Brooks Glycerin 18
Buy Brooks Glycerin 18 at today's best price (men's/women's)
5 minute read
Overview
The Brooks Glycerin 18 is a running shoe designed to offer a plush and responsive ride. This shoe is known for its high level of cushioning and comfort.
Key Features:
- Soft Cushioning: The DNA Loft foam midsole provides a soft, comfortable feel without sacrificing responsiveness.
- Adaptive Fit: An engineered mesh upper and 3D Fit Print technology ensure a secure and dynamic fit.
- Durable Traction: The outsole features Blown Rubber for durability and traction, with extra abrasion-resistant reinforcements.
The Brooks Glycerin 18 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning for their daily running. Its adaptive fit offers a personalized feel, making it suitable for a variety of foot shapes. Part of the Brooks Glycerin family, it continues the legacy of providing a smooth and luxurious road running experience.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 81%. This puts it rated just above the median rating of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 10% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Brooks Glycerin 18
The Brooks Glycerin 18 has garnered praise for its exceptional cushioning and comfort, making it a top choice for neutral runners. The DNA Loft foam midsole delivers a soft yet responsive ride, suitable for a variety of paces. The engineered mesh upper and 3D Fit Print technology provide a snug and adaptive fit, while the outsole's Blown Rubber ensures durability and traction. Although the shoe may feel slightly heavy and less breathable for some, its overall performance and plush feel have made it a favorite among daily trainers. The Brooks Glycerin 18 stands out as a reliable and comfortable shoe for runners seeking a cushioned daily trainer.
Updates to Brooks Glycerin 18
The Brooks Glycerin 18 introduces a reconfigured DNA Loft midsole for a softer ride and a new engineered mesh upper for improved fit and comfort. These updates build upon the already successful Brooks Glycerin line, offering a more luxurious feel while maintaining the shoe's signature cushioning. Compared to its predecessor, the Brooks Glycerin 17, the Glycerin 18 has a lighter weight and enhanced flexibility.
Comparable Shoes
The adidas UltraBoost is another shoe often compared to the Brooks Glycerin 18. The UltraBoost is known for its responsive Boost midsole and stylish design. Runners seeking a more energetic ride might prefer the UltraBoost, while those looking for maximum cushioning might lean towards the Glycerin 18.
6 Brooks Glycerin 18 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Brooks Glycerin 18 features an engineered mesh upper that offers a comfortable and breathable fit. The double jacquard mesh is designed to adapt to the foot's movement, providing flexibility and a customized feel. The 3D Fit Print technology enhances the shoe's structure without adding unnecessary weight, ensuring a secure fit throughout the run.
Midsole
At the heart of the Brooks Glycerin 18 is the DNA Loft foam midsole, which provides a plush and luxurious ride. This soft cushioning system adapts to each runner's stride, delivering a personalized and responsive experience. The midsole's design ensures that comfort does not come at the expense of energy return, making it suitable for both easy runs and uptempo efforts.
Outsole
The outsole of the Brooks Glycerin 18 is constructed with Blown Rubber, offering a balance of grip and durability. The strategic placement of abrasion-resistant materials enhances the shoe's longevity, particularly in high-wear areas. This design choice ensures that runners can enjoy consistent traction and protection over many miles.
Size/fit
Runners will find that the Brooks Glycerin 18 fits true to size, with a standard heel and midfoot area that transitions to a slightly wider toe box. This allows for natural toe splay and accommodates a range of foot shapes. The internal heel counter and overlay design contribute to a secure and comfortable fit.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Brooks Glycerin 18, with the shoe's plush DNA Loft midsole and OrthoLite sockliner working together to provide a soft and supportive underfoot feel. The padded collar and tongue further enhance the overall comfort, making this shoe a go-to choice for long runs and recovery days.
Cushioning
The Brooks Glycerin 18's cushioning is characterized by the DNA Loft foam, which offers a perfect blend of softness and responsiveness. This cushioning system ensures that each step is met with a luxurious feel, while still providing the necessary energy return to propel runners forward.
Breathability
While the Brooks Glycerin 18 is praised for its comfort and cushioning, the breathability is slightly compromised due to the plush materials used in the upper. The double jacquard mesh does allow for airflow, but the thick padding around the collar and tongue may retain heat, especially in warmer conditions.
Stability
As a neutral running shoe, the Brooks Glycerin 18 is designed to provide a stable ride without corrective support. The shoe's wide base and thoughtful outsole design contribute to its inherent stability, making it a reliable option for runners with a neutral gait.
Who should buy the Brooks Glycerin 18?
The Brooks Glycerin 18 is well-suited for runners seeking a comfortable and cushioned shoe for their daily training. It is particularly beneficial for those who value a plush ride and are looking for a shoe that can handle high mileage with ease. Runners with a neutral gait and those who prefer a soft landing will find the Glycerin 18 to be an excellent choice.
Who should not buy the Brooks Glycerin 18?
Runners who prefer a lightweight, race-ready shoe may find the Brooks Glycerin 18 to be too heavy for their taste. Those in need of motion control or stability features for overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running) should consider other options. Additionally, runners who prioritize breathability above all else might seek alternatives with more ventilated uppers.
Brooks Glycerin 18: What's it good for?
The Brooks Glycerin 18 is ideal for long-distance runs, recovery days, and everyday training. Its plush cushioning makes it a top choice for runners looking to protect their joints and enjoy a comfortable ride. While it may not be the fastest shoe on the track, its responsive midsole ensures it can handle a variety of paces with ease.
4 Brooks Glycerin 18 FAQs
Is the Brooks Glycerin 18 suitable for marathon training?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin 18 is an excellent choice for marathon training due to its high level of cushioning and durability, making it suitable for the high mileage required in marathon preparation.
Can the Brooks Glycerin 18 be used for speedwork?
While the Brooks Glycerin 18 is primarily designed for comfort and long runs, its responsive DNA Loft midsole allows for occasional speedwork. However, dedicated racing shoes may be more suitable for frequent speed sessions.
How does the Brooks Glycerin 18 fit?
The Brooks Glycerin 18 fits true to size with a standard heel and midfoot area, and a slightly wider toe box for natural toe splay. It is designed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes comfortably.
What is the weight of the Brooks Glycerin 18?
The weight of the Brooks Glycerin 18 is approximately 289g for men and 255g for women, making it a mid-weight trainer suitable for daily runs.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
| released | ReleasedMar 2020 | Jun 2018 | Jun 2019 | Apr 2021 | Apr 2017 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 289 g W: 255 g | M: 281 g W: 232 g | 283 g | 170 g | M: 238 g W: 190 g | |
| Forefoot | Forefoot21 mm | 14 mm | 10 mm | 7 mm | M: 20 mm W: 18 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel31 mm | 24 mm | 20 mm | 7 mm | M: 28 mm W: 26 mm | |
| Brand | BrandBrooks | adidas | adidas | adidas | Merrell | Nike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableMaximalist | LightweightLow dropZero drop | Lightweight | |||
| Techs | Techs | adidas Alphabounce | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
- Nov 2023
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- Feb 2021
- Mar 2020
