Brooks Glycerin 23
Plush, stable daily trainer with soft DNA Tuned cushioning and roomy fit, best for easy miles.
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a plush, no-nonsense daily trainer that feels like a luxury mattress for your feet—made for runners and long-shift warriors chasing relentless comfort and recovery miles. Experts and users agree its nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED midsole, 38/30 mm stack, and 8 mm drop deliver cushy landings and smoother roll, though reviewers note the ~10.6 oz (M9) weight and muted energy return blunt tempo ambitions. The triple jacquard upper earns praise for a roomy toe box but draws heat/fit comments, and certifications like APMA/PDAC A5500 add medical cred—value hinges on premium comfort over speed.
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Benefits
Soft DNA Tuned cushioning reduces impact, keeps legs fresher over long miles.
Wide platform and sculpting deliver balanced heel-to-toe feel and fewer stumble moments.
Engineered knit upper offers breathable stretch and extra forefoot space for wider feet.
Padded tongue and cushioned collar give comfy, distraction-free wear right from first use.
Certified by APMA and PDAC, suitable for diabetic feet and medical footwear needs.
Trade-Offs
Adds fatigue on tempo runs and quick pickups, making faster efforts feel sluggish.
Short, non-gusseted tongue can rub or shift, causing hot spots during long walks.
Firm forefoot foam may compress on long runs, creating uncomfortable pressure or bottoming.
Thick triple-jacquard upper traps heat, making summer runs sweaty and less comfortable.
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Publications
7 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Believe in the Run praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a reliably comfortable, premium-feeling daily trainer with a well-executed DNA Tuned midsole that delivers plush heel cushioning and a stable, smooth ride. The reviewer is fond of its durability, crossover comfort for long on-feet days, and tasteful styling, but their enthusiasm is tempered by clear criticisms: the shoe has gained weight, feels too close to the new—and lighter—Glycerin Flex, and its overly warm, overly padded triple-jacquard upper (especially the tongue) reduces breathability and summer run comfort. Price is another sticking point at $175 for a non-plated, non-superfoam trainer. Overall the tone is measuredly positive—appreciative of ride and comfort—yet cautiously critical about value, redundancy in the lineup, and suitability for true performance running.
By Caryn Just
RTINGS praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plush, comfort-focused daily trainer that continues the series’ legacy of excellent heel cushioning and stable platform, but the review’s tone is measured and cautiously critical rather than effusive. The testers highlight meaningful improvements—higher stack, reduced drop, and a more structured yet flexible triple-jacquard upper—while calling out clear drawbacks: heavy construction, minimal energy return, and forefoot compression that leads to bottoming out on long runs, making it subpar for marathons or racing. Unique insights include Brooks’ nitrogen-injected DNA Tuned foam strategy (larger heel cells, denser forefoot), thorough size/variant testing (including Wide/Extra Wide), and direct comparisons to rivals (ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, Saucony Triumph 23), which frame the Glycerin 23 as a dependable, comfort-first choice best suited to heel strikers and everyday miles rather than speed or long-distance competition.
By John Cole, David Kroeker-Maus, Yannick Khong
Women’s Running praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a refined, reliably plush everyday trainer that prioritises comfort and steady cushioning over speed. Laura Fountain highlights subtle updates — 2mm more foam and a reduced 10mm→8mm drop — that enhance underfoot softness and a smooth heel-to-toe transition while preserving the shoe’s stable, reassuring ride. She notes a true-to-size fit, roomy toe box, secure midfoot lockdown, and a padded heel/tongue that deliver out‑of‑the‑box comfort for long runs and recovery days. The Glycerin 23 isn’t lively for fast efforts but offers solid outsole grip and apparent durability for high mileage. Overall the review is positively measured: enthusiastic about comfort and consistency, while clearly signalling the shoe’s trade-off away from responsiveness.
