Brooks Glycerin Max 2 review
Brooks’ maximal neutral trainer comes back firmer, more rockered and more secure. Reviewers praise its stability and protection, and argue over whether it lost the fun of the first version.
- Drop
- 6 mm
- Heel stack
- 45 mm
- Forefoot
- 39 mm
- Weight
- 311 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- None
Our verdict
A steady tank for slow miles.
The Glycerin Max 2 is a very tall, heavy neutral shoe with a strong rocker, a secure upper and more stability than its height suggests. It suits heel strikers, heavier runners and walkers who want maximum protection on easy days, not runners chasing bounce or a roomy toe box.
Strong points
- Huge, protective stack: 45 mm at the heel, 39 mm at the forefoot
- Very stable for its height, per Doctors of Running, RunRepeat and BITR
- Smooth, pronounced GlideRoll rocker that keeps easy miles rolling
- Secure, plush triple jacquard upper
- True to size, unlike the first Glycerin Max
- Durable: no visible outsole wear after 50 miles (DoR) or 80 km (Alltricks)
Weak points
- Heavy: 311 g in a men’s US 9, 318 g on RunRepeat’s scale
- Little energy return, about 49 to 51 percent in RunRepeat’s lab
- Firmer and less bouncy than the first Glycerin Max
- Standard width only, and a low 24.0 mm toe box for tall toes
- Thick, non-gusseted tongue that can slide on longer runs
Who it fits
- You land on your heel and run easy
- You are a heavier runner
- You want a neutral shoe that still feels steady
- You walk or stand a lot
Who should skip it
- You want bounce or pace
- Your forefoot is wide or your toes are tall
- You loved the soft, fun first version
Shoe profile
Where the Glycerin Max 2 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue, and what changed from the Glycerin Max.
| Axis | Glycerin Max 2 | Glycerin Max | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 90 | 90 | = |
| Lightness | 6 | 15 | −9 |
| Stability | 30 | 30 | = |
| Drop | 20 | 20 | = |
| Response | 20 | 20 | = |
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
Weight311 g, heavier than 94% of shoes
Drop6 mm, lower than 59% of shoes
Heel stack45 mm, higher than 90% of shoes
Forefoot stack39 mm, higher than 92% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 7 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Maximal, and firmer than before. 45 mm of DNA Tuned at the heel: soft on RunRepeat’s durometer, but firmer than the first Max for Doctors of Running, BITR and RTINGS.
Neutral on paper, steady in practice. Listed neutral, but a wide base, a stiff heel counter and a medial sidewall make it one of the steadier max-stack shoes.
It rolls, it does not bounce. Energy return around 49 to 51 percent in RunRepeat’s lab; the forward roll comes from a strong GlideRoll rocker.
Maximal, and firmer than before. Fleet Feet list 45 mm of DNA Tuned foam at the heel and 39 mm at the forefoot, with larger foam cells under the heel and smaller ones up front. Of the 181 neutral road shoes with a forefoot stack in our catalogue, only 9 sit higher under the forefoot.
How it feels splits testers. RunRepeat measured the foam at 30.9 on the AC scale, softer than average, and Women’s Running UK found it very soft. Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run and RTINGS all felt it firmer than the first Glycerin Max: protective, but with less sink-in.
Neutral on paper, steady in practice. Brooks classes it as neutral, yet Doctors of Running grade its stability A and describe a borderline guidance shoe: a wide base, a filled-in midfoot, medial outsole coverage and a full-length medial sidewall. RunRepeat adds a 5 out of 5 heel counter and 19.6 Nm of torsional rigidity, well above average.
Not everyone agrees on how far that goes. RTINGS found less confidence when cornering or on uneven ground, and a Believe in the Run tester felt the platform underfoot was narrower than before. Doctors of Running warn that runners who dislike stability features may not enjoy it.
It rolls, it does not bounce. RunRepeat measured energy return of 49.1 percent at the heel and 51.3 percent at the forefoot, below average, and Running Warehouse report 47 to 49 percent from Heeluxe testing. RTINGS rates the rebound very low.
The motion comes from the GlideRoll rocker instead. Doctors of Running found it long and smooth, with a snappy forefoot. Their physical therapist notes that rockers shift some work from the ankle toward the knee and hip, which suits some runners better than others.
Read more
Maximal, and firmer than before. Fleet Feet list 45 mm of DNA Tuned foam at the heel and 39 mm at the forefoot, with larger foam cells under the heel and smaller ones up front. Of the 181 neutral road shoes with a forefoot stack in our catalogue, only 9 sit higher under the forefoot.
