What’s The Best Brooks Glycerin Running Shoe? Glycerin Flex, Max And More

Master every mile with the 2026 Brooks Glycerin collection, offering personalised DNA Tuned cushioning across the traditional 23, the supportive GTS, the effortless Max 2, and the all-new, ultra-flexible Glycerin Flex.

The Brooks Glycerin is one of the best Brooks running shoes for plush cushioning and shock absorption. The signature soft feel has long been the core of the Glycerin family, which has evolved to include the Brooks Glycerin Max and now the new Brooks Glycerin Flex to inspire more walkers, joggers and runners to lace up. However, with innovations in technology and engineering, choosing the right running shoes is no longer as simple as soft vs firm cushioning. 

Brooks midsole foams like DNA Tuned, providing a pure blend of responsiveness at the forefoot and shock-absorbing protection at the heel, have been game-changing for the runner experience. Even though the newest Brooks Glycerin members all feature dual-cell DNA Tuned foam, the geometry and overall design of each running shoe play a powerful role in their feel and performance. 

Today you’ll discover the difference between the Brooks Glycerin 23, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23, Brooks Glycerin Flex and Brooks Glycerin Max 2. The best Brooks Glycerin model for you will depend on your personal preferences in cushioning feel, flexibility and your support needs. Whether you need a neutral running shoe or a stability running shoe, a daily trainer to run easier or more naturally, the Brooks Glycerin family has you covered from heel to toe. 

Brooks Glycerin Running Shoes Comparison

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Brooks Glycerin models and compare them side by side to determine which is the best fit for you. 

Brooks Glycerin 23

The Brooks Glycerin is the flagship soft-cushioned running shoe in the Brooks family for runners with neutral foot types seeking a traditional ride. This iconic running shoe provides just-right cushioning at the rearfoot to protect heel strikers on their first point of contact with the ground, while offering a structured fit and reliable feel that loyal Brooks Glycerin wearers have trusted for decades. 

Unlike its cousin, the Brooks Glycerin Max 2, the Brooks Glycerin 23 skips the stiff rocker geometry, so it doesn’t feel like it’s pushing your feet forward. It’s a trusted ride, free of overcomplicated engineering for runners seeking a no-fuss, comfortable running shoe for clocking up the kilometres. Even as a max-cushioned shoe, the Brooks Glycerin 23 doesn’t feel overly bulky or squishy underfoot instead, it feels balanced yet forgiving. 

Choose The Brooks Glycerin 23 if you prefer: 

• Versatility for daily training 
• ‘Traditional’ comfort, running shoe geometry and style 
• No rocker sole
• Balance of softness and responsiveness

Brooks Glycerin 23 GTS 

The Brooks Glycerin GTS (Go-to Support) is the stability running shoe of the Brooks Glycerin family. Along with the plush feel and cushioned comfort of the standard Brooks Glycerin, it also features Brooks’ holistic support technology, GuideRails. GuideRails provide subtle guidance control to overpronators, runners who experience excessive inward rolling of the feet. 

To help keep you on your most efficient motion path and potentially reduce strain, Brooks doesn't just focus on your feet but the bigger picture of your biomechanics, including your knees and hips, to keep your body aligned. Like bumper bars in bowling, GuideRails only kick into gear when you need them for a distraction-free run.  

Choose The Brooks Glycerin 23 GTS if you prefer: 

• Versatility for daily training 
• Moderate overpronation support for flat or low arched foot types (or to provide additional guidance as your feet fatigue during long runs)
• ‘Traditional’ comfort and style 
• No rocker sole
• Balance of softness and responsiveness

Brooks Glycerin Max 2

The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 evolves the comfort-driven focus of the Brooks Glycerin 23 onto an ultra-max cushioned platform. With a mountain of cushioning underfoot, you feel less connected to your running surface but even more protected with the luxurious ‘floating’ feel. The GlideRide rocker offers a stiff curved sole, supporting smooth and efficient transitions to run more easily and help take the load off your feet. It’s perfect for days when your legs feel like lead, and you want to cruise more effortlessly over the pavement.   

