Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 Review

The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 is a well-cushioned running shoe designed for daily miles and long runs, with the addition of mild support for runners who overpronate. It offers a high level of underfoot protection with a plush, bouncy ride and a luxurious-feeling upper. There is also a neutral version, the Brooks Glycerin 23, for runners who do not require support.

Support in running shoes is designed to help guide the foot when it rolls inward excessively during the running gait. This movement is known as overpronation. Pronation itself is a natural and necessary motion that helps absorb impact, but when it becomes excessive, it can place additional stress on the ankles, knees, and hips. The GTS 23 addresses this through Brooks’ GuideRails system, which helps keep the foot aligned without feeling overly intrusive.

Within Brooks’ range of running shoes, there are models that offer varying levels of cushioning and propulsion. Generally, the thicker the midsole, the less the feet are activated to function inside the shoe. Likewise, the more curved or rockered the midsole, the less work the glutes and hamstrings will do, though propulsion increases. The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Brooks Glycerin Max 2 have rocker-shaped midsoles that provide a degree of forward assist. The Brooks Ghost 17 and Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 do not have a rocker, so the body must take on more of the work to move forward. Both Glycerin versions offer a high level of cushioning, which naturally reduces foot stimulation compared with a firmer shoe or one with a thinner midsole.

The type of running shoe that suits you depends on how lightly you run, how strong your body is, and how well you maintain posture. A sensible approach is to use softer, more supportive shoes like the Glycerin GTS 23 for long and easy sessions. These help the legs recover from harder workouts, offer guidance when fatigue sets in, and allow you to maintain better running posture. For faster sessions, a less cushioned shoe that stimulates the feet can help build strength.

The 23rd version of the Brooks Glycerin sees some subtle but meaningful updates. All Brooks shoes offer a strong step-in feel, and the Glycerin GTS 23 continues that with a triple-jacquard engineered air-mesh upper. The upper’s structure and thickness vary across different zones depending on their function, ensuring a secure hold on the midsole while remaining light and breathable.

BROWSE BROOKS GLYCERIN 23 (& GTS 23)

The heel cup is made from thermoplastic to enhance stability by preventing inward or outward rolling on impact, which works in combination with the GuideRails system to provide a stable platform. The heel collar is well padded with a flat-knit section above it. A substantial heel tab makes the shoe easier to pull on, which is helpful given the snug heel fit. This closer fit contributes meaningfully to the shoe’s comfort both during runs and when worn casually.

The tongue has a smooth texture and ample padding to maintain the Glycerin’s luxurious feel. Two external tongue loops guide the laces and help prevent tongue movement. An additional top eyelet can be used for a heel lock or butterfly lacing if needed.

Fit and sizing align with typical Brooks standards, though the heel feels slightly more secure than previous versions. Brooks sizing is similar in length to Saucony, Topo, Altra, and 361. Runners using Hoka, New Balance, Karhu, Inov-8, or La Sportiva may prefer half a UK size smaller in Brooks to achieve a comparable fit. Both the neutral Glycerin 23 and the Glycerin GTS 23 are available in two widths for men and women.

The midsole remains DNA Loft v3 but has been tuned for a slightly softer, bouncier ride. This is achieved by reducing the size of the internal foam bubbles. An additional 2mm of forefoot foam lowers the heel-to-toe drop to 8mm, creating stack heights of 38mm in the heel and 30mm in the forefoot. The result is a smooth, bouncy ride with more flexibility than the previous version. The bounce is subtle but noticeable, and the compression on landing is greater than typical for Brooks without feeling unstable or mushy. The ride simply feels cushioned and lively, ideal for recovery days or easy miles on tired legs.

As a midfoot striker, I typically prefer a lower drop, but the flexible midfoot allows for an easy landing. I only noticed the heel when descending steep hills. Deeper midfoot grooves help the feet flex and function more naturally, reducing the “passenger” sensation common in highly cushioned shoes, especially those with rocker soles. The heel section also features deeper grooves to absorb impact more effectively and support a smoother transition. The base of the Glycerin GTS 23 is wider than before, adding stability to balance the softer and more flexible midsole. This wider platform works alongside the GuideRails to provide gentle support without feeling restrictive.

The outsole uses Brooks’ RoadTack rubber for dependable traction in both wet and dry conditions and is durable enough for daily miles. Despite recent heavy rain, the outsole has remained secure on wet tarmac. High-stack shoes often reduce ground feel, but the added midsole flexibility brings back some underfoot connection, improving security, especially on steep descents.

The defining feature of the Glycerin GTS 23 is the GuideRails support system. Rather than forcing the foot into a fixed position, GuideRails act more like bumpers along the sides of the shoe. They only engage when needed, helping to guide the foot back into a more neutral alignment if it begins to roll too far inward. This makes the support feel unobtrusive and suitable for runners who need mild stability, particularly over longer distances when form can begin to break down.

In summary, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 offers a comfortable, highly cushioned ride with the added benefit of gentle support. It is best suited to easy, relaxed runs across all distances rather than speed work. The softer, bouncier cushioning and added flexibility make it feel more like a true running shoe than previous versions, while the GuideRails system provides reassurance for runners who overpronate without compromising comfort.

Alternatives to Brooks Glycerin GTS 23

Hoka Gaviota 6
Offers a higher level of support with a rocker-shaped midsole that provides a more guided and controlled ride. The cushioning is soft but less bouncy than the Glycerin GTS 23, with the shoe doing more of the work for the foot. Available in two widths for men and women. Read our Hoka Gaviota 6 review.

Topo Aura
Features a broad, rounded toe box that allows the toes to spread naturally. The cushioning is firmer, providing greater ground feel and foot activation. A rocker-shaped midsole adds some forward assist and helps maintain posture, while still encouraging natural movement. Read our Topo Aura review.

New Balance 860v14
Provides a slightly firmer and more responsive ride with structured support. A reliable option for runners seeking stability with a more traditional feel. Available in three widths for men and two for women. Read our New Balance 860v14 review.