: barely released, it is already starting to sell out on the brand’s site.
The previous version had a (slightly) plusher feel than usual. I personally liked it a lot, but not every runner did, with some missing the character a Glycerin is known for.
So Brooks has slightly reworked the foam density: the feel is firmer than on the v22. It stays very well balanced and should suit the vast majority of runners.
After dropping the DNA LOFT v3 foam of earlier versions for the previous edition, Brooks keeps its DNA TUNED foam in the midsole. Very good news!
It is still a nitrogen-infusion process, but with different densities at the heel and the forefoot. The compound was created to “foam” differently while staying a single block:
- The smaller cells under the forefoot favor energy return
- The larger cells at the heel focus on cushioning
Heel height does not change (38 mm), but it moves to 30 mm under the toes (versus 28 mm before). It may seem minor, but it is a welcome change for runners who, like me, land on the forefoot or midfoot.
Protection is better over long distances. I think the difference will be less noticeable for heel strikers, though.
The stack is high without being maximal (at least not in 2026).
Impact absorption is very good and you can run longer without any issue, whatever your weight or level. You just have to accept a slightly firmer feel than on the previous version (a matter of personal preference).
Another consequence of the extra 2 mm: the drop goes from 10 to 8 mm.
To me, it is a good move. Without leaving market standards (8-10), it allows a slightly more natural ride (though in all transparency, the difference stays minimal).
Energy return
At 297 g / 10.5 oz in EU 42, the shoe is fairly heavy, most likely because of the thick mesh. Hard to say it actually feels heavier than the competition, though.
Responsiveness is decent overall, but the experience differs with your foot strike on the DNA TUNED cushioning: pure heel strikers do not get the smaller, more responsive cells in the forefoot and may find the energy return more moderate.
Responsiveness is typical and lets you vary paces without a problem.
The rocker is moderate but provides good propulsion; the transition is smooth from heel to toes.
Support and stability
The shoe is built for neutral strides and carries no stride-stabilizing technology. The wide base and fairly dense foam keep the ride stable and very conventional.
If you want more active correction against overpronation, there is the Go To Support (GTS) version for overpronators.
Foothold
The new upper is an engineered triple jacquard knit. That choice surprised me, since comfort was already excellent on the previous version: was it really necessary?
Comfort is impressive, worthy of the best shoes on the market on that front, like the Asics Gel Nimbus 28. Padding is generous and pleasant across the different zones.
But it makes the shoe heavier and cuts airflow. Cold-weather protection is very good, yet breathability is worse than on the 22. Your foot can run hot in summer.
The padded heel counter does its job comfortably, with a loop to ease step-in. The new collar construction is a bit less tapered.
The tongue, though, is not gusseted, which is fairly surprising on a premium model like this one. It is also very thick, and some runners have noted slippage. The lacing system is conventional and rounds out good foot lockdown.
As for fit, the upper is stretchy and should adapt well to different foot shapes. Structure is also very good thanks to the lateral and midfoot reinforcements.
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is true to size and you can take your usual size. For more room, a Wide version is also available.
Traction
The outsole uses RoadTack, a blend of rubber and recycled silica, which covers a large share of the surface (the impact zones).
The layout is similar to the previous version, except for the grooves, which provide good flexibility.
Traction is very reliable, even on wet ground.
The Glycerin can handle non-technical dirt paths, but asphalt is its home turf.
Who is it for, and for which runs?
No mystery about the Brooks Glycerin 23’s ideal use: it is a premium training partner with a very complete skill set.
It suits all distances thanks to its high level of cushioning. From recovery jogs to long runs in a marathon build, it delivers the protection you need for all your daily training sessions.
It is also accessible to beginners, while more seasoned runners can use it in rotation for moderate-pace runs.
As often happens, I have read that the Glycerin 23 would be less suited to heavier runners, but I do not think that is the case. It is more a matter of cushioning preference.
What might hold you back is mostly the shoe’s fairly firm side, if you do not like that feel. Personally, I had no trouble pushing the shoe over long distances.
On pace, the Glycerin 23 is not performance-oriented and it is not really bouncy, but the same goes for similar shoes.
You can vary the pace without a problem, but holding a fast rhythm is harder, which is not ideal for speed workouts.
If you value comfort over speed, though, the G23 is an excellent option, among the best out there today.
Quality and durability
With similar technologies, you can expect a lifespan close to the 2025 version’s.
The outsole is robust and the mesh is good quality. Durability is right in the norm: expect at least 600 km, or more depending on your weight and stride. Value for money is decent, even if this model is fairly expensive.
The upper is made of 58.1% recycled materials, and the shoe contains no animal-derived materials (vegan).
Brooks Glycerin 23 vs 22
Here is what changes on this new version:
- 8 mm drop (versus 10 mm)
- New, even more comfortable fit
- Worse breathability in return
- 2 mm of extra foam up front
The drop is the only major change, along with better comfort. The two versions remain close, and you can buy either one depending on the deals.
Should you buy the Brooks Glycerin 23?
The Brooks Glycerin 23 does not shake up the series and will keep winning over the regulars. Its very complete feature set delivers good versatility and great comfort for every training scenario.
It is a very good option for a half marathon or marathon build for runners who value comfort over performance.
Technical specs
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel height | 38 mm |
| Forefoot height | 30 mm |
| Weight (men) | 297 g/10.5 oz |
| Weight (women) | 269 g/9.5 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Heavy runner, Recycled materials |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2026 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | RoadTack |
| Midsole | DNA TUNED |
| Upper | Engineered triple jacquard knit |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Recovery |
Reference: official Brooks website
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