One of the very first running shoes I ever owned was a Brooks Ghost. Fast forward to today, and the Brooks Ghost 17 is still one of my most run-in daily trainers, and my wife has run in everything from the Ghost 14 all the way up to the current model. We know the brand well.
With the massive updates Brooks made to this year’s Glycerin model, I actually picked up a pair of the Brooks Glycerin 23 as a birthday present for my wife—and she absolutely loves them. The Glycerin is an unapologetic, maximum-cushion shoe. It isn’t trying to be a fast 5k or tempo shoe. It is built strictly to soak up impact, save your legs, and keep you incredibly comfortable on your easiest days.
Who Should Buy the Brooks Glycerin 23?
- Walkers and All-Day Wearers: If you are on your feet all day or commuting on foot, this is arguably one of the best walking shoes on the market.
- Zone 2 Runners: This is the perfect shoe for slow, easy recovery miles where your only goal is time on your feet.
- Marathon Finishers: If you are looking for a marathon running shoe and your goal is simply to cross the finish line in maximum comfort rather than setting a PR, the Glycerin 23 will carry you the entire 26.2 miles without beating up your joints.
Who Should Avoid the Brooks Glycerin 23?
- Speed-Focused Runners: This shoe eats momentum. If you want a snappy, responsive ride for tempo workouts or setting a 5K PR, you will find this shoe sluggish and overly squishy.
- Minimalist Runners: If you prefer feeling the ground beneath your feet, the massive stack height and plush foam will feel completely disconnected from the road.
Brooks Glycerin 23
- ✓Nitrogen-infused foam delivers soft, impact-absorbing landings on daily runs
- ✓Added forefoot cushioning creates a balanced, smooth ride for long miles
- ✓Premium jacquard knit upper provides a plush, accommodating fit all over
PROS
- + Extremely comfortable
- + Highly durable outsole
- + Very stable platform
- + Great heel lockdown
CONS
- – Noticeably heavy build
- – Lacks bouncy return
- – A bit expensive
Aesthetics and Fit: Roomy, Breathable, and… Tall?
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a great-looking shoe. I picked the subtle pink colorway that features matching pink-tipped laces, and the design is clean enough that it easily crosses over into lifestyle wear (and it happens to be her favorite color!). You can wear this to the coffee shop or run errands all day without it screaming, “I am a highly aggressive running shoe.”
The standout feature of the fit is the sheer volume. My wife’s feet usually require a wider fit, but the standard version of the Glycerin 23 is very accommodating. Nothing feels tight, and the toe box has plenty of room.
The Sock Warning: In my opinion, you absolutely need to wear taller running socks with this shoe. The heel collar sits noticeably high. If you try to get away with low-cut or no-show ankle socks, you are going to experience annoying friction and heel rub. The trade-off for that tall heel is an integrated pull tab that makes the shoe incredibly easy to slip on and off.
The Upper: Managing the Temperature
Big, max-cushion shoes are notorious for trapping heat. Fortunately, the engineered knit on the Glycerin 23 actually breathes well across the top of the toes, letting air flow through when the temperature spikes.
The catch is in the heel. To get that comfortable step-in feel, Brooks packed a ton of padding into the rear collar, which means the back half of the shoe runs warm. Even if the forefoot feels like one of the most breathable running shoes in your closet, if you are logging miles in heavy humidity, expect your heels to feel warm.
On the flip side, that plush padding makes the Glycerin 23 a great option for cold weather. It provides comfortable, built-in insulation on freezing morning miles, while the knit toe box ensures your foot stays perfectly balanced and doesn’t overheat as you settle into your pace.
DNA TUNED Midsole: Maximum Squish, Limited Speed
The ride of the Glycerin 23 is defined by its massive midsole. Brooks utilizes their nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED cushioning, and they even added an extra 2mm of foam under the forefoot for this version.
The result? It feels like walking on a cloud. For heel strikers, the rear of the shoe is incredibly squishy and forgiving. As you rock onto your toes, that plush sensation carries all the way through the transition.
