Brooks Glycerin 22 review

We think the Glycerin 22 is a great choice for:

• Loyal Glycerin fans—it stays true to its roots while incorporating updated tech and subtle refinements.
• Runners seeking a comfortable, durable, and highly-ventilated daily trainer for effortless miles.
• Heel strikers in need of a high-drop shoe that excels at easy paces across any distance.

We believe the Glycerin 22 isn’t the best choice for those who prioritize a lightweight feel in their daily trainer. At 10.35 oz (293g), it’s noticeably heavier than the ASICS Novablast 5, which offers more cushioning in a significantly lighter package.

Additionally, we found the toebox height to be restrictive, which could be an issue for runners who need extra vertical space. If you prefer more room for toe movement, we suggest looking at the Adidas Supernova Rise or the Mizuno Wave Rider 28.

Most daily trainers are flirting with the 40 mm mark—once exclusive to a handful of maximalist shoes—but that era is long gone.

The Glycerin 22 now boasts a towering 38.5 mm stack height, up from last year’s 37.2 mm. To be honest, we wouldn’t be surprised if it crosses 40 mm in a generation or two. And will that be excessive? We believe brands are really pushing the limits, but for now, we're happy with this change.

In our tests, we found that the forefoot stack height has also increased compared to the Glycerin 21. Last year, we measured 26.6 mm, but now it rises to 28.2 mm—offering a well-cushioned and impact-absorbing platform suitable for all footstrikes.

A defining feature of the Glycerin series is its consistent 10-mm drop, and Brooks has kept it unchanged. We measured 10.3 mm, which is well within manufacturing tolerances, and we confirmed that it delivers the same familiar ride as previous generations.

A few months ago, Brooks introduced the Glycerin Max as their first shoe featuring the DNA Tuned midsole, and we knew it was only a matter of time before it arrived in the regular Glycerin. But if you’re wondering what sets this midsole apart, let us break it down.

DNA Tuned is essentially an evolution of the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 found in previous Glycerins, but with a dual-density design. Brooks merges two distinct foam compositions—each with varying nitrogen levels for a softer or firmer feel—using an all-new, glue-free process.

The primary layer, which is the softer one with larger nitrogen bubbles, measures 17.3 HA and spans the entire forefoot, although it shares the midfoot and heel. If you want a closer look, take a look at the photo above—both densities are clearly distinguishable!

The secondary layer, firmer at 24.4 HA, extends through the midfoot and heel to enhance stability.

Brooks’ approach is to pair a plush forefoot with a more stable heel, and in our experience, it works. Running in the shoe, we discovered a noticeable improvement over previous Glycerins.

DNA Tuned is still EVA-based, and in our view, that’s a bit of a drawback. Like any standard EVA foam, it stiffens noticeably in the cold.

We tested it and found a 33% firmness increase from room temperature, which limits its consistency in chilly conditions.

Brooks has slightly updated the insoles from previous years, now using a thicker 5.0 mm model that enhances the plush feel underfoot.

One thing that remains unchanged in the Glycerin 22 is its signature ride.

While it features a subtle rocker and a gently curved heel to assist rearfoot strikers, these elements are unobtrusive and deliver a smooth, natural feel.

Our measurements always start with the widest part of the toebox, and this model came in at 96.3 mm—slightly wider than its predecessor and spacious enough for most runners.

We found that this width falls comfortably within the average range, providing a well-balanced fit for daily miles. And for those needing extra room, Brooks remains a leader, offering up to three width options (D, 2E, 4E) in the Glycerin 22.

One of our main gripes with the Glycerin 21 was its slightly aggressive toebox taper, which felt more restrictive than we preferred.

Thankfully, Brooks addressed this, and we now measured a more accommodating 73.7 mm—right in the average range.

The toebox height came in surprisingly low at just 23.6 mm—far less than we expected in a daily trainer.

This is one of the most compact toeboxes we’ve measured, making it best suited for runners who prefer a snug fit or have low-volume feet.

Some might assume the Glycerin 22 sacrifices stability due to its higher stack, but we found that’s not the case—especially for heel strikers.

Brooks did a solid job integrating the dual-density DNA Tuned midsole and smartly-executed design tweaks to enhance support while adding more cushioning.

One of these changes might be a deal-breaker for some runners, as torsional rigidity jumps from 2/5 in the v21 to 4/5 in this version.

Based on our findings, this follows the industry-wide shift over the past two years—daily trainers are becoming rigid, making them harder to twist. This reduces flexibility and the shoe’s natural feel but enhances stability.

On the other hand, Brooks addressed the overly rigid heel counter from the previous version, replacing it with a 3/5 moderately-flexible counter—common in most daily trainers.

