Men’s Brooks Glycerin Max

Overview & Specs

The Brooks Glycerin Max is Brooks’ most cushioned daily trainer to date—a maximalist marvel launched around late 2024. It features:

• Midsole: Dual-cell nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam: large cells in the heel for impact absorption, smaller in the forefoot for propulsion. SELF+14Running Lab+14SELF+14#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+8Doctors of Running+8Running Shoes Guru+8

• Stack Heights: Approximately 45 mm heel / 39–41 mm forefoot. Doctors of Running+5Running Lab+5Running Shoes Guru+5

• Heel‑to‑Toe Drop: A moderate 6 mm. SELF+5Running Lab+5GQ+5

• Weight: Around 10.5 oz (300 g) for men, 9.5 oz (269 g) for women. Doctors of Running+7Running Lab+7RunToTheFinish+7

• Price: MSRP approx $200 / ₹17 – 27 000 depending on gender and retailer. SELF+2The Size 15 Runner+2Running Shoes Guru+2

Cushioning & Ride Quality

a. Plush, yet Rockered Ride
The standout feature is the DNA Tuned foam—large nitrogen cells in the heel offer plush landings, and smaller forefoot cells help propel you forward during toe-off, complemented by a rocker sole design that smooths transitions YouTube+13Running Lab+13Doctors of Running+13.
Reviewers often describe the experience as “running on marshmallows”—soft but surprisingly stable RunToTheFinish.

b. Responsiveness & Energy Return
While comfortable, the foam delivers only moderate energy return. It’s great for relaxed, recovery, or long-distance runs, but lacks the lively zing of PEBA-based foams seen in carbon-plated or superfoam models GQ+3Solereview+3Running Shoes Guru+3.

Comfort & Fit

• Upper: Made from plush engineered mesh; glove-like feel with a padded heel collar and tongue. Slim gusseting prevents tongue shift, but breathability is average—may feel warm 👟 YouTube+10Running Lab+10Running Shoes Guru+10.

• Fit: True to size for most runners. Roomy toe box offers comfort to wider-footed users; wide midfoot base and midsole walls ensure stability RunToTheFinishRunning Shoes GuruDoctors of RunningSolereview.

Stability & Transition

Despite its high stack and soft cushioning, the Glycerin Max is notably stable, thanks to:

• A wide platform and supportive sidewalls.

• A GlideRoll rocker sole, enabling smooth heel-to-toe transitions and less required effort to maintain forward motion SELF+13Running Lab+13RunToTheFinish+13.

Stability reviewers rate it as “stable neutral”—meaning it affords seamless motion while offering enough structure even for mild overpronators Doctors of RunningRunning Shoes GuruSolereview.

Performance & Use Cases

• Ideal Paces: 5 min/km (~8 min/mile) and slower—great for daily training, long runs, recovery, easy-paced outings #1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+5Solereview+5RunToTheFinish+5.

• Not for: Speedwork, fast tempo runs, racing—shoe’s bulk and moderate bounce make it inefficient for those demands Solereview+10SELF+10Running Shoes Guru+10.

• Durability: Outsole rubber covers high-wear zones; exposed midsole areas remain resilient after 40+ miles, though not designed for trail abuse Doctors of RunningSELFSolereview. Rated up to 450 miles of lifespan Solereview+1Doctors of Running+1.

Pros & Cons Summary

How It Stands Against Alternatives

• Versus Brooks Glycerin 21: Much softer, more cushioned, lower drop, rocker ride—Max feels completely different RunToTheFinishRunning Shoes GuruSELF+1Running Shoes Guru+1Doctors of Running+10The Size 15 Runner+10SELF+10.

• Brooks Ghost Max 2: Similar cushioning, but Glycerin Max is plusher and more responsive Running Lab+8#1 Athletic Shoe Review Site+8Running Shoes Guru+8.

• Hoka Bondi 9 & New Balance More V5 / Puma MagMax: Comparable cushion; Brooks’ Max offers better stability and rocker feel than Bondi, and less aggressive than NB, but lacks PEBA bounce of MagMax/More Running Shoes Guru+2SELF+2Doctors of Running+2.

Who It’s For

Perfect for:

• Runners logging lots of easy / recovery miles

• Heavier runners or those needing joint protection

• Users wanting a daily trainer with plush cushioning and a smooth ride

• Neutral runners or mild overpronators seeking a cushioned, supportive trainer

Less ideal for:

• Speed-focused runners and racers

• Trail-specific use

• Users preferring lightweight (<10 oz) shoes

• Hot-weather runners who prioritize upper breathability

Real‑World Feedback

From a YouTube review:

“The Glycerin Max is my all time favorite shoe, I use it for everything in my HM plan… I just cannot take these off.” RunToTheFinishRunning Shoes GuruSELF+5GQ+5RunToTheFinish+5Fleet Feet+2YouTube+2Doctors of Running+2

TalkSPORT’s marathoner also highlights its:

“softness and support perfect for pounding the pavements over 26.2 miles… smooth transition from heel to toe.” Doctors of Running+2Talksport+2RunToTheFinish+2Talksport

Final Verdict

The Brooks Glycerin Max is a top-tier max‑cushioned daily trainer that delivers exceptional comfort and smooth ride quality. Its DNA Tuned foam and GlideRoll rocker provide a plush, stable, and protective experience—ideal for long, easy miles or recovery days. Its weight, bulk, and price make it less versatile for speed or race-specific training.

If your mileage is high and comfort is your priority, this shoe is a standout choice (just be prepared for its size and heft!). But if you prioritize quick turnover, speed, or a minimalist feel, consider pairing it with a lighter trainer for fast days.

🛍 Buying Advice

• Choose Men’s or Women’s version matching your foot size—both available at StockX.

• When considering value, you may find deals around ₹17–26k depending on gender and offer periods.

• It works well daily paired with a lighter shoe for faster sessions, forming a balanced rotation.