Brooks Glycerin 23 vs Glycerin 23 GTS vs Glycerin Flex vs Glycerin Max 2 — Which One Is Right for You?
Brooks now has four completely different shoes under the Glycerin name. Here's exactly what separates them and which one belongs in your rotation.
Brooks makes four shoes with "Glycerin" in the name — the Glycerin 23, Glycerin 23 GTS, Glycerin Flex, and Glycerin Max 2. They all share DNA TUNED foam and a premium price point, but they feel noticeably different on the run and are designed for different types of runners.
If you've been confused about which one to buy, this breakdown covers everything. All four are in the Cadence database with full specs.
Quick Comparison
Glycerin 23 | Glycerin 23 GTS | Glycerin Flex | Glycerin Max 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $175 | $185 | $170 | $200 |
Weight | 9.5 oz | 10.8 oz | 9.2 oz | 10.6 oz |
Heel Stack | 37mm | 39mm | 36mm | 45mm |
Drop | 10mm | 8mm | 8mm | 8mm |
Foam | DNA TUNED | DNA TUNED | DNA TUNED | DNA TUNED |
Stability | Neutral | GuideRails | Neutral | Neutral |
Special Feature | All-rounder | Support system | S-groove flex | Max stack rocker |
View Brooks Glycerin 23 specs on Cadence →
View Brooks Glycerin 23 GTS specs on Cadence →
View Brooks Glycerin Flex specs on Cadence →
View Brooks Glycerin Max 2 specs on Cadence →
What They All Share
Every shoe in the Glycerin family is built on DNA TUNED foam — Brooks' nitrogen-infused supercritical EVA compound that uses dual-size cell structures to create different feels in the heel and forefoot. Larger cells in the heel provide soft, plush landings while smaller cells in the forefoot create a more responsive, propulsive toe-off. It's one of the most sophisticated daily trainer foams on the market and it's the reason the Glycerin line has such a loyal following.
Beyond the shared foam, each shoe takes the platform in a completely different direction — which is why choosing between them comes down to understanding exactly what you need from your daily trainer.
Brooks Glycerin 23 — The All-Rounder
The Glycerin 23 is the flagship of the family — Brooks' best-selling premium neutral daily trainer. An updated DNA TUNED midsole adds 2mm more foam in the forefoot compared to previous versions, which creates softer landings without sacrificing the energetic toe-off the Glycerin is known for. The triple jacquard knit upper wraps the foot in a luxurious, secure fit that accommodates both daily training distances and longer efforts comfortably.
At 10mm drop it sits higher than its siblings, which suits heel strikers well and gives the shoe a more traditional feel underfoot. It's not the lightest or the most cushioned shoe in the lineup, but it's the most balanced — equally at home on easy recovery runs and longer weekend efforts. The Glycerin 23 is the right choice if you want one premium daily trainer that can handle everything without any tradeoffs.
Best for: Neutral runners who want a premium all-purpose daily trainer for easy miles, long runs, and everyday mileage. The safest starting point in the Glycerin lineup.
Brooks Glycerin 23 GTS — With GuideRails Support
The Glycerin 23 GTS (Go-To-Shoe) is identical to the standard Glycerin 23 in almost every way — same DNA TUNED foam, same jacquard knit upper, same premium feel — with one critical addition: Brooks' GuideRails support system. GuideRails work differently from traditional stability shoe technology. Rather than posting or correcting your foot strike, GuideRails limit excess movement at the knees and ankles only when it's needed, staying completely out of the way when your form is on point.
The result is a shoe that feels remarkably similar to the neutral Glycerin 23 when your stride is efficient, but provides gentle guidance when fatigue sets in on longer runs and your form starts to break down. At 10.8 oz it's the heaviest shoe in the lineup, and at $185 it's the second most expensive. The extra weight and cost are the price of the GuideRails system.
Best for: Runners who overpronate or have experienced knee or ankle issues and want the premium Glycerin experience with added support. Also a great option for runners returning from injury who want subtle stability without a traditional motion control shoe.
Brooks Glycerin Flex — The Natural Movement Shoe
The Glycerin Flex is the most unique shoe in the family. Its defining feature is an S-groove cut through the midsole that decouples the forefoot and rearfoot, allowing each section to flex independently as your foot moves through its natural gait cycle. The result is a ride that feels more fluid and adaptive than a traditional running shoe — flexible without being unstable, cushioned without being restrictive.
At 9.2 oz it's the lightest shoe in the Glycerin lineup, and the 8mm drop makes it more accessible for a wider range of running styles than the standard Glycerin 23's 10mm. The DNA TUNED midsole delivers the same soft landings and responsive toe-off as the rest of the family, but the S-groove geometry changes how the foam engages through the stride — making transitions feel smoother and more natural.
The Glycerin Flex is the right choice if you value a natural, dynamic feel on your runs but still want the premium cushioning and build quality the Glycerin line is known for. It's also a strong option for runners who find traditional running shoes feel too rigid or restrictive.
Best for: Runners who prioritize a natural, flexible feel and want their shoe to move with their foot rather than guiding it. Also a great pick for runners transitioning from minimalist shoes who want more cushioning without losing ground feel.
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 — The Max Cushion Option
The Glycerin Max 2 is Brooks' answer to the max cushion trend — a 45mm heel stack trainer built for runners who want maximum protection and plushness on every run. A deeply cushioned DNA TUNED platform pairs with Brooks' GlideRoll Rocker geometry — featuring a beveled heel and sculpted toe spring — to create an effortless heel-to-toe roll that takes the edge off impact and reduces ankle strain on longer efforts.
At 10.6 oz it's heavy, and at $200 it's the most expensive shoe in the lineup. But for runners who log serious mileage on hard surfaces, or who prioritize leg freshness and recovery above all else, the Glycerin Max 2 delivers a level of protection that the other Glycerin models simply can't match. The new triple jacquard air mesh upper enhances comfort and fit while keeping things breathable over longer distances.
Where the Glycerin Max 2 falls short is versatility. The high stack and rocker geometry make it excellent for easy days and long runs but less suited to uptempo efforts where ground feel and responsiveness matter more.
Best for: High-mileage runners who prioritize protection and leg freshness on easy and long runs. Also a strong choice for runners with joint issues who need maximum cushioning to stay comfortable over longer distances.
How to Choose
Choose the Glycerin 23 if you want the best all-around daily trainer in the lineup — balanced, versatile, and capable of handling everything from easy miles to long runs without any tradeoffs.
Choose the Glycerin 23 GTS if you overpronate or want subtle stability support without giving up the premium Glycerin feel. The GuideRails system is one of the most natural-feeling support systems in running shoes.
Choose the Glycerin Flex if you value a natural, fluid ride and want your shoe to flex with your foot. Lightest in the lineup and great for runners who find traditional shoes too rigid.
Choose the Glycerin Max 2 if maximum cushioning and leg protection are your top priorities. Built for high-mileage easy running and recovery days where stack height and comfort matter most.
Compare the Glycerin Family on Cadence
Want to see the full specs side by side? Use the Cadence comparison tool to stack any two Glycerin shoes against each other — or compare them against any other shoe in our catalog.