The Brooks Glycerin Max is what happens when your favorite cushioned daily trainer hits the buffet line and comes back taller, softer, and surprisingly nimble. In 2025, Brooks decided it was time to give the Glycerin a true “max” treatment, and the result is a shoe that’s built for runners who want all the cushioning without turning their long runs into a slog.
The big shift? A 6 mm drop instead of the Glycerin 22’s 10 mm. That means pressure spreads more evenly across your foot, with extra help in shock absorption. And despite stacking up a whole 9 mm more foam, the Glycerin Max somehow only gained about 8.5 g (0.3 oz)—basically the weight of a paperclip.
Like its sibling, it runs on Brooks’ latest DNA Tuned foam (nitrogen-infused and fine-tuned for softness), but here you’re getting more of it in a smoother-riding, max-stack package. This is the shoe you’ll reach for when you want easy comfort on long miles, recovery days, or just to feel like you’ve upgraded to first-class cushioning.
Contents
- Design & Build
- Performance on the Run
- Weight, Stack Height, and Drop
- Comfort & Fit
- Durability & Value
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Brooks Glycerin Max
- Final Verdict
- Brooks Glycerin Max FAQs
Design & Build
The Brooks Glycerin Max looks and feels like a luxury couch for your feet—but one that won’t swallow you whole. The engineered mesh upper is plush, padded, and comfortable, yet it somehow avoids the dreaded “bulky slipper” vibe. It’s stretchy enough to adapt to your foot, breathable enough to keep things fresh, and roomy enough so your toes don’t feel like they’re in economy class.
Underfoot, you’re riding on a thick slab of DNA Tuned foam—Brooks’ nitrogen-infused midsole magic. It’s soft where you want it (especially under the forefoot for smooth landings) and a bit firmer in key spots to keep you from wobbling like Bambi on ice. Make no mistake: this midsole was built with comfort in mind, not speed. If you’re chasing PRs, look elsewhere. If you’re chasing cloud-like cushioning, you’re home.
The stack height? A skyscraping 47/41 mm. Thankfully, the GlideRoll Rocker helps you roll forward with sculpted heel bevels and forefoot spring, making those heel-to-toe transitions feel more like gliding than stomping. Just don’t expect it to feel fast—it’s more “Sunday stroll” than “race-day rocket.”
Durability is another strong suit. The upper, midsole foam, and outsole rubber are tough enough to handle hundreds of miles without breaking down or flattening out, meaning your investment of $200 actually lasts longer than your latest training plan.
Performance on the Run
If your training plan calls for long runs, recovery miles, or just daily plodding around town, the Brooks Glycerin Max is the shoe you’ll want waiting by the door. It’s built for comfort-first runners—the type who’d rather glide through miles than grind them out.
For a shoe this tall, it’s surprisingly stable for a neutral trainer. The massive DNA Tuned midsole doesn’t just swallow impact—it serves it back in a smooth, gentle rebound that keeps you rolling. You won’t mistake it for a race-day flat, but you also won’t feel like you’re sinking into quicksand. The cushioning is soft, plush, and responsive enough to keep easy paces enjoyable—even when “easy” turns into “why am I still out here?”
Compared to its sibling, the Glycerin 22, the Max goes all-in on softness and max stack height. The 22 still delivers a more balanced, versatile ride across different workouts. But if your idea of a good time is sinking into maximum comfort mode and letting your legs thank you later, the Glycerin Max is the better pick.
Weight, Stack Height, and Drop
- Weight: 9.5oz/269.3g Women, 10.5oz/297.7g Men
- Stack height: 47/41 mm
- Drop: 6 mm
Comfort & Fit
Sliding into the Brooks Glycerin Max is a bit like flopping onto a freshly made hotel bed—plush, padded, and instantly satisfying, but without the “too much pillow” effect. The step-in feel is cushy and comfortable, yet it manages to avoid feeling bulky or overstuffed.
Underfoot, the DNA Tuned foam keeps things soft and springy, giving you a gentle bounce whether you’re running miles or just standing in line at the grocery store. Better yet, this midsole doesn’t fade on you—the ride feels as consistent on mile 100 as it did on day one. That’s rare, considering most foams start to feel like tired pancakes after a while.
Fit-wise, it runs true to size, but leans a little roomy, making it especially appealing for neutral runners who like space, high-mileage trainers who want zero hotspots, and even walkers who crave comfort all day long. And yes, even when you’re just walking, you’ll feel the energy of that DNA Tuned foam—it’s like your feet are gently reminding you that life’s better with a little bounce.
