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Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review | Unsponsored
In this article, I’m sharing my HONEST Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 review for people wondering whether this stability shoe is WORTH IT in 2026.
I bought these shoes with my own money and was NOT sponsored, paid, or received a free product for review.
All thoughts are my own, based on extensive walking testing.
I’ve put some serious miles on the Glycerin GTS 23. What brought me to test this specific shoe was the fact that I was causing myself to have IT band syndrome on my left side due to overpronation. I tested this shoe out specifically for its support structure to resist my overpronation.
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Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review In Short
The brand-new Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 delivers great support yet a nice, comfortable ride.
The go-to support system definitely kept my left foot from overpronating, which scored highly on our stability rating.
This shoe still kept a nice, poppy ride while delivering the plush heel collar the Glycerin line is known for.
If you’re looking for a nice, comfortable daily walking shoe and/or recovery running shoe with that extra support, the Glycerin GTS should definitely be at the top of your list.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable footbed
- Great support
- Good traction
- Extremely comfortable heel collar
Cons
- Stiffer heel
- Higher Drop
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Comfort
The Glycerin GTS 23 is not much different in terms of comfort compared to the Glycerin 23.
The DNA Loft V3 foam is still very comfortable with a nice sink-in feeling and more than enough stable cushioning to absorb repeated impacts
It still has its world-class extreme foam-padded ankle. This is definitely one of the best-padded heel collars I’ve ever felt on a shoe during testing.
One big difference between the Glycerin 23 and the Glycerin GTS 23 is that the go-to support system makes the heel quite firmer than the original model.
One big difference I noted was that my heel strikes felt a little less impactful when I directly compared them to the original model without the GTS support system.
The triple-jaquard mesh wraps slightly around your foot; however, I did note that it did get a little hot on 85°F+ runs.
The comfort is exactly the same on the GTS model as on the Glycerin 23; the only important note is the firmer heel.
Comfort Score: 8.5/10 (30%)
Support
I measured the heel-to-toe drop on the Glycerin GTS 23 at 9 mm.
This shoe is made mainly to support heel strikers with a higher drop. During my testing, the Go-to support system kept my foot from overpronating.
I do have quite a flat foot on the left side, which causes the overpronation.
However, the fact that this shoe was able to stop my overpronation when the Ghost Max 3 or Adrenaline 25 couldn’t (without special inserts) said a lot about the support this model offers.
The torsional rigidity of this shoe is very strong. Therefore, anyone experiencing stability issues will benefit from this model.
Despite testing on uneven gravel and limestone, the shoe resisted overpronation or supination of my foot thanks to its heavy guide-rail resistance.
While testing the Glycerin GTS on uphill sections, I found my foot to be much more stable due to the wider heel base. I was able to catch more ground on the lateral aspect of my foot, which really enhanced my stability
While this is a negative when it comes to weight, it definitely kept my stability dialed in.
Overall, the Glycerin GTS 23 is one of the top stability shoes on the market for 2026.
Support Score: 9/10 (20%)
Traction
The RoadTack rubber outsole is the main story of the Glycerin 23’s grip system.
I tested the Glycerin GTS 23 in wet asphalt, dry pavement, gravel, and some single-track dirt paths.
While the grip is not that of the Hoka Transport 2, it still holds a nice edge, especially in the forefoot, where the rubber zonal patterns are the thickest.
I like that the medial and lateral heel patterns of the rubber are very robust at the edges, because this is where heel-strikers tend to land.
While testing this out on wet concrete, I felt the grip was similar to the Saucony Peregine 16’s, rubber spikes from its Vibram Megagrip outsole, even though the Glycerin GTS does not possess any lugs
While this is not as grippy as a trail-running shoe, it definitely gets the job done for daily use.
Traction Score: 8/10 (15%)
Weight
I weighed the Glycerin GTS 23 at ** on our scale.
Personally, it didn’t feel very light on my foot. Overall, the shoe feels very blocky due to its high foam volume. Therefore, it felt closer to the Hoka Gaviota 6, which we weighed at 12 ounces.
Weight Score: 8.5/10 (15%)
How Does The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Fit?
I purchased my shoes in men’s size 10.5 E, which is my standard size for Brooks walking shoes.
The Glycerin GTS 23 fits just like that. Perfect size for what I bought it for.
The only model I’ve found so far for Brooks shoes is the Ghost 18, which ran slightly long in a men’s size 10E.
I felt a minor heel lift after special lacing techniques. The heel lift was completely gone.
Overall, the Glycerin GTS 23 fits true to size. I do not recommend sizing up or down.
Fit Score: 8/10 (15%)
Is the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Worth It?
Priced at $180, the Glycerin GTS 23 is definitely a premium shoe. Users should select carefully.
I would not recommend the shoe to everyone, as it is really made for heel strikers seeking extra stability.
If you happen to be a heel striker without any stability issues, skip this shoe and check out the normal Glycerin 23 model or even the Brooks Glycerin Max 2.
However, if you’re looking for maximum cushioning and stability, this is definitely a great contender.
Overall, if you don’t need the most flashy shoe and want extra stability. The Glycerin GTS 23 is an excellent choice.
Value: 9.5/10 (5%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort (30%): 8/10
Support (20%): 9/10
Traction (15%): 8/10
Weight (15%): 8.5/10
Fit (15%): 8/10
Value (5%): 9.5/10
Our Rating: 8.4/10
Get the Best Deal on the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 since their release, with continued testing into 2026.
I did NOT receive these shoes for free or early like other reviewers. I purchased them to keep my scoring OBJECTIVE and unbiased.
Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
With over 16 years of real-world experience testing footwear for comfort, durability, and support, I approach every review from both a performance and practical standpoint.
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
