New Release - Brooks Glycerin Max - October 1st 2024
Introducing the Brooks Glycerin Max. This new innovative shoe from Brooks offers a unique blend of airy softness and bouncy responsiveness, due to a midsole that combines two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning.
In launching this new and exciting shoe to the market, Brooks also launched their brand new 'DNA Tuned' foam, which provides a super soft and cushioned landing in the heel, and a springy, energised push-off in the toe.
The biggest unique selling point of this new DNA tuned foam is the ability to combine two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning, and therefore, provide two different sensations in the one shoe. As you can see in the photo below, Brooks have incorporated more 'large cell' foam in the heel, to mitigate impact on the body and provide a plush and soft sensation. In the forefoot, they have incorporated more 'small cell' foam which provides that 'pop' and push off that runners crave, especially deep into a long run.
Where does the Glycerin Max sit in the Brooks range?
What really sets this shoe apart from the rest of the Brooks range is the new DNA Tuned foam. With a massive stack height of 45:39mm it is impressive to see that the shoe falls under 300g in weight. The Glycerin Max manages to provide an incredibly plush and soft sensation, while feeling incredibly light underfoot.
The Glycerin Max is a neutral shoe that can be added to Brooks' already diverse range - including the Glycerin 21, Ghost 16, and Ghost Max 2. However, as we will discuss a little later on, the Glycerin Max fits into both the daily trainer, and super-trainer landscape.
Out of the shoes mentioned above, the Glycerin Max is most similar to the Ghost Max 2, but it will feel very different under foot with this new foam. Both of these shoes have Brooks' wide and stable base that so many people love, and both shoes have a 6mm drop or offset. So, if you like the Ghost Max 2, but feel like you would like something that feels even softer and more comfortable, you're going to love the Glycerin Max.
What is the Glycerin Max best used for?
When a new shoe comes out, the first question we often ask ourselves is where does this fit into runners shoe rotation, and what is this shoe best used for? Firstly, the Glycerin Max is is the perfect long run shoe. The combination of plush foam and responsiveness in the forefoot will help to you keeping rolling and rolling deep into the later kilometres of any run. The super soft DNA tuned foam will also protect your legs from the impact of longer runs, and help in the recovery process.
However, the Glycerin Max is not simply a long run shoe. If you love soft, bouncy cushion and enjoy a higher stack, this shoe will make the perfect daily trainer. Especially if you're training for marathons or half marathons, this versatile shoe will be incredible for every element of your training.
How does the Glycerin Max compare to other brands and where does it sit in the market?
The closest competitor to the Glycerin Max is the ASICS Superblast 2. With the success of the Superblast for ASICS, it is no surprise to see Brooks bringing out their own shoe to compete, and they haven't disappointed with this offering.
These two shoes sit in a very interesting space within the market. Both the Glycerin Max and Superblast 2 are what we refer to as a super-trainer, but they do not have any carbon, or synthetic plate within the mid sole. Instead, they use innovative foams that offers runners a max cushion ride, and provides them with greater protection and responsiveness all in one.
Another very similar shoe is the HOKA Skyward X. While the Skyward X does have a carbon plate embedded within the midsole, we see a lot of similarities in the look and feel of these two shoes. The Glycerin Max has a similar stack height, drop, and a whole heap of soft bouncy foam - ideal for long runs and marathon training.
Other shoes like the Brooks Glycerin 21, Ghost Max 2, ASICS Nimbus 26, and HOKA Bondi 8 provide similar experiences, but the Glycerin Max will just give you even more cushioning, more protection, and potentially more fun.
Specifications:
Support Type: Neutral
For: Daily Training and Long Runs
Total stack height: 45:39mm
Midsole stack height: 35:29mm
Midsole drop/offset: 6mm
Weight 10.5oz / 297.7g (Mens) / 9.5oz / 269.3g (Womens)
RRP: $349AUD
Shop Glycerin MAX here
Released: October 1st 2024
