Brooks Glycerin 23 Review: Daily Trainer Worth Your Money?

Running shoes come and go, but a few names stay strong for decades. The Brooks Glycerin is one of those names. It has been a favorite daily trainer for over twenty years. Now the brand gives us the Brooks Glycerin 23, and runners want to know one thing. Is it still worth buying?

This shoe promises soft landings, a smooth ride, and premium comfort. It packs a new DNA TUNED midsole, a plush upper, and a fresh 8mm drop. But it also carries a higher price tag and a bit more weight than before.

In this review, I tested the shoe, studied real runner feedback, and compared it with the top rivals. I want to help you decide fast. So let me break down everything you need to know about the Glycerin 23 in simple, clear terms. Keep reading, because the details below might surprise you.

In A Nutshell: Quick Verdict On The Brooks Glycerin 23

Short on time? Here is the fast summary of what makes this shoe tick. These points cover the core facts you need before you buy.

• Best for daily miles and all day comfort. The Glycerin 23 shines as a plush neutral trainer for easy runs, recovery days, and long hours on your feet.
• New DNA TUNED midsole feels great. Brooks added 2mm more foam in the forefoot, so you get soft landings and a firm, springy toe off.
• The drop changed to 8mm. The shoe now sits at 38mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot, which gives a balanced and stable ride.
• The upper is premium but warm. The triple jacquard knit feels rich and durable, yet it traps heat on hot days.
• The price sits at $175. That is a lot for a plateless daily trainer, so value shoppers may pause here.
• Weight went up to 10.6 oz. It feels lighter than the number suggests, but it is not a fast shoe.

Now let me dig into each part so you get the full picture.

What Is The Brooks Glycerin 23?

The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a premium neutral daily trainer. It sits at the top of the Brooks cushioning line. Runners use it for easy runs, recovery days, and long steady miles. It targets people who want soft comfort under their feet.

Brooks built this line for one clear goal. That goal is plush, reliable cushioning without any fancy plates or race day foams. The Glycerin does not chase speed records. It chases comfort and durability instead.

This 23rd version keeps the core formula but adds small upgrades. You get more foam, a new drop, and a richer upper. It joins the Brooks big three trainers, which are the Ghost, the Adrenaline, and the Glycerin. These three shoes sell in huge numbers every year.

The shoe fits a wide range of runners. New runners like it because it feels safe and soft. Experienced runners like it for slow miles. Many nurses, teachers, and service workers also wear it for long shifts on hard floors.

If you want a do it all comfort shoe, this one aims to please. It is not the lightest or the fastest option. But it delivers a steady, cushioned ride that many people trust. Below, I cover the exact specs so you know what you get.

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Key Specs And Features Of The Glycerin 23

Let me lay out the numbers in plain terms. Specs tell you a lot about how a shoe will feel. Here are the main details for the Brooks Glycerin 23.

The shoe weighs about 10.6 oz (300g) for a men’s US size 9. The women’s US size 7 comes in around 9.6 oz (272g). This is a bit heavier than the last version, so keep that in mind.

The stack height sits at 38mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot. That gives you an 8mm drop. The old version used a 10mm drop, so Brooks lowered it by adding forefoot foam.

The midsole uses DNA TUNED technology. This foam gets nitrogen infused into it. Brooks places different cell sizes in the heel and forefoot. The heel feels soft for landings, and the forefoot feels firm for push off.

The upper uses a triple jacquard warp knit mesh. It feels premium and holds up well. The tongue is thick and plush. The heel counter has soft padding and a pull tab.

The outsole uses a full length rubber layer. This boosts grip and durability. You should get hundreds of miles from this shoe. The price is $175, which puts it in the premium tier. These specs shape the whole ride, which I explain next.

The Ride: How The Glycerin 23 Feels On The Road

This is the part most runners care about. How does it actually feel to run in? The answer is mostly good, with one clear highlight.

