REASONS TO BUY
Steady
Reliable
Stable
Durable
Well updated upper
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Lacks responsiveness
Brooks Glycerin 22 - Women's Review
This reliable daily trainer delivers soft cushioning, a secure fit, and durable construction ideal for steady, everyday miles
For steady reliability, the Glycerin 22 shoes up.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 16, 2025
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Brooks Glycerin has gone through many iterations, and in some ways, its renaissance is upon us, yay. The updated Glycerin offers a reconfigured cushion and provides a reliable and steady ride that is suitable for the everyday runner seeking dependable footwear. The heel counter is a bit more comfortable than it previously was, adding security and a well-rounded ride. The Glycerin is certainly not a speed shoe, as it struggles to provide the energy return needed for hitting quicker clips. Runners who want a comfortable, reliable daily shoe that offers durability, a grounded ride, and all-around protection will enjoy what this ol' standard shoe has to offer.
Our Analysis and Test Results
With a 10 mm drop and 37 mm heel stack, the Brooks Glycerin 22 offers a very traditional approach to road running. Devoid of any and all fanciness, this shoe is built for runners who want to tack on steady mileage in relative comfort.
Taking a closer look at this reliable, likeable shoe.
Cushioning
The Brooks Glycerin 22 features a nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned midsole, designed to provide a well-padded yet sturdy-feeling ride. The DNA Tuned cushioning is significantly better than the DNA Loft midsole of the Glycerin's predecessor, adding noticeable midfoot comfort. The dual-density foam utilizes larger cells in the heel for softer landings and smaller cells in the forefoot for a firmer toe-off. This configuration results in a well-balanced cushioning system that caters to slower running cadences. The shoe's stack height measures 37 mm under the heel and 27 mm under the forefoot, offering ample protection for long-distance runs. The forefoot feels a bit low to the ground, but this ultimately aids in the Glycerin's penchant for being a stable shoe with a fun midsole.
With a 37 mm heel and 27 mm forefoot stack, the shoe provides plenty of cushioning for long runs, while the relatively low forefoot helps deliver a stable ride paired with an enjoyable midsole feel.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
The upper of the Glycerin 22 is constructed with a double jacquard engineered mesh, providing a breathable and flexible fit. The upper is, overall, pretty standard. The material adapts well to various foot shapes, ensuring comfort during extended runs. An updated heel collar and tongue design enhance the overall fit with a bit of plushness, reducing pressure points and potential irritation. I didn't have any issues with the plumpness surrounding the heel collar, but runners with ankle anatomy different than mine might feel that the donut of stabilizing cushion feels a bit intrusive. I tested the standard width version of the Glycerin and, as Brooks often does, they manufactured a wide and extra-wide version as well. The toe box of the standard width was plenty spacious enough for my average feet, though runners with higher volume feet might want to seek out the wider options.
The plushness of the heel counter was too beefy for some runners, but I didn't mind it.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
The Glycerin 22 provides a stable ride thanks to its broad base and well-structured midsole. Brooks is known for making shoes that feel grounded, and the updated Glycerin is no exception. The shoe's platform measures approximately 4.5 inches in width (size US 6.5), offering a solid foundation that enhances balance during runs. The midsole's design ensures smooth transitions, particularly benefiting heel strikers. While it lacks specific stability features (like medial posts), the Glycerin's inherent design elements contribute to a secure and steady experience.
The Glycerin 22 delivers a stable ride with its wide 4.5-inch platform and thoughtfully designed midsole, providing a grounded feel typical of Brooks shoes. Its broad base enhances balance and smooth transitions, especially for heel strikers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
Weighing 8.20 ounces (women's size 6.5), the Glycerin 22 is on the heavier side. It doesn't ride like a heavy shoe, but there is a noticeable difference between a sturdy 8-ounce shoe and an energetic 6-ounce one. While not the lightest option available, the Glycerin's weight is reasonable given the level of comfort and support it provides. The shoe's construction ensures durability without compromising on performance, making it a reliable choice for daily training.
While noticeably heavier than lighter, more energetic 8-ounce options, its weight is justified by the comfort and support it delivers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The outsole of the Glycerin 22 features durable rubber with a segmented design, offering reliable grip on paved surfaces. The outsole of the Glycerin provides the reliable traction needed on a do-it-all daily runner. The shoe's outsole design contributes to its surface versatility, making it a solid choice for mellow daily efforts.
The outsole's durable, segmented rubber provides reliable traction and versatility for everyday road running.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Brooks Glycerin 22?
The Brooks Glycerin is an old-school style shoe with some upgrades that make it almost relevant. While this is a shoe that I personally love, it is not going to suit all runners or even half of all running situations. Mellow daily efforts and comfort are covered well here, but runners wanting a smooth ride, energetic leg turnover, or simply something interesting should look elsewhere. New runners who want reliability and support over all else might find that they love this shoe as much as I do, but veteran runners may find the flat ride to be, well, flat.
Beginners who prioritize reliability and support may love Glycerin 22, but experienced runners will likely find it flat, uninspired, and hard to get excited about.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If a supportive, traditional shoe that lacks bells and whistles but offers reliability is what you're after, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is comparable to the Brooks Glycerin 22. The Glycerin offers a bit more softness in its build, but the Adrenaline has included structures to help correct wayward ankles. If you want a daily shoe that offers a bit more pizazz than the mundane Glycerin, our favorite model, the Asics Novablast 5 is a bouncy, fun, and spirited daily shoe that is fit for short and long distance road running.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Brooks Glycerin 22 - Women's versus top competing products:
—Ally Arcuri
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