Brooks Glycerin Max 2 vs Glycerin 23

Glycerin Max 2 or Glycerin 23? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want the plushest, most comfortable Brooks? Get the Glycerin Max 2.

Want plush, pillowy comfort? Get the Glycerin 23.

Get the Glycerin Max 2 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more foam underfoot (7mm more at the heel)
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)

Get the Glycerin 23 if

• You’d like a little less squish underfoot
• You like a less rigid forefoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.7 oz
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)

On the run

Glycerin Max 2: The plush, max-stack cruiser. A true SUV for easy miles: massive, plush cushioning with a smooth rocker and surprising stability for its size. Heavy, with little bounce.

Glycerin 23: The plush luxury cruiser. Deep, plush cushioning with a soft heel. It’s built for comfort, not speed, and the forefoot needs a couple dozen miles to loosen up.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Glycerin Max 2. True to size with an incredibly comfortable, foot-hugging upper, though it’s low over the toes.

Glycerin 23. Runs slightly short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. Roomy forefoot with more toe height than the 22; the stretchy upper can feel loose on narrow feet. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Glycerin Max 2 · Shop the Glycerin 23 · Compare other running shoes