RRP: £180
Category: Max-cushioned neutral road shoe
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Summary
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a plush, protective daily trainer built for easy runs, long runs, and high-mileage comfort. It uses Brooks’ new DNA Tuned foam and a GlideRoll Rocker to smooth out transitions and take the sting out of impact.
It is not built for speed sessions, and it is a little heavier than tempo-orientated shoes, but it offers standout comfort, good stability for the stack, and a breathable, premium upper. Stack height and weight figures vary slightly by source and size, which is normal for modern max-cushioned shoes.
The ‘Glycerin Max’
Brooks created the Glycerin Max to add a true max-cushion option above the regular Glycerin line. The midsole uses DNA Tuned foam, a nitrogen-infused compound that blends softer cells in some zones with slightly firmer cells in others, aiming for cushioned landings and a more responsive toe-off.
The addition of the GlideRoll Rocker helps roll you forward without feeling tippy. Stacks are very high by daily trainer standards, and drop is moderate, giving a gentle forward roll that suits easy to steady paces.
Brooks lists a very high overall stack, while independent lab measurements have recorded slightly lower numbers in the heel and forefoot and a measured drop near 6 to 7 mm depending on size and method. These deltas are common across brands due to different measurement points and tolerances, so treat all figures as approximate.
Fit and Upper
The upper is a soft, engineered mesh with plenty of perforations. Padding through the tongue and heel collar gives that classic Brooks step-in plushness without feeling sloppy. The collar flares away from the Achilles to reduce pressure. Laces are conventional and secure. Overall volume feels generous, especially in the forefoot, and most runners should find true-to-size works well.
Wide-footed runners who are often between sizes may still appreciate the added toe room.
Breathability is a strong feature for a shoe with this much foam underfoot. Testers and lab notes point to a well-ventilated upper and good comfort across seasons.
Who the upper suits
- Runners who like a soft, padded collar and tongue.
- Neutral runners who prefer a forgiving mesh that adapts to foot shape.
- People who value breathability for longer efforts or warmer days.
Midsole and Overall Ride
The ride is the headline. DNA Tuned uses larger, softer nitrogen-infused cells under the heel for cushioning and smaller, slightly snappier cells under the forefoot for a smoother push-off.
On the run it feels soft and protective rather than bouncy, and the rocker geometry helps you roll through without thinking too hard about form when you are tired. It is an easy choice for recovery days, base miles, and long aerobic runs.
Energy return is modest rather than spring-loaded, which aligns with the shoe’s purpose as a comfort trainer rather than a tempo tool. The drop lands around the mid-single digits, which many runners find natural and calf-friendly at easy paces.
Despite the high platform, stability is better than expected thanks to midsole shaping and a broad base.
TL;DR: Soft, steady, and surprisingly composed for the height.
Outsole and Durability
Coverage is a mix of rubber in high-wear zones with exposed midsole in others. Traction is solid for road and treadmill use, and light gravel paths are fine.
Some lab notes flag less rubber than premium tanks like heavy-duty stability shoes, yet long-term wear reports have been positive after extended mileage blocks. As usual, abrasion depends on stride, surface, and rotation.
Best uses:
- Recovery runs: excels when legs are flat and you want maximum protection.
- Long runs at easy to steady pace: smooth rocker plus depth of foam keeps things comfortable later on.
- Daily aerobic mileage: for runners who prioritise underfoot comfort over snap.
- Walking and long days on feet: the cushioning feels forgiving at pedestrian speeds too.
Less ideal for: intervals, short track reps, or races where you want a lighter, more dynamic feel.
Staff impressions
Staff notes
“At first glance the max cushioning is obvious and the stack feels very tall. It even felt like standing on stilts, although I am not going to complain about looking taller.
I was sceptical at first. Is the stack height necessary? Too high? Too cushioned? Once I opened up into a run it clicked. Not only cushioned but also reactive. They felt great at a faster pace, and I can see myself choosing them for longer, slower runs as well.
The 6mm heel to toe drop helps the transition from landing to toe off. I usually sound like an elephant when I run, but in the Glycerin Max I seemed to glide.
I love this shoe, but my question is durability. Brooks say it offers long-term durability, so with luck I will not have to part ways any time soon.
If you are unsure whether this shoe is for you, try it on and feel the cloud-like, luxurious ride.
Fit is true to size. I did not need to size up or down from my usual running shoes.
I am not planning on taking this shoe off any time soon.”
Sizing and orthotics tips
- Most runners should pick true to size. If you sit between sizes or wear thicker socks for winter, a half size up can preserve forefoot space on long runs.
- The insole is removable, and the platform is broad, so the shoe is generally orthotic & insole frindly. Try these with a pair of custom insoles and feel the difference.
- The moderate drop suits a wide range of strike patterns. Transition gradually if you are moving from a very high or very low drop.
Pros
- Deep, protective cushioning that stays comfortable late in long runs.
- Rocker geometry smooths transitions without feeling unstable.
- Breathable, premium upper with plush step-in feel.
- Better stability than many shoes with comparable stack.
Cons
- Heavier than tempo-orientated trainers, not ideal for speed days.
- Outsole rubber coverage is not extensive, so visual wear may show sooner for some strikers.
- Price sits at the premium end of daily trainers.
Rival shoes to consider
- Brooks Ghost Max 2: lower stack, firmer ride, similar weight, very stable feel for walking and easy miles.
- Hoka Skyflow / Bondi family: maximal cushioning with Hoka’s rocker DNA; firmer in some models, lighter in others.
- ASICS Superblast 2: tall and lively with a lighter, more energetic feel for uptempo long runs.
- On Cloudmonster 2: tall stack with a firmer snap and distinct rocker sensation.
- Puma MagMax Nitro: very cushioned with generous rubber coverage and a competitive price point.
Price and availability
RRP: £180.
You can buy online or check local availability via our stores. For a more personalised advice, start with a Gait Analysis.
Shop the Brooks Glycerin Max or Find a store.
Key takeaways
- A genuine max-cushion Glycerin that prioritises comfort and protection.
- Smooth rolling ride that makes easy and long days simpler.
- Premium, breathable upper with a secure heel and roomy toe box.
- Not a speed shoe, and outsole rubber is more strategic than tank-like.
- A strong candidate for runners who want deep cushioning without feeling wobbly.
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