How it feels splits testers. RunRepeat measured the foam at 30.9 on the AC scale, softer than average, and Women’s Running UK found it very soft. Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run and RTINGS all felt it firmer than the first Glycerin Max: protective, but with less sink-in.
Neutral on paper, steady in practice. Brooks classes it as neutral, yet Doctors of Running grade its stability A and describe a borderline guidance shoe: a wide base, a filled-in midfoot, medial outsole coverage and a full-length medial sidewall. RunRepeat adds a 5 out of 5 heel counter and 19.6 Nm of torsional rigidity, well above average.
Not everyone agrees on how far that goes. RTINGS found less confidence when cornering or on uneven ground, and a Believe in the Run tester felt the platform underfoot was narrower than before. Doctors of Running warn that runners who dislike stability features may not enjoy it.
It rolls, it does not bounce. RunRepeat measured energy return of 49.1 percent at the heel and 51.3 percent at the forefoot, below average, and Running Warehouse report 47 to 49 percent from Heeluxe testing. RTINGS rates the rebound very low.
The motion comes from the GlideRoll rocker instead. Doctors of Running found it long and smooth, with a snappy forefoot. Their physical therapist notes that rockers shift some work from the ankle toward the knee and hip, which suits some runners better than others.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Made for it | Its home. RunRepeat scores it 92 out of 100 for daily running at relaxed paces. | RunRepeat, RTINGS |
| Recovery runs | Made for it | Deep cushioning and a rocker that does the rolling for you. | Doctors of Running, Women’s Running UK |
| Walking | Made for it | A top pick among Brooks walking shoes for RunRepeat, and praised for walking by Women’s Running UK. | RunRepeat, Women’s Running UK |
| Long runs | Can do | Doctors of Running like it for long, slow runs; one Believe in the Run tester found it lacking as a long-run cruiser. | Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run |
| Marathon race | Can do | Runnea lists marathon preparation at a controlled pace. For a time goal, the weight and low rebound work against it. | RunRepeat, Runnea |
| Tempo | Not for it | RunRepeat scores it 44 for tempo and Women’s Running UK rules it out. Keep a lighter pair for faster days. | RunRepeat, Women’s Running UK |
Source: RunRepeat, RTINGS, Doctors of Running, Women’s Running UK, Believe in the Run, Runnea
What the tests say
Published tests agree the Glycerin Max 2 is heavy, very protective and stable for its height, with a strong rocker and little rebound. They split on the feel underfoot and the toe box, and on whether it improves on the first Glycerin Max.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors of Running | Review | Positive | Both Doctors of Running testers grade it A minus: a stable, durable, rockered max-stack trainer for normal to narrow feet. | Read |
| RunRepeat | Lab | Positive | RunRepeat scores it 85 out of 100: a cushioned cruiser for easy miles, held back by its weight and weak energy return. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Negative | Believe in the Run rank it D overall: a fine, stable shoe, but firmer and duller than the first Glycerin Max. | Read |
| RTINGS | Lab | Mixed | RTINGS gives 7.7 out of 10 for daily training: deep protection and a wide base, but heavy and very low on energy return. | Read |
| Women’s Running UK | Review | Mixed | Women’s Running UK calls it a great walking and recovery shoe that lacks the versatility for other runs. | Read |
| Runnea | Review | Positive | Runnea rates it 8.9 out of 10, one of the most accomplished maximal shoes, with sensible changes over the first version. | Read |
| Alltricks | Review | Positive | Alltricks’ tester found it a comfortable, versatile trainer, held back only by its weight for intervals. | Read |
They agree
- HeavyDoctors of Running list 312 g for a men’s US 9, RTINGS weighed 314.3 g and RunRepeat 318 g.
- Stable for a max-stack shoeDoctors of Running grade its stability A, RunRepeat scores it 89 for stability, and Believe in the Run found it very stable for its height.
- Little reboundRunRepeat measured below-average energy return, RTINGS rates it very low, and Women’s Running UK found little bounce or propulsion.
- A pronounced rockerDoctors of Running, Believe in the Run and RunRepeat all describe a strong, forward-rolling rocker, more aggressive than on the first version.
They split
- Soft or firm underfootRunRepeat measured the foam at 30.9 on the AC scale, softer than average, and Women’s Running UK compares it to a marshmallow. Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run and RTINGS all found it firmer than the first Glycerin Max.
- Snug or roomy toe boxDoctors of Running and Believe in the Run found the forefoot snugger and more tapered than before. Women’s Running UK, Alltricks and Runnea found it roomy enough for wider feet.
- Only for easy days?Most tests keep it for easy runs and walking. Alltricks’ tester, a sub-three-hour marathoner, found tempo running comfortable in it, and Doctors of Running say it can handle some uptempo work.
