Brooks Glycerin 18, Men’s race Running Shoe

Product Information

At faster pace, it's clear that the Glycerin isn't a shoe designed for speed. It's by no means a slow option and the cushioning does an admirable job at offering a competent level energy return, however, if you're after something for a fast time on race day, it's not one of the Glycerin 18's strengths. AUSTIN: I’d prefer a bit more response from the Glycerin 18, but I knew before my first run that this model is touted as high cushion. Which means a little more sink and a little less pop. As Adrienne noted in her review, I’m loving the responsive ride of the New Balance 1080 v10, which combines high cushioning with stellar snap. I’d prefer an 8 mm drop, but that’s a minor critique based strictly on general preference. Shop Brooks Glycerin 18 Brooks Glycerin 18 Conclusion The shoes impressed me with their initial look and feel. When they showed up, the design was understated but nice, with a good accent color between the upper and the cushion. On my first run, the shoe didn’t feel special or ground-breaking but it did feel very natural and cushioned with a signature Glycerin ride.

From a design perspective, the Glycerin 19 looks almost exactly the same as the Glycerin 18 and has very strong “dad” vibes. The Glycerin 18 features more DNA Loft cushioning than the last version for a lighter weight shoe with a softer ride. Our testers loved the plush step-in feel provided by the Ortholite liner and agreed that the Glycerin 18 offered the perfect amount of cushioning without being so soft underfoot that responsiveness is lost. That feel transfers perfectly to the ride, offering one of the most enjoyable shoe experiences you're likely to find during training sessions. And, although that soft midsole offers a high level of protection against impact, it doesn't feel slow or sluggish like many heavily cushioned shoes can be. The downside is that the rubber wears down faster than the norm. On my pair, on the outer lateral heel area, the rubber has already worn down 2-3mm so I expect to reach midsole foam by the time I hit 300 kilometres which is not ideal. Also, this shoe is great for most runs, but although they are responsive, they do not work as well as other shoes on the market that will respond better to the high pace.Ultimately, the Glycerin 19 is a good option for any long-distance runner seeking a cushioned and stable ride. Overall, it’s not much different from its predecessors and ranks comparably in comfort and ride. The 19 certainly gets the job done but isn’t a groundbreaking or fantastic trainer. The main disadvantage reported by testers is that this new Glycerin featured less rubber, which translates into more exposed foam and, unfortunately, signs of premature wear. The new, softer upper flexes with the foot better and feels even less constraining while on the run. And they were able to cut down on the weight of the shoe by using more of the DNA Loft foam in this design. ADRIENNE: The Glycerin 18 is perfect for runners who think there’s no such thing as too much cushioning. If nothing else, Brooks knows it’s target consumer. But does the Glycerin 18 live up to this assertion? We will see. Our shoe lab results put the 18 in the middle of the spectrum in terms of weight. The women’s model lost tenths of an ounce while the men’s had a more dramatic drop from 11 to 9.8 ounces. Scores also showed the 18 as “stiff” to “moderately flexible”; results for the 17, on the other hand, read “very stiff.” When “Moderate Cushioning” Feels Just Right

The Glycerin 18 is ever so slightly lighter than their predecessor at 23.0 ounces in a pair of men's 11 (we got 23.2 ounces for the Glycerin 17). You'd never notice that difference, and it's difficult to say where exactly that weight savings is coming from. Almost all of the substantive parts of the shoe remain unchanged. I’ve never ever thought of the Glycerin as a super soft ride. It’s always been one of the firmest max-cushioned trainers. The Glycerin 18 does better than average in durability. The updated stretch double-jacquard mesh improves the shoe's flexibility, which reduces the stress placed on more rigid portions of the upper, limiting the potential for tears and other degradations. The midsole is as cushioned as possible while still not feeling mushy or slow. The Glycerin is the type of shoe that does not cause any problems for my feet, so I forget that they are there, even thirty miles into a run; and that is the true measure of a comfortable running shoe. No surprises with fit except pleasantThe one area where the Glycerin 19 beats all other max-cushioned trainers is its magnificent upper which is an engineering masterpiece. Despite the weird looks, Brooks regained the absolute plush comfort in the 16th, 17th, and now the 18th iteration. OUR VERDICT The Brooks Glycerin 19 is a medium-soft, max-cushioned trainer with a superb, comfortable, plush upper that’s best suited to easy-paced runs.

For those running in harsh winter conditions, the midsole does freeze a little bit. The ride becomes less soft, and you might be better off choosing a shoe with a TPU style midsole. The Glycerin is still a great choice. Exceptional traction The tongue, like the rest of the shoe, delivers a padded feel that holds the foot in an almost cosy position – not a phrase we normally use to describe a running shoe. The laces add to that by being possibly the most cushioned shoelaces we've ever seen on a running shoe, something that also makes them extremely easy to tie up.

That rubber outsole also does an excellent job at protecting the midsole, delivering a durable shoe that should last you for a lot of miles. It’s made from multi-layer mesh and has very few 3D Fit Print overlays on the midfoot that don’t irritate the foot.

Then, and perhaps most importantly, it's the revamped upper. Brooks has used a double jacquard mesh to offer increased breathability and flexibility. Visually it's almost identical to the 17, but you can really feel the benefit of the new material when you hold it. Extremely soft and almost squishy, it feels more like a shoe designed for relaxing than one focused on performance. I have never run in a more comfortable shoe, and I cannot fathom that a more comfortable shoe exists on the market. If you’re looking for a super soft, super-bouncy ride similar to the ZoomX Invincible, you won’t find it in the Glycerin 19.There’s a reason the Glycerins are working on their 18th iteration. It’s because they are a superior product, and they hold up with each update. The fit, for us, was true to size and we found the Glycerine 18 was comfortable as soon as you put them on. No need to wear them in or worry about chafes or rubbing.