Brooks Glycerin Max: First Look at Brooks' Biggest, Softest Trainer Yet

Introduction

The Brooks Glycerin Max is an all-new addition to the Glycerin range, and it marks a clear departure from Brooks’ usual conservative approach to stack height. Where Brooks has typically resisted the super-max trend that other brands have embraced, the Glycerin Max goes all in: it is the biggest shoe the brand has ever made, with a full-stack heel height of 45mm and a forefoot of 39mm. It also drops to a 6mm heel-to-toe offset, making it lower and more rocker-oriented than the standard Glycerin.

Pricing is firmly premium: £180 in the UK and $200 in the US, with limited quantities available from October 1st. At 319g (11.2oz) in a UK size 9, it sits at a fairly typical weight for a big-cushion trainer, though on the run it feels lighter than the scales suggest.

What Makes the Glycerin Max Different

The headline feature is the brand-new DNA Tuned midsole foam. Like the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 used in shoes such as the Glycerin 21 and Ghost 16, it is nitrogen infused, but Brooks has now tuned densities within a single midsole. Larger cells at the heel create a softer, more compliant landing zone, while smaller, denser cells at the forefoot deliver a more responsive, poppy toe-off. Instead of stacking two different foam layers, the same material is simply tuned differently across the shoe.

Layered on top is the GlideRoll rocker, familiar from the Ghost Max and Hyperion Max lines, plus a well-padded upper with generous tongue cushioning and a substantial internal heel counter. The outsole uses thick rubber with good forefoot and heel coverage, though not full coverage, as Brooks has trimmed weight where possible.

Ride Impressions: Cushioning With Control

Early running has been limited to easy-paced daily miles, and the shoe clearly aims at exactly that. The heel feels noticeably softer than other Brooks trainers, with a satisfying sense of sinking into the foam on landing, while the denser forefoot keeps the transition smooth and flowing rather than sluggish. For runners who usually struggle with overly soft midsoles, the consistent, resilient character of the foam makes rolling through the foot strike feel natural.

The rocker geometry helps the shoe tick over nicely, and the whole package feels more controlled than something like the Hoka Skyward X, delivering big-stack bounce without quite so much firing you around. Heavier or more forceful runners who genuinely compress tall midsoles will likely get even more out of this platform. Stability is respectable for a 45mm shoe on the road, though on light, stony off-road terrain the tall midsole can visibly tilt from side to side.

It is not a speed shoe. Despite the big stack and big price tag, this is not aiming to be a do-everything powerhouse in the mould of the Superblast or New Balance Balos. Instead it behaves like a more premium Ghost Max 2, built to make everyday miles and long runs feel elevated, comfortable, and protected.

Fit and Comfort

The fit is roomy and airy, with a spacious, flexible toe box and plenty of wiggle room, similar in feel to the Hyperion Max 2. Testers used their normal Brooks size (UK 8.5 to UK 9, or US 10) and found length and width consistent with shoes like the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21, so staying with your usual size is a safe bet.

There are minor niggles: the tongue can bulge slightly and laces do not always lock down as securely across the midfoot, and the heel, while roomy, is not as snugly locked-in as some might like. On the plus side, the tapered heel collar offers more space around the Achilles than stiffer Brooks heel designs, which is welcome news for runners prone to Achilles irritation, without sacrificing padding and support.

Who Should Buy the Glycerin Max

This is fundamentally a comfortable, supportive daily mileage shoe. It suits newer runners looking for a forgiving ride and experienced runners who want maximum cushion for easy days and long runs. The DNA Tuned foam genuinely works, bringing energy and protection without the wallowing softness that can plague max-stack trainers, and the rocker keeps everything moving smoothly.

The honest caveat is price. At £180 or $200, it competes in a bracket full of exceptionally versatile shoes, and Brooks’ own range offers excellent cushioned daily trainers for considerably less. Whether the step up is worth it is the key question, and one that longer-term testing will answer more definitively. As a first impression, though, this is an enjoyable, well-balanced shoe that elevates the classic Brooks formula rather than replacing it.

Conclusion

The Brooks Glycerin Max is a bold, likeable first foray into super-max cushioning from a brand that usually plays it safe. Soft at the heel, responsive at the forefoot, smooth under the rocker, and roomy up top, it makes tired-leg days feel noticeably better. The high price and modest versatility keep it from being an instant no-brainer, but as a premium comfort trainer for everyday miles, the early signs are very positive.