After much anticipation, the Brooks Glycerin Max finally arrived in stores. I’d been eagerly awaiting its release since getting a sneak peek earlier this spring. Unfortunately, Brooks wasn’t rolling it out at once, giving early access to select stores. We were lucky enough to snag some units before they sold out.
The Glycerin Max is a brand-new model with a unique midsole concept. It’s like a Frankenstein shoe, combining the bouncy midsole of the Hyperion with the smooth ride of the Ghost Max. It checks all the boxes for a performance trainer: oversized, bouncy, and efficient.
Out of the box, the Glycerin Max looked cool but a bit heavy. It reminded me of a fast shoe crossed with the Beast, Brooks’ most stable walking shoe. However, once I put them on, that feeling disappeared. I’m still confused by the giant, 3D-like cutout with the Brooks logo on the side. Other than that, the shoes fit perfectly with plenty of width for my wide feet, and the energy they emitted made me eager to hit the pavement.
One of the biggest challenges with high-stack shoes is the density of the midsole. Many performance trainers aim to be versatile enough for everything from everyday runs to race days. Finding the right balance of softness and firmness can be tricky. The Glycerin Max excels in this area, providing a softer cushion for landings and a firmer feel for a faster toe-off.
This is a neutral shoe without any guide rails or posting for pronation support. However, it’s more of a straight-last shoe with a wider heel base. This provides more ground contact and enhances stability. I call these shoes “stable neutral” because they offer more stability than traditional neutral shoes.
The Glycerin Max effectively combines the pop of a performance shoe, the cushion of a recovery shoe, and the efficiency of a long-distance trainer. I’ve worn them for short runs, long runs, and a tempo run, and they performed well in all paces. The only distance I might avoid would be shorter workouts on the track or fartleks under 3 minutes. They might be a bit too heavy for those types of sessions.
However, I do have two concerns:
- Fit: While the Glycerin Max fits me well overall, I’ve experienced some foot rub along my big toe. This might be due to my bunions or the shoe’s design.
- Price: The Glycerin Max is a relatively high-priced shoe, especially considering it doesn’t have a carbon plate. While it offers versatility and performance, the price might be a deterrent for some runners.
Overall, the Glycerin Max is an excellent choice for runners seeking a versatile, comfortable, and efficient shoe. It’s a great option for a variety of distances and paces, but potential buyers should consider their individual foot shape and budget.
