Brooks Glycerin 22

David Salas, PT, DPT, CSCS from Doctors of Running highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a well-balanced, premium daily training shoe that delivers a plush yet responsive ride thanks to its innovative DNA Tuned midsole. This nitrogen-infused foam uses different cell sizes to provide a softer heel cushioning and a snappier forefoot push-off, making it a notable improvement over previous models. The shoe fits true to size with a secure lockdown and a roomy forefoot, though the heel counter is quite stiff and may not suit everyone. Stability is solid for a neutral trainer, aided by a wide base and good outsole traction, though the softer foam slightly reduces rearfoot stability. Salas appreciates the shoe’s traditional high-drop geometry and moderate flexibility, recommending it for runners seeking a comfortable, reliable daily trainer with a smooth ride. Minor critiques include a desire for a more rounded heel bevel to ease initial contact and a slightly plusher heel counter for added comfort.

David Marquez, David Kroeker-Maus, and Yannick Khong from RTINGS assess the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a premium daily trainer that excels in delivering smooth, plush comfort, particularly for heel strikers, thanks to its updated midsole and well-cushioned heel. The shoe’s “DNA Tuned” dual-density cushioning offers solid impact absorption and excellent lateral stability, making it a reliable, stable choice for everyday use and walking. However, the review highlights notable drawbacks: the shoe’s heavy weight and limited energy return result in a sluggish feel and reduced efficiency, especially for racing or long-distance runs. The forefoot cushioning is less protective and tends to bottom out over extended mileage, diminishing comfort during longer efforts. While the Glycerin 22 stands out for its comfort and stability, it falls short in responsiveness and speed, making it better suited for casual training rather than competitive racing or fast-paced workouts.

Ali Ball from Runner’s World (UK) highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a significant step forward for the brand, blending comfort with a fresh, modern design and innovative DNA Tuned dual-cell cushioning. Praised for its plush yet responsive ride, the shoe excels particularly for heel strikers, offering a smooth transition and stable platform that supports a variety of distances, from recovery runs to longer training sessions. The reviewer appreciates the secure, wrap-around fit and the move toward more muted, stylish colorways, signaling Brooks’ shift from dependable but dull to exciting and contemporary. While the tongue’s padding feels excessive and forefoot strikers may not fully benefit from the cushioning technology, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise strong daily trainer. At a premium price, the Glycerin 22 delivers excellent comfort and durability, rivaling competitors like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27. Overall, Ball is enthusiastic about Brooks’ renewed innovation and confident the Glycerin 22 marks a promising new era.

Ally Arcuri from OutdoorGearLab highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a reliable, comfort-focused daily trainer that excels in stability and long-haul cushioning. Prioritizing a smooth, balanced ride, the shoe features a nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned midsole that blends plush heel cushioning with a firmer forefoot for predictable transitions. Its engineered double jacquard mesh upper offers a soft, flexible fit with moderate breathability, accommodating various foot shapes and widths. The outsole delivers dependable traction on typical road surfaces, making it well-suited for everyday runs, recovery sessions, and relaxed mileage rather than speed or high-energy performance. While the shoe’s traditional geometry and steady ride appeal to runners seeking consistency and durability, Arcuri notes the upper’s light color option stains quickly, a minor drawback for those concerned with aesthetics. Overall, the Glycerin 22 is recommended for runners valuing comfort and stability in a straightforward, trustworthy trainer, with comparisons offered to other models for those seeking different ride characteristics.

Carlos Sánchez from RunRepeat highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a durable, comfort-focused daily trainer that stays true to its roots while integrating notable updates like the new DNA Tuned foam and increased stack height. The review expresses clear enthusiasm for its plush cushioning, excellent breathability, and stable ride, especially benefiting heel strikers and runners seeking long-lasting comfort. However, the reviewer also points out drawbacks such as increased weight, a pricier tag, and a stiffer, less flexible feel compared to previous versions, which may deter those prioritizing a lightweight or more natural ride. Unique insights include detailed lab measurements of foam density, stack height, and torsional rigidity, as well as a thorough ventilation smoke test and durability assessments. The Glycerin 22’s snug toebox height and moderate width are noted as potential fit limitations. Overall, the review balances praise with thoughtful critiques, recommending the shoe primarily for loyal fans and runners valuing cushioning and stability over speed or lightness.

