The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a big and tall cruiser that focuses on providing solid protection and comfort for easy miles. It's more of an update to the original Brooks Glycerin Max than a clear-cut upgrade, retaining the key ingredients that made the first version work so well: a towering stack height, similar geometry, and Brooks' DNA Tuned midsole foam. Overall, it comes across as a slightly firmer, more rockered take on the same formula, but it doesn't feel like a major leap forward. Its cushioning sits on the firmer side for a max-cushioned shoe, yet it delivers a crisp, controlled feel that stays very protective underfoot instead of harsh, making it a standout option for runners who put a lot of pressure into the midsole, including heavier runners who want something reliable and not too sluggish for their daily miles. A heavily padded upper, wide base, and generous rubber coverage make it a confidence-inspiring companion for longer runs and high-mileage training blocks, though its substantial weight and low energy return keep it firmly in the camp of shorter base run specialists rather than a lively, do-it-all daily trainer.
Our Verdict
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a weak option for marathon racing, as its strengths sit almost entirely on the comfort side rather than on performance. While the towering stack and generous cushioning keep your legs well protected, the shoe's heavy build and low energy return make it feel slow and tiring to push during a marathon, especially if you try to hold a steady race pace. The wide, steady platform can help you stay upright when form fades, but it does not compensate for the ride's heaviness and unresponsiveness. In practice, it is far better suited to easy long runs that prepare you for a marathon than to the race itself.
Very high stack height.
Deep and protective cushioning in both heel and forefoot.
Heavy and bulky.
Midsole returns very little energy.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 feels out of its element for 5K and 10K racing, where light weight and snappy turnover matter much more than maximum cushioning. While the forefoot isn't too mushy, it's also far from being truly firm and snappy. Additionally, the combination of high mass and muted rebound requires significant effort to accelerate, and there is no plate to add extra stiffness. All in all, runners will find it sluggish and unwieldy compared with modern plated super trainers.
Heavy and bulky.
Midsole returns very little energy.
Changelog
- Updated Jul 16, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.15, which replaces Responsiveness with three specific performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jul 09, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 30, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Jun 22, 2026:
We've updated the Popular Comparisons section to include a link to the newly reviewed Brooks Ghost 18.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
Energy Return
The forefoot energy return is also very weak, though it is slightly better than the heel. When you load the front of the shoe, you don't get much spring back, so you rely on the rocker to do most of the work in helping you move along. As a result, the forefoot lacks the pop that runners will get if they choose a modern trainer like the ASICS MEGABLAST instead.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 has very poor heel energy return, so rearfoot landings feel muted and unresponsive. Each heel strike sinks into the foam without much rebound, clearly prioritizing shock absorption over any sense of propulsion.
Bounciness
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 has sub-par responsiveness. The DNA Tuned midsole compresses well on impact but doesn't decompress especially quickly or dynamically, resulting in very poor energy return. That said, the rockered geometry of the midsole does a good job of keeping your foot rolling forward through your stride. Runners seeking a lively, springy ride will likely prefer more modern foams that offer a stronger rebound.
Midsole returns very little energy.
Snappiness
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 has a moderately firm forefoot that feels crisper than you might expect from such a maximalist shoe, giving it a more balanced character than full-on plushness. The front of the shoe partially holds its shape and works with the rocker to provide a smooth roll and decent toe off, without ever feeling harsh or overly stiff either. This Goldilocks firmness helps prevent the shoe from feeling too sluggish at easy paces, but it's still far from being super firm either.
Roll
Cushioning
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 really stands out for its cushioning, delivering a deep layer of protection that keeps both heel and forefoot well isolated from the ground. This substantial shock absorption is consistent across all force levels, making it a great option for heavier runners or anyone who places a lot of force into the shoe and wants reliable protection that doesn't bottom out on long runs. It's the perfect shoe for your easy mileage and recovery days, where comfort and support are the priority.
Very high stack height.
Deep and protective cushioning in both heel and forefoot.
This shoe provides amazing heel cushioning, absorbing a large amount of impact across all force levels. Even at very high impact forces (which represent heavier runners or very powerful heel strikers), the rearfoot foam keeps delivering stellar protection without bottoming out, which helps reduce fatigue on long outings. This makes the shoe a particularly attractive option for runners who load the heel heavily and want a forgiving landing zone they can consistently rely on.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 offers fantastic cushioning under the forefoot, with a remarkable amount of impact energy absorbed. This DNA-tuned midsole keeps the ball of your foot well protected, making it a good option for days when your legs are already screaming, but you still need to log some miles. Still, it does not quite match the extreme shock absorption of the Nike Vomero Premium, but this level of cushioning should be sufficient for most people.
True To Size
Stability
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 delivers acceptable lateral stability for a max cushion shoe, thanks to its very wide outsole and a firm enough forefoot to keep the platform from feeling wobbly. This broad base gives you a secure platform to land on when your running economy is negatively affected, which is important on such a tall stacked shoe. However, the softer heel foam and towering midsole still make it feel less stable compared with true stability models, so it is not the best choice if you need strong motion control or proper features for lateral support.
Generous outsole width.
The forefoot is firm enough to add some light stability.
Very high stack height can make the shoe feel less stable.
Foam is quite soft in the heel.
