Brooks Glycerin 20
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Overview
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a high-performance running shoe designed for those who seek a blend of comfort and responsiveness. Part of the esteemed Brooks Glycerin family, this model stands out with its innovative nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, offering a plush yet energetic ride.
Key Features:
- Cushioning: The DNA Loft v3 technology provides a soft and durable cushioning experience, ideal for absorbing impact during runs.
- Upper: A redesigned air mesh upper ensures a snug fit while maintaining breathability, complemented by a padded heel collar and tongue for added comfort.
- Stability: A wider platform enhances stability, working in tandem with the robust rubber outsole for smooth transitions.
- Versatility: While primarily built for road running, the shoe's durable construction and grip make it suitable for a variety of surfaces.
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is an excellent choice for runners who prioritize a cushioned and responsive shoe for their daily training. Its combination of softness and energy return makes it suitable for long distances, while the breathable upper offers comfort for extended wear.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 86%. This puts it in the highest rated 30% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 30% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 has garnered praise for its luxurious cushioning and smooth ride, making it a go-to option for neutral runners (those who do not overpronate or underpronate). The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole delivers a soft yet durable cushioning experience, while the redesigned air mesh upper provides a light and breathable fit. Although some runners found the shoe to be slightly heavy and less versatile for faster paces, the overall balance of cushioning, softness, and energy return has been well-received. The shoe's wider platform and robust rubber outsole contribute to its stability, ensuring a secure and comfortable run. Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a solid choice for those seeking a plush daily trainer with a responsive feel.
Updates to Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 introduces significant updates from its predecessors, most notably the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, which enhances the shoe's cushioning and responsiveness. The air mesh upper has also been redesigned to be lighter and more breathable, contributing to a more comfortable fit. These improvements mark a notable evolution within the Brooks Glycerin line, maintaining the series' reputation for quality while injecting new life into the design.
Comparable Shoes
The Saucony Triumph 19 is comparable to the Brooks Glycerin 20 in terms of plush cushioning and comfort. However, the Triumph 19 may offer a slightly different fit and feel, with some runners finding it to have a more traditional stability compared to the Glycerin's neutral design.
The ASICS Kayano Lite V2 is another alternative, particularly for runners seeking a balance between cushioning and stability. While it shares a similar weight and heel offset with the Glycerin 20, its ride is more focused on stability, making it a potential choice for overpronators.
Special versions of Brooks Glycerin 20
The Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 20 offers a variation on the standard model with a partially stretchy upper, providing a more conforming fit. While it shares the same DNA Loft v3 midsole, the Stealthfit's knit upper results in a lighter shoe, offering a different experience for runners who prioritize a snug, sock-like fit.
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 is the stability counterpart to the neutral Glycerin 20, featuring GuideRails for added support. This version is ideal for runners who need assistance with overpronation, providing the same soft and responsive cushioning as the neutral model but with additional stability features.
6 Brooks Glycerin 20 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Brooks Glycerin 20 features a redesigned air mesh upper that wraps comfortably around the foot, offering a secure fit without compromising on breathability. The generously padded heel collar and tongue enhance the shoe's comfort, making it suitable for long runs. The laces are slightly textured to prevent slipping, ensuring a snug fit throughout your run. This attention to upper comfort contributes to the shoe's overall appeal as a daily trainer.
Midsole
At the heart of the Brooks Glycerin 20's comfort is the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole. This new technology provides a soft and durable cushioning experience, which is particularly beneficial for neutral runners (those who do not overpronate or underpronate) seeking maximum impact absorption. The midsole's responsiveness adds a bounce to each step, contributing to a smoother and more energetic run.
Outsole
The outsole of the Brooks Glycerin 20 is constructed from robust rubber, offering solid traction and durability. This makes the shoe a reliable choice for various surfaces, beyond just road running. The outsole's design includes strategically placed grooves that promote smoother heel-to-toe transitions, enhancing the overall ride quality.
Size/fit
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to accommodate a range of foot shapes, offering a true-to-size fit with plenty of room for toe splay. The shoe is available in multiple widths, ensuring that runners can find the perfect fit for their individual needs. The snug yet forgiving fit of the upper contributes to the shoe's stability and comfort.
