"Chonk" - My First Impressions of the Brooks Glycerin Max
The moment I opened the box to the Glycerin Max by Brooks, I was honestly a bit turned off. It wasn't quite what I expected. In fact, a nickname quickly emerged from my fellow Frontrunners staff: "Chonk." A friendly yet direct nod to its giant, moon boot-like appearance. After the Ballos from New Balance (and not knowing what to do with that), we now had another shoe that left us scratching our heads.
But hey, we can't judge a book by its cover, right?
And truth be told, I kinda like the look of this massive shoe. The pipe vents on the side, the 3D Brooks logo... it's got a certain boldness to it. Plus, I kinda instinctively know when I see a shoe that will fit me, and this one definitely screamed "Hobbit feet!"
So, on a quiet morning at Frontrunners (with no witnesses around), I slipped these bad boys on. My first thought? "Okay, this feels better than I thought." Soft yet snug around the top of my foot – maybe all that fabric just had more of my foot to hug. Standing up, there was definitely a "smoosh" as my heavy dad bod sank into the DNA Tuned foam, but not as dramatic or as soft like the the New Balance 1080. Surprisingly, the first few steps were incredibly firm. The main sensation? I was suddenly two inches taller and in good competition to it's little brother the glycerin.
It was a more responsive step than I had imagined. Like the Ghost max, the rocker was definitely peppy, moving quickly toward the toe. Could this be a concern when running?
I took it for a quick spin around the store and found the feel quite pleasant. If I wanted to pick up the pace, I could. This "Chonker" might be more than just a shoe for dropping Long Slow Distance.
So, what makes up this beast? How did Brooks build this mammoth shoe?
The Glycerin Max Jump Test
Breaking Down the Beast: Glycerin Max Features and Tech
The Glycerin Max breaks the mold of typical max-cushioned shoes. It's not just about sinking into a plush marshmallow; it's about a dynamic ride that can handle varied paces. Here's why
Brooks starts with base proprietary foam and then applies heat, pressure, and nitrogen. The mixture is injected into the foam and held there for a while. Eventually, the heat is turned down and the soles become what they are. ~onsitegas.com
DNA Tuned Foam: A Cushioning Revolution?
This is where the magic happens. Brooks' DNA Tuned foam is nitrogen-infused and features "dual-sized cell technology." In simpler terms, this means:
Soft Landings: Larger cells in the heel provide that signature Glycerin plushness, absorbing impact forces as your foot strikes the ground.
Responsive Toe-Off: Smaller cells in the forefoot create a more responsive feel, helping to propel you forward with each step.
While Brooks keeps the exact details of their process under wraps, it involves infusing a base foam with nitrogen under heat and pressure. This creates a unique structure that's both soft and durable.
Max Thoughts
Having logged miles in other max-cushioned shoes like the Brooks Ghost Max and New Balance 1080, I can confidently say the Glycerin Max offers something different. It's got a performance fun edge that I appreciate. The responsiveness of the DNA Tuned foam gives me the confidence to pick up the pace when needed, unlike some overly soft shoes that can feel like energy suckers. Plus, the stability of the foam is a huge win. I've had my share of ankle twists, and this shoe gives me a secure feel, like I'm running on solid ground, not a trampoline. The Ghost MAX is more of a walker than a runner. The Glycerin Max has more controlled bounce and fun and built to roll under foot. In fact, just bounding up the stairs gets you rolling. A fun gentle push forward.
Glycerin Max Vent Ventilation and Outsole Observations
Those "Pipe Vents" - More Than Just a Look
You weren't kidding about those vents! They definitely give the Glycerin Max a distinctive look. But do they actually do anything?
Breathability Boost: Brooks calls these "sidewall vents," and they're designed to enhance airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable during runs. This is especially important in a max-cushioned shoe, which can sometimes trap heat.
Flexibility Factor: I suspect these vents also contribute to the shoe's flexibility, allowing it to move more naturally with your foot.
My time to vent
While it's hard to quantify the exact impact of the vents, weather they are just looks or fully functional it definitely doesn't feel stiff or restrictive.
Glycerin Max Outsole Overview
Now, let's flip this "Chonker" over and examine the outsole.
Durable Rubber: Brooks uses a durable rubber outsole that should provide good traction on a variety of surfaces.
Flex Grooves: You'll notice flex grooves that run along the length of the outsole. These are strategically placed to enhance the shoe's flexibility and promote a smooth, efficient stride.
5K Review of the Brooks Glycerin Max
So, I took these beasts, the Glycerin Max by Brooks, out for a short 5K today, and gotta say, I kinda liked them. I plan to take them further, maybe a long term review to see how they last.
These suckers were bouncy but firm. They rolled nicely under my feet. You have to let the shoe do its thing; you can't force it. You can pick up the pace real easy – definitely a favorite feature.
Going uphill felt great! The shoes kind of propelled me up with a little bit of bounce. The only thing I didn't like was going downhill. Think of that uphill bounce in reverse...not so fun. However, I think this is a good long-distance training shoe, especially if you can't get to the trails and have to hit the road for some long miles.
There's a reason for these shoes, unlike its grandpa, the Ghost Max, which is definitely a walker. You could use the Glycerin Max for both, but I'd stick to running. It's going on the shelf, ready to go for those long, slow runs on the weekend.
Want to go for an easy, zone-two run, have a coffee chat with a friend, or record a video? These are your shoes. I kind of like that they weren't smushy like marshmallows deflating under your feet. They kept their structure even when I picked up the pace. I was definitely in the driver's seat with these.
Kudos to Brooks for bringing this shoe out. There's a lot of competition, and they definitely nailed it. I think the foams are coming along; the past couple of years have been rough for a lot of brands, but I'm seeing some good things with these new biofoams and engineering.
These shoes aren't for everyone, though. You're definitely not going to take them around the track (unless you want to, I guess) and get that kind of structure out of them.
Is the Glycerine Max for Triathlon Training?
Yes, The cushion would stand up for your enjoyable Z2 long slow distances or recovery runs.
Is the Glycerine Max for Ultra Endurance Training?
Is the Glycerine Max made for wide foot?
“i am running the New York City Marathon again this year. im running w @brooksrunning which is pretty amazing and technically mean i am now a professional runner but a very slow professional runner. I’ve been training in the new Brooks Glycerin Max, theyre amazing shoes, strong recommend. my goal for NYCM 2024 is the same as its been since 2009, to break 3 hours. wish me luck #BrooksPartner.” ~ caseyneistat
Let's see what Casey has to say after running the NYCM 2924 marathon in the Glycerin Max. That's a nice distance and it could break the mold these super trainer shoes have been maxing around at.
The "Chonky" Conclusion ( It's the SOLE that Counts )
We all aren't perfect, but Brooks got it right with the Glycerin Max. They've ventured beyond the current trend of bio-foams and landed precisely where they needed to be, staying true to what fans love about them: soft, yet not too soft cushioning, with a firm, reactive sole. They didn't sell out to the marshmallowy softness that dominates some max-cushioned shoes. Instead, they let the runner be the runner.
Don't expect perfection but appreciate that the design is thoughtful in its approach. It's not about Brooks showing off; it's about respecting the runners who have always valued the DNA the company was built on. Reinvention isn't hard as long as you keep it simple.
Just wanted to let you know that I purchased the Brooks Glycerin Max myself – no sponsorships or freebies here! These are my honest opinions based on my own experiences with the shoe.
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