Brooks Glycerin 23 Review: Legacy Meets Luxury

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

The Brooks Glycerin just keeps getting better and better. While the Glycerin has been around for over two decades and is considered a legacy model, Brooks designers have not shied away from continuous innovation.

The Glycerin 20 was updated with a brand-new nitrogen-infused midsole foam, and the Glycerin 21 saw an extra two millimeters of that DNA Loft v3 foam added to the midsole. The Glycerin 22 pivoted to a completely new foam, called DNA Tuned — a welcome change, in my opinion, as it felt softer and smoother. Now, the 23 boasts the same DNA Tuned foam I love, with even more under the forefoot.

The Glycerin 23 is the flagship model of the Brooks Glycerin collection, which will also boast the Glycerin GTS 23 (which stands for Go-To Support) and the brand-new Glycerin Flex — featuring strategically placed grooves in the midfoot and forefoot to enhance flexibility.

Can the newly updated Brooks Glycerin, available February 1, maintain its status as one of Fleet Feet’s bestselling Brooks running shoes? Read on to find out what our reviewers think.

The main update from the Glycerin 22 to the 23 is the added DNA Tuned foam under the forefoot — two millimeters, to be exact. While this change is slight, it brings the heel-to-toe drop (the distance between your heel and forefoot) from 10 millimeters to 8. The reduction of heel-to-toe drops is a trend we’ve been seeing over the past several years. I think it delivers a more natural feeling and a smoother ride, so this is an upgrade in my book.

A rubber outsole delivers reliable grip and traction, with strategic cutouts in the middle to save weight.

While Kate and I both enjoyed the midsole of the Brooks Glycerin 23, we agreed that the upper is what really elevates this shoe from comfortable to luxurious.

While the Glycerin 22 used a double-jacquard upper, the 23 elevates things with a triple-jacquard material. What exactly does this mean?

Jacquard mesh is a type of knitted fabric that’s common in running shoes because of its stretchy yet supportive feel. Unlike plain knitted material, jacquard knit can have multiple textures or thicknesses woven into it without adding extra layers. The knit structure allows air to flow through, while different zones of support hold your foot in all the right spots without feeling restrictive. The triple layers give the shoe a more plush, premium feeling without any bulkiness.

“The premium nature of the Glycerin is most noticeable in the upper,” says Kate. “I feel it in the tongue and heel collar most of all. The marshmallow-like tongue and the gel ‘neck pillow’ that holds your heel into place feel like peak luxury in a running shoe. The stretchy pull tab that blends seamlessly into the heel collar is also a tactilely satisfying feature.”

I also really enjoy the thick, tubular laces that make tying and untying these shoes feel like wrapping up a lavish gift — easy, enjoyable, and just a little indulgent.

We both found the Glycerin 23 to feel true-to-size, even though we have differently shaped feet. However, Kate called out that while she has enough room for her toes, the toe box is slightly more tapered inwards than some other Brooks shoes.

The good news is that the Glycerin 23 is available in both standard sizing (B for women, D for men) and wide sizing (D for women, 2E for men), so chances are high you’ll be able to find your perfect fit.

Not sure about the width of your feet? Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.

The main updates to the Glycerin 23 are the extra two millimeters of DNA Tuned cushioning under the forefoot, which brings the heel-to-toe drop from 10 millimeters to 8, and the triple-jacquard knit upper.

I found the 23 to feel very similar to the Glycerin 22, with just an extra touch of padding in the upper. The latest version did gain about a half-ounce of weight, likely from the new upper material, but I didn’t notice a difference on the run.

All in all, I think Glycerin loyalists will be pleased with this update.

We took a look at some similar models to see how they stack up against the Brooks Glycerin 23. Here’s what we found:

The Brooks Glycerin 23, Saucony Triumph 23 and Nike Vomero 18 all deliver a plush, premium running experience thanks to thick, cushy midsoles and luxurious materials. I even called out the laces in my Triumph 23 review as I did here.

While the Vomero 18 appears to have much more cushion, it’s important to note that each brand measures stack height differently. In my experience, all three shoes felt similar on the road — soft and silky smooth. The Glycerin 23 feels the firmest of the three, while the Triumph 23 feels the softest.

The Brooks Glycerin 23 is great for runners and walkers seeking a traditional-feeling trainer with premium materials and soft yet responsive cushioning.

“The Glycerin is a comfortable, reliable choice,” says Kate. “It’s a versatile shoe that you could wear for walking, running, traveling, errands and everyday life.”

I’ll add it to my lineup for easy runs and long runs, because it feels soft and forgiving underfoot. However, it’s not squishy enough to have me digging out of the cushioning with each step, which my feet deeply appreciate.