Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 review
Brooks’ plush stability trainer keeps its GuideRails and gains 2 mm of forefoot foam for an 8 mm drop. Reviewers agree it is stable and heavy, and split on how firm it feels.
- Drop
- 8 mm
- Heel stack
- 38 mm
- Forefoot
- 30 mm
- Weight
- 306 g
- Support
- Stability
- Plate
- None
Our verdict
Firm guidance, easy days only.
The Glycerin GTS 23 is a heavy, high-cushion stability trainer whose GuideRails give strong, steady guidance on a DNA Tuned midsole that most lab and expert testers found firm. It suits heel and midfoot strikers whose foot rolls inward and who run easy or walk a lot, not neutral runners or anyone who wants a lively shoe.
Strong points
- Very secure, stable ride, even late in a run
- Durable outsole with reliable grip, wet roads included
- Offered in standard, wide and extra wide
- Padded upper and a secure heel hold
Weak points
- Heavy at 306 g in a men’s US 9, with little rebound
- Guidance can feel controlling if you do not need it
- Firm underfoot for some testers, at least at first
- Low, tapered toe box and lacing that is hard to dial in
Who it fits
- Your foot rolls inward and you want firm guidance
- Your running is mostly easy, or you walk a lot
- You like a classic, firmer ride
- You need a wider fit
Who should skip it
- Your stride is neutral
- You want a light or lively shoe
- You have a sensitive heel
- You have tall toes
Shoe profile
Where the Glycerin GTS 23 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue, and what changed from the Glycerin GTS 22.
| Axis | Glycerin GTS 23 | Glycerin GTS 22 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 43 | 52 | −9 |
| Lightness | 10 | 11 | −1 |
| Stability | 85 | 85 | = |
| Drop | 45 | 84 | −39 |
| Response | 20 | 6 | +14 |
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
Weight306 g, heavier than 90% 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.
Firm for some, plush for others. DNA Tuned foam, 38 mm at the heel and 30 mm up front: firm for Doctors of Running and RTINGS, soft for Believe in the Run.
Strong, steady guidance. GuideRails on both sides: 8.4 out of 10 for stability at RTINGS, close to controlling for Doctors of Running, mild for Believe in the Run.
Protective, not lively. Little rebound, 3.5 out of 10 for energy return at RTINGS, and a lot of weight: a forefoot rocker helps the toe-off, not the pace.
Firm for some, plush for others. The midsole is DNA Tuned, a nitrogen-infused foam with larger cells at the heel and smaller cells at the forefoot, per Running Warehouse and Marathon Sports. Fleet Feet and Marathon Sports list 38 mm at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot.
How it feels depends on the tester. Doctors of Running found it dense and firm, firmer at the forefoot, and softer after 20 to 30 miles. RTINGS rated the heel and forefoot very firm, 8.9 and 9.1 out of 10, yet protective enough never to bottom out. Believe in the Run describe the opposite: soft, maybe even a bit too plush.
Strong, steady guidance. GuideRails are firmer walls of foam on both sides of the shoe that limit excess side-to-side motion, as Marathon Sports describe them. RTINGS rated stability 8.4 out of 10 and found the ride secure even when tired. Doctors of Running graded stability B+ but call the guidance moderate to high, close to controlling, with a medial rail less like a post than before but running further along the shoe.
Believe in the Run and Marathon Sports found the support mild and unobtrusive. If your fitting shows a clear inward roll at midstance, this is one of the more guiding options; if your stride is neutral, RTINGS point to the regular Glycerin 23 instead.
Protective, not lively. RTINGS scored energy return 3.5 out of 10, with the heel giving back even less than the forefoot, and found the shoe very heavy, which makes quick turnover harder. A forefoot rocker helps the toe-off, per Doctors of Running, but neither test sees it as a shoe for pace.
Read more
Firm for some, plush for others. The midsole is DNA Tuned, a nitrogen-infused foam with larger cells at the heel and smaller cells at the forefoot, per Running Warehouse and Marathon Sports. Fleet Feet and Marathon Sports list 38 mm at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot.