By Laura Fountain
Meta Endurance praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plush, well-built daily trainer that makes a surprisingly noticeable improvement from a small forefoot foam addition. The review is warmly positive about the engineered knit upper, roomy true-to-size fit (with a wide option), and enhanced heel and forefoot cushioning that benefits both forefoot and heel strikers; the tongue, lace chain, and heel loop earn specific praise for comfort and usability. Criticisms are measured: the shoe is relatively heavy and not the most energy-returning or nimble option for dedicated speedwork, and while outsole grip has improved over last year it’s still not optimal on sheet ice. Overall the tone is appreciative and confident—favoring comfort, stability, and durability—while acknowledging trade-offs in versatility and summer breathability.
By Alex Filitti
David Salas from DOCTORS OF RUNNING highlights the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a refined, plush neutral daily trainer that sticks to a more traditional ride rather than chasing maximal rocker or extreme stack. He praises the new engineered knit upper for improved forefoot volume, breathability, and secure lockdown, and notes the DNA Tuned midsole’s soft-but-resilient character that favors easy paces and long mileage. Criticisms are measured: the shoe isn’t especially versatile or speed-focused (10.6 oz), the tongue could be thinner, and the $175 price sits on the high side compared with more multipurpose competitors. Overall the tester—an evidenced clinician and coach—finds the Glycerin 23 very comfortable, durable, and well-executed for its intended daily-training niche, earning high personal marks while advising cost-conscious buyers to weigh versatility needs.
By David Salas
RunToTheFinish praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a reliable, softly cushioned daily trainer that builds on the line’s longtime strengths. The reviewer speaks warmly and confidently—calling the updates “a win”—while noting measured trade-offs: a slightly snugger toe box, thicker tongue with short laces, and a modest weight increase versus the 22. Unique insights include feeling the tuned dual-cell nitrogen-infused foam’s distinct heel-to-forefoot response, the practical benefit of a wider platform and full-coverage outsole for durability, and the meaningful drop change (10mm→8mm) tied to added forefoot foam. Overall the tone is appreciative and experienced—favoring the 23 for long runs and heavier or wide-footed runners, while cautioning it isn’t ideal for fast tempo or lightweight racing.
By Lisa Selby
Run Weekly praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plush, well-executed daily trainer that refines rather than reinvents the line. The reviewer is positively upbeat about the added 2mm of DNA Tuned/DNA Loft v3 foam up front, noting improved smoothness, protective cushioning, and a more stable platform without feeling bogged down. The triple-jacquard upper earns praise for a luxe, adaptive fit that suits many foot shapes, and RoadTack rubber delivers confident grip and durability. Comparisons (Saucony Triumph 23, Brooks Ghost 17, Glycerin Max 2) help position the shoe: firmer than some competitors but responsive in toe-off, with sensible weight for an everyday trainer. Criticisms are mild and conditional—heavier for speedwork and better suited to neutral or heavier runners—so the tone is appreciative and measured, recommending the Glycerin 23 chiefly for runners seeking plush comfort and stable long-mile performance.
YouTube
13 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
kofuziKofuzi, an elite runner, finds the Brooks Glycerin 23 a comfortably plush, durable max-cushion trainer that stays true to the Glycerin line—great for tired legs, recovery runs, and larger runners—while noting it feels somewhat firm/locked-down for neutral runners seeking more torsional freedom; upper is soft but slightly thick.
The Run TestersTommy from The Run Testers praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plush, improved neutral daily trainer—noting DNA TUNED nitrogen-infused dual-cell cushioning, +2mm forefoot stack, roomy fit, sturdy rubber outsole, and smooth transitions—while cautioning it’s chunky/heavy and lacks spring for faster tempo or versatile speed work.
Marathon HandbookAlex Cyr praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as the more reliable, ultra-plush daily trainer—highlighting its DNA TUNED foam, superior comfort, roomy toe box, and durable, smooth transitions—while acknowledging the innovative Glycerin Flex is lighter and surprisingly capable but narrower in the toe and potentially less supportive for heavier runners.