The star of the show is the DNA TUNED midsole. When your heel lands, you feel a soft and plush cushion. It absorbs the shock well without feeling mushy. Then your foot rolls forward into a firmer forefoot. That firmer zone gives you a responsive toe off.

This blend works because Brooks tuned the foam by zone. You get comfort where you land and support where you push. Many reviewers called this ride smooth and stable from heel to toe.

The extra 2mm of forefoot foam helps a lot. Your forefoot now sits higher and softer than before. This makes the ride feel more balanced. The 8mm drop also feels natural for most runners.

Stability is another strong point. Even with the tall stack, the shoe feels planted and steady. You do not wobble or roll. The wide platform keeps your foot secure through each stride.

The one weak spot is excitement. This shoe is not bouncy or fast. It has no plate and no super foam. So the ride feels reliable but calm. If you want energy return for speed, look elsewhere. But for easy daily miles, this ride does the job well.

Cushioning And Comfort Underfoot

Comfort is the whole point of the Glycerin line. And the Glycerin 23 delivers plush comfort from the first step. When you slip it on, you feel the softness right away.

The heel area holds most of the cushion. It gives you a pillow like landing on every stride. This helps a lot on long runs when your legs get tired. The soft heel takes the sting out of hard pavement.

The forefoot feels firmer, and that is on purpose. It stops the shoe from feeling flat or dead. Instead, you get a springy and controlled push off. This mix of soft and firm is what makes DNA TUNED special.

Some testers noted the new foam feels slightly firmer than last year. If you love a super soft marshmallow feel, this may surprise you. But most runners see the firmer tune as a good thing. It adds control and stops the mushy sink feeling.

The comfort goes beyond running. Many people wear this shoe all day. It works great for walking, standing, and long work shifts. Nurses and teachers often pick the Glycerin for this reason.

The step in feel is excellent right out of the box. You do not need a long break in period. The cushioning stays consistent mile after mile. For pure comfort, this shoe earns high marks.

Top 3 Alternatives For Brooks Glycerin 23

The Glycerin 23 is great, but it is not the only choice. Some runners want a lighter shoe, a cheaper price, or a different feel. So I picked three strong alternatives worth your look.

The first pick is the Brooks Ghost 17. It is the lighter sibling of the Glycerin. It costs less and still gives smooth daily cushioning. Many runners find it a better value for everyday miles.

The second pick is the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23. This is the same shoe but with GuideRails support. If you overpronate or want extra stability, this version fits you better. It keeps the plush ride and adds gentle guidance.

The third pick is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24. It is a classic stability trainer with a firmer, more responsive feel. It costs less than the Glycerin and suits runners who need support without the max cushion.

Each of these shoes serves a slightly different runner. Check them out below and compare the features. The right pick depends on your budget, your gait, and your comfort needs.

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Upper Design And Fit: The Good And The Warm

The upper on the Glycerin 23 looks and feels premium. Brooks used a triple jacquard warp knit mesh. This gives the shoe a rich, high quality look. It also makes the upper very durable.

The fit is dialed in for most runners. Brooks sizing stays true and reliable. If you wore past Glycerin models, this one should fit the same. The heel locks in well thanks to the padded collar.

The tongue is thick and plush. It adds a luxury feel on step in. The soft heel counter and pull tab also add comfort. These touches make the shoe feel expensive, which it is.

But there is a real downside here. The upper runs warm. The dense triple knit and thick tongue trap heat. Testers felt this even in cold winter weather. So in summer, your feet will likely feel hot and sweaty.

Some runners also found the toe box a bit snug. It is narrower than some past versions. If you have wide feet, you may want to size up or try the wide option.

There is one odd design choice too. A raised collar creates a small moat around the ankle. This can catch dirt and small pebbles. It is not a deal breaker, but it feels unneeded. Overall, the upper is premium but a touch too warm.

