Brooks Glycerin 23 review
Brooks’ premium neutral trainer drops from 10 to 8 mm and gets a plusher upper. Reviewers agree on the comfort and the weight, and split on whether it is worth choosing.
- Drop
- 8 mm
- Heel stack
- 38 mm
- Forefoot
- 30 mm
- Weight
- 301 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- None
Our verdict
Plush comfort, slow days only.
The Glycerin 23 is a soft, traditional neutral trainer with a premium upper, a lower 8 mm drop and a lot of weight to carry. It suits heel and midfoot strikers who run easy, walk a lot and want comfort first, not runners who want one shoe for faster days.
Strong points
- Plush, premium upper that every tester liked
- Smooth, even ride at easy paces
- Good grip, wet roads included
- Offered in standard, wide and extra wide
Weak points
- Heavy for its class, and heavier than the Glycerin 22
- Little bounce: not built for tempo work
- Thick jacquard upper and tongue run warm
- Stiff heel counter, a concern with Haglund’s
Who it fits
- Your running is mostly easy
- You want a traditional neutral ride
- You walk or stand a lot too
- You need a wider fit
Who should skip it
- You want a light or lively shoe
- Your foot rolls in noticeably
- You are used to a 10 mm drop and your calves are sensitive
- Your feet run hot
Shoe profile
Where the Glycerin 23 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue, and what changed from the Glycerin 22.
| Axis | Glycerin 23 | Glycerin 22 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 43 | 52 | −9 |
| Lightness | 12 | 21 | −9 |
| Stability | 30 | 30 | = |
| Drop | 45 | 84 | −39 |
| Response | 6 | 6 | = |
Fig. 1 · How to read it. Each axis runs from 0 at the centre to 100 at the edge. Cushioning, lightness and drop are the shoe’s rank in the catalogue from listed figures; stability and response are scored from the support type, the plate, the rocker and the intended use. The dotted grey line is the catalogue median. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Where it sits in the catalogue
Weight300.5 g, heavier than 88% of shoes
Drop8 mm, higher than 45% of shoes
Heel stack38 mm, lower than 49% of shoes
Forefoot stack30 mm, lower than 56% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 3 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Soft landing, steady feel. DNA Tuned foam, larger cells at the heel and smaller up front, measured at 29.2 AC: a plush, consistent landing that never feels mushy.
Neutral, held by the upper. No guidance system: stability comes from a secure upper and a fairly stiff platform, 14.0 Nm in torsion. Suits neutral or very mild rolling.
Comfortable, not springy. Comfortable but not springy: modest energy return of 54.1 percent at the heel, and a smoother transition than before that does not make it fast.
Soft landing, steady feel. The midsole is DNA Tuned, a foam with larger cells at the heel for a soft landing and smaller cells up front for a firmer toe-off, as Fleet Feet describe it. Believe in the Run and Fleet Feet list a stack height of 38 mm at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot.
RunRepeat measured the foam at 29.2 on the AC scale, which is on the soft side. Believe in the Run describe a plush landing that never feels mushy, Doctors of Running a soft, consistent ride at easy paces, and Fleet Feet’s testers a balanced mix of soft and responsive.
Neutral, held by the upper. There is no guidance system here. Doctors of Running say the stability comes mostly from a secure upper and good traction, and point runners who want more to the GTS version. RunRepeat still rate it well on stability, helped by a fairly stiff platform: 14.0 Nm of torsional rigidity in their lab.
In practice, it suits a neutral stride or a very mild inward roll. If your fitting shows a clear collapse at midstance, a guidance shoe will do more.
Comfortable, not springy. RunRepeat measured modest energy return, 54.1 percent at the heel, and say the shoe lacks a lively bounce. The lower drop helps the transition feel smoother than on the previous model, but it does not turn it into a fast shoe.
Read more
Soft landing, steady feel. The midsole is DNA Tuned, a foam with larger cells at the heel for a soft landing and smaller cells up front for a firmer toe-off, as Fleet Feet describe it. Believe in the Run and Fleet Feet list a stack height of 38 mm at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot.