Flawless Physio | Shoe ReviewsJames McCormack praises the Glycerin 23’s revamped DNA TUNED nitrogen-infused midsole, noting a bouncier, springier ride, added 2 mm forefoot cushioning, improved heel bevel, and sleeker engineered upper; he warns the 8 mm drop (from 10) and notable weight increase reduce its appeal for uptempo runs despite excellent comfort for long, easy miles.
Run4AdventureLloyd Purvis from Run For Adventure praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plush, improved neutral daily trainer—liking the DNA TUNED foam, extra 2mm forefoot stack, 8mm drop, and roomy, comfortable upper—while noting added weight and a non-gusseted tongue; overall positive but not exhilarating.
Hes KicksHes Kicks praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a noticeably softer, supremely comfortable upgrade over the Glycerin 22, highlighting DNA TUNED cushioning, plush triple jacquard warp-knit upper, and solid outsole traction—while noting higher weight and a steep $175 price (and wishing for a gusseted tongue).
RoadTrailRunSam from RoadTrailRun praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plusher, roomier daily trainer with softer, smoother transitions and excellent cushioning (noting the 2mm forefoot boost and DNA TUNED nitrogen-EVA). He prefers it for recovery/slow runs versus the snappier, lighter Adidas—minor fit/tongue and midfoot-hold caveats.
FORDY RUNSFORDY RUNS praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a transformed, plush daily trainer—loving the DNA TUNED midsole and 2 mm extra forefoot cushioning after a 20-mile test and sub-5/km pace. Criticisms focus on a slippery outsole in frosty conditions and fiddly, non-gusseted tongue/laces. Overall enthusiastic recommendation.
EDDBUDEd Bud praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as an exceptionally plush, comfortable daily trainer—likening its DNA TUNED midsole to the Glycerin Max and noting 2 mm extra forefoot stack, an 8 mm drop, roomy toe box, and secure lockdown. He raves about cushioning and durability yet flags weight, modest energy return, and slightly slippery wet grip.
YowanaYowana praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a dependable, ultra-comfortable daily trainer—excellent step-in feel, plush heel cushion from DNA TUNED foam, and stable wide platform—while noting the forefoot feels firmer than ideal for aggressive toe-offs or fast strides; overall a solid, B-tier workhorse for easy miles and walking.
The Shoe In With CodyCody with The Shoe In With Cody praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 for its transformed ride—calling the upgraded DNA TUNED foam and shift to an 8mm drop game-changing for long, daily, and recovery runs—while noting drawbacks: the $175 price, an odd extended collar that may irritate with low socks, and potential divide for longtime Glycerin fans.
Run MooreSteve Moore praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plush, dependable max-cushion daily trainer—smoother than older Glycerins with added forefoot cushioning (2 mm) and a reduced 8 mm drop—while noting heavier upper, ~0.5 oz weight gain, higher $175 price, and a slightly roomier forefoot; overall enthusiastic, shop-recommended.
Find My FootwearPaul from Find My Footwear praises the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a plush, stable daily trainer—highlighting the nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED midsole, an extra 2 mm forefoot stack (38/30 mm, 8 mm drop), lighter ~300 g weight, and new triple jacquard upper for comfort. Enthusiastic and upbeat, he notes true-to-size fit and improved softness/springy toe-offs, with minor quibbles about non-gusseted tongue and seasonal breathability testing.
Social
3 INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Eric - Running Content/ReviewsEric “Rad Dad Bod” McIntyre highlights the Glycerin 23’s key change — a reduced drop (10→8mm) and softer DNA-tuned foam in the forefoot — and sounds genuinely excited about how that will improve daily cushioning and fit for lower-drop runners. He praises the sticky new outsole and familiar, breathable upper while noting this is an evolution rather than a radical overhaul. Overall consensus: He recommends the Glycerin 23 as a more appealing, cushioned daily trainer for runners who prefer a 4–8mm drop, expressing curiosity and optimism rather than full-throated raving; he invites feedback from traditional higher-drop fans, so his recommendation is enthusiastic but measured.