The heel is soft on this model, with foam that's very compliant on impact to create a plush landing. That softness, combined with the high stack, is a significant reason why the shoe feels so comfortable at slower paces; however, it can also make the rearfoot feel a bit less stable for runners who prefer a firmer, more planted heel.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 has a pronounced rocker geometry that feels a touch more aggressive than the original Glycerin Max and gives the forefoot a surprisingly rolling sensation for such a bulky shoe. The rocker holds its shape well when you load it, and once you are moving, it encourages a smooth forward roll. This makes the ride feel more efficient at easy paces than the low-energy foam would suggest. All in all, the rocker is more pronounced than what you typically see in the max-cushioned category, as in shoes like the Mizuno Neo Vista 2. However, in the broader shoe market, it still isn't especially aggressive.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a very heavy shoe, even more so than the original version, largely because of its even more substantial upper with thick padding that adds noticeable mass. You feel that weight if you try to pick up the pace or stay out for a very long session, and it could become particularly cumbersome if the upper gets soaked and waterlogged. For its intended use at easier paces, though, the weight is less of a deal breaker, and it still comes in lighter than some extreme mastodons like the Nike Vomero Premium.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 maintains very good forefoot cushioning over longer distances, though it loses a noticeable chunk of its initial shock absorption over the first 20 km (about 13 miles) of a simulated run. The good news is that it starts from such a high level of protection that even after this drop-off, the front of the shoe still feels well-cushioned, and far from bottoming out, so your legs stay protected on big mileage days.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Phantom/White/Green Gecko colorway, but you can also buy this shoe in other colors, depending on the region. Additional color options include White/Black/Chateau Gray, Oyster/Argyle/Cyber Pink, Grey/Coconut/Metallic, and Orange/Beacon Blue/Nightlife. There are currently no wide versions available. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
Compared to other running shoes, the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a great take on what most people actually need for their daily miles: lots of cushioning and a comfortable upper for all things easy, such as weekly jogs, recovery runs, or long slow days. Many shoes in the broader market can better balance cushioning, weight, and responsiveness to be more versatile, and if you want a single shoe that can handle tempo workouts as well as easy days, something like an ASICS MEGABLAST or a Mizuno Neo Zen will feel lighter, livelier, and more fun. That said, if you want one shoe in your rotation that you reach for on easy days because it's protective, reliable, and relatively stable, this model is excellent, especially for heavier runners or anyone who puts a lot of force into the ground and wants a platform that won't bottom out.
Within Brooks' lineup, the Glycerin Max 2 is the most cushioned cruiser, packing more foam underfoot than the standard Brooks Glycerin 23. Then there's the Brooks Glycerin Flex, a lower-stack daily trainer with a flexible platform that allows more natural foot movement. The Brooks Ghost Max 3 lives in the protective daily-trainer space, but is lower stacked and firmer than the Glycerin Max 2. The brand's classic daily trainer is the Brooks Ghost 18, while the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is designed for runners who require overt support and guidance.
If you're looking for more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, the best long-distance running shoes, and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 and Brooks Glycerin 23 may both be Glycerin by name, but they're noticeably different by nature. The Glycerin Max 2 is the max-cushion option, a colossal cruiser best suited for runners who want maximum comfort and protection on easy, long, and recovery runs. The Glycerin 23, on the other hand, is the more classic daily trainer, with decent cushioning and stability; it's more suited to runners who want a traditional, stable workhorse that can soak up weekly volume without the extra stack height.
The Brooks Glycerin Max and Brooks Glycerin Max 2 are both tall, protective cruisers aimed at slow daily miles, with a few tweaks. The original Glycerin Max feels soft and cushioned underfoot, with a forgiving ride that makes recovery runs and relaxed long runs feel very gentle. The Max 2 retains the same towering stack but firms the foam slightly, adding a more assertive rocker. As a result, the ride feels a bit crisper, especially for heavier runners or those who tend to collapse the midsole in softer, max-cushioned shoes. The downside is that the Max 2 is heavier than it needs to be, with an even more padded triple-mesh upper, which can make your foot very warm. If you want maximum protection and don't mind the extra heft, the Max 2 is the more cushioned option. If you prefer a softer feel or can find the original Glycerin Max discounted, it's a better all-around pick, and there is little reason to upgrade.
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Brooks Glycerin Max 2 are both oversized, comfort-first Brooks trainers, but despite sharing the same "Max" moniker, they perform different functions. The Ghost Max 3 is the lower-stack, more stable option, with a broad base and plush upper that make it feel secure for walking, easy efforts, and slow daily mileage. However, its midsole feels flat, with very little rebound when you try to pick up the pace. The Glycerin Max 2 adds much deeper cushioning, a stronger rocker, and better responsiveness, making it better suited to long runs and heavier runners who want reliable protection underfoot. It's heavier and less stable than the Ghost Max 3, but it gives you a more complete max-cushion ride.
The HOKA Bondi 9 and Brooks Glycerin Max 2 are two cushioned cruisers best suited to easy, long, and recovery runs, where picking up the pace isn't the priority. Both offer truly amazing cushioning and protection, with the Brooks being the heavier option (though the HOKA shoe is no feather). Runners looking for maximum long-run comfort can't go far wrong. Still, a key distinction is that the Brooks is best suited to wider-footed runners (or those who want extra stack height). In contrast, the HOKA is better for those with a narrower forefoot (or those who want a more traditional max-cushion experience).