RunRepeat measured the foam at 29.2 on the AC scale, which is on the soft side. Believe in the Run describe a plush landing that never feels mushy, Doctors of Running a soft, consistent ride at easy paces, and Fleet Feet’s testers a balanced mix of soft and responsive.
Neutral, held by the upper. There is no guidance system here. Doctors of Running say the stability comes mostly from a secure upper and good traction, and point runners who want more to the GTS version. RunRepeat still rate it well on stability, helped by a fairly stiff platform: 14.0 Nm of torsional rigidity in their lab.
In practice, it suits a neutral stride or a very mild inward roll. If your fitting shows a clear collapse at midstance, a guidance shoe will do more.
Comfortable, not springy. RunRepeat measured modest energy return, 54.1 percent at the heel, and say the shoe lacks a lively bounce. The lower drop helps the transition feel smoother than on the previous model, but it does not turn it into a fast shoe.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Made for it | Its natural home, according to every test we read. | Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Fleet Feet |
| Recovery runs | Made for it | Soft, smooth and undemanding. | Doctors of Running, Fleet Feet |
| Long runs | Can do | Fleet Feet include long runs; the weight shows over distance. | RunRepeat, Fleet Feet |
| Walking | Made for it | Fleet Feet and Believe in the Run both recommend it for walking and daily wear. | Believe in the Run, Fleet Feet |
| Tempo | Not for it | RunRepeat scores it low for tempo; Fleet Feet rule out speed work. | RunRepeat, Fleet Feet |
Source: Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Fleet Feet, Believe in the Run
What the tests say
Reviewers agree on the comfort, the grip and the weight. They disagree on the bottom line: a great comfort trainer for RunRepeat, a pass for Believe in the Run.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors of Running | Review | Mixed | Doctors of Running count it among their favourite daily trainers this year, with a roomier forefoot, though less versatile. | Read |
| RunRepeat | Lab | Positive | RunRepeat scores it 85 out of 100: excellent comfort and durability, offset by its weight and a modest energy return. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Negative | Believe in the Run’s three testers all place it in C tier: a reliable daily trainer, but heavier and warm. | Read |
They agree
- Premium comfortRunRepeat, Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run all single out the upper and the step-in comfort as the strongest part of the shoe.
- Heavy for the categoryRunRepeat measured 303 g and calls it heavy on foot; Believe in the Run note that it gained weight over the previous version.
- An easy-pace shoeDoctors of Running, Believe in the Run and Fleet Feet keep it for easy running, long steady efforts and walking, not workouts. Doctors of Running add that it is not the most versatile trainer.
- Reliable gripRunRepeat measured good forefoot traction and Believe in the Run praise the grip and the durable rubber.
They split
- Worth choosing or notRunRepeat rate it a very good comfort trainer held back mainly by its weight. Believe in the Run would rather point runners to the lighter Glycerin Flex or last year’s model.
- Toe box roomDoctors of Running found the forefoot slightly wider than before; Fleet Feet describe a slightly tapered toe box compared with other Brooks shoes.
- SizingDoctors of Running and Fleet Feet call it true to size; RunRepeat’s reader vote leans slightly small.
How it’s built
A plate-free comfort build: a DNA Tuned midsole with two cell sizes, a full-length rubber outsole, a stiff but padded heel counter and a triple jacquard knit upper.
Plate-free comfort build: a DNA Tuned midsole with larger cells at the heel and smaller ones at the forefoot, a 3.3 mm full-length rubber outsole, a stiff padded heel counter and a triple jacquard knit upper.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperTriple jacquard knit | Breathability 67 BR |
| 2 | Tongue | 9.0 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 4 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsoleDNA Tuned | 29.2 AC |
| 5 | Insole | 4.4 mm |
| 6 | Outsole | 3.3 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 38 mm heel, 30 mm forefoot; measured: 3.3 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Fleet Feet, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running. BR: RunRepeat’s breathability scale (not a score out of 100).
Upper. A step up from the Glycerin 22’s double jacquard. Fleet Feet explain that a jacquard knit can mix textures and thicknesses without extra layers. Believe in the Run found the material close to indestructible but warm, despite the many ventilation holes.