natalie rog ✮⋆nmarierog (natalie rog ✮⋆) highlights feeling "like I'm walking on clouds" with the Brooks Glycerin 23—immediate, plush cushioning impressed them on a first run, especially as a heavier-footed runner replacing worn HOKAs. They note quick break-in and strong comfort on their usual multi-run weeks in rainy PNW conditions. Overall, natalie warmly recommends the Glycerin 23 for runners seeking soft, highly cushioned shoes straight out of the box, framing it as a successful upgrade with no major complaints mentioned in this clip.
runwithsullvnrunwithsullvn explains the four Glycerin variants, praising the Glycerin 23 as a high-cushion, fun-foam daily trainer for neutral runners while clearly distinguishing the GTS (added arch support), Max (maximum foam and rocker for long/easy miles), and Flex (midsole cutout for natural flex). The tone is informative and mildly enthusiastic — helpful breakdown without hard sells. Overall, they recommend the Glycerin 23 as the solid baseline daily shoe but encourages picking a variant based on needed support, cushioning level, or natural foot flex; they invite viewer input rather than issuing a firm one-size-fits-all verdict.
Store Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 STORE
Amazon reviewers overwhelmingly praise the Brooks Glycerin 23 for plush cushioning and day-long comfort. Runners and people who stand for hours report reduced foot and back pain and describe the midsole as soft but supportive on longer runs. Several users highlight a roomy vertical and horizontal toe box compared with prior models, and one runner praised Brooks for removing a previous upper design that irritated bunions. Many buyers also note solid arch and heel lockdown that keep feet secure without feeling heavy. Fit receives mixed feedback: multiple reviewers say the shoe runs small or a bit narrow, prompting recommendations to order a half size up or choose wide widths, while others call the fit true to size. A few users request slightly more forefoot support around the big toe. Overall, Amazon customers value the Glycerin 23 for its cushioned ride, improved upper comfort, and strong support for walking, long shifts, and running.
4.6 Stars / Some verified reviews
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Plush cushioningSoft, protective midsole praised by reviewers
- •Smooth, stable transitionsDesigned to promote balanced heel‑to‑toe roll
- •Roomy, comfortable upperEngineered knit offers roomy toe box
- •Forefoot stack and drop changeMarketed as having +2 mm forefoot and 8 mm drop
- •Podiatric and diabetic certificationsPromoted as having APMA seal and PDAC A5500
- •Durable outsole and platformFull‑length rubber and wide base for road durability
Considerations
- •Notably heavier constructionPerceptible weight that blunts quick efforts
- •Muted energy returnCushioning feels plush but not springy for speed
- •Warm, thick upperTriple‑jacquard knit can trap heat on hot runs
- •Tongue design can rub or shiftShort, non‑gusseted tongue may cause hot spots
- •Fit variabilitySome report narrow/short fit; try half size/wide
- •Forefoot compression on long effortsFirm forefoot foam can bottom out for some
Brooks’ reputation for comfort-first trainers shows up loud and clear in the Glycerin 23: a premium neutral daily shoe tuned for long miles, recovery runs, and on‑your‑feet days. At its heart sits nitrogen‑infused DNA TUNED foam, reworked with +2 mm forefoot stack to soften toe‑offs, paired with a 38/30 mm stack and 8 mm drop that smooths heel‑to‑toe flow. The plush triple jacquard warp‑knit upper gives a roomier toe box and secure lockdown, while a wide platform and sculpted midsole deliver steady, confidence‑inspiring transitions. Expect a durable full‑length rubber outsole for road miles, though weight and muted snap temper speed ambitions — roughly 10.6 oz (M9). If you’re a neutral runner, heavier foot, or recovery‑day devotee who values cushioning over tempo, this shoe is built for you; read on to see which trade‑offs matter most to your miles.
