Our Score
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 given a free product for review.
Editor’s Note: This review is updated on 10/2/2026 with new testing insights and recommendations, as well as comparable models.
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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. The footbed isn’t as comfortable as the original Glycerin 23 model; however, it’s one of the most comfortable stability-focused walking shoes on the market.
If you’re looking for a top-notch, comfortable daily walking shoe and/or recovery running shoe with extra support, the Glycerin GTS should 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
- Great energy return
Cons
- Stiffer heel
- Higher Drop
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Comfort
The Glycerin GTS 23 isn’t much different in comfort from 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. 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.
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.
The impact absorption is still very substantial. During all of my testing, the foam really dulled impacts and supported my joints. If you need support yet still want a very comfortable footbed, the Glycerin GTS should be at the top of your list.
The energy return on these shoes is quite substantial. If you want a nice bounce and pop to your ride, this one delivers. The comfort is the same as 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 designed mainly for heel strikers. During my testing, the Go-to support system kept my foot from overpronating.
The guide rail system prevents inward collapse, and the foam stays firm enough to avoid over-compression, which can also cause inward collapse. The torsional rigidity of this shoe is very strong. Therefore, anyone experiencing stability issues will benefit from this model.
While testing the Glycerin GTS on uphill sections, I found my foot much more stable because of the wider heel base. I could catch more ground on the lateral side of my foot, which really improved my stability.
The ankle support could be slightly better, as the cuff is slightly lower than the previous model. Although with a very tight lace-up, your ankles should be supported for the most part.
Overall, the Glycerin GTS 23 is one of the top stability models that still delivers plush cushioning without sacrificing its inherent stability.
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 on wet asphalt, dry pavement, gravel, and some single-track dirt paths.
While the grip isn’t that of the Hoka Transport 2, it still has a nice edge, especially in the forefoot, where the rubber zonal patterns are thickest. Crisscross sections of the rubber outsole act like lugs; they really help you hold on to uneven terrain, such as gravel, during our testing.
I like that the medial and lateral heel rubber patterns are very robust at the edges, because that 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 10.5 oz per shoe on our calibrated scale. While these shoes are getting closer to the lighter spectrum, they still feel quite blocky on foot. If you want a more nimble, agile walking shoe, this is definitely one to avoid. The Adrenaline GTS 25 is a good choice for the same level of stability with less cushioning and a more agile feel.
The slightly rocker sole reduces some of the heavy foam and blockiness, similar to the Hoka Gaviota 6. However, this is expected since this is more of a max-plush cushion shoe.
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 comfortable sock liner conforms well to your foot without any compressive areas or hot spots. Even in the wide size, it achieves very good lockdown. The overall volume of these shoes is about moderate, not overly narrow or excessively wide.
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. However, if you want maximum-plush comfort but still need stability control, this should be at the top of your list.
The Glycerin GTS 23 does an excellent job of pronation control without aggressive plastic posts or extremely form-fitting materials. Guide rails do the job and deliver a comfortable yet supportive ride. For daily walks, all-day wear, and even indoor floors, the Glycerin GTS 23 is a good choice.
However, I would stay away from these shoes if you’re looking for a light yet supportive ride. In that case, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 or Altra Experience Flow 3 are good options. For the same amount of energy return and bouncy ride, the Asics Superblast 3 is a good option; however, the traction is a bit of a hindrance.
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
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 since its 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.