How it feels depends on the tester. Doctors of Running found it dense and firm, firmer at the forefoot, and softer after 20 to 30 miles. RTINGS rated the heel and forefoot very firm, 8.9 and 9.1 out of 10, yet protective enough never to bottom out. Believe in the Run describe the opposite: soft, maybe even a bit too plush.
Strong, steady guidance. GuideRails are firmer walls of foam on both sides of the shoe that limit excess side-to-side motion, as Marathon Sports describe them. RTINGS rated stability 8.4 out of 10 and found the ride secure even when tired. Doctors of Running graded stability B+ but call the guidance moderate to high, close to controlling, with a medial rail less like a post than before but running further along the shoe.
Believe in the Run and Marathon Sports found the support mild and unobtrusive. If your fitting shows a clear inward roll at midstance, this is one of the more guiding options; if your stride is neutral, RTINGS point to the regular Glycerin 23 instead.
Protective, not lively. RTINGS scored energy return 3.5 out of 10, with the heel giving back even less than the forefoot, and found the shoe very heavy, which makes quick turnover harder. A forefoot rocker helps the toe-off, per Doctors of Running, but neither test sees it as a shoe for pace.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Made for it | RTINGS score it highest for daily training, 7.4 out of 10. | Doctors of Running, RTINGS |
| Recovery runs | Made for it | Marathon Sports and i-run both list recovery runs. | Marathon Sports, i-run |
| Long runs | Can do | RTINGS give 6.8 out of 10; Doctors of Running found it too firm beyond moderate distances. | Doctors of Running, RTINGS |
| Walking | Made for it | Doctors of Running see walking as one of its best uses. | Doctors of Running |
| Tempo | Not for it | Marathon Sports rule out uptempo work, and RTINGS find too little rebound. | RTINGS, Marathon Sports |
| Marathon race | Not for it | RTINGS score it 6.0 out of 10 for marathon racing, and i-run point racers to another shoe. | RTINGS, i-run |
Source: Doctors of Running, RTINGS, Marathon Sports, i-run
What the tests say
Reviewers agree the Glycerin GTS 23 is stable, heavy and best at easy paces. They split on how firm it feels and how strong the guidance is: firm and close to controlling for Doctors of Running and RTINGS, soft and mild for Believe in the Run.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors of Running | Review | Mixed | Both Doctors of Running testers grade the design B minus: stable and durable, but firm and controlling, better for walking and very easy runs. | Read |
| RTINGS | Lab | Mixed | RTINGS score it 7.4 out of 10 for daily training: very stable and protective, held back by its weight and poor rebound. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Positive | Believe in the Run place it in B tier: a smooth, soft and durable stability trainer, with lacing that is hard to get right. | Read |
They agree
- Stable and secureRTINGS rated stability 8.4 out of 10, both Doctors of Running testers graded stability B+, and Believe in the Run found the GuideRails worked as intended.
- Heavy, with little reboundRTINGS measured 303.4 g and scored energy return 3.5 out of 10; Doctors of Running and Marathon Sports also flag the weight.
- Built for easy daysDoctors of Running, RTINGS and Marathon Sports keep it for easy runs, steady long runs and walking, not for speed.
- Durable outsoleDoctors of Running rate durability above average, and Believe in the Run saw little wear after about 30 miles.
They split
- Firm or plushDoctors of Running and RTINGS find the midsole firm. Believe in the Run and Marathon Sports describe a soft, plush ride.
- How strong the guidance isDoctors of Running call it close to controlling, and RTINGS heavy-handed for runners without support needs. Believe in the Run and Marathon Sports found it mild and unobtrusive.
- SizingRTINGS call the length true to size; one Doctors of Running tester found it short and suggests half a size up between sizes.
How it’s built
A plate-free, guided build: a DNA Tuned midsole with GuideRails, full-length rubber, a stiff heel counter and a triple jacquard knit upper.
