The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a high-quality running shoe that has received a lot of positive feedback from runners of all levels. The shoe is designed to provide exceptional comfort, support, and cushioning, making it an excellent choice for long-distance running or daily training.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons:
Design and Features

Upper
The upper of the Brooks Glycerin 20 running shoe is designed to provide a comfortable and breathable fit. It features a lightweight and breathable engineered mesh material that allows for proper airflow, which helps keep the feet cool and dry. The mesh is also flexible, allowing for natural foot movements during running.
In addition, the upper of the Glycerin 20 has 3D Fit Print technology, which uses screen-printed overlays to provide a structured fit without adding unnecessary weight or bulk to the shoe. The overlays are strategically placed around the midfoot and heel area, providing added support and stability. The upper also features a padded tongue and collar for extra cushioning and comfort.
The Brooks Glycerin 20 upper is available in a range of colors, making it easy to find a style that suits your personal taste.
Overall, the upper of the Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide a comfortable, secure, and breathable fit that can help enhance your running experience.
Midsole
The midsole of the Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide a plush and responsive cushioning system that absorbs shock and helps to propel the foot forward during the running stride. The Glycerin 20's midsole is made using DNA LOFT technology, which is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air.
The DNA LOFT midsole is designed to provide a soft and luxurious feeling underfoot, while still maintaining responsiveness and durability. The midsole material is strategically placed throughout the shoe, with more cushioning in the heel and midfoot areas where runners need it most. This helps to distribute pressure evenly throughout the foot, reducing the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
The Brooks Glycerin 20 midsole also has a rounded heel shape, which helps to reduce the stress on the joints during the heel-to-toe transition. This promotes a smoother transition and a more natural gait cycle.
Outsole
The outsole of the Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide traction and durability on a variety of surfaces. The shoe has a blown rubber outsole that covers the entire length of the shoe, providing reliable traction and grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The outsole has a segmented design with flex grooves in the forefoot area, which allows for a natural range of motion and flexibility during the running stride.
The outsole also has a full-length crash pad, which is a strip of rubber that runs from the heel to the midfoot area. The crash pad helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact of each footstrike, which can help to reduce the risk of injuries.
In addition, the Brooks Glycerin 20 outsole has a rounded heel shape that encourages a smoother heel-to-toe transition, reducing stress on the joints during the stride. The outsole is also designed to be durable, providing long-lasting wear and protection to the shoe.
Support and Stability
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide a high level of support and stability to help prevent overpronation and other common running injuries. The shoe features a 3D Fit Print technology in the upper, which provides a customized and secure fit that can help reduce the risk of foot slippage and blisters.
The Glycerin 20 also has a plush interior lining that hugs the foot, providing additional support and stability. The shoe has a traditional lace-up closure that allows for a customizable and secure fit, which can help prevent the foot from shifting and rolling inward during the run.
The midsole of the Glycerin 20 features DNA LOFT technology, which is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air. This cushioning system provides a soft and plush feel underfoot, while still maintaining responsiveness and durability. The cushioning is evenly distributed throughout the shoe, providing a stable base for the foot and helping to prevent overpronation.
The outsole of the Glycerin 20 also has a full-length crash pad, which helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact of each footstrike, providing additional support and stability.
Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide a high level of support and stability, helping to prevent overpronation and other common running injuries. The shoe is built with high-quality materials and cushioning systems that can help reduce the risk of injuries and provide a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Fit and Comfort
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit that wraps around the foot, providing a plush and cushioned feel that can enhance your running experience. The shoe has a true-to-size fit, meaning that you can expect it to fit comfortably based on your regular shoe size.
Cushioning
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide a high level of cushioning to help absorb shock and reduce the impact of each footstrike. The shoe features DNA LOFT technology in the midsole, which is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air. This cushioning system provides a soft and plush feel underfoot, while still maintaining responsiveness and durability.
The DNA LOFT technology is strategically placed throughout the shoe, with more cushioning in the heel and midfoot areas where runners need it most. This helps to distribute pressure evenly throughout the foot, reducing the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
The Glycerin 20 also has a full-length crash pad in the outsole, which helps to absorb shock and reduce the impact of each footstrike. The crash pad runs from the heel to the midfoot area, providing extra cushioning and protection during the heel-to-toe transition.
Breathability
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide a comfortable and breathable running experience. The upper of the shoe features an engineered mesh construction, which allows air to flow freely in and out of the shoe, providing excellent ventilation and breathability.
The mesh upper is also lightweight and flexible, allowing the foot to move naturally and comfortably during the run. The upper has strategic overlays that provide additional structure and support to the foot, without compromising the breathability of the shoe.
