Brooks Glycerin Max Multi Tester Review: Not More of the same, a Whole New Thing- 10 Comparisons

Outsole

Alex: A minimalistic but efficient protection of the outsole, as has been the development with among the brooks footwear in recent times (e.g., Hyperion line up).

Grip on the street is superb, at the very least in dry situations, nonetheless the shortage of protection at all times makes me fear about operating within the rain and sturdiness and particles breaking within the midsole. (Alexandra)

Renee: As Alexandra wrote, the outsole protection is minimal however nicely positioned underneath the forefoot. I’ve no put on on the uncovered areas regardless of operating completely on gravel. That mentioned, my paces have been sluggish, like actually sluggish, and my touchdown was not aggressive sufficient to totally dig into the bottom. There’s some discoloration from dust and minor trapping of small pebbles and dust within the grooves, all of which is straightforward to take away.

Jeff: I haven’t had the chance to put on them within the moist (possibly subsequent week? If that’s the case I’ll comply with up) however traction has been nice on dry roads, mild trails, and the treadmill. Whereas the damage hasn’t be detrimental to the efficiency, it looks like the uncovered midsole of my pair has fairly a bit extra put on, which may very well be as a result of further bulk of the runner or the blended use path I ran on close by my workplace – and picked up greater than 100 thorned hitchhikers I needed to decide off with pliers afterwards.

Might be a little bit of column A and column B, nevertheless it actually doesn’t appear to hurt the efficiency any.

Michael: We’ve solely had dry climate, for which there was no drawback right here, however I’ll additionally add that I typically discover any such supercritical uncovered midsole to be fairly slippery on a treadmill, and whereas I solely did one ~8 mile straightforward run in them indoors, I definitely didn’t discover any slip. The rubber have to be positioned nicely sufficient (or the composition of the midsole is sufficiently totally different) that they grip identical to full-rubber. Good.

Though I did not do any foul climate operating within the Glycerin Max, the traction of the outsole appears good. There’s a mixture of rubber and foam that additionally seem to have the ability to take vital miles. There aren’t any lower outs that will decide up any gravel so this shoe may match nicely for multi-terrain operating.

Trip, Conclusions and Recommendations

Alex: The trip is, as one would possibly count on, cushioned, nonetheless nonetheless energetic. I can’t say that every one the affect is absorbed by the shoe and my stride is misplaced someplace in there. The forefoot feels safe laterally and the heel is a bit much less steady in my expertise, however simply as in comparison with the forefoot of the shoe. Total, the platform feels very steady for a way excessive the shoe sits off the bottom.(Alexandra)

In reality, I’m really stunned to select up the tempo within the Glycerin Max and discover it enjoyable, so whereas it is a every day coach and never a racer, I completely decide it for intervals on street. I feel that is partially as a result of rocker profile, however largely to the DNA Tune foam which is actually spectacular and extra enjoyable than the Hyperions Max. I’m really impressed by this shoe! I solely want it had extra rubber protection so I might take it on straightforward gravel roads as a result of sure, it’s that enjoyable to run in, however oh nicely this isn’t actually its utility. I can dream although!(Alexandra)

Alexandra’s Rating: 9.6/10

(deductions for worth & doubtlessly sturdiness of the outsole)

Renee: The rockered geometry is simply sufficient to forestall the shoe from feeling like a brick underfoot. The shoe is an effective alternative for individuals who need or want quite a bit underfoot for shock absorption. For me, it is a one gear shoe. I can use it for restoration runs or really sluggish paces, however I used to be by no means capable of transfer sooner than sluggish. My straightforward tempo in these footwear felt sooner than my precise tempo. Even with strides, my effort was greater than my precise tempo. I prefer to have some floor really feel for uptempo or quick paces, and with out that really feel, I couldn’t shift this shoe previous first gear. At $200, it’s a dear shoe that works solely as a restoration shoe for me. Nevertheless, runners who want shock absorption and who put in loads of restoration miles will take pleasure in it.