A plate-free, guided build: DNA Tuned foam with GuideRails on both sides, full-length RoadTack rubber, a stiff heel counter padded at the top and a triple jacquard knit upper.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperTriple jacquard knit | – |
| 2 | Tongue | – |
| 3 | Heel | – |
| 4 | MidsoleDNA Tuned with GuideRails | Heel firmness 8.9 / 10 |
| 5 | OutsoleRoadTack rubber | – |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 38 mm heel, 30 mm forefoot); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Fleet Feet, Doctors of Running, Running Warehouse, Marathon Sports, RTINGS, Believe in the Run.
Upper. Upgraded from the GTS 22’s double jacquard, per Marathon Sports, and 60 percent recycled according to Running Warehouse. Doctors of Running found it needs some break-in; Marathon Sports warn it can run warm on hot days.
Tongue. Thick and not gusseted. Doctors of Running say it shields the foot from the laces but can shift in turns; RTINGS also note the non-gusseted design.
Heel. Secure, with generous collar padding. Doctors of Running note that the stiff counter is padded only at the top and advise against it for Haglund’s deformity; Believe in the Run’s tester disliked the wraparound collar padding.
Midsole. Nitrogen-infused EVA foam with two cell sizes and 2 mm more under the forefoot than before, shaped with rails along both sides. RTINGS rated the heel very firm.
Outsole. Full-length rubber made with recycled silica, per Marathon Sports. Doctors of Running found the grip fine on dry and wet roads and light dirt, and Believe in the Run’s tester kept her footing on refrozen streets.
Read more
A plate-free, guided build: a DNA Tuned midsole with GuideRails, full-length rubber, a stiff heel counter and a triple jacquard knit upper.
1. Upper. Upgraded from the GTS 22’s double jacquard, per Marathon Sports, and 60 percent recycled according to Running Warehouse. Doctors of Running found it needs some break-in; Marathon Sports warn it can run warm on hot days.
2. Tongue. Thick and not gusseted. Doctors of Running say it shields the foot from the laces but can shift in turns; RTINGS also note the non-gusseted design.
3. Heel. Secure, with generous collar padding. Doctors of Running note that the stiff counter is padded only at the top and advise against it for Haglund’s deformity; Believe in the Run’s tester disliked the wraparound collar padding.
4. Midsole. Nitrogen-infused EVA foam with two cell sizes and 2 mm more under the forefoot than before, shaped with rails along both sides. RTINGS rated the heel very firm.
5. Outsole. Full-length rubber made with recycled silica, per Marathon Sports. Doctors of Running found the grip fine on dry and wet roads and light dirt, and Believe in the Run’s tester kept her footing on refrozen streets.
Durability. A strong point. Doctors of Running rate durability above average, and Believe in the Run saw little outsole wear after about 30 miles.
Durability. A strong point. Doctors of Running rate durability above average, and Believe in the Run saw little outsole wear after about 30 miles.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Drop, mm
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, 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: Fleet Feet, Doctors of Running, RTINGS, Running Warehouse.
Sizing and fit
RTINGS say keep your usual size; one Doctors of Running tester found it short, so go half a size up if you are between sizes.
Length
Mixed reports
Widths
standard, wide, and extra wide
Toe room
RTINGS rated the forefoot width generously but found the toe box low, which can feel snug for tall toes. Doctors of Running describe a slightly wide forefoot narrowed by the toe guard.
Doctors of Running, RTINGS
Full sizing notes from testers
RTINGS found the length true to size. At Doctors of Running, Matt Klein found it short and suggests half a size up for runners between sizes, while Bach Pham was happy with the length and volume.
The heel is secure and the midfoot normal to snug, under a thick tongue that is not gusseted. Believe in the Run struggled with the lacing: too tight pressed on the metatarsals, too loose let the heel slip.
Widths: Fleet Feet list regular (D), wide (2E) and extra wide (4E) for men, Running Warehouse D and 2E. i-run listed only the standard width in France when we checked, so check what is offered in your country.
Doctors of Running, RTINGS, Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse, Fleet Feet, i-run
Vs Glycerin GTS 22
More foam under the forefoot, a lower drop and a denser upper. A little heavier, and firmer-feeling for Doctors of Running.
| Glycerin GTS 23 | Glycerin GTS 22 | |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Stability | Stability |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 39 mm |
| Forefoot | 30 mm | 29 mm |
| Weight | 306 g | 303 g |
Keep the Glycerin GTS 22 if you like its 10 mm drop and want the lighter shoe. Choose the 23 if you want more foam under the forefoot and a plusher upper, and try it on first if you already found the GTS guidance strong.
