Brooks Glycerin Flex Overview and First Run Review
Below we are breaking down the features and construction of the all new Brooks Glycerin Flex, as well as our impressions after the first run. We also compare it to the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 and help you decide if it is worth picking up to add to your running shoe rotation.
The Brooks Glycerin Flex might be one of the more interesting daily trainer updates we’ve seen from Brooks in a while. After the first run, the flexible geometry and segmented outsole feel smooth and natural rather than gimmicky, with DNA Tuned foam delivering a softer, more forgiving ride than expected. The step-in comfort is excellent, the upper feels dialed, and the ride encourages solid forefoot engagement when the pace picks up. Early impressions point to a fun, approachable workhorse daily trainer that still has some pop.
Brooks Glycerin Flex vs. Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Geometry
The Brooks Glycerin Flex has a smooth, versatile geometry that’s comfortable for daily paces, but encourages driving power through the forefoot when you pick up the pace while the Glycerin Max 2 has a more aggressive late stage rocker geometry that feels best when landing at the front of the platform.
Foam and Stack Height
There is a whopping 12mm stack height difference between these two shoes. The Glycerin Flex has 36mm of foam in the heel (more similar to shoes like the Adidas Evo SL or the New Balance Rebel v5), while the Glycerin Max 2 has an incredible 48mm in the heel. Whether a different formulation or due to the flexible nature of the midsole, the DNA Tuned feels softer and more forgiving in the Glycerin Flex. The Glycerin Max 2 has a more rigid platform with a firm implementation of DNA Tuned.
Outsole
The outsole coverage on both the Glycerin Flex and Glycerin Max 2 is generous, as is customary with Brooks’ shoes.
Brooks Glycerin Flex
Initial Review
The Glycerin Flex introduces the use of Flex Grooves, a segmented and disjointed outsole that is marketed to allow more foot articulation. Brooks is using a version of the DNA Tuned foam that seems similar to that used in the OG Glycerin Max. The step-in feel is incredible with a dialed, soft upper with good lockdown, a comfortable heel, an accommodating, yet appropriately snug fit with soft, stretchy laces. While we didn’t notice the flex groove technology out on the run, which is a good thing, we did find the ride to be extremely enjoyable and smooth. While not a low-stack speed trainer, it is a very solid workhorse daily trainer that encourages good mechanics and offers good protection, bounce, and agility. If you are looking for a fun and peppy daily trainer with great mid-foot bounce, a perfectly tuned foam, and a geometry that encourages you to get up on your forefoot, the Glycerin Flex would be a great option.
For Yowana's full video First Run Review of the Glycerin Flex, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:
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