DNA TUNED cushioning
Brooks’ nitrogen‑infused DNA TUNED midsole is the headline act: large heel cells for plush landings and smaller forefoot cells for cleaner toe‑offs, with an extra 2 mm forefoot that genuinely softens the ride. In testing it soaks up long‑run shock and eases joint strain, though experts note modest energy return compared with livelier foams; user feedback backs the “pillow” feel while flagging occasional forefoot compression on extended efforts. Overall, it’s a comfort‑first foam engineered for recovery and daily miles, not race day snap.
Platform stability and transitions
A wide platform and strategic midsole sculpting produce impressively smooth, stable transitions—think forgiving roll without wobble—making the shoe feel confidence‑inspiring as fatigue sets in. The combination of zonal DNA cells and a broader base helps runners maintain form on longer efforts, with both testers and users noting fewer stumble moments and reliable midfoot support. It’s stability by geometry rather than rigid guidance, excellent for daily miles but less suited to those wanting aggressive guidance for overpronation.
Stack height and drop
At 38/30 mm with an 8 mm drop, the Glycerin 23 moves toward a lower, more balanced platform that smooths transitions without forcing a rocker gait. That extra forefoot stack plus the reduced drop helps mid/forefoot strikers feel less abrupt toe‑off, while heel strikers enjoy plush landings; reviewers confirm a noticeably softer forefoot versus prior models. It’s a deliberate tweak that favors long, easy days over aggressive tempo work, delivering cushioned protection and steadier heel‑to‑toe rhythm.
Weight and ride responsiveness
The Glycerin 23 leans into plushness at the cost of sprightliness: roughly 10.6 oz (M9) yields a cushy, protective ride but a perceptible heft that blunts tempo efforts and quick surges. Experts and vloggers both remark on added mass versus lighter Glycerin variants, and while the DNA TUNED foam cushions brilliantly, it offers muted energy return, so the shoe shines for recovery and long runs rather than fast intervals. Expect comfort‑centric performance, not flashy responsiveness.
Upper construction and fit
The triple jacquard warp‑knit upper is plush, breathable and forgiving, creating a roomier toe box that many users praise for bunion relief and all‑day comfort. Lockdown is secure thanks to padded collar and lace chain, though the short, non‑gusseted tongue draws recurring complaints for shifting or rubbing on long outings. Fit skews true‑to‑size for many but wide feet often prefer the wide option for ideal comfort; overall the upper trades off seasonal breathability for luxe plushness.
Conclusion
Think of this as a comfort-first verdict: the nitrogen‑charged DNA TUNED cushioning soaks up miles, the raised stack height and 8mm drop smooths roll, and the plush upper construction and fit welcomes wider feet. A broad platform keeps transitions confidence‑inspiring, while the full‑coverage outsole traction and durability handle road miles with quiet competence. Trade-offs are real: the shoe’s weight dulls quick efforts and the ride’s muted snap limits tempo ambitions. If you live for easy runs, recovery days, or long shifts on your feet, this is a calming daily companion; if you chase race‑day zip, look elsewhere. Overall: a thoughtfully tuned, durable trainer that prioritizes protection and comfort over fireworks—precisely what its supporters and critics have been saying.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Cushioning
5/5
Responsiveness
3/5
Durability
4/5
Traction
4/5
Fit Consistency
4/5
Value
Price to Quality Ratio
4/5
Price Accessibility
3/5
Warranty Support
3/5
Design
Aesthetic Appeal
4/5
Ergonomic Fit
4/5
Upper Craftsmanship
4/5
Health
Breathability
4/5
Arch Support
4/5
Injury Risk Mitigation
4/5
Hypoallergenic Materials
TBD
Safety
Reflective Visibility
2/5
Slip Resistance
3/5
Foot Protection
4/5
Stability Control
4/5
Sustainability
Recycled Materials Use
TBD
Product Longevity
4/5
Packaging Sustainability
TBD
End-of-Life Recyclability
TBD
Experience Style
Ease of Use
4/5
Adjustability
4/5
Customization Options
3/5
Feature Richness
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
9 Questions
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