Brooks Glycerin 20 Introduction
For the previous 20+ years, the Brooks model has been synonymous with the Glycerin line of sneakers. This high-cushion coach was designed to assist runners log lengthy miles whereas coaching for marathons.
It has all the time been a workhorse that may pound the pavement for a number of coaching cycles, and that has not modified within the final couple of a long time. On this iteration, there are some new applied sciences launched, most notably the nitrogen-infused DNA midsole which provides a bit extra spring to the step.
At $160, this shoe is a direct competitor with most model’s high-end common trainers.
They’ll go head-to-head in opposition to ASICS Nimbus 25, Saucony Triumph 20, New Stability 1080v12, Hoka One One Bondi 8, and extra.
On the subject of competing in opposition to these sneakers, the Glycerins gained’t flip any heads, however they are going to maintain smiles on the faces of these utilizing them.
Brooks Glycerin 20 First Impressions
When these sneakers arrived, I used to be very excited to offer them a go. And to be trustworthy, I used to be a bit disenchanted after I opened the field. Visually, they’re nothing particular. That is very true when in comparison with among the extra thrilling visuals provided by opponents. Nevertheless, the frustration rapidly went away after I put the sneakers on. They felt buttery from the start.
On my first run, they have been comfortable however nonetheless agency sufficient that I didn’t really feel like I used to be sinking into the shoe. I liked the trip. And after I wore them to high school, my toes felt recent on the finish of the day.
There’s cushion there to final nevertheless lengthy you want.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Higher
The higher on the Glycerin is nothing spectacular. It’ll get the job executed, however gained’t be turning any heads. This higher makes use of an engineered air mesh to assist maintain the shoe breathable, whereas additionally permitting for a snug and versatile match. Brooks makes use of 3D print saddle to overlay and assist lock within the midfoot, whereas not making use of strain to the foot. Contained in the higher, Brooks makes use of an OrthoLite sock liner that makes positive the match is comfortable, irrespective of the thickness (or existence) of socks.
The match of the higher is true-to-size in size, and felt snug on all elements of the foot. Within the heel, the shoe secures nicely, and is tight sufficient to really feel assured. Transferring into the midfoot, the texture is broad, which may really feel as if you’re not locked in, however the overlays assist lock the foot in. The toe-box is broad sufficient whereas not being overly roomy.
That is the one place I’ve a criticism with design, and that may be the low-profile heel collar. This heel collar, coupled with top of the heel of the midsole, induced me some consternation. I had three totally different runs the place, when turning a nook, my ankle felt prefer it bent and virtually gave out. I simply want the ankle collar was barely greater and locked my leg in additional.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Sole Unit
The only real unit is the place this shoe shines. It’s not visually spectacular, but it surely positive feels spectacular underneath the foot. The heel stands at 38mm with a 10mm drop to the toe (fairly customary for this stage of shoe).
The midsole makes use of a brand new nitrogen-infused DNA foam that gives a whole lot of cushion and bounce. This foam goes the complete size of the midsole, and provides a really snug trip, together with an vitality crammed toe off.
Below the midsole, there are flex grooves used to assist the only bend and allow you to transition into your toe-off. These grooves are coupled with a really grippy blown rubber outsole that may depart you assured on virtually any floor or situation.
When in comparison with among the different sneakers in the identical class, the only unit is sturdy and good, however not a head turner. That is very true when evaluating to the New Stability 1080 v12, which has extra bounce, however much less cushion. It’s possibly rather less “enjoyable” than the trip of the 1080 or of the Saucony Triumph, however I discovered it to be extra snug for the longer runs.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Conclusions
The Brooks Glycerin has been on the cabinets for 20+ years for a cause. Though it isn’t flashy, it will get the job executed. And albeit, I don’t know that I’ve been extra snug on my lengthy runs this 12 months than I’ve been whereas on this shoe.
When evaluating these sneakers to different choices in the identical class, just like the New Stability 1080 or Saucony Triumph, the Glycerins have been much less thrilling. They struggled extra on the faster-paced runs than these different two choices. However when in search of a long-distance coach, I put extra emphasis on the consolation of the shoe and the trip.
In 2022 and 2023 there has solely been one shoe that I’ve run in that felt as snug because the Glycerin 20s, and that was the New Stability Extra v3 (not the v4).
With rising costs on all sneakers, the $160 price ticket appears in-line with the competitors. And I really feel you’re getting loads of shoe for the worth.
For those who want a snug trip on your lengthy runs, possibly you must take a spin within the Brooks Glycerins.
