When I was 11, I bought the latest Creed album while my younger brother opted for Kid Rock’s newest release. Not sure what that says about us, but looking back at those choices, I can’t help but see the parallels in our personalities growing up. What does that have to do with running or shoes? Honestly, not much but it makes me laugh.
This year Creed has made an unexpected resurgence, fueling dads in their late 30s and early 40s through their garage gym workouts. One resurgence we haven’t seen, though, is the return of low-stack, barefoot-inspired running shoes. Instead, the trend has gone in the opposite direction. Shoes are getting taller. No more evident in Brook’s latest max cushion offering.
Introducing the newest addition to the Brooks lineup: the Glycerin Max. Staying true to its “max” theme, this shoe takes Brooks to new heights, literally, with its highest stack yet and innovative midsole technology. While it adds a little boost to my height (hello, 6ft), the real question is: does the Glycerin Max elevate performance underfoot? Let’s find out!
SPECS
FIT
True To Size
CATEGORY
Max Cushion Trainer
SURFACE
Road
WHAT's NEW
- New For 2024
- DNA Tuned Midsole
PROS
- New midsole tech
- Easy on the eyes
- High quality
- Cushion for days
CONS
- Price
- Heavy
IS THIS SHOE FOR YOU?
This max cushion offering is a great choice for those prioritizing comfort and quality. It shares many similarities with the Saucony Triumph 22 but offers a more responsive ride, allowing for slightly quicker paces. Runners who prefer using inserts will appreciate the roomy upper. At 10.5oz (M) and $200, it might feel heavy for those focused on speed and a bit pricey for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, it’s a shoe you won’t regret investing in, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all option for every type of run.
WRAP UP
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a reliable max-cushion trainer that provides a smooth, comfortable ride thanks to its new DNA Tuned midsole. With its high stack height and responsive feel, it’s great for easy runs but also handles quicker paces if needed. The engineered mesh upper is breathable, and the roomy design is ideal for those who need extra space or use inserts. While it’s priced on the higher end, especially for a shoe without a plate in the midsole, and lacks some features I’d expect at this price, it’s still a solid choice overall.
The Brooks Glycerin Max is available to special order through Run N Tri Mobile. Aaron and staff provide a premier fitting process that includes proper measurement of the length and width of your feet, arch, and leg axis. A gait analysis is performed to identify pronation or lack thereof and pressure points. In addition, an interview is conducted to determine the best type of shoe for your needs and goals. So stop by Run N Tri Mobile so they can put you in Brook’s max cushion offering or one of the nine other brands carried in the shop.
