REASONS TO BUY
Well-updated
Springy midfoot cushion
Multiple widths available
Well-rounded comfort
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly heavy
Not especially speed-oriented
Brooks Glycerin 23 - Women's Review
This thoughtfully updated longtime favorite blends smooth comfort, durable cushioning, and a balanced ride that feels both modern and reassuringly traditional
The updated Brooks Glycerin performs well across daily runs, errands, treadmill workouts, and longer road miles.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 14, 2026
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The updated Brooks Glycerin 23 is the latest iteration of a shoe that has consistently delivered versatile performance. The Glycerin 23 features a lower 9 mm drop from the cushion thickness at the heel to the toe, added forefoot cushioning, and a wider platform that creates a smoother, more stable ride than previous versions. These updates make it ideal for runners who want a shoe with strong versatility to help run the distance between the treadmill, daily errands, and a 5k. This version of the shoe also has a redesigned knit upper with a roomier toe box, improving comfort and fit for a wider range of runners. Compared to the Glycerin 22, the 23 feels more modern, cushioned, and stable, making it an easy award winner in our eyes.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The updates to the Glycerin have brought it back to being one of the highest-scoring running shoes in our lineup because of its smooth, rolling comfort. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
The Brooks Glycerin 23 delivers a plush, accommodating fit that feels immediately comfortable. Immediate comfort is often one of our favorite things about Brooks' shoes, and we are grateful that we get to say this again about the Glycerin.
The Glycerin offers comfort by the handful, providing runners with a shoe they'll gladly lace up time and time again. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The updated knit upper wraps the foot softly without feeling restrictive, while the roomier toe box allows the toes to spread naturally during longer runs and walks. It isn't specifically marketed as a wide-toe-box shoe, but it doesn't create the pinched-in sensation that some narrower running shoes can.
Brooks offers multiple width options, allowing the Glycerin to be beloved by more people. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Moreover, Brooks offers wide and extra-wide versions of the Glycerin to help ensure that runners of all kinds can find a sizing option that works for their anatomy. The padded tongue and heel of this shoe add to the overall comfort, creating a secure lockdown without pressure points or irritation. The Glycerin 23 strikes a nice balance between softness and structure, making it especially appealing for runners who value wear-all-day comfort and an easygoing fit.
The updated forefoot cushioning of the Glycerin creates softer and more fluid transitions than previous versions. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
Built for all types of road running, the Glycerin 23 offers a well-cushioned ride that feels smooth, protective, and highly forgiving over long miles.
The updated midsole setup provides ample shock absorption without becoming mushy or overly thick, helping the shoe maintain a stable, balanced feel throughout each stride. Cushioning is especially noticeable under the forefoot compared to previous versions, giving transitions a softer, more fluid feel. The heel of the Glycerin measures 37 mm of cushion and includes a steep 9 mm drop, providing familiar-feeling comfort compared to other shoes. The forefoot cushion on the Glycerin is 29 mm, and while the actual height is fairly average among our lineup of shoes, the comfort the stack provides is noticeable.
While the ride leans more toward comfort than speed, the foam's lightweight feel keeps the shoe from feeling bulky or sluggish. Though we enjoy and recommend the Glycerin in part because of its awesome underfoot feel, we acknowledge that runners who are looking to dial up their speed and leg turnover might not find the Glycerin's comfort to be conducive to meeting that goal due to its considerable heft (8.55 ounces per women's size 6.5).
Glycerin's knitted upper helps create a more breathable shoe than some competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Breathability
The Glycerin 23 offers solid breathability for a well-cushioned daily road running shoe, thanks to its updated engineered knit upper.
The upper creates a breathable feel without sacrificing the plush comfort expected from a highly cushioned trainer. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The upper on the Brooks Glycerin does a nice job balancing airflow with softness and structure. Ventilation is most noticeable through the forefoot, where the material allows heat to escape without making the shoe feel thin or flimsy. Even during longer efforts, the interior stays fairly cool and comfortable, helping prevent the overly warm, steamy sensation that some more cushioned trainers can take on. Brooks clearly prioritized long-run comfort here, giving the shoe a breathable feel that remains smooth rather than overly stripped down.
The Glycerin traction is dependable on road surfaces, but it lacks the bite for loose surfaces. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Traction
The grip on the outsole of the Brooks Glycerin 23 feels dependable in a quiet, no-drama kind of way. It shows up with an air of confidence so profound you may even reach for this shoe when taking on mellow, well-groomed hiking trails.
The varied tread pattern across the Glycerin's outsole creates a confidence-inspiring ride. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The outsole holds confidently on standard road surfaces, from clean pavement to rough sidewalks and lightly damp streets, allowing the shoe to maintain a smooth, predictable ride. Brooks uses generous rubber coverage throughout high-impact zones, giving the Glycerin a durable, planted feel without making transitions feel stiff or clunky. Rather than aiming for aggressive bite or speed-focused responsiveness, the traction simply reinforces the Glycerin's steady, comfort-first personality mile after mile. Runners who want to wear the same pair of shoes for summer runs on the beach, autumn walks along the gravel path in the local park, cold winter jaunts, and puddle-prone spring outings will enjoy the modest, year-round performance provided by the Glycerin.
The Glycerin is an everyday shoe that is easy to fall in love with. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Brooks Glycerin 23?
You should indeed buy the Brooks Glycerin if you want a versatile road running shoe. This shoe prioritizes comfort for all types of running and runners, making it an ideal choice for veteran runners seeking a single shoe or new runners finding their running feet. While it may not be the flashiest or most exciting road running shoe we've seen, the dependability and comfort it offers put it straight at the top of our list of road running recommendations.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
In terms of versatility, the Asics Novablast 5 is an energetic shoe that is also, like the Glycerin, ready to take on most road running situations with you. The Novablast offers much more limited traction but is a bit more technical, delighting runners who want the extra oomph beneath their feet. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is another shoe that offers smooth comfort and overall versatility. A stability shoe, the Kayano may provide a bit more underfoot confidence for hesitant runners. If you are on a budget but like the sounds of these highly versatile trainers, we recommend the Asics Gel-Contend 9. While not as high of a scorer overall, the Contend hits the mark when it comes to affordability and general versatility.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Brooks Glycerin 23 - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Most Versatile Road Running Shoe |
|---|---|
| Price | $175 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This thoughtfully updated longtime favorite blends smooth comfort, durable cushioning, and a balanced ride that feels both modern and reassuringly traditional |
| Pros | Well-updated, springy midfoot cushion, multiple widths available, well-rounded comfort |
| Cons | Slightly heavy, not especially speed-oriented |
| Rating Categories | Brooks Glycerin 23 |
| Comfort and Fit (45%) | |
| Cushioning (30%) | |
| Breathability (15%) | |
| Traction (10%) | |
| Specifications | Brooks Glycerin 23 |
| Who is it Best For? | Everyday/comfort-focused |
| Best Use | Daily training |
| Measured Weight | 8.55 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 9 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 37 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 - 12 US regular, wide, extra-wide |
| Midsole | DNA Tuned |
| Plate Type | None |
| Upper | Mesh |
| Outsole | |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop |
| Style | Daily trainer |
—Ally Arcuri
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