How it’s built
A maximal neutral build: full-length DNA Tuned foam with graded cell sizes, a GlideRoll rocker, a triple jacquard air mesh upper with a very thick tongue, and rubber limited to the wear zones.
Full-length DNA Tuned foam in a GlideRoll rocker, a stiff 5 out of 5 heel counter, a 13.0 mm tongue and a 3.5 mm outsole limited to the wear zones.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperTriple jacquard air mesh | Breathability 74 BR |
| 2 | Tongue | 13.0 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 5 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsoleDNA Tuned and GlideRoll Rocker | Hardness 30.9 AC |
| 5 | Insole | 4.7 mm |
| 6 | Outsole | 3.5 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 45 mm heel, 39 mm forefoot; measured: 3.5 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Fleet Feet, Running Warehouse, Alltricks. BR: RunRepeat’s breathability scale (not a score out of 100).
Upper. New for version 2, thick and plush with a secure hold over the midsole, according to Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run, though both found it warm. RunRepeat still scored breathability 74, close to average.
Tongue. Very thick at 13.0 mm in RunRepeat’s measurement, more than twice the average, and not gusseted. Doctors of Running noticed it sliding on longer runs with turns.
Heel. A very stiff counter, 5 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s test, with generous collar padding. Doctors of Running note it may bother runners with sensitive heels.
Midsole. Nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam with larger cells under the heel for softer landings and smaller cells in the forefoot for toe-off, shaped into a beveled, curved GlideRoll rocker. RunRepeat measured 30.9 AC and 19.6 Nm of torsional rigidity.
Insole. A removable insole measured at 4.7 mm by RunRepeat, close to average.
Outsole. Rubber only in the impact and toe-off zones, with exposed foam elsewhere. It is 3.5 mm thick and scored 0.51 in RunRepeat’s traction test, solid grip including in the wet, and Believe in the Run praise its grip and durability.
Read more
A maximal neutral build: full-length DNA Tuned foam with graded cell sizes, a GlideRoll rocker, a triple jacquard air mesh upper with a very thick tongue, and rubber limited to the wear zones.
1. Upper. New for version 2, thick and plush with a secure hold over the midsole, according to Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run, though both found it warm. RunRepeat still scored breathability 74, close to average.
2. Tongue. Very thick at 13.0 mm in RunRepeat’s measurement, more than twice the average, and not gusseted. Doctors of Running noticed it sliding on longer runs with turns.
3. Heel. A very stiff counter, 5 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s test, with generous collar padding. Doctors of Running note it may bother runners with sensitive heels.
4. Midsole. Nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam with larger cells under the heel for softer landings and smaller cells in the forefoot for toe-off, shaped into a beveled, curved GlideRoll rocker. RunRepeat measured 30.9 AC and 19.6 Nm of torsional rigidity.
5. Insole. A removable insole measured at 4.7 mm by RunRepeat, close to average.
6. Outsole. Rubber only in the impact and toe-off zones, with exposed foam elsewhere. It is 3.5 mm thick and scored 0.51 in RunRepeat’s traction test, solid grip including in the wet, and Believe in the Run praise its grip and durability.
Durability. Expect a long life. The outsole lost 1.1 mm in RunRepeat’s wear test, about average, with toe box durability at 3 out of 5 and heel padding at 4 out of 5. Doctors of Running saw no visible wear after about 50 miles, and Alltricks none after 80 km.
Durability. Expect a long life. The outsole lost 1.1 mm in RunRepeat’s wear test, about average, with toe box durability at 3 out of 5 and heel padding at 4 out of 5. Doctors of Running saw no visible wear after about 50 miles, and Alltricks none after 80 km.
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, RunRepeat, RTINGS, Doctors of Running, Running Warehouse.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Energy return (heel) |
|
| 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
Take your usual size; the question is the volume of the toe box, not the length.
Length
True to size
Widths
standard
Toe room
RunRepeat measured an average 73.4 mm toe box width but a low 24.0 mm height, so tall toes may touch the top. Doctors of Running felt pressure over the big toe.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat
Full sizing notes from testers
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat’s readers, RTINGS, Believe in the Run and Runnea all report a true-to-size fit, a change from the first Glycerin Max, which Doctors of Running sized up by half a size. Women’s Running UK is the outlier: its tester found it slightly large.
The forefoot divides testers. Doctors of Running describe a lower-volume, tapered toe box and Believe in the Run found it snugger than the original. Women’s Running UK, Alltricks and Runnea found room for wider feet. The upper also runs warm for Doctors of Running.
