Brooks Glycerin 22 - Women's Review

Comfort and Fit

The comfort of the Brooks Glycerin 22 instantly stands out, offering a plush, steady fit that many runners will appreciate. The double jacquard engineered mesh upper wraps the foot with a soft, flexible feel that adapts easily to various shapes and volumes.

There's enough stretch to allow natural movement but enough structure to keep the foot confidently centered throughout the stride. The heel collar and tongue provide a generous amount of cushioning, creating a gentle, cradle-like sensation. The toe box in the standard width feels moderately spacious, providing room for toe splay without feeling sloppy; runners who require more space can opt for wide or extra-wide options. The overall fit is straightforward and comfortable, making the shoe easy to trust from day one.

Cushioning

The cushioning system in the Glycerin 22 is designed for runners who prioritize protection and consistency over flashy design. Brooks uses their DNA Tuned midsole, a nitrogen-infused foam designed to offer a blend of softness and stability, resulting in a midsole that feels well-balanced underfoot without drifting into overly squishy territory.

The heel features larger foam pockets that compress to provide soft landings, while the forefoot uses smaller cells for a firmer, more controlled feel. This combination creates a smooth, predictable transition through the gait cycle. With a 37 mm heel stack and a 27 mm forefoot stack, the shoe offers ample foam for long-distance comfort, yet the overall ride still feels grounded and connected to the road. The lower-feeling forefoot adds stability that complements the Glycerin's wider platform, helping runners feel centered. The Glycerin 22's cushioning shines in delivering protective, trustworthy comfort across countless everyday miles.

Breathability

The upper on the Glycerin 22 offers solid breathability for a cushioned daily trainer. The double jacquard mesh allows for moderate airflow, keeping the interior comfortable during typical training conditions. While it isn't the most ventilated upper on the market, its balance of softness, structure, and airflow works well for relaxed runs and everyday mileage.

The material is flexible enough to move naturally with the foot while maintaining adequate ventilation through the forefoot and midfoot. Our only gripe with the upper of this shoe is that the light color we tested stained very quickly. We can't speak to this issue with darker color options, but runners who like to keep their items looking fresh should be aware of this minor issue. Overall, the shoe stays comfortable in mild to warm temperatures, making it a reliable year-round option for most runners.

Traction

The outsole of the updated Glycerin uses durable rubber that performs reliably on standard road surfaces. It grips well on dry pavement and handles light moisture without slipping. While not intended for technical terrain, the traction is precisely what a daily trainer needs: dependable, predictable, and built to last through hundreds of exciting miles.

Should You Buy the Brooks Glycerin 22?

The Brooks Glycerin 22 is an excellent pick for runners who prioritize comfort, dependability, and stability in their everyday trainer. It's ideal for easy runs, recovery days, and general mileage where a smooth, protective ride matters more than speed or excitement. Newer runners or those returning from a long running sabbatical may extra-appreciate this shoe's supportive feel and smooth cushioning.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?

If you like a stable, traditional ride with extra guidance, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 offers a similar feel with added support. For runners wanting more fun and energy underfoot, the Asics Novablast 5 provides a lively, springy experience suitable for a wider range of paces. If plush cushioning with added softness appeals to you, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 pairs stability with a smoother, more luxurious ride.