But all that squish means you aren’t going anywhere fast. This shoe flat-out eats your momentum. If you try to pick up the pace or do a tempo workout, the foam just absorbs your energy instead of giving it back. At 10.6 ounces, it’s strictly built for your slow, easy days.
Brooks Glycerin 23 Shoe Specs
| Weight | 10.6 oz (300 g) |
|---|---|
| Heel Stack | 38 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 30 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Midsole | DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused foam |
| Outsole | Durable RoadTack rubber |
Stability and Grip: A Wide, Planted Base
You might think that a shoe with this much squishy foam and stack height would feel wobbly, but the stability is surprisingly good. Brooks designed the Glycerin 23 with a very wide, broad platform. You sit securely inside the shoe, meaning there is practically zero risk of rolling an ankle, even when your legs are entirely fatigued.
On the bottom, the outsole grip is excellent. The rubber is tacky and holds the road well, providing confident traction on damp pavement. During our testing, we actually took these off-road as well, and they handled different terrains like dirt paths and gravel surprisingly well without losing that planted feel.
Brooks Glycerin 23 vs. 22: What Changed?
Brooks made some significant updates that change the overall value and feel of the shoe. Compared to the Glycerin 22, the 23 feels like a completely refined package:
- It is softer: The extra foam underfoot makes it noticeably plusher.
- It is roomier: The toe box is wider and more accommodating.
- It is more breathable: The updated engineered knit allows better airflow.
The Catch: While the 23 is objectively softer and roomier, some runners might actually prefer the older Glycerin 22 if they need specific arch support. The firmer foam and slightly tighter midfoot of the 22 provided a bit more structural hold under the arch, whereas the 23 focuses entirely on plush comfort.
Why the Upgraded Comfort Wins
The Brooks Glycerin 23 knows exactly what it is, and it doesn’t apologize for it. In a running world obsessed with carbon plates, rocker geometries, and featherweight foams, it is genuinely refreshing to lace up a shoe that is dedicated entirely to pure, unadulterated comfort.
Seeing how much my wife has loved running and walking in her birthday pair really cemented my opinion on this update. Brooks took an already comfortable shoe and made it roomier, softer, and more breathable. While it isn’t the fastest shoe on the market, the trade-off is absolutely worth it for those long, slow days when your legs just need a break.
Whether you are grinding out the bulk of a marathon training block, standing at a desk all day, or just going for a casual neighborhood walk, the Glycerin 23 delivers a premium, cloud-like ride that will outlast your longest efforts.
Brooks Glycerin 23 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 good for walking?
Absolutely. Because of the ultra-plush DNA TUNED foam and wide, stable platform, the Brooks Glycerin 23 is an exceptional shoe for walking, commuting, or standing on your feet all day.
Does the Brooks Glycerin 23 run true to size?
Yes, it fits true to size with a generous toe box. However; note that the heel collar sits very high on the Achilles, so you should wear taller running socks to prevent skin rub and blisters.
Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin 23 is a popular choice for runners and walkers dealing with plantar fasciitis. The 8mm drop takes some pressure off the Achilles and heel, while the massive amount of DNA TUNED cushioning helps absorb the harsh impacts that typically aggravate heel pain.
What is the difference between the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the Glycerin GTS 23?
The standard Brooks Glycerin 23 is a neutral shoe built purely for plush comfort. The Glycerin GTS 23 features the exact same max-cushioning but adds Brooks’ GuideRails technology to provide stability and prevent your foot from rolling inward (overpronation). If you need motion control, get the GTS version.
Is the Brooks Glycerin 23 good for heavier runners?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin 23 is an excellent option for heavier runners. The shoe features a very broad, stable base, and the thick layer of nitrogen-infused foam is dense enough that it won’t immediately “bottom out” under higher impact forces.
When did the Brooks Glycerin 23 release?
The Brooks Glycerin 23 officially released in February 2026.
