Brooks Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23: the ultimate comfort shoe?

At Brooks, and across running more broadly, the Glycerin range is an institution. For more than 20 years, it has embodied Brooks’ vision of ultimate comfort: a shoe designed for everyone and built to go the distance. With the new Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23, the American brand fine-tunes the formula once again with its new DNA TUNED foam. The two iconic models share the same DNA but serve slightly different purposes, meeting every runner’s needs with either a neutral ride or GuideRails technology for added stability.

An even more comfortable Glycerin with DNA TUNED foam

The promise of this 23rd generation is clear: Brooks wants to deliver an exceptionally soft feel for runners. To achieve it, the brand is relying on the latest evolution of its nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED foam, first used in the Glycerin Max. The cushioning uses a dual-cell construction:
✔ larger cells in the heel for soft, plush landings,
✔ smaller cells in the forefoot for a more responsive toe-off.

The Glycerin 23 also gains 2 mm of forefoot cushioning. It is a timely update, as more and more runners look for maximum protection underfoot. The wider platform and optimized contact zones promote a stable, progressive transition from heel to forefoot, a feature long appreciated by loyal Brooks runners.

Brooks unveils the Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23, premium comfort running shoes built for long runs. New DNA TUNED foam, a neutral version or GuideRails support to help every runner stay comfortable day after day.

How the Glycerin 23 feels on the run

Cushioning and ride
The Glycerin 23 is aimed at neutral runners looking for maximum comfort without unnecessary extras. DNA TUNED foam delivers a carefully balanced underfoot feel: soft on impact, yet lively enough at toe-off. The ride remains smooth, reassuring and particularly pleasant at an easy pace.

A redesigned upper
Brooks has chosen a more breathable and comfortable triple-jacquard knit upper with a clean, streamlined fit. The foothold is secure without ever squeezing the foot. After a few miles, the shoe largely disappears beneath you.

Tech specs – GLYCERIN 23

Category: premium daily trainer
Best for: everyday runs at easy aerobic pace, recovery runs and long runs
Foam: DNA TUNED (nitrogen-infused dual-cell EVA foam)
Surface: road
Runner level: all levels
Weight: 300 g (men’s), 272 g (women’s)
Stack height: 38 mm / 30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Available: January 2026
Price: €180
Comparable model: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28

Against the competition: Brooks Glycerin 23 vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28

It is hard to discuss the Glycerin without comparing it with its long-standing rival, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS. For decades, both models have occupied the top tier of the premium daily trainer category. They share a promise of maximum comfort, but each brand takes a distinct approach.

The Nimbus leans into a very soft, enveloping feel, with cushioning that can come across as plusher. The Glycerin 23 takes a more balanced approach: immediate softness on impact, combined with more structure and control through the gait cycle. Brooks’ DNA TUNED foam creates a more progressive transition, while the Nimbus prioritizes maximum shock absorption, particularly in the heel with its GEL technology.

The two models compete in the same category but deliver subtly different rides. The Glycerin maintains a more natural, stable stride, especially on long runs, while the Nimbus will appeal more to runners who want an especially pronounced cushioned feel. In short, two benchmark shoes with two different takes on comfort:
➜ Nimbus for maximum softness,
➜ Glycerin for the balance of comfort, smoothness and stability.

It is a heavyweight clash between two of the best options on the market. The decision will come down mainly to personal preference, and perhaps to price. That is one area where the Glycerin 23 clearly has the edge, at €180 compared with €200 for the Nimbus.

Glycerin GTS 23: the same comfort with controlled support

GuideRails technology: unobtrusive support
The Glycerin GTS 23 uses exactly the same foundations as the neutral version, including the cushioning, geometry and upper, while adding the GuideRails system. The support is built directly into the foam and helps keep the foot properly aligned with the knee. On the inner side of the heel, the foam helps reduce overpronation, while on the outer side of the ankle it is firmer and higher to limit ankle rolling. Excessive knee and ankle motion is therefore kept in check without dramatically altering the runner’s natural stride. The support is gentle, controlled and, above all, comfortable. The system will suit runners whose stride deviates from its natural path.

Tech specs – GLYCERIN GTS 23

Category: premium stability daily trainer
Best for: everyday runs at easy aerobic pace, recovery runs and long runs
Foam: DNA TUNED (nitrogen-infused dual-cell EVA foam)
Technology: GuideRails
Surface: road
Runner level: all levels
Weight: 306 g (men’s), 277 g (women’s)
Stack height: 38 mm / 30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Available: January 2026
Price: €180

Who is it for?

The Glycerin 23 will appeal to a broad range of runners. It is particularly well suited to:
➜ easy runs at a slow to moderate pace
➜ runners looking for a reliable, durable pair of shoes
➜ runners of all levels

With its stability features, the Glycerin GTS is aimed at runners looking for:
➜ maximum cushioning without going overboard
➜ extra stability over longer distances
➜ a reliable running shoe for everyday runs

The Brooks rotation

➜ Glycerin 23 GTS: a stability daily trainer designed for every type of everyday run
➜ Glycerin 23: a classic daily trainer for covering 80% of your weekly mileage
➜ Glycerin Max 2: a maximalist shoe delivering the ultimate level of cushioning
➜ Hyperion Max 3: a speed-training shoe with a nylon plate
➜ Hyperion Elite 5: a carbon-plated shoe for racing and performance, from the 5K to the marathon

The key takeaway

With this 23rd generation, Brooks has not reinvented the Glycerin. It has refined it. Softer, smoother and more breathable, it confirms its status as a benchmark for ultimate comfort. It is certainly one of the best shoes in its category. The real choice now comes down to unrestricted freedom in the Glycerin 23 or discreet support in the Glycerin GTS 23. Both models share the same goal: carrying runners through hundreds of miles.

The Brooks Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23 look like safe bets for 2026. They deliver exactly what they promise: comfort, stability and an enjoyable ride. For many runners, that is precisely all they need.

✔ The Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23 are already available in several colorways on brooksrunning.com for €180.