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Brooks Glycerin 22 Review 2026 | Unsponsored
After putting over 90 miles on my personal pair of the Brooks Glycerin 22 since its early 2025 release, I’m ready to share my honest assessment of this premium daily trainer.
As someone who has spent the last decade testing everything from carbon-plated racers to daily grinders, I’ve watched the Glycerin line go through some major identity shifts. I was particularly excited to experience Brooks’ new DNA Tuned foam technology and see how it compares to the beloved Glycerin 21.
The Brooks Glycerin series has long been a staple for runners seeking maximum cushioning without sacrificing durability.
This latest iteration promises a revolutionary dual-density midsole design that delivers both plush heel landings and responsive toe offs – but does it live up to the hype at $165?
In this comprehensive Brooks glycerin 22 review, I’ll break down everything from the nitrogen infused foam technology to real-world durability testing.
Whether you’re a heel striker looking for superior shock absorption or a casual runner seeking the perfect daily trainer, this review will help you decide if the Glycerin 22 deserves a spot in your rotation.
I’ll also be directly comparing the Glycerin 22 to the Brooks Ghost Max 3, Altra Experience Flow, Hoka Clifton 10, and Hoka Transport.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on 12/20/25 with new testing scores regarding traction, weight, and fit as well as who should buy and shouldn’t buy sections.
Brooks Glycerin 22 Review In Short
The Brooks Glycerin 22 represents a significant technological leap forward with its new DNA Tuned foam, featuring a dual-density midsole design that places larger cells in the heel for maximum cushioning and smaller cells in the forefoot for enhanced responsiveness.
This nitrogen infused foam creates a unique riding experience that adapts to your stride throughout each run.
With a substantial 38.5mm heel stack height and traditional 10mm drop, this shoe firmly positions itself in the max cushion category while maintaining the stable ride that brooks shoes are known for.
The engineered double jacquard knit upper offers exceptional breathability. This shoe has been a top choice for walking in the summer for me because of the breathability.
The premium comfort comes at a cost, both literally and figuratively. At 11.6 oz for a men’s size 10.5, the Glycerin 22 feels slightly heavier than its predecessor and many competitors.
The $165 price point also represents a notable increase from the previous version.
For runners seeking a premium daily trainer that prioritizes comfort and durability over lightweight speed, it presents a compelling option despite the premium price tag.
For daily walkers, this is a worthy model to consider for the amount of cushioning and support they provide. We gave it an overall score of an 8.1.
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Glycerin 22 Pros and Cons
PROS
- Excellent Comfort
- Durable Construction
- Outstanding shock absorption
- Top-rated walking shoe
CONS
- Slightly Heavy
- Price
Who Should Buy The Brooks Glycerin 22
- The Stability-Seeking Walker: If you want a max-cushion experience without the “wobbly” or “sinking” feeling found in many high-stack rockers. It provides a stable, traditional platform that feels secure on pavement.
- High-Mileage Heel Strikers: With a 38.5mm heel stack and a 10mm drop, this shoe is a dream for those of us who land heavy on our heels and need that extra protection to keep our legs fresh.
- The “One-Shoe” Rotation Runner: If you aren’t looking for a closet full of niche shoes and just want one premium trainer that can handle daily miles, long walks, and even a shift at work without bottoming out.
- Durability Hunters: Runners who are tired of $160 shoes losing their “pop” after 150 miles. The nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam is built to go the distance.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Brooks Glycerin 22
- The Weight-Conscious Runner: At 11.6 oz (Size 10.5), this isn’t a “light” shoe. If you’re used to sub-10 oz daily trainers, you’re going to notice the extra heft on your foot.
- Ground-Feel Purists: If you prefer a natural, flexible, or minimalist ride where you can actually feel the road beneath you, the massive stack height here will feel like too much “filter.”
- Zero-Drop Devotees: If you’re coming from brands like Altra or Topo, that 10mm drop will feel aggressive and might put unnecessary strain on your knees if you aren’t used to it.
- Budget-Minded Buyers: At $165, it’s a significant investment. If you don’t need the latest nitrogen-infused tech, you can likely find similar comfort in last year’s models for under $130.
Glycerin 22 Price
The Brooks Glycerin 22 currently retails for $165, representing a $5 increase from the Glycerin 21’s original pricing.
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission to help run this website
Brooks Glycerin 22 Comfort
During my first 5-mile test run with the Brooks Glycerin 22, the DNA Tuned foam immediately differentiated itself from conventional midsole constructions.
The initial heel strike felt noticeably softer than the previous version, with the larger cells in the rear section providing a cushioned landing that absorbed impact without feeling mushy or unstable. This was not like the “overcushioned” Hoka Clifton 10.