Tongue. One piece of soft, low-density foam, 9.0 mm thick in RunRepeat’s lab, with perforations for airflow. It is not gusseted. Lightly padded tubular laces replace the usual flat ones.
Heel. RunRepeat rated the heel counter 4 out of 5 for stiffness, offset by plush padding. Fleet Feet describe a gel-filled pillow at the collar that holds the heel and a stretchy pull tab; Doctors of Running do not recommend it for Haglund’s.
Midsole. The midsole is a nitrogen-infused foam with larger cells under the heel for a soft landing and smaller cells at the forefoot for a firmer toe-off. RunRepeat notes that Brooks bonds the two zones without glue. The 23 adds 2 mm under the forefoot, and energy return stays modest at 54.1 percent at the heel.
Insole. Removable and 4.4 mm thick. With more room over the toes than before, RunRepeat sees space for a slightly thicker replacement.
Outsole. Full-length rubber, with cutouts in the middle to save weight. RunRepeat measured a 3.3 mm layer with more coverage than the 22, and Believe in the Run found the grip held on wet pavement.
Read more
A plate-free comfort build: a DNA Tuned midsole with two cell sizes, a full-length rubber outsole, a stiff but padded heel counter and a triple jacquard knit upper.
1. Upper. A step up from the Glycerin 22’s double jacquard. Fleet Feet explain that a jacquard knit can mix textures and thicknesses without extra layers. Believe in the Run found the material close to indestructible but warm, despite the many ventilation holes.
2. Tongue. One piece of soft, low-density foam, 9.0 mm thick in RunRepeat’s lab, with perforations for airflow. It is not gusseted. Lightly padded tubular laces replace the usual flat ones.
3. Heel. RunRepeat rated the heel counter 4 out of 5 for stiffness, offset by plush padding. Fleet Feet describe a gel-filled pillow at the collar that holds the heel and a stretchy pull tab; Doctors of Running do not recommend it for Haglund’s.
4. Midsole. The midsole is a nitrogen-infused foam with larger cells under the heel for a soft landing and smaller cells at the forefoot for a firmer toe-off. RunRepeat notes that Brooks bonds the two zones without glue. The 23 adds 2 mm under the forefoot, and energy return stays modest at 54.1 percent at the heel.
5. Insole. Removable and 4.4 mm thick. With more room over the toes than before, RunRepeat sees space for a slightly thicker replacement.
6. Outsole. Full-length rubber, with cutouts in the middle to save weight. RunRepeat measured a 3.3 mm layer with more coverage than the 22, and Believe in the Run found the grip held on wet pavement.
Durability. One of its strengths. RunRepeat measured only 0.7 mm of outsole wear, scored the heel padding 4 out of 5 and the knit toe box 3 out of 5. Doctors of Running expect good durability, and Believe in the Run would have no worries putting hundreds of miles on it.
Durability. One of its strengths. RunRepeat measured only 0.7 mm of outsole wear, scored the heel padding 4 out of 5 and the knit toe box 3 out of 5. Doctors of Running expect good durability, and Believe in the Run would have no worries putting hundreds of miles on it.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, mm
Drop, mm
Weight (men’s), g
| Spec | Listed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Drop |
|
|
| Heel stack |
|
|
| Forefoot stack |
|
|
| Weight, US M9 |
|
|
| Support |
| – |
| Plate |
| – |
| Surface |
| – |
| Release year |
| – |
Fig. 4 · Listed vs measured. Bars start at zero. Sources: Believe in the Run, RunRepeat, Doctors of Running.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Energy return (heel) |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
|
| Traction coefficient |
|
| Breathability |
|
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Toe box width |
|
| Toe box height |
|
| Outsole thickness |
|
| Insole thickness |
|
| Tongue thickness |
|
| Flex force |
|
BR: RunRepeat’s breathability scale (not a score out of 100).
Sizing and fit
Most testers wear their usual size; RunRepeat’s readers find it slightly small, so try both if you are between sizes.
Length
Mixed reports
Widths
standard, wide, and extra wide
Toe room
Toe room improves on the Glycerin 22. RunRepeat measured the toe box at 73.9 mm wide and 27.7 mm high, and Doctors of Running find more space up front without losing lockdown.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat
Full sizing notes from testers
Doctors of Running and Fleet Feet call it true to size, and all three Believe in the Run testers had no fit issues. RunRepeat’s reader vote says slightly small.