Renee’s Rating: 8.5/10 (-.25 price, -.25 restricted use, -.25 one gear shoe, -.50 heavy)

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Courtney: After operating the shoe I discovered that it’s not probably the most the most effective match for my wants. As an athlete with a smaller body, the load of the shoe felt arduous. At restoration paces, I used to be by no means capable of profit from the GlideRoll rocker as I’m largely a heel to midfoot striker and my push offs weren’t highly effective sufficient to really feel the pop of the rocker. It virtually felt as if I obtained caught additional again within the shoe. I’m wondering if the next drop (Glycerin is 6mm) on this shoe might assist in the transition to the forefoot a bit sooner.

With a steep price ticket of $200, the Glycerin Max is a substantial funding, though its sturdiness could take you a lot extra miles than common.

Conclusions: One other innovation from Brooks as they invite a brand new model of the Glycerin into the lineup. The aesthetics of Brooks designs are making huge leaps in the appropriate route. The correct concepts are there in performance, however there are some tweaks that may be executed to enhance the Glycerin Max’s operating economic system in model 2 for me.

Courtney’s Rating: 7/10

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Jeff: The Glycerin Max is a type of footwear that could be extra runner particular than most. It’s such a large shoe that it isn’t shocking that extra svelte runners discover it to be simply an excessive amount of shoe, whereas a giant sluggish man like myself is totally enamored with it. I feel opinions will probably be break up, and extra amongst BMI than some other single class, as a result of lighter runners don’t want this a lot shoe with a purpose to have a brilliant cushioned trip, making the Glycerin Max overkill for a lot of.

Nevertheless, for these of us on the opposite finish of the spectrum, this shoe is lengthy overdue. It’s so smooth and cozy, whereas nonetheless having sufficient efficiency, I might see many heavier runners making it their every day coach. There’s sufficient bounce to it and the rocker geometry comes into play sufficient, it doesn’t run like a brick within the slightest, as Alex identified – it has sufficient bounce to make it enjoyable to select up the tempo in. I’d think about most lighter runners will certainly admire it for the easy-to-easiest runs, merely not many footwear are this straightforward in your legs.

Jeff’s Rating: 9.85/10

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Michael: The Glycerin Max’s rockered geometry does simply sufficient to maintain it from feeling clunky – there’s positively sufficient cushion for individuals who want quite a bit underfoot. Even so, it did sufficient for me to keep away from calling it a one-trick-pony;I discovered it really works finest for paces from “absolute restoration” to “medium” however would not attain for it for something sooner, like tempo runs or marathon tempo.

I normally favor a firmer, extra kinetic trip for sooner runs (suppose AlphaFly), and the shortage of that made it powerful to get this shoe transferring. Plus, at $200, I do suppose it’s a tricky promote. It’s higher than practically the whole lot Brooks has to supply, however is it 33% higher than the Ghost Max? I don’t essentially suppose so and the Pegasus Plus, whereas solely $20 much less, affords much more utility. For these with deep pockets, it is a terrific shoe to have within the rotation – nevertheless it wont exchange your rotation.

Michael’s Rating: 9.8/10

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10 Comparisons

Brooks Hyperion Max 1 (RTR Evaluate)

Alex: The trip is far more cushioned within the Glycerin Max (unsurprisingly), however surprisingly, the Velocity Roll expertise works so nicely within the Glycerin Max that I might contemplate changing the Hyperion Max solely in my rotation. The trip within the Hyperion Max is far firmer and the higher match is extra dialed in. Hyperion Max is a extra “dialed in” match/shoe, however the midsole is missing one thing for a enjoyable trip and for it to be an fascinating racer. The Glycerin Max is completely effective for sooner pickups and replaces the Hyperion for that function IMO.

Renee: Completely totally different footwear for me. The primary model of the Hyperion Max was probably not a “max” shoe. The shoe has good floor really feel and an obvious forefoot rocker. it’s considerably lighter in weight. For velocity and tempo work, the Hyperion Max is much better. Even for sluggish paces, I’d nonetheless select the a lot lighter Hyperion Max.

Courtney: The Hyperion Max is a a lot firmer and lighter weight trip than the Glycerin Max. This shoe can do the job of a every day coach but additionally present the aggressiveness for use used for uptempo runs.

