Brooks Glycerin 22 - Women's Review

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.

Side View Cut in Half

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.

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.

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.

Responsiveness

The Glycerin 22 offers one of the least responsive rides out there, but in a really comfortable way. This is a shoe that is suitable for daily training and longer runs where the pace is slow to irrelevant. The absence of a pronounced rocker geometry results in a flat ride, which may not provide the propulsive feel found in more performance-oriented models. I have long been a fan of Brooks' shoes for my daily fitness, walking, and working efforts because of their groundedness, but this shoe is incredibly dull and awkward when you ask it to pick up the pace.

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.

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.

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.

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