Outsole, Grip, And Durability

A daily trainer must last a long time. And the Glycerin 23 scores well on durability. Brooks used a full length rubber outsole. This thick rubber layer protects the foam below.

The grip is solid on most surfaces. It holds well on dry roads and sidewalks. Testers also ran it in the rain and felt safe. It is not the grippiest shoe ever, but it does not slip much either.

The generous rubber coverage boosts the lifespan. You should easily get 300 to 500 miles from this shoe. Many runners report the outsole barely wears down after months of use. This makes the high price a bit easier to accept.

The whole shoe feels like a tank. It is built solid and tough. The upper will likely outlast the midsole foam. So you will not blow out the mesh before the cushion dies.

This durability is a real selling point. If you run a lot of miles, a long lasting shoe saves money over time. A shoe that lasts 500 miles beats one that dies at 250. So the Glycerin 23 spreads its cost across more runs.

For people on their feet all day, this toughness matters too. The shoe handles hard floors and long shifts with ease. Durability is one area where the Glycerin clearly earns its keep.

Glycerin 23 vs Glycerin 22: What Changed?

Many runners loved the Glycerin 22. So they ask a fair question. What actually changed in the new model? The updates are small but real.

The biggest change is the forefoot foam. Brooks added 2mm more DNA TUNED cushion under the forefoot. This raised the stack and made the ride softer up front. Your toe off now feels more cushioned.

The second change is the drop. The Glycerin 22 used a 10mm drop. The Glycerin 23 uses an 8mm drop. Brooks lowered it by building up the forefoot, not by cutting the heel.

The third change is the upper. The 23 uses a richer triple jacquard knit. The 22 had a slightly narrower and cooler upper. The new one feels more premium but also warmer.

The toe box also shifted. Some runners say the 23 has a bigger toe box than the 22. Others found it snug. Fit feels personal here, so try both if you can.

Weight went up too. The Glycerin 23 gained almost half an ounce over the 22. This makes it feel a touch more substantial.

So which should you buy? If you want more forefoot bounce and comfort, pick the 23. If you loved the 22 and see it on sale, that older model is still a great buy at a lower price.

Who Should Buy The Brooks Glycerin 23?

Not every shoe fits every runner. So let me be clear about who this shoe suits best. This helps you decide fast.

You should buy the Glycerin 23 if you want max comfort for easy miles. It is perfect for recovery runs and long slow distance. The plush cushion protects your legs on tired days.

It also fits new runners very well. The soft, stable ride feels safe and forgiving. Beginners often need extra cushion, and this shoe gives it. The steady platform builds confidence too.

People who stand all day should love it. Nurses, teachers, and retail workers often pick the Glycerin. It handles long shifts on hard floors with ease. It doubles as a comfy everyday walking shoe.

Fans of past Glycerin models will feel right at home. If you liked older versions, this one keeps the same trusted feel with small upgrades.

Who Should Skip The Glycerin 23?

Now let me flip it. Some runners should look elsewhere. Being honest here saves you money.

Skip it if you want speed and pop. This shoe has no plate and no super foam. It feels calm, not fast. Runners chasing race day energy will find it dull.

Skip it if you run in hot weather often. The warm upper traps heat and sweat. Summer runners may hate this feature.

Skip it if you want a light shoe. At 10.6 oz, it is on the heavier side. Minimalist fans should look at lighter trainers.

Skip it if budget matters most. At $175, cheaper shoes offer similar comfort. Value shoppers can find better deals elsewhere.

Pros And Cons Of The Brooks Glycerin 23

Let me sum up the good and the bad in a clear list. This gives you a fast snapshot of the shoe. Weigh these points against your own needs.

The Pros:

• The DNA TUNED midsole gives a plush yet controlled ride.
• The cushioning feels soft on landing and firm on toe off.
• The full rubber outsole boosts grip and long term durability.
• The premium upper looks great and feels rich.
• The ride stays stable and steady even with tall cushion.
• It works well as an all day comfort shoe.