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 (RTR Evaluate)

Sam: The Hyperion Max 2 is Brooks extra uptempo max cushion every day coach. It has a decrease stack top of 36.25 mm heel / 30.25 mm forefoot and weighs significantly much less at 9.25 oz / 252g. It features a nylon plate with sufficient flex to make even slower paces simply effective. Its foam is Brooks high racing foam DNA Flash v2 so considerably firmer and extra responsive than the plush Tuned DNA of the Glyerin Whereas not as plush throughout if I used to be to select one it might be the Hyperion Max 2 for its versatility and lighter weight.

Brooks Glycerin 21 (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: Each footwear have “Glycerin” within the title, in any other case they’re very totally different. The Glycerin 21 (I’ve the the lighter Stealthfit higher model) has loads of consolation underfoot with out the load of the Max. The rocker within the Max is far more obvious, which does assist within the trip. I put on the Glycerin 21 weekly, for informal use. I didn’t take pleasure in operating with it however discovered it extraordinarily comfy for lengthy days of strolling or standing. Except you want loads of shock absorption, go along with the lighter and cheaper Glycerin 21.

Jeff: Agreed they’re very totally different footwear, however I utterly disagree with the conclusion. Glycerin 21 feels agency and borderline lifeless in comparison with the Glycerin Max – and whereas it’s cheaper, it’s solely about an oz. much less weight for a lot much less shoe. The Max is a greater shoe at each tempo.

Brooks Ghost Max 2 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff: The second model added DNA Loft v3, which till the DNA Tuned midsole of the Glycerin Max was the highest tier Brooks coaching foam midsole. The Ghost Max 2 has a extra conventional outsole with extra protection, nevertheless it doesn’t have practically the platform of the Glycerin Max, and its weight is just about equivalent. The Ghost Max 2 has a decently smooth touchdown and a really good bounce, the Glycerin Max is extremely smooth with far more bounce.

Brooks Ghost Max 1 (RTR Evaluate)

Michael: I solely wore the primary model of the Ghost Max, which fell into the “it’s boring, nevertheless it works nicely” bucket throughout practically each class. I logged a pair hundred miles on them, appreciated them, after which promptly forgot about them. The Glycerin Max is, maybe clearly, a really totally different story – you received’t quickly overlook this shoe. It’s springier and extra propulsive, and simply general extra enjoyable to run in. As I put above, the worth is a tough capsule to swallow, however talking in a price-agnostic comparability, the Glycerin Max is unquestionably superior.

ASICS Superblast (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: The Superblast is a considerably lighter weight shoe with a really comparable stack top and weight. If weight is the main target, the Superblast is the clear winner. The Superblast by no means ran as mild or quick because it ought to have for me, which I feel is a results of the excessive stack and no rocker. The Max, whereas a lot heavier, rolls alongside simply due to the rocker, albeit at sluggish paces just for me. For a mixture of paces, the Superblast is the higher alternative. For restoration runs, the Max. Sizing is comparable.

ASICS Nimbus 26 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff: The Nimbus 25 and 26 have been the benchmark for smooth and cozy borderline straightforward day or every day coach for the final couple of years. The Glycerin Max does the identical factor, simply that rather more. It breaks the curve, so to talk. It’s each softer and extra runnable at varied paces, although I feel the Nimbus higher holds the benefit in relation to plush consolation.

Saucony Triumph 22 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff: Saucony’s huge coach obtained a large overhaul for the twenty second model, including extra to the stack whereas additionally switching the midsole to the far more energetic PWRRUN PB supercritical foam. Towards the Glycerin Max, the Brooks holds the stack and cushioning benefit, and in addition has a way more pronounced rocker. The Saucony is a couple of half ounce lighter, has a way more sturdy outsole, and general has just a bit extra diminished expertise. That’s not a knock on the Triumph, extra that the Glycerin Max is simply so overbuilt. It’s just like the Triumph is among the manufacturing facility prepped offroad vehicles, like a Ford Raptor R, whereas the Glycerin Max is a baja truck. Similar factor, type of, however one simply does it a lot greater than the opposite.