The lab measured a toe box of 73.9 mm, roomier than average, and more height over the toes than the previous version. Doctors of Running found the forefoot a little wider than before; Fleet Feet still describe a slight taper at the toes.
Widths: RunRepeat lists normal, wide and extra wide. Fleet Feet list a standard and a wide version for men. Availability of the extra-wide in Europe is not confirmed.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run, Fleet Feet
Vs Glycerin 22
More foam at the forefoot, a lower drop and a plusher upper. More comfortable, a little heavier.
| Glycerin 23 | Glycerin 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 39 mm |
| Forefoot | 30 mm | 29 mm |
| Weight | 301 g | 289 g |
Keep the Glycerin 22 if you like its 10 mm drop, run warm or want the lighter shoe: underfoot, the change is modest. Choose the 23 if you want a softer step-in, more room over the toes and a slightly lower drop for easy miles.
Listed figures. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Version history: Glycerin 22 to Glycerin 23
Drop goes from 10 to 8 mm. Brooks added 2 mm of DNA Tuned foam under the forefoot. (Doctors of Running, Fleet Feet)
Triple jacquard upper. A denser knit and a thicker tongue for a more premium feel, which Believe in the Run find warm. (Believe in the Run, Fleet Feet)
Heavier. Believe in the Run report close to half an ounce more than the previous version. (Believe in the Run)
More toe room in height. RunRepeat measured more vertical space over the toes than on the Glycerin 22. (RunRepeat)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Glycerin 23 does not do.
| Brooks Glycerin 23 |  Brooks Glycerin Flex |  Brooks Ghost 18 |  Mizuno Wave Rider 29 |  Brooks Glycerin Max 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | Lighter | Less cushion | Firmer | More cushion |
| Drop | 8 mm | 6 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 38 mm | 45 mm |
| Weight | 301 g | 250 g | 289 g | 258 g | 311 g |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
What is the difference between the Glycerin 22 and Glycerin 23?
The Glycerin 23 adds 2 mm of DNA Tuned foam under the forefoot, so the drop falls from 10 to 8 mm. It also gets a denser triple jacquard upper and a thicker tongue. Believe in the Run report that it is heavier than the 22. Underfoot, the ride stays close.
Does the Brooks Glycerin 23 run small?
Doctors of Running and Fleet Feet say it fits true to size, and Believe in the Run testers had no issues. RunRepeat’s reader vote leans slightly small. If you are between sizes, try both before you settle.
Is the Glycerin 23 available in wide?
Yes. RunRepeat lists normal, wide and extra wide, and Fleet Feet list a wide version for men. Check which widths are offered in your country, as extra wide is not always available in Europe.
Glycerin 23 or Ghost 18?
Choose the Glycerin 23 for the softer, plusher feel and the premium upper on easy days. Choose the Ghost 18 if you want a lighter, simpler daily trainer with a 10 mm drop. Both are neutral shoes, so neither adds guidance.
Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 good for walking?
Yes. Fleet Feet recommend it for walking, travel and daily wear, and Believe in the Run testers liked it for crossover use. The comfortable upper and smooth transition suit long hours on your feet.
Is the Glycerin 23 good for heavier runners?
It has traits heavier runners often look for: a full layer of soft cushioning, a fairly stiff platform and a durable outsole. No test we read focused on heavier runners, so treat it as a candidate to try, not a guarantee.
Sources
- Doctors of Running, Brooks Glycerin 23 Review (David Salas, February 2026). Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- RunRepeat, Brooks Glycerin 23 lab review. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, Brooks Glycerin 23 Review (March 2026). Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Fleet Feet, Brooks Glycerin 23 Review: Legacy Meets Luxury. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-11). Accessed Oct 11, 2026.
- brooksrunning.com · Drop, Weight, US M9, Support, Plate, and Surface, listed
- cat: Strideprint catalogue, 395 shoes
How we review. We read published tests, brand and retailer pages and lab measurements, cross-check the figures and flag where they disagree. We did not test this shoe ourselves. Last updated October 12, 2026.