The Cons:

• The price of $175 feels steep for a plateless trainer.
• The triple knit upper runs too warm for hot days.
• The weight went up and the ride lacks excitement.
• The toe box can feel snug for wide feet.
• The Glycerin Flex offers a similar feel for less money.

This balance shows a shoe with clear strengths and clear flaws. The comfort and durability win praise. The price and warmth draw fair criticism. Your choice depends on which points matter most to you.

Is The Brooks Glycerin 23 Worth The Price?

This is the big question. At $175, is the Glycerin 23 worth it? The answer is a careful maybe.

The shoe delivers real comfort and strong durability. If you value plush cushion and long lasting build, the price makes more sense. A shoe that lasts 500 miles spreads its cost well.

But $175 is a lot for a plateless daily trainer. Many rivals cost $30 to $40 less and feel almost as good. Some even weigh less and run cooler. So value shoppers have solid reasons to pause.

There is also the Brooks Glycerin Flex to consider. It costs a bit less, weighs less, and feels similar underfoot. Some reviewers even suggest buying that shoe instead.

So here is my honest take. If comfort and durability top your list, the Glycerin 23 justifies its cost. If budget or weight matters more, shop around first. You can also wait for a sale to soften the price sting.

Final Verdict On The Brooks Glycerin 23

The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a reliable and plush daily trainer. It does its main job very well. It gives you soft landings, a stable ride, and long lasting comfort. For easy miles and all day wear, it truly shines.

The DNA TUNED midsole is the highlight. The extra forefoot foam and new 8mm drop make the ride smooth and balanced. The build quality feels premium and tough. This shoe will serve you for hundreds of miles.

But the shoe is not perfect. The warm upper and high price are real drawbacks. It also lacks speed and feels a bit heavy. So it is not the shoe for racing or hot summer runs.

My final rating sits around a solid 8 out of 10. It earns high marks for comfort and durability. It loses a few points for price and warmth. If you want a trusted comfort shoe and you can accept the cost, the Glycerin 23 is a safe and smart pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 good for long distance running?

Yes, the Glycerin 23 works great for long runs. The plush DNA TUNED cushion protects your legs over many miles. The soft heel and stable base keep you comfortable. It is not fast, but it is very comfy for steady long distance.

What is the drop on the Brooks Glycerin 23?

The Glycerin 23 has an 8mm drop. It sits at 38mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot. This is lower than the 10mm drop on the older Glycerin 22. Brooks lowered it by adding forefoot foam.

Does the Brooks Glycerin 23 run warm?

Yes, the upper runs warm. The triple jacquard knit and thick tongue trap heat. Testers felt this even in cold weather. In summer, your feet may feel hot. This is one of the main downsides of the shoe.

Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 true to size?

Yes, the Glycerin 23 fits true to size for most runners. Brooks sizing stays reliable across models. The toe box can feel a bit snug though. If you have wide feet, try the wide version or size up.

How much does the Brooks Glycerin 23 weigh?

The men’s US size 9 weighs about 10.6 oz (300g). The women’s US size 7 weighs around 9.6 oz (272g). This is slightly heavier than the last version. It still feels lighter on foot than the number suggests.

Is the Glycerin 23 a neutral or stability shoe?

The standard Glycerin 23 is a neutral shoe. It suits runners who do not need pronation support. If you need stability, pick the Glycerin GTS 23. That version adds GuideRails support to guide your stride.

How many miles will the Brooks Glycerin 23 last?

You should get 300 to 500 miles from the Glycerin 23. The full rubber outsole and tough upper boost its lifespan. Many runners report the shoe holds up well after months of daily use. This durability helps justify the price.

Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 good for walking?

Yes, the Glycerin 23 is excellent for walking. The soft cushion and stable base feel great on hard floors. Many nurses, teachers, and workers wear it for long shifts. It doubles as a comfy all day shoe.