Fleet Feet and Running Warehouse list the men’s shoe in standard width only, and RTINGS confirms no wide version is available.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run, RTINGS, Women’s Running UK, Runnea, Alltricks, Fleet Feet, Running Warehouse
Vs Glycerin Max
A full redesign: firmer foam, a longer and stronger rocker, a snugger and more secure upper, and a steadier ride, at a little more weight.
| Glycerin Max 2 | Glycerin Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel stack | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Forefoot | 39 mm | 39 mm |
| Weight | 311 g | 297 g |
Keep the first Glycerin Max if you loved its soft, bouncy, playful ride and roomy toe box: Believe in the Run’s testers preferred it. Choose the Max 2 if the original felt loose or less stable and you want a steadier, more secure ride for easy miles.
Listed figures. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Version history: Glycerin Max to Glycerin Max 2
Firmer ride. Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run and RTINGS all found the DNA Tuned midsole firmer and less bouncy than on the first version. (Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, RTINGS)
Stronger, smoother rocker. Believe in the Run found the GlideRoll rocker more aggressive, and Doctors of Running a longer, smoother roll with less heel flare. (Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run)
New upper, new fit. A triple jacquard air mesh holds the foot better, and the length now fits true to size where the first Max needed half a size up, per Doctors of Running. The toe box is narrower. (Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse)
More stable, a bit heavier. Doctors of Running found it more stable than version 1. RunRepeat and RTINGS both found it heavier. (Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, RTINGS)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Glycerin Max 2 does not do.
| Brooks Glycerin Max 2 |  Brooks Glycerin Max |  ASICS Superblast 3 |  Nike Vomero Plus |  Brooks Glycerin 23 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | Softer | Lighter | Faster | Less cushion |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 45 mm | 45 mm | 47 mm | 43 mm | 38 mm |
| Weight | 311 g | 297 g | 238 g | 292 g | 301 g |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
Does the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 fit true to size?
Yes for most testers. Doctors of Running, RTINGS, Believe in the Run, Runnea and RunRepeat’s readers report a true-to-size fit, unlike the first Glycerin Max, which ran short. Only Women’s Running UK found it slightly large. Check the toe box: some testers found it tapered and low over the toes.
Glycerin Max or Glycerin Max 2: which should I choose?
Choose the Glycerin Max 2 if you want a steadier, more secure ride with a stronger rocker and a true-to-size fit. Look for the first Glycerin Max if you preferred a softer, bouncier, more playful feel and a roomier toe box. Believe in the Run preferred version 1, Doctors of Running version 2.
Is the Glycerin Max 2 a stability shoe?
No, Brooks lists the Glycerin Max 2 as neutral. Doctors of Running still call it a borderline guidance shoe thanks to a wide base, a filled-in midfoot and a medial sidewall, and RunRepeat suggests shoes like it can suit mild support needs. It is not a replacement for a dedicated stability shoe or for professional advice if you have pain.
Does the Glycerin Max 2 come in wide?
Not at the moment. Fleet Feet and Running Warehouse list the men’s Glycerin Max 2 in standard width only, and RTINGS confirms no wide version is available. Doctors of Running found the toe box tapered, while Women’s Running UK and Alltricks found it roomy, so try it on if your forefoot is broad.
Is the Glycerin Max 2 good for walking?
Yes. RunRepeat makes the Glycerin Max 2 a top pick among Brooks walking shoes, and Women’s Running UK rates it a fantastic walking and recovery shoe. The deep cushioning, the rocker and the stable base suit long days on your feet; the 311 g weight matters less at walking pace.
Is the Glycerin Max 2 good for heavier runners?
Reviewers think so. RunRepeat names heavier runners who want a lot of foam among its best matches, and Runnea recommends the Glycerin Max 2 for medium to heavy builds. The 45 mm heel stack, wide base and stiff heel counter add protection and stability; the trade-off is a heavy shoe with little rebound.
Can you run a marathon in the Glycerin Max 2?
At a relaxed pace, yes: Runnea lists marathon preparation at a controlled pace, and Doctors of Running like the Glycerin Max 2 for long runs. For a time goal it is a poor match, since RunRepeat scores it 31 out of 100 for racing and measured little energy return.
Sources
- Doctors of Running, Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Review (Matt Klein, December 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RunRepeat, Brooks Glycerin Max 2 lab review (May 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Review (December 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RTINGS, Brooks Glycerin Max 2 review. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Women’s Running UK, Brooks Glycerin Max 2 review: recovery runs made easier (December 2025). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Runnea, Brooks Glycerin Max 2 review (updated May 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Alltricks, Test Brooks Glycerin Max 2 (February 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Fleet Feet, Men’s Brooks Glycerin Max 2. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Running Warehouse, Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Men’s Shoes. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-13). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- 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.