Brooks Glycerin Max 2 vs Nike Vomero Plus: Two Premium Max Cushion Trainers Compared

Introduction

Max cushion trainers have moved from novelty to genuinely practical daily trainers, and two of the strongest options in the category are the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 and the Nike Vomero Plus. Both are premium, expensive neutral shoes built around a high stack height and impressive midsole foams, and both aim to deliver an elevated running experience rather than just a soft one.

This comparison looks at where each shoe excels, where each one falls short, and which one earns a place in your rotation.

Two Premium Max Cushion Shoes at a Glance

Both shoes share a 45mm heel stack height, but they diverge from there. The Vomero Plus sits at a 10mm drop with 35mm of foam at the forefoot, while the Glycerin Max 2 is a 6mm drop shoe with 39mm under the forefoot, giving it noticeably more foam at the front.

Weight and price also split them. The Glycerin Max 2 is the heavier and more expensive option at 332g (11.7 oz) in a UK 9, priced at £180 or $200. The Vomero Plus comes in at 300g (10.6 oz) in a UK 9 and costs £155 or $180.

Design and Midsole Breakdown

The Nike Vomero Plus uses a fairly thick mesh upper with generous padding around the tongue and collar. It is not built for lightweight breathability; it is built for comfort. An internal heel counter adds structure at the back, and a full ZoomX midsole, Nike’s bouncy PEBA-based foam, sits above a waffle-tread rubber outsole that covers almost the entire bottom of the shoe. The ZoomX in the Vomero Plus is tuned to a soft, comfortable version that still retains plenty of bounce.

The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 counters with a triple jacquard air mesh upper that feels thinner and more breathable around the front, with heavy padding and a significantly stiffer internal heel counter at the rear. Its DNA Tuned midsole is a nitrogen-infused foam with different densities throughout: softer at the heel for sinking, impact-absorbing cushioning, and slightly firmer at the forefoot for a more responsive toe-off. The shoe also features Brooks’s GlideRoll rocker shape, and its outsole uses a thick layer of rubber covering all key impact zones, though with a bit more exposed foam than the Nike.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes fit true to normal running shoe size in a UK 9 (US 10), and both Nike and Brooks are consistent with their sizing across their ranges. There is plenty of toe room and a good hold through the heel and midfoot in either shoe.

The Brooks is a little more noticeable, perhaps slightly oppressive, around the back of the shoe thanks to its very stiff heel counter, but it never becomes an issue on the run. Both uppers are extremely comfortable to step into thanks to all that padding. The practical advice is simple: stick with your usual size.

Ride Feel and Run Testing

The testing covered roughly 130km in the Vomero Plus and about 50km in the Glycerin Max 2, with a mix of easy runs, recovery runs, and easy-to-steady progression runs. The real difference between these shoes turned out to be the foam, not the geometry.

The ZoomX foam in the Vomero Plus is springier, more responsive, and simply more exciting to run in at any pace. It runs lighter than its weight suggests, delivers deep, cushy impact protection at the heel, and rebounds swiftly for genuine bounce. It was the first max cushion shoe that felt like a shoe worth choosing rather than tolerating, and it stays enjoyable both at easy pace and when the pace lifts.

The DNA Tuned foam in the Glycerin Max 2 is very good too: responsive, comfortable, a little more stable than ZoomX, and not as soft and squishy. It produces a consistent, poppy ride. But it is not as fun, and the ride falls short of the Vomero Plus, especially at slightly faster paces. The Glycerin Max 2 turns over nicely and the rocker is smooth, but it does not give much push off the toes, and the overall design feels labored when you try to move through the gears. Some of that is the extra weight, though the higher forefoot foam explains part of it. It is still one of the better max cushion shoes available; it just suffers in this particular comparison, and it is arguably a less appealing update than the original Glycerin Max, which is similar but slightly lighter.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want a general daily trainer with big cushioning, the Vomero Plus does the job better and costs less. It is also the easier pick as an easy-run shoe in a rotation, with a springier feel that makes even relaxed miles more enjoyable.

There are still reasons to consider the Glycerin Max 2. Some runners will prefer its slightly firmer, more stable and more natural ride compared to the softer ZoomX, and the lower drop plus stronger rocker shape may suit certain preferences. It is a great option for hoovering up large volumes of easy miles. But as an all-around max cushion pick, the Vomero Plus is the favorite of the two.

View more details for Brooks Glycerin Max 2

View more details for Nike Vomero Plus

Conclusion

Both of these are excellent premium max cushion shoes that protect the legs and transition smoothly on easy runs and long marathon-training miles. The Nike Vomero Plus wins this comparison on the strength of its bouncy ZoomX ride, lower weight, friendlier price, and better versatility when the pace picks up. The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 remains a strong, stable alternative for runners who prefer a firmer, more natural feel, but the Vomero Plus is the one worth reaching for first.