Listed figures. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Version history: Glycerin GTS 22 to Glycerin GTS 23
Drop goes from 10 to 8 mm. Brooks added 2 mm of DNA Tuned foam under the forefoot. (Fleet Feet, Marathon Sports, i-run)
Triple jacquard upper. It replaces the double jacquard knit for a plusher fit, which Marathon Sports find warm on hot days. (Fleet Feet, Marathon Sports)
Heavier. Marathon Sports note that the 23 weighs more than the GTS 22. (Marathon Sports)
Reworked GuideRails. Doctors of Running find the medial rail less like a post, but the overall ride firmer and stiffer, which they see as a step back. (Doctors of Running)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Glycerin GTS 23 does not do.
| Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 |  Brooks Glycerin 23 |  ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 |  Saucony Hurricane 26 |  Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | Less stable | Softer | Lighter | Less cushion |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 38 mm | 39 mm | 41 mm | 37 mm |
| Weight | 306 g | 301 g | 298 g | 262 g | 301 g |
| Support | Stability | Neutral | Stability | Stability | Stability |
Questions runners ask
What is the drop of the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23?
The Glycerin GTS 23 is listed at 8 mm by Fleet Feet, Running Warehouse and Believe in the Run, down from 10 mm on the GTS 22, because Brooks added 2 mm of forefoot foam. RTINGS measured 8.5 mm. Doctors of Running list 10 mm, so expect a moderate drop that some runners still feel as a traditional one.
Does the Glycerin GTS 23 fit true to size?
Mostly yes. RTINGS found the length true to size and Bach Pham at Doctors of Running was happy with it, but Matt Klein found the Glycerin GTS 23 short and suggests half a size up if you are between sizes. The toe box is low, so runners with tall toes should try it on before deciding.
Is the Glycerin GTS 23 available in wide?
Yes. Fleet Feet list the Glycerin GTS 23 for men in regular (D), wide (2E) and extra wide (4E), and RTINGS confirm the wide options. Running Warehouse list D and 2E. In France, i-run listed only the standard width when we checked, so availability depends on your country.
Glycerin GTS 23 or Glycerin 23?
The Glycerin GTS 23 and the Glycerin 23 share the DNA Tuned midsole and the triple jacquard upper. The GTS adds GuideRails, which RTINGS find strong, and is slightly heavier. RTINGS recommend the regular Glycerin 23 unless you overpronate. If you are not sure which describes your stride, a fitting is the simplest way to find out.
Glycerin GTS 23 or Adrenaline GTS 25?
RTINGS find the Glycerin GTS 23 more protective for daily and long runs, while the Adrenaline GTS 25 is lighter and firmer with a higher heel. Pick the Glycerin GTS 23 for slow, comfortable miles, and the Adrenaline GTS 25 if you want a lighter everyday stability shoe for a wider range of paces.
Is the Glycerin GTS 23 good for overpronation or flat feet?
The Glycerin GTS 23 is designed for runners whose foot rolls inward: its GuideRails limit excess side-to-side motion, and testers rate it very stable. No shoe has been shown to fix overpronation or flat feet, and the guidance can feel controlling if you do not need it. If you have pain, see a health professional; a fitting shows how your foot actually moves.
Is the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 good for walking?
Yes. Doctors of Running see walking and very easy running as the best uses of the Glycerin GTS 23, helped by its stable platform and padded upper. Its weight matters less at walking pace, though Doctors of Running found the midsole firm for the first 20 to 30 miles.
Sources
- Doctors of Running, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review (Bach Pham and Matt Klein, January 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RTINGS, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review (August 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review (March 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Running Warehouse, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Men's Shoes. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Fleet Feet, Men's Brooks Glycerin GTS 23. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Marathon Sports, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review: Go-To Shoes with Go-To Support (April 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- i-run, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 (homme). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-13). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- brooksrunning.com · 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 13, 2026.