Brooks Glycerin 19 vs. Levitate 5 (2022)
These two Brooks shoes are available in neutral (for all types of pronation) and GTS (Go-To-Support for overpronation) versions.
The Glycerin is more cushioned under the heel with a 31 mm heel stack height versus 29 mm for the Levitate 5. However, the drop of the Glycerin is higher (10 mm) than the Levitate’s (8 mm), resulting in the same forefoot height.
In terms of underfoot feel, the Glycerin is rather soft while the Levitate is firmer. So it’s primarily a matter of preference.
Second, the Levitate has the advantage of featuring a new generation knit upper: StealthFit. It is comfortable and well fitted.
Finally, the Glycerin is lighter with 20 g/0.7 oz less, which is not negligible.
Glycerin or Levitate: which one to choose?
The Glycerin seems more versatile and better suited to faster paces. While neither shoe can boast a great responsive ride, the Levitate is, according to testers, sluggish, especially at lower speeds. This is due in part to its rigid platform and heavy build.
However, note that, for the same price (about $170), the Levitate is more durable than the Glycerin.
Not convinced by either of these shoes? Take a look at the Brooks Ghost 14.
Side-by-side comparison
Effective and fluid cushioning
Perfect foot lockdown
The ide and breathable toe box
Doubts about the durability of the outsole
Shock absorption
Stable platform
Perfectly fitting upper
Decent bounce
Good quality
Elegant, almost lifestyle look
Too heavy
Rigid and uninspiring platform
A little expensive
Brooks Glycerin 19
Brooks Levitate 5
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel stack height | 31 mm | 29 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 21 mm | 21 mm |
| Weight (men) | 289 g/10.2 oz | 310 g/10.9 oz |
| Weight (women) | 238 g/8.4 oz | 265 g/9.3 oz |
| Release year | 2021 | 2021 |
Technologies
| Outsole | Rubber | |
| Midsole | DNA AMP | |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh, StealthFit |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 2 – Firm |
| Bounce (1-5) | 2 – Low | 3 – Moderate |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon | Short, mid, 5k, 10k, half marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs, recovery | Daily runs, recovery |
Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner’s Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He’s also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.