The dual-density midsole creates a fascinating underfoot experience as you progress through each stride. The heel section’s larger cells compress smoothly during impact, while the smaller, denser cells in the forefoot sections provide a firmer platform for push-off.
This transition feels progressive rather than abrupt, creating a natural rolling motion that enhances the overall smooth ride.
The 38.5mm heel stack height delivers substantial impact absorption that becomes particularly apparent during longer walks.
My legs felt noticeably fresher after long runs compared to sessions in lower-stack alternatives, such as the On cloud 6.
The ultra-cushioned tongue features a soft pillow between your foot and the tongue. This padded tongue was a blessing during my walking sessions.
Combined with the heel collar’s ample padding, the step-in experience feels premium and immediately comfortable.
Unlike some maximally cushioned shoes that require break-in periods, the Glycerin 22 felt accommodating from the first wear.
The break in period lasted about a week of regular wear, during which the initial stiffness gradually gave way to a more accommodating feel.
I found the firmness actually beneficial during cold weather testing, as the EVA midsole maintains its supportive properties even in near-freezing temperatures where softer foams might become overly rigid.
The long-run testing revealed the DNA Tuned cushioning’s consistency across extended efforts. Even during walks, the midsole maintained its responsive characteristics without the dead feeling that some softer foams develop as they warm up and compress.
The nitrogen infused foam appears to retain its structure better than traditional EVA constructions. This was a concern of mine, while testing them as walking shoes. A lot of maximalist shoes tend to overcompress, that was not an issue with this foam.
Compared to the previous Glycerin 21, the comfort profile has shifted slightly toward firmness while maintaining excellent shock absorption. The new foam feels more substantial underfoot – less yielding but more supportive.
The engineered double jacquard knit adapts well without creating pressure points, and the internal structure provides consistent comfort across varying foot expansion during longer efforts, or long summer days.
Over 90+ miles of testing, the comfort characteristics have remained remarkably consistent. Unlike some shoes that either become too soft or develop uncomfortable firm spots, the Glycerin 22’s dual cell technology appears to maintain its intended properties across extended use.
Comfort Score: 8.5/10 (30%)
Support
The dual-density DNA tuned foam provides excellent heel and midfoot stability through its engineered density distribution.
The firmer forefoot section creates a stable platform for push-off while the softer heel section maintains enough structure to prevent excessive compression during impact.
This balance addresses the common trade-off between cushioning and stability that plagues many max-cushion designs.
I measured the heel-to-toe drop at 10 mm, which is consistent with what Brooks markets them as. Some users may find this excessive, especially if you’re not a natural heel striker.
For heel strikers, this traditional differential facilitates smooth transitions while providing adequate protection during initial contact.
Despite the 38.5mm stack height, lateral stability testing revealed impressive control during direction changes and uneven terrain navigation.
Just like the Brooks Ghost Max 3, the high stack height does not topple over unlike many maximalist shoes.
The wider base construction and internal structure prevent the top-heavy feeling common in ultra-high stack shoes. The base maintained its integrity through long walks on pavement.
The heel counter improvements represent a significant upgrade from the overly rigid design of the Glycerin 21.
The new construction provides sufficient structure for heel lockdown without the uncomfortable pressure that plagued the previous version. The balance feels more natural while maintaining necessary support for heel strikers.
The torsional rigidity was definitely an upgrade from the previous model. This improvement is immediately noticeable during push-off phases and cornering, where the shoe maintains its shape better under load.
The enhanced structure contributes to more efficient energy transfer without feeling overly stiff.
I felt my overpronation was thwarted, though users with moderate to severe overpronation should consider the GTS version with GuideRails technology.
The neutral platform provides natural support without corrective elements that might interfere with efficient runners’ gaits.
The DNA Tuned foam provides comparable stability while delivering superior impact absorption, particularly benefiting heavier runners or those with aggressive heel strike patterns.
Support Score: 8.0/10 (20%)
Traction
The outsole design utilizes thick rubber pads with strategic cutouts that balance durability, flexibility, and weight considerations.
The pattern provides adequate grip for walking while maintaining the flexibility necessary for natural foot movement during the gait cycle. The rubber coverage improvements include a fully covered medial section that enhances durability in high-wear areas.
One interesting characteristic is that Brooks keep their outsole rubber much more firm than the competition. This leads to better adhesion to ground surfaces and also better long-term durability.
Multi-surface testing across asphalt, concrete, track surfaces, and light trail paths demonstrated the shoe’s versatility as a daily trainer. The grip was unwavering, whether I was walking, running, or jogging.
The rubber compound provides sufficient grip for varied training environments, though it’s clearly optimized for road surfaces rather than technical terrain. Indoor treadmill testing showed excellent grip without excessive wear on the belt surface.