When choosing between the Brooks Glycerin Max vs the Brooks Glycerin Flex, the Brooks Glycerin Max helps you run easier with less effort, whereas the Glycerin Flex allows you to move naturally and engage fully. 

Choose The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 if you prefer:

• Maximum shock absorption for easy runs and recovery runs 
• Supreme cushioning while remaining stable
• The smooth and effortless transitions of a stiff rocker sole 
• Soft feel without sinking into the midsole

Brooks Glycerin Flex 

The Brooks Glycerin Flex is built around the same pursuit of comfort shared by all Glycerin models, but it takes a unique, contemporary approach. First off, the women’s Brooks Glycerin Flex and men’s Brooks Glycerin Flex are roughly 40g lighter than the standard Brooks Glycerin and 60g lighter than the Brooks Glycerin Max for a nimble on-foot feel. 

However, the main difference between these Glycerin running shoes is that the Brooks Glycerin Flex features FlexZone technology, which consists of a prominent, asymmetrical midfoot flex groove that encourages natural movement. This unique shoe technology lets your shoe move with you, not for you, giving the control back to your feet, similar to barefoot shoes, but without compromise to the max cushioned protection underfoot. 

Choose The Brooks Glycerin Flex if you prefer:

• Natural movement for daily training 
• A shoe that can double up as a hybrid running and gym shoe for agile movement
• Max cushioning, high flexibility
• Lighter, more nimble and connected feel to engage your feet fully
• Adaptable ride to stay in tune with your biomechanics 

Runner’s Tip: Check out our full review of the Brooks Glycerin Flex to learn more about what makes it special compared to other max cushioned running shoes.

The Rundown

Brooks running shoes have been supporting and protecting runners since the 1970s, allowing you to channel the joy of movement into your everyday training. With a goal to create the best running gear to inspire every runner to ‘Run Happy’, Brooks is constantly refining their flagship men’s running shoes and women’s running shoes with technical innovation. 

Founded in research and tested by real-world runners, Brooks shoes are leaders in the running space both in performance and comfort. The Brooks Glycerin family is the softest in their lineup, with cushioned comfort prioritised first and foremost. The nuances of each Glycerin running shoe, the Brooks Glycerin, Glycerin GTS, Glycerin Max and the new Glycerin Flex, refine the feel and experience.

This idea of personalising the shoe to the runner rather than a cookie-cutter approach, stays honest to Brooks’ ‘Run Signature’ philosophy, “the scientific concept that each runner’s body is unique, and therefore we can each benefit from different product features to ensure optimal performance, comfort, and reduced injury risk”. 

With Brooks, it’s easier than ever to buy a running shoe that fits your personal needs and preferences and that empowers you to strive for your running goals, whether it’s to run further, more regularly, or simply for fun and fitness. 

• Need more help? Get personalised fitting advice at Wildfire Sports & Trek in Brisbane, or contact our running experts - we’re passionate about supporting you through every step of your journey and helping you find the right running shoes for you. 
• Shopping online in Australia? Then take advantage of our Try 2 Anything Upgrade with worry-free returns. 
• Want more Brooks running shoes to choose from? Check out our Deep Dive Into Brooks Running Shoes. 
• Craving cushioning? Check out Wildfire Sports & Trek’s Best Cushioned Running Shoes For 2026 so far. 

Happy running! 

Teresa Attard - Trail Explorer and Nature Enthusiast

Teresa is passionate about lacing up and rejuvenating in nature. Located on the sunny Central Coast of Australia, on the weekends you’ll find her walking the golden beaches, hiking challenging terrain or baking trail treats for her next adventure.

Teresa has been in the running shoe industry since 2012, believing in the power of running and walking to nurture positivity, creativity, and self-confidence that can be applied to everyday life.