Kristin Lassen from Running Shoes Guru highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a premium, plushly cushioned running shoe that excels in comfort, durability, and secure fit. She praises its updated double-jacquard knit upper for enhanced support, the innovative “DNA Tuned” midsole foam that balances softness with responsiveness, and the durable outsole that shows minimal wear after 50 miles. The shoe’s plush heel collar, flexible heel loop, and protective forefoot cap add to its thoughtful design. While the Glycerin 22 is heavier and pricier than some competitors, it offers superior stability and cushioning, making it ideal for daily and recovery runs rather than speedwork or those seeking a lightweight, ground-feel shoe. Kristin notes the shoe runs slightly small in length, recommending ordering a half size up. Overall, she conveys genuine enthusiasm for Brooks’ investment in comfort and fit, positioning the Glycerin 22 as a top contender in the premium daily trainer category.

Lauren Wingenroth from SELF highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a thoughtfully engineered running shoe that blends comfort and responsiveness, making it a versatile choice for a range of paces and distances. Praised for its innovative “DNA Tuned” midsole with nitrogen-infused foam, the shoe offers plush cushioning in the heel and firmer, energetic push-off in the forefoot—ideal for heel strikers seeking both shock absorption and propulsion. The breathable jacquard knit upper, improved fit, and durable outsole add to its appeal, while the unique colorways provide a fun aesthetic. However, Wingenroth notes the shoe is somewhat heavier than typical daily trainers and the cushioning feels firmer than expected, which may not suit those craving a softer ride. At $165, it’s a premium option but justifiable for runners who appreciate its dual-foam design and overall balanced performance. The Glycerin 22 stands out as a “two shoes in one” experience, especially for those who want cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness.

Nick Harris-Fry from Tom’s Guide highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a reliably comfortable and stable running shoe, especially suited for long, slower training runs and all-day wear. The review emphasizes the notable midsole upgrade to DNA Tuned foam, which offers a softer heel landing and a more responsive forefoot compared to the previous model, though the overall ride remains quite similar to the Glycerin 21. The engineered Jacquard upper provides a plush, well-padded fit, and the shoe’s durable outsole grips well even in icy conditions. However, Harris-Fry points out that the Glycerin 22 is relatively heavy and lacks the liveliness or speed needed for faster sessions, making it less versatile than some competitors. While it offers better value than the pricier Glycerin Max, it doesn’t represent a major leap forward, and other cushioned trainers like the Saucony Hurricane 24 or Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 deliver smoother rides. Overall, the Glycerin 22 is a dependable choice for fans of the line but not a standout in a crowded market.

WearTesters highlights the Brooks Glycerin 22 as a plush, reliable daily trainer that builds on the comfort legacy of its predecessors with a new DNA Tuned midsole offering enhanced forefoot bounce and responsive cushioning. While the shoe maintains the familiar Brooks feel, the updated midsole technology delivers a livelier ride without adding extra foam, allowing for moderate-effort runs and speed maintenance uncommon in this category. The redesigned outsole, however, sacrifices some flexibility and long-term durability compared to the Glycerin 21, which may affect heel lockdown and overall ride feel for some runners. The engineered double jacquard knit upper and a reworked heel collar improve ankle comfort, though heel lockdown is slightly less secure. Both reviewers recommend the Glycerin 22 as a worthy, though not dramatically different, upgrade—especially for those comfortable with a 10mm drop—while suggesting that budget-conscious buyers might consider the still-available Glycerin 21. Overall, the Glycerin 22 balances plush cushioning with moderate responsiveness, making it a strong contender in the $165 daily trainer market.