We found this update strikes a much-needed balance between support and comfort, making the Glycerin series more welcoming for runners with sensitive Achilles tendons or Haglund's deformity.

In the forefoot, we measured 117.2 mm—identical to last year's model. This design choice keeps the shoe nimble and smooth rather than bulky while still offering a touch of extra stability.

We found that the heel underwent a significant change. Brooks moved away from the surprising, ultra-wide design of the previous version—which exceeded 100 mm—and returned to a more average width. This was likely made possible by the firmer DNA Tuned foam in the heel.

The Glycerin 22 isn’t just more rigid torsionally—it’s also noticeably stiffer longitudinally.

This shift may not appeal to those seeking a natural-feeling ride, making it slightly less interesting for casual wear like walking or daily activities. That said, increasing from 21.7N (v21) to 26.5N (v22) in this test is reasonable, considering the added stack height.

Weight is creeping up, and we’re not thrilled about it. Brooks had managed to keep the Glycerin under 10 oz in the previous edition, but now it climbs back to 10.35 oz (293g), making it one of the bulkier daily trainers out there.

When we picked up this colorway, we were immediately excited—it gave the Glycerin 22 an ultra-airy look, making it seem like breathability would be top-tier. But experience has taught us that appearances can be deceiving. Some shoes, like the New Balance Fresh Foam X Vongo v6, have massive ventilation holes that turn out to be just for show, thanks to airflow-blocking inner layers.

To clear up any doubts, we ran our smoke test, and the results were outstanding. Air escaped effortlessly, confirming that this is one of the most breathable daily trainers we’ve ever tested. It easily earned a perfect 5/5 for ventilation.

Next, we moved the upper over a bright light to determine where airflow is most effective. We found that Brooks strategically engineered the toebox and midfoot with ventilation channels, ensuring maximum breathability. That's an absolute win for hot-weather long runs.

Taking a closer look under our microscope, we discovered a dual-layer mesh design. Unlike many other models, the secondary layer isn’t a solid barrier—it features microperforations that allow air to pass through, making a significant difference in overall airflow.

Beyond breathability, we have to mention comfort. Brooks packed this shoe with thick, plush padding in both the tongue and heel, delivering a supremely cushioned feel.

Quality control also impressed us—no excess glue, no messy stitching. Just a clean, well-executed daily trainer.

In our lab tests, super-breathable uppers usually don’t last long against the Dremel challenge—but the Glycerin 22 surprised us. It showed low wear and held up well thanks to the secondary layer, earning a solid 3/5 score.

The heel padding, while exceptionally plush, performed well in our durability test, scoring a solid 4/5. The Glycerin 22 continues to impress against the Dremel!

Now, let’s break down the outsole—one of the key elements of any daily trainer. Brooks completely revamped its design but stuck to the same core concept: thick rubber pads with cutouts to reduce weight and enhance flexibility. However, the medial section is now fully covered, which adds a touch of stiffness to the ride.

When testing hardness, we discovered a firm rubber compound measuring 84.0 HC on our durometer. That’s common in daily trainers, where grip is slightly sacrificed for durability. Still, in our experience, this shoe delivers excellent traction—especially on dry surfaces—just like previous Glycerins.

If we were pleased with the durability of the toebox and heel, here we’re genuinely impressed. The Glycerin 22 held up remarkably well, showing only 0.5 mm of wear—an exceptionally low result!

We measured 3.4 mm of outsole thickness, reinforcing that this outsole is built for long-term durability—even for heavier runners. Given the shoe’s weight, we believe Brooks could trim it slightly without sacrificing longevity.

The Glycerin 22 sees a $5 price increase over the previous version, and that's never great news. However, we think it's justified by the new DNA Tuned foam, and sleeker, more modern aesthetics that make the shoe stand out.

Night runners will appreciate that the Glycerin 22 includes two reflective elements on the heel for added visibility.

Brooks replaced the punched-eyelet lacing system with a hybrid design combining punched eyelets and wires. In our experience, while the wires create a sleeker look and allow for a more adaptive fit, they always compromise durability, so we're not sure if it's a step forward.

Now, about the tongue. Those who loved the plush feel of the Glycerin 21 will be pleased to know that Brooks kept the ultra-cushioned 11.5 mm padding, delivering the same pillow-like comfort that makes this shoe stand out among daily trainers.

The tongue is not gusseted, which we’re not thrilled about, but it’s in line with previous Glycerin models—so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

However, we were genuinely surprised to find a heel tab. Brooks has skipped them in recent models, but it looks like they’re making a comeback.

This one feels super-sturdy and well-designed, and we absolutely loved it.

The insole is fairly basic, so swapping it for a different one is no issue. And, as expected, it comes out effortlessly.