Courtney: The Triumph has a extremely cushioned 40 mm heel stack top however is to not the heights of the Max at 45mm. Its drop is considerably greater than the 6mm drop Glycerin Max at 10mm. The tTriumph is barely lighter than the Glycerin Max at 9.0 oz or a womens measurement 8. The firmness of the shoe is similar to the Glycerin and in addition encompasses a thick higher with padded tongue and heel counter. I’m experiencing some put on and tear (chunks of froth lacking) from the platform of the shoe from the street and/or my reverse foot scuffing the medial facet.

New Stability Contemporary Foam Extra v5 (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff: The one shoe that’s barely heavier than the Glycerin Max (330g vs 329g, I don’t make the principles), it’s additionally the one shoe on this record that’s comparably smooth at touchdown. It doesn’t have practically the vitality or bounce of the Glycerin Max, making it very a lot an unique straightforward day shoe. Very comparable in any other case, however the huge bounce of the Brooks is a really huge elephant within the room.

Hoka Skyflow (RTR Evaluate)

Jeff: Hoka’s lately launched supercritical foamed shoe doesn’t have practically the cushioning, smooth touchdown, or match of the Glycerin Max. I expertise comparable arch issues stemming from a excessive midsole sidewall in each footwear, however the Skyflow’s points couldn’t be remedied with Bridge Soles. Whereas the Hoka is lighter, it doesn’t have practically the efficiency of the Brooks.

Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Evaluate)

Michael: These aren’t essentially competitor footwear, however I’ve been operating (and loving) the Pegasus Plus quite a bit, so I had some direct comparisons (typically carrying one within the morning, and one within the night). First – they’re each good. The Pegasus is softer, and a little bit extra uninteresting, however I additionally discovered it simpler to take to greater paces – only a shoe that’s straightforward to get into a superb turnover in. The Glycerin Max definitely felt higher to plod in, however didn’t have fairly the vary (because the ZoomX of the Peg Plus will nonetheless do a lot to assist your legs). Each are nice – I feel a real operating shoe geek might readily discover use for each – however I do suppose the Pegasus Plus has a little bit extra bang in your buck.

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE

Please additionally watch Sam’s Glycerin Max Video Evaluate (14:49)

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Tester Profiles

Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a school lacrosse participant turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA along with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and eight. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, profitable second place in a time of 1:26. She determined to take operating a bit extra significantly, becoming a member of the Depraved Working Membership and making an attempt some coaching plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. As well as, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She appears ahead to getting some extra energy and velocity underneath her belt this subsequent season, earlier than taking a crack on the marathon once more. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.

Alexandra Zvezdin is a ski mountaineering racer on Canada’s Nationwide group. She splits her time between Montréal and wherever snowboarding ISMF World Cups takes her. Throughout the off season yow will discover her street operating across the metropolis or doing observe intervals, though her most well-liked alternative are the (be)east coast trails of the Adirondacks, the Whites and QC hills. She loves steep ascents (~26%) and technical ascents and goals of chasing a brief distance steep FKT in the future if she will be able to keep away from to face plant within the course of ;). From time to time she’s going to pin on a bib for a street or path race. Her favourite footwear are lean, mild and quick footwear near the bottom. She was born in Moldova and grew up in Canada so you will see French and English evaluations by her. You will discover her on IG @whatforwho and on strava.

Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of operating and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually arduous. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska, which means mud, gravel, dust, hills, and the occasional area. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.

Jeff Beck is the token sluggish runner of the RTR lineup, and as such his viewpoints on shoe and equipment can differ from those that routinely end marathons in three hours or much less. Jeff runs 20 miles per week on roads and trails round Denver, CO (and generally on the treadmill when the climate will get an excessive amount of for a Phoenix native). Jeff solely obtained into operating in his 30s, consequently his profession PR’s are 4:07 for the marathon and 5K at 23:39. Jeff has completed a number of extremely marathons, from 50K as much as 50 miles, and remains to be debating if he needs to go down that street once more.

Michael is a patent legal professional and graduate of Northwestern College Regulation College. Previous to regulation faculty, he competed collegiately at Washington College in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs embody a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:21:19 marathon PR on the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ sooner or later.

Samples have been supplied at no cost for overview functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are solely the authors’.

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