The Brooks Glycerin 22 is the definition of plush daily comfort. If you’re someone who values cushioning above all else, this shoe is going to feel like a dream underfoot. Over the years, the Glycerin has built its reputation as Brooks’ premium max-cushion trainer, and the 22nd version only reinforces that status. Right from the step-in, I could feel how soft and luxurious it was, and on the run, the shoe carried me along with an easy, forgiving ride. What I loved most was how consistent it felt—smooth transitions, a balanced midsole, and an upper that just hugged my foot in all the right ways.
Technical Specs
- Weight: ~286 g (men’s US 9) / ~10.1 oz
- Stack Height: 36 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot
- Drop: 10 mm
- Midsole Foam: DNA LOFT v3 (nitrogen-infused EVA)
- Upper: Engineered mesh with plush tongue and padded heel collar
- Outsole: Durable blown rubber with flex grooves for smoother transitions
- Category: Max-cushion neutral daily trainer
- Fit: True to size, medium fit with roomy toe box
Upper
The upper of the Glycerin 22 feels premium the moment you slip it on. The engineered mesh is soft and breathable, giving me comfort without sacrificing structure. The padded tongue and heel collar created a plush step-in feel that reminded me of a luxury daily trainer, and I didn’t have to fuss with the laces to feel locked in. Around the midfoot, the shoe hugged securely without squeezing, and the toe box had just the right amount of space for natural toe splay. For me, this upper struck that perfect balance between comfort and security, especially on longer runs where hotspots can creep up in less refined designs.
Midsole
This is where the Glycerin 22 really shines. The DNA LOFT v3 foam is nitrogen-infused, and it offers a combination of softness and resilience that feels smooth mile after mile. At 36 mm in the heel and 26 mm in the forefoot, there’s no shortage of cushioning, but I appreciated that it didn’t feel overly squishy or unstable. The 10 mm drop kept my stride feeling natural, especially on easier runs where I settled into a relaxed rhythm. I found that the midsole really excelled at absorbing impact on recovery days, while still offering a touch of responsiveness when I picked up the pace slightly. It’s not springy like some of the newer superfoams, but it delivers consistent comfort that makes everyday running more enjoyable.
Outsole
The outsole uses durable blown rubber with flex grooves, and it did its job well. On roads and bike paths, traction felt secure, even in light rain. The flex grooves helped transitions feel smoother, especially when moving from heel to toe. After several runs, I barely saw any wear on the rubber, which tells me this shoe should easily last for hundreds of miles. It’s not a trail outsole by any means, but for road use, it was exactly what I’d want: grippy, smooth, and long-lasting.
Run Performance
On the run, the Glycerin 22 felt plush, smooth, and steady. Easy runs were where it really excelled, absorbing impact and giving me that soft, forgiving ride that kept my legs fresh. Long runs felt comfortable from start to finish, and I even found it versatile enough for steady mid-week mileage. It’s not a shoe I’d grab for speed work—it doesn’t have that snappy pop—but that’s not what it’s designed for. Instead, it’s a shoe that makes you look forward to lacing up on days when comfort is the priority.
Conclusion
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is a max-cushion trainer that delivers plush comfort, smooth transitions, and a durable, premium build. With its luxurious upper, consistent DNA LOFT v3 midsole, and long-lasting outsole, it’s the kind of shoe you can count on for daily miles, recovery runs, or long-distance outings. It’s not built for speed, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s built to make running feel easier and more enjoyable, and for me, it absolutely succeeds. If you’re looking for a soft, comfortable daily trainer that prioritizes cushioning above all else, the Glycerin 22 is an easy recommendation.
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