Durability & Value
The Brooks Glycerin Max isn’t just tall; it’s tough. With an expected mileage of 300–500 miles, you’re looking at a shoe that’s built to stick around longer than your current training block. Thanks to its skyscraping 47 mm of DNA Tuned foam, a reinforced mesh upper, and durable outsole rubber, this is one of those rare max-cushion shoes that doesn’t just feel plush but actually holds up mile after mile.
Yes, it’s a little pricier, $25 more than the Hoka Bondi 9 and $35 more than the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27, but think of it as paying a small premium for a roomier, plusher ride that might just last longer than the average Brooks. In fact, if you mainly use it for easy runs and long recovery days, don’t be surprised if it outpaces your initial durability expectations.
Like Nike’s best trainers, Brooks shoes tend to hold their structure and performance right up to their final miles. The Glycerin Max is no exception—it gives you comfort and cushioning that stay reliable until the very end, which makes the long-term investment value excellent. It’s expensive up front, but worth it in the rearview.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plush 47/41 mm stack of DNA Tuned foam for max comfort.
- Stable ride for such a tall neutral shoe.
- Smooth GlideRoll Rocker helps transitions feel effortless.
- Durable mesh upper and outsole rubber built for long mileage.
- Consistent cushioning that doesn’t fade after hundreds of miles.
- Roomy fit great for long runs, recovery days, and all-day wear.
Cons
- Heavier price tag ($25 more than Bondi 9, $35 more than Nimbus 27).
- Not built for speed—think cruise control, not race mode.
- Bulkier feel compared to lower-stack daily trainers.
- May feel too soft for runners who prefer a firmer, snappier ride.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Brooks Glycerin Max
Who Should Buy
- Runners who crave maximum cushioning for long runs and recovery days.
- Neutral runners who want a stable, tall stack trainer without going full-motion control.
- High-mileage trainers looking for a shoe that keeps comfort consistent, even after 300+ miles.
- Walkers or anyone on their feet all day who want that “hotel bed underfoot” feel.
- Fans of the Glycerin line who always wished it came in a supersized, cloud-like version.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- Speed-focused runners who want a snappy, fast turnover shoe (you’ll feel like you’re dragging a couch).
- Bargain hunters—this one costs more than the Bondi 9 and Nimbus 27.
- Runners who prefer a firmer, more responsive ride over plush cushioning.
- Minimalist fans who think 47 mm of foam is basically cheating gravity.
Final Verdict: Brooks Glycerin Max
The Brooks Glycerin Max is Brooks’ biggest, plushest statement yet—a max-cushion daily trainer that feels like strapping clouds to your feet without sacrificing stability. It shines on long runs, recovery days, and everyday miles, delivering consistent comfort that holds up even after hundreds of miles.
Sure, it’s pricier than the Bondi 9 and Nimbus 27, and it won’t win any races for speed, but that’s not what it’s here for. This shoe was built for comfort-first runners, walkers, and high-mileage trainers who want cushioning that lasts as long as their playlists.
If you want a versatile all-rounder, stick with the Glycerin 22. But if you want to experience Brooks at its softest, tallest, and smoothest, the Glycerin Max is the upgrade your feet have been waiting for.
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Brooks Glycerin Max FAQs
Still have questions about the Brooks Glycerin Max? Don’t worry, we’ve laced up, logged the miles, and put together answers to the things runners ask most.
Is the Glycerin Max good for beginners?
Yes, if comfort is your top priority. The soft cushioning, smooth transitions, and stable feel make it beginner-friendly, though some new runners may find it a bit bulky for speedwork.
How does the Glycerin Max compare to the Glycerin 22?
The Glycerin Max has a higher stack (47/41 mm vs. 37/27 mm) and a lower 6 mm drop versus the 22’s 10 mm. It feels softer, taller, and more cushioned, while the 22 remains more versatile for different paces and workouts.
Is the Glycerin Max worth the price?
At a higher price than the Hoka Bondi 9 or ASICS Nimbus 27, it’s definitely a premium shoe. But with its durable build, next-gen DNA Tuned foam, and long-lasting comfort, the investment value is excellent for runners who prioritize plush cushioning.
Can I use the Glycerin Max for walking or standing all day?
Absolutely. The plush cushioning and roomy fit make it a great option not just for running, but also for long walks, work shifts, or all-day wear.
Does the Glycerin Max work for speed runs?
Not really. While it can handle moderate paces, the shoe is more about comfort than speed. Think cruise control rather than race mode.
How long will the Glycerin Max last?
Expect around 300–500 miles, but many runners may find it lasts longer thanks to the thick DNA Tuned midsole and durable outsole rubber.
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