The interior of the Glycerin 20 is also designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking. The shoe has a soft and plush interior lining that helps to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping the foot dry and comfortable throughout the run.
Durability
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to be a durable and long-lasting running shoe. The shoe features high-quality materials and construction methods that help to ensure its durability and longevity.
The upper of the Glycerin 20 is made from an engineered mesh material that is lightweight, flexible, and durable. The mesh is reinforced with synthetic overlays in high-stress areas, providing additional support and protection to the foot. The overlays also help to improve the overall durability of the upper, preventing it from wearing out prematurely.
The midsole of the Glycerin 20 features DNA LOFT technology, which is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air. This cushioning system provides a soft and plush feel underfoot, while still maintaining responsiveness and durability. The midsole is designed to withstand the high impact forces of running, ensuring that the shoe remains comfortable and supportive throughout its lifespan.
The outsole of the Glycerin 20 is made from a blown rubber material that is durable and provides excellent traction. The outsole is designed with a segmented pattern and flex grooves in the forefoot, providing flexibility and durability while allowing for a natural range of motion during the run.
Traction
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to provide reliable traction on a variety of surfaces. The shoe has a blown rubber outsole that covers the entire length of the shoe, providing excellent grip and traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
The outsole of the Glycerin 20 also has a segmented design with flex grooves in the forefoot area, which allows for a natural range of motion and flexibility during the running stride. This flexibility allows the shoe to adapt to the terrain, providing excellent traction on both uneven and smooth surfaces.
Additionally, the Glycerin 20 outsole has a rounded heel shape that encourages a smoother heel-to-toe transition, reducing stress on the joints during the stride. The outsole is also designed to be durable, providing long-lasting wear and protection to the shoe.
Who is Brooks Glycerin 20 best for
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is a versatile running shoe that can work well for a variety of runners. However, it is particularly well-suited for runners who value cushioning, support, and comfort during their runs.
The shoe's DNA LOFT cushioning system provides a soft and plush feel underfoot, which can be particularly beneficial for runners who experience foot or joint pain. The Glycerin 20 also has a high level of support and stability, which can help prevent overpronation and other common running injuries.
The shoe's breathable and moisture-wicking upper can be particularly appealing for runners who tend to sweat heavily during their runs, while the shoe's durable construction and reliable traction make it a good choice for runners who regularly run on varied surfaces and terrains.
This shoe offers great cushioning and support, making it a great option for runners with high arches. It also has a comfortable fit and a durable outsole.
Brooks Glycerin 20 vs other shoes
Brooks Ghost 14
The Brooks Ghost 14 is another popular neutral cushioning shoe from Brooks. Compared to the Glycerin 20, the Ghost 14 is slightly lighter and has a more responsive feel, making it a good choice for faster runs or tempo runs. However, the Glycerin 20 offers more cushioning and a softer feel, making it a better choice for longer runs or runners who need extra support.
Asics Gel Nimbus
The Brooks Glycerin 20 and the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 are both excellent neutral cushioning shoes that offer a high level of comfort and support.
The choice between the two largely comes down to personal preference, with the Glycerin 20 offering a softer and more flexible feel, while the Nimbus 25 offers a slightly firmer and more supportive ride.
Additionally, the Nimbus 25 may be a better choice for runners who need extra stability or traction on uneven terrain, while the Glycerin 20 may be a better choice for runners who prioritize comfort and flexibility.
Saucony Triumph 20
The Brooks Glycerin 20 and the Saucony Triumph 20 are both popular neutral cushioning shoes that offer a similar level of cushioning and support. Here's how they compare:
Cushioning: Both the Glycerin 20 and Triumph 20 offer a similar level of cushioning, with plush midsole materials that provide a soft and comfortable ride. However, the Glycerin 20 has a slightly softer and more flexible feel, while the Triumph 20 has a slightly firmer and more responsive feel.
Fit: Both shoes have a comfortable and accommodating fit, with spacious toe boxes and secure midfoot areas. However, the Triumph 20 has a slightly more structured and supportive upper, which can provide more stability for runners who need it. The Glycerin 20, on the other hand, has a more flexible and breathable upper, which can be more comfortable for runners who prefer a more natural feel.
Durability: Both shoes are designed to be durable and long-lasting, with high-quality materials and construction methods that help to ensure their longevity. However, the Glycerin 20 has a slightly more durable outsole material, which provides reliable traction and wear resistance over extended periods of use.
Overall
The Brooks Glycerin 20 is an excellent choice for runners who are looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe for daily training or long-distance running. With its exceptional cushioning, supportive upper, and durable outsole, this shoe is sure to provide a comfortable and enjoyable running experience.
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