Brooks Glycerin 18, Men’s race Running Shoe

Product Information

This premium, neutral everyday running shoe provides the greatest amount of cushioning and comfort in the Brooks line and is perfect for a larger-framed runner, or a runner who prefers premium cushioning. The Glycerin has a standard fit in the heel and midfoot areas, and a wider toe box for a non-gimmick, standard running shoe. It’s very important to know your running gait so that we can advise and fit the correct shoes according to your own individual requirements. There are two, small reflective triangle windows on the heel for low-light visibility from the rear.

That means they have lots of thick padding around the heel, collar, and tongue, as well as a nice Ortholite sockliner lining the upper. The Glycerin 18 also showcases a double-jacquard mesh for some additional stretch in the midfoot and forefoot.

The GTS version provides stability with its GuideRails system, which Brooks has also used on previous stability models. In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance. The outsole is split between the forefoot and heel – with blown rubber outsole for the forefoot and HPR plus rubber at the back of the shoe for extra durability for heel strikers.

At the toe, you'll find a hard structure that helps protect your toes from serious stubs and protects your upper from stabs and tears. The Glycerin is the type of shoe that does not cause any problems for my feet, so I forget that they are there, even thirty miles into a run; and that is the true measure of a comfortable running shoe. The Brooks team have listened to the feedback on the Glycerin 17 shoe, making the newest iteration lighter and more flexible than the last. Ultimately, the Glycerin 19 is a good option for any long-distance runner seeking a cushioned and stable ride. That's why we took them out of the comfort model contention and put them in the stability model race, where they ended up with our Top Pick for Stability Award.When running on a wet track there were a couple of instances where I felt I was losing my grip around the turns. The Glycerin is a daily trainer, and for an experienced runner, the ride will feel a little bit slow on faster runs. The transition zone from the heel to toe also helps with dampening the landing while propelling you forward at toe-off. A lot of fans of the Glycerin line have been incredibly loyal over the years because the model provides such dependable comfort. Stability running shoes such as these are ideal for runners with overpronation, who need more ankle support and a less flexible sole.

The streamline double jacquard mesh upper is stretchy to adapt to the way your foot moves, whilst ensuring breathability. The midsole is made of DNA Loft, a soft midsole compound that mixes rubber, EVA foam, and air to deliver a comfy underfoot feel.The one area where the Glycerin 19 beats all other max-cushioned trainers is its magnificent upper which is an engineering masterpiece. Despite the shoe's higher stack height, our testers found that it offered just the right amount of flex for a smooth transition with a quick turnover. Both versions’ general features are also equally strong—the midsole, for instance, ensures a soft but supportive ride. When trying them on I try to think about the comfort but if I like one design or colour more, then I am more likely to get them! Despite the weird looks, Brooks regained the absolute plush comfort in the 16th, 17th, and now the 18th iteration.