Brooks Glycerin Max 2 Review
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is the brand’s highest-cushioned road running shoe, offering the greatest level of protection and propulsion in their lineup. Brooks’ road range provides varying levels of cushioning and support: the Ghost 17 delivers a well-cushioned but responsive ride; the Ghost Max 3 retains that responsiveness but adds a rocker-shaped midsole that promotes smoother transitions, improved posture, and a hint of propulsion.
The Glycerin line, by contrast, is known for its softer, more luxurious cushioning. The Glycerin 22 provides plush comfort but relies more on the runner’s own effort, while the Glycerin Max 2 adds a rocker midsole to guide gait, improve posture, and add a touch of forward momentum. Like the Ghost Max 3, it effectively “does some of the running for you.”
The Glycerin Max 2 delivers an exceptionally plush, cushioned ride. Its midsole features Brooks’ DNA Tuned foam — a nitrogen-infused compound that is sealed to prevent dirt and water from entering. This design extends durability and retains air within the foam for a more responsive, slightly bouncy feel. The DNA Tuned midsole is engineered to be softer at the heel for smooth landings and firmer in the forefoot for a more energetic toe-off. The curved midsole, which Brooks calls the GlideRoll Rocker, enhances the transition from heel to toe.
Many running shoes now feature rockers to help maintain posture and cadence, but not all are the same. In faster, performance-oriented shoes, the rocker is more aggressive, making them less suitable for easy or long runs. The rocker in the Glycerin Max 2 is more moderate, designed for cruising rather than racing. As a result, it offers a smooth, plush feel similar to the original Glycerin Max.
On the run, the Glycerin Max 2 feels exceptionally comfortable on flat or gently rolling terrain. Where it’s less effective is on steep hills — the thick midsole and limited flex make it harder for your foot to engage naturally, so uphill running requires a bit more work from the glutes and hamstrings. It’s not a major issue but worth noting if you regularly run in very hilly areas.
The toe line is straight, promoting a positive and efficient toe-off. With a stack height of 45mm at the heel and 39mm at the forefoot, the shoe feels noticeably high when standing still. However, once you start running, it feels stable and secure. Like many high-stack shoes, your foot sits within the midsole rather than on top of it, enhancing stability and guiding your stride along the shoe’s intended path. Despite this guidance, the Glycerin Max 2 doesn’t feel overly controlling — it allows you to adjust pace easily. The broad base also contributes to its stable ride but isn’t something you notice once in motion.
The main updates from the previous version are in the upper. The Glycerin Max 2 now features a triple jacquard mesh upper with a new, snugger last for a more streamlined fit. This design reduces bulk and enhances comfort. The tongue is now separate rather than gusseted, allowing a closer fit over the top of the foot. As with all Brooks shoes, the heel collar and tongue are well padded, providing a plush feel. The heel counter is slightly softer than before, and the heel tab curves away from the Achilles to minimise irritation. There’s also an extra lace hole for a snugger heel fit or butterfly lacing. Overall, the upper feels luxurious yet secure.
The Glycerin Max 2 excels on long runs where comfort is key. It’s a shoe designed to help you cruise through the miles with minimal effort, offering excellent cushioning, stability, and smooth transitions.
In terms of sizing, Brooks shoes are similar in length to Saucony, Topo, Altra, and 361°. If you typically wear Hoka, New Balance, Inov-8, Karhu, or La Sportiva, consider going down half a UK size (for example, a UK 11 in Brooks is similar in length to a UK 11.5 in Hoka).
In Summary
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 delivers the plushest, most cushioned ride in the Brooks range. Its DNA Tuned midsole and GlideRoll Rocker create a smooth, stable, and effortless running experience, ideal for long runs and easy miles when comfort takes priority.
Alternatives to Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Hoka Bondi 9: A more pointed toe box. Less of a plush feel to the ride but, more versatile in that you can pick up the pace a bit in these they aren’t just a cruiser. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-bondi-9-review/
New Balance FreshFoam More v5: A softer feel to the cushioning and more pointed toe box. The rocker does push the pace up rather than just allow you to cruise along. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-more-v5-review/
Altra FWD Via: A broad rounded toe box allows more space for foot function. A lot less controlling you need to run in these. Also a lot firmer and more responsive ride. You can pick the pace up in these. Not so much of an effortless cruiser but, they do help to maintain posture so you can perfect your gait and get your feet working. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-fwd-via-review/
Karhu Mestari 1.5: A firmer feel to the ride with a rocker and Karhu’s fulcrum to provide propulsion. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-mestari-run-1-5-review/
Topo Athletic Atmos: A broad rounded toe box allows more space for foot function. The ride is well cushioned but, firmer to stimulate foot function. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-atmos-review/
Comments are closed here.