About me: 6’ 48 yo male, 180lbs. 3:15 Marathon, 1:30 Hm, 39min 10k, 18:30 min 5k, 5:26 mile PR. 40-60mpw. Current shoe rotation: Nike AF3 (race), Hoka Cielo X1 (long/tempo), Hoka Mach X2 (tempo/daily), Hoka Mach 6 (daily/tread) and Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 for tempo/track. 

Wife bought me these as a Xmas present as an easy day/recovery/walking shoe while I work myself back from some nasty shin splints. 

FIT:  TTS (11.5) with an extremely plush upper. The tongue is fat and padded, laces work perfectly (no need for runners knot) with a wide toebox and plenty of wiggle room without feeling baggy. I do feel like the arches are a little higher than what I’m used to but they seem to be breaking in ok (see ride/midsole). The step in feel is extremely plush and exactly what I was hoping for in this type of max stack shoe. 

RIDE/MIDSOLE:  I’ve taken this shoe to about 40 miles so I think I have a good feel for its intended purpose along with my personal experience. I’ve done a handful of runs in the BGM ranging from tempo, easy long runs, and hills. The ride while is surprisingly springy while feeling quite nimble, despite its heft weight in my size 11.5. 

My first run was a 6mile mix tempo run ranging from 7:00/mile to 9/mile. I was actually quite enamored with how the midsole firms up at faster tempos in the forefoot. It’s not as fast or efficient as a tempo shoe like the Mach X2, but certainly can hit quicker speeds without issue. 

I also have used this shoe for some moderate hill runs with mixed paces from 9:30/mile (steep inclines) to fast efforts downhill (6:00 -6:30/mile) which again was a pleasant surprise given the range for such a heavyish max stacked shoe. 

POSITIVES: Super plush and comfy ride that can handle recovery/easy paces with some nice pickup. The DNA tuned foam is really surprising and a departure from other Brooks standard EVA foams which have grown a bit long in the tooth (similar to Hokas older offerings). It’s good to see Brooks innovate with shoes like this. Walking in this shoe is bliss for my feet. 

NEGATIVES: I did experience a mild hotspot on the left arch for the first 10 miles or so, but it seems to have gone away with time/break-in. Something to watch as I’ve heard other reviewers have a similar experience. Although the shoe doesn’t feel heavy on foot, it could benefit to lose a few ounces. I’ve run in both versions of the Superblast (slappy/not for me), and think Brooks could have a better, more versatile version of the SB2 with a little weight reduction. The midsole/ride is that good. 

VALUE:  I’d say if money isn’t an option, than this is a great shoe. I’ll be using it for easy days, long runs, and walks. At $200 (I peeked at the receipt) it’s a little pricey. That being said, there’s a ton of other shoes that can fill this void. For me, I’m really enjoying it. 

OVERALL:  The Glycerin Max is a keeper on my rotation. I needed (wife says wanted lol) an easy day shoe that feels good on the feet for recovery yet pick up the pace. This shoe is extremely comfortable, and depending on your paces and fitness level, and shoe budget, this could be a great all rounder. 



Brooks Glycerin Max Initial Review