The rubber coverage pattern represents an improvement over previous Glycerin models, with enhanced protection in high-wear zones. The medial forefoot section, which traditionally shows early wear in Brooks shoes, now features more comprehensive coverage that should extend overall lifespan.
Traction Score: 8/10 (15%)
Weight
I measured my men’s 10.5 at 11.6 ounces a small increase from the Glycerin 21’s 10 oz construction. This additional weight is immediately apparent during the first few testing runs, particularly when transitioning from lighter daily trainers or the previous version.
I didn’t really notice the weight difference during my walking sessions.
The weight impact varies significantly based on running style and training focus. For easy-paced daily training and long runs, the extra weight is largely offset by the superior comfort and cushioning.
However, for runners who frequently incorporate tempo work or prefer a more responsive daily trainer, the weight penalty may outweigh the cushioning benefits.
For comparison, the Hoka Clifton 10 weighs in the same, at 11 ounces.
Weight Score: 8/10 (15%)
How Does The Brooks Glycerin 22 Fit?
The Brooks Glycerin 22 runs true to size in my testing experience with a men’s 10.5. Brooks shoes do tend to run narrow, so if you are any sort of wide size, definitely choose the 2E(wide) version.
The engineered double jacquard knit upper provides excellent stretch and accommodation around the midfoot and forefoot.
Compared to other Brooks models, the Glycerin 22 fits similarly to the Ghost series but with slightly more room in the forefoot. Relative to competitors, the fit feels more accommodating than ASICS models but less roomy than HOKA constructions, positioning it well for runners seeking a secure but not restrictive feel.
Brooks shoes always have consistent fitting.
Fit Score: 8.5/10 (15%)
Is the Brooks Glycerin 22 Worth It?
For $165 the Brooks Glycerin 22 is a strong candidate for a daily trainer, as well as a normal all-day walking shoe. Wear it at work, at the grocery store, at home, or during a 10 mile run in a rainstorm and you get consistent excellent performance
While $165 is a premium price point, the durability of the DNA Tuned foam makes the ‘cost-per-mile’ better than cheaper alternatives that bottom out at 200 miles
The strengths of this shoe are the flexible outsole, comfort, fit, and durability.
Drawbacks to this shoe are the price, traction, and weight. For those looking for a more versatile shoe, check out the Hoka Transport. For those looking for a less “maximalist” shoe check out the Altra Flow 2.
Value Score: 9.5/10 (5%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort (30%): 8.5/10
Support (20%) : 8/10
Traction (15%): 8/10
Weight (15%) : 8/10
Fit (15%) : 8.5/10
Value (5%) : 9.5 / 10
Total Weighted Score:
2.55 + 1.60 + 1.20 + 1.20 + 1.275 + 0.475 = 8.30 / 10
Our Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DNA Tuned foam and how does it differ from DNA Loft v3?
DNA Tuned foam represents Brooks’ latest midsole technology featuring nitrogen infusion and dual cell technology. Unlike the uniform density of DNA Loft v3, DNA Tuned uses larger, softer cells in the heel for maximum impact absorption and smaller, firmer cells in the forefoot for enhanced responsiveness.
Should I choose Glycerin 22 or Glycerin Max for daily training?
The choice depends on your cushioning preferences and weight tolerance. The Glycerin Max offers higher stack height (42mm heel) and more extreme cushioning for similar pricing, making it better for users seeking maximum protection.
How does the Glycerin 22 compare to the previous Glycerin 21?
The Glycerin 22 offers improved breathability and more responsive cushioning through the DNA Tuned foam, but feels slightly firmer and heavier than the Glycerin 21. The new version provides better stability and durability while maintaining the comfort the series is known for.
What type of runner benefits most from the Glycerin 22?
The Glycerin 22 is ideal for heel strikers who prioritize cushioning and durability in their daily trainers.
Is Brooks Glycerin 22 a stability shoe?
The Glycerin 22 standard model are not a full stability shoe. Consider the Glycerin 22 GTS version for maximum stability.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Brooks Glycerin 22 over a 90+ mile period since its January 2025 release, purchasing the shoes independently without any manufacturer sponsorship or influence. This review represents my honest assessment based on extensive real-world testing across various conditions and distances.
All shoes tested are purchased independently without manufacturer sponsorship or free products. This is so we can test WITHOUT pressure from sponsorships and keep everything objective.
As an independent publisher, we maintain strict objectivity standards and receive no compensation from Brooks or other manufacturers for our reviews.
All products are purchased at retail prices, and our scoring methodology remains consistent across all shoe reviews to provide reliable comparisons for readers making purchasing decisions.
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.