Comfort
Runners have consistently noted the Brooks Glycerin 20's luxurious cushioning and smooth ride. The combination of the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole and the plush upper creates a comfortable environment for the foot, suitable for long-distance runs and extended wear. The shoe's comfort is further enhanced by its breathable materials and padded interior.
Cushioning
The Brooks Glycerin 20's cushioning is a standout feature, with the DNA Loft v3 midsole providing a soft and responsive feel. This cushioning is not only protective but also contributes to the shoe's energy return, making each step feel more efficient. The cushioning is well-balanced, offering enough softness for comfort without sacrificing responsiveness.
Breathability
The air mesh upper of the Brooks Glycerin 20 ensures that the shoe remains breathable, even on warmer days. This breathability is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature within the shoe, preventing overheating and discomfort during runs. The upper's design allows for adequate airflow, keeping the feet cool and dry.
Stability
Stability is a key aspect of the Brooks Glycerin 20, with a wider platform providing a stable base for runners. This is complemented by the shoe's robust rubber outsole, which offers reliable traction and contributes to a secure running experience. The stability features make the shoe suitable for a variety of running conditions.
Who should buy the Brooks Glycerin 20?
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is ideal for runners who value a comfortable and cushioned shoe for their everyday training. It's particularly well-suited for those who are focused on accumulating long distances on the road and prefer a shoe that provides a soft landing with each stride. The Glycerin 20's plush feel and responsive midsole make it a strong candidate for midsize to heavier runners, as well as those with a neutral gait (those who do not overpronate or underpronate).
Who should not buy the Brooks Glycerin 20?
Runners who require a shoe with additional support for overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) should consider other options, as the Brooks Glycerin 20 is tailored for those with a neutral gait. Additionally, athletes seeking a lightweight, speed-oriented shoe for fast workouts or races may find the Glycerin 20 to be too cushioned and not as agile as other models. For those interested in a more responsive and less plush ride, alternatives such as the Brooks Hyperion Tempo or the Brooks Aurora-BL might be more appropriate.
Brooks Glycerin 20: What's it good for?
The Brooks Glycerin 20 excels as a daily trainer for road running, offering a comfortable and responsive ride. It's well-suited for long-distance runs and recovery days, where the priority is on cushioning and support rather than speed. The shoe's durable construction and grip also make it a viable option for varied surfaces, although its primary design is for the road.
4 Brooks Glycerin 20 FAQs
Is the Brooks Glycerin 20 suitable for marathon training?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is well-suited for marathon training due to its plush cushioning, durable construction, and responsive midsole, making it comfortable for long-distance runs.
Can the Brooks Glycerin 20 be used for trail running?
While the Brooks Glycerin 20 is primarily designed for road running, its durable outsole can handle light trails. However, for technical terrain, a dedicated trail shoe would be more appropriate.
How does the Brooks Glycerin 20 fit compared to previous models?
The Brooks Glycerin 20 offers a true-to-size fit with a redesigned air mesh upper that provides a comfortable and breathable experience, similar to previous models but with updated materials.
What is the main difference between the Brooks Glycerin 20 and the Stealthfit version?
The main difference is the upper construction. The Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 20 features a stretchy knit upper for a more conforming fit, while the standard Glycerin 20 has a traditional engineered mesh upper.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedJul 2022 | Feb 2024 | Feb 2024 | Dec 2023 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 286 g W: 252 g | M: 298 g W: 244 g | M: 278 g W: 235 g | M: 269 g W: 232 g | M: 283 g W: 244 g | M: 281 g W: 238 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot24 mm | 26 mm | 26 mm | 21 mm | 27 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel | Heel34 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 31 mm | 35 mm | |
| Brand | BrandBrooks | ASICS | adidas | PUMA | Nike | Saucony |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Heel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Adidas | Adidas | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | ASICS GelOrthoLite | PUMA NITRO | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainableVegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archBreathableComfortableMaximalistOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
- Jul 2022
- Feb 2021
- Mar 2020
