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Brooks Glycerin 23 & Glycerin GTS 23: The Queen of Comfort?
At Brooks—and in running more broadly—the Glycerin line is an institution. For more than twenty years, it has embodied Brooks’ vision of ultimate comfort: a shoe designed for everyone, built to run long. With the new Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23, the American brand refines its formula once again, introducing its latest DNA TUNED foam. These two iconic models—very similar yet distinct in purpose—have been updated to meet the needs of every runner, whether you prefer a neutral ride or added stability via GuideRails.
| Even more comfort with DNA TUNED cushioning
The promise of this 23rd generation is clear: Brooks aims to deliver an even softer underfoot feel. To achieve this, the brand relies on the newest evolution of its DNA TUNED foam—nitrogen-infused and also used in the Glycerin Max. The cushioning features a dual-cell construction:
✔ Larger cells in the heel for plush landings
✔ Smaller cells in the forefoot for more responsive toe-offs
The Glycerin 23 also gains 2 mm of additional forefoot cushioning, perfectly aligned with today’s trend toward increased protection underfoot. A wider platform and optimized contact zones promote a stable, progressive transition from heel to toe—hallmarks long appreciated by Brooks loyalists.
| Glycerin 23 running feel
Cushioning & ride
The Glycerin 23 targets neutral runners seeking maximum comfort without gimmicks. DNA TUNED delivers a tuned sensation underfoot: soft on impact, sufficiently lively at toe-off. The ride remains smooth, reassuring, and especially enjoyable at easy paces.
Redesigned upper
Brooks opts for a triple jacquard knit upper that’s more breathable and comfortable, with a clean silhouette. Support is present without compressing the foot, allowing the shoe to disappear as the miles add up.
Technical specs – GLYCERIN 23
- Category: Premium daily trainer
- Use: Everyday easy runs, recovery jogs, long runs
- Foam: DNA TUNED (dual-cell EVA foam, nitrogen-infused)
- Surface: Road
- Level: All runners
- Weight: 300 g (M), 272 g (W)
- Stack height: 38 mm / 30 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Available: January 2026
- Price: €180
- Comparable model: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28
| Head-to-head: Glycerin 23 vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28
It’s impossible to discuss the Glycerin without mentioning its longtime rival, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS. Both sit atop the premium daily trainer category with the same promise—maximum comfort—but take different paths to get there.
Where the Nimbus emphasizes a very plush, enveloping feel with a more cushioned sensation (notably via GEL in the heel), the Glycerin 23 offers a more balanced approach: immediate softness on landing paired with greater structure and control through the stride. Brooks’ DNA TUNED foam creates a smoother, more progressive transition, while the Nimbus prioritizes shock absorption.
Both are top-tier options, but they deliver different comfort experiences:
➜ Nimbus for maximum softness
➜ Glycerin for balance between comfort, fluidity, and stability
Price may also influence the choice: the Glycerin 23 retails at €180, compared to €200 for the Nimbus.
| Glycerin GTS 23: the same comfort, with guided support
GuideRails: non-intrusive stability
The Glycerin GTS 23 shares the same foundation as the neutral version—cushioning, geometry, and upper—while adding GuideRails support. Integrated directly into the foam, GuideRails help align the foot with the knee:
✔ Inside the heel, foam reduces pronation
✔ Outside the ankle, firmer, higher foam limits ankle roll
Excessive knee and ankle movement is reduced without forcing the stride. The result is controlled, comfortable support—ideal for runners whose gait deviates from neutral.
Technical specs – GLYCERIN GTS 23
- Category: Premium stability daily trainer
- Use: Everyday easy runs, recovery jogs, long runs
- Foam: DNA TUNED (dual-cell EVA foam, nitrogen-infused)
- Stability tech: GuideRails
- Surface: Road
- Level: All runners
- Weight: 306 g (M), 277 g (W)
- Stack height: 38 mm / 30 mm
- Drop: 8 mm
- Available: January 2026
- Price: €180
| Who are these shoes for?
Glycerin 23 is a great fit for:
➜ Easy-paced runs at slow to moderate speeds
➜ Runners seeking a reliable, durable shoe
➜ Athletes of all levels
Glycerin GTS 23 is ideal for runners who want:
➜ A dependable daily trainer with subtle support
➜ Maximum cushioning without excess
➜ Added stability over long distances
| The Brooks rotation
Brooks’ lineup is comprehensive and well-structured:
➜ Glycerin 23 GTS : daily trainer avec du soutien, conçu pour toutes les sorties du quotidien
➜ Glycerin 23 : daily trainer classique, pour effectuer 80% de votre volume hebdomadaire
➜ Glycerin Max 2 : chaussure maximaliste offrant un niveau d’amorti ultime
➜ Hyperion Max 3 : chaussure d’entraînement pour la vitesse avec une plaque en nylon
➜ Hyperion Elite 5 : chaussure à plaque carbone pour la performance et la compétition, du 5 km au marathon
| Brooks’ lineup is comprehensive and well-structured:
With this 23rd generation, Brooks doesn’t reinvent the Glycerin—it perfects it. Softer, smoother, and better ventilated, it cements its status as a benchmark for premium comfort. The real decision now is between total freedom (Glycerin 23) and discreet support (Glycerin GTS 23). Both share the same mission: carrying runners comfortably over hundreds of kilometers.
With this 23rd generation, Brooks doesn’t reinvent the Glycerin—it perfects it. Softer, smoother, and better ventilated, it cements its status as a benchmark for premium comfort. The real decision now is between total freedom (Glycerin 23) and discreet support (Glycerin GTS 23). Both share the same mission: carrying runners comfortably over hundreds of kilometers.
✔ The Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23 are available now in multiple colorways at brooksrunning.com for €180.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
