Edit - 01/07/2019
The Glycerin 17 is now out. The main changes from the Glycerin 16 model include:
- The fit of the upper is much better and it now fits true to size
- Weight increased by 3g to 310g
- Price has increased by £5 to £140
As a result, the PowerKnapp Rating has dropped slightly to 64/100
Ah, the Brooks Glycerin. My first running shoe crush. Having been fitted for the first time at an Up and Running store back in Sevenoaks, Kent, I was looking for a pair of Asics which complimented my running style. But then the Glycerin 11 came out and I was sold! Four pairs of Glycerins later, I get to try the latest edition at the Runners Need store at Port Solent - the Glycerin 16. So how do they hold up?
Quick Stats:
Price: £135
Cushioning: Premium
Weight: 307g (Size UK8)
Stability: Neutral
Durability: High (~450 miles)
Offset: 10mm
Stack Height: Medium - 32mm (Heel) - 22mm (Toe)
Surface: Road
Fit: Standard
Waterproof: No
PK RAVES SCORE: 65/100
Similar Shoes: 361 Degrees Meraki, Asics Cumulus 20, Asics Flux 5, Asics Nimbus 20, Asics Quantum 360 v4, Brooks Dyad 10, Mizuno Wave Sky 2, Nike Vomero 13, Reebok OSR Harmony Road 2.
Overview:
- Decent value for money for a premium high mileage shoe
- Size range is good with additional widths available for both men and women
- A little bit on the heavy side, but lighter than its predecessor
- Great stack height for the long miles
- Fit is almost perfect, just a smidgen on the snug side.
- Offset is a little high for some
- Not a very unique shoe with many others filling a similar, popular niche
Cushioning and Fit:
Brooks' DNA cushioning has gone through it's phases. From being the Gel-like cushioning, not unlike Asics currently, to evolving into a totally new foam based cushioning, designed to mould to the shape of the runners foot. Then came Super DNA and finally DNA LOFT. This latest iteration of the DNA cushioning remains true to it's Super DNA predecessor but is designed with more emphasis on a smoother heel-to-toe transition in mind. It's always been considered as the Ghost's big sibling as it just offers a little bit more of everything including cushioning. It's a stable and rather firm ride, it's certainly not squidgy but clearly offers great shock absorb potential which is thanks to Brooks' IDEAL pressure zones which help to disperse impact.
The fit of shoe is a touch snug on the toe but otherwise is pretty all-round in fit - it isn't wide but not narrow either and so should fit the majority of foot types, similar to the On Cloudflow. The Brooks Glycerin also boasts a 3D printed upper for lightweight yet reinforced uppers as well as a Double Jacquard Mesh which offers breathability, flexibility and structure.
Stability:
The stability in this shoe is neutral. As said, it is a rather firm and sturdy ride, so even very mild pronators could benefit, but it is build to compliment the neutral running style.
Stack Height and Offset:
The stack height for this shoe is fairly standard, right in the sweet spot. Not too close to the ground and not overly elevated. The heel sits a generous 3.2cm above the ground, giving plenty of protection over the long miles. The offset is 10mm, so a little bit on the steeper end of the market, but good for those who seems to struggle with calf/Achilles problems.
Surfaces and Durability:
Miles are what the Glycerin is build for and they deliver. The Glycerin is a contender for your mile horse when building up your training, particularly for road. By all means, it will go off road - I certainly did with mine! But don't be shocked if you lose some tread from the bottom - the softer blown rubber just isn't designed for grit and mud.
If you're looking to replace your high mileage, high cushioned training shoe, and value consistency and reliability over lightweight/performance feel, then the Glycerin is well worth a try.
You can check out the Brooks Glycerin 16 at the brands website here:
Got any suggestions for shoes you'd like to see us review? Give us a shout with your suggestions!
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