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Tested using Methodology v0.11
Updated Apr 30, 2026 04:15 PM
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Amazon
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated May 19, 2026 06:23 PM
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RoadRunnerSports.com
Weight
314.3 g (11.09 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.9 mm
Plate
None
Weight
241.9 g (8.53 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.9 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Mizuno Neo Zen 2
The Mizuno Neo Zen 2 and Brooks Glycerin Max 2 are both protective shoes for daily miles, and they have the same heel-to-toe drop, but they feel quite different on foot. The Brooks is the more cushioned option, with a higher stack and a softer, more comfort-first ride, but it also feels heavier and less stable, and its upper is more conventional. The Mizuno is lighter (which makes it feel more nimble) and more stable.
Variants
- Glycerin Max 2 (Grey/Coconut/Metallic - (Women - US 7))
- Glycerin Max 2 (Orange/Beacon Blue/Nightlife - (Men - US 9))
- Neo Zen 2 (Black Sand/White - (Women - US 7))
- Neo Zen 2 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
5.4
6.4
Weight
3.7
6.7
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
3.1
3.6
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
3.7
6.7
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
314.3 g (11.09 oz)
241.9 g (8.53 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
47.9 mm
40.4 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
41.0 mm
33.5 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.9 mm
6.9 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
6.0 mm
6.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
88 mm (3.5")
96 mm (3.8")
Outsole Arch Width
85 mm (3.4")
84 mm (3.3")
Outsole Forefoot Width
114 mm (4.5")
117 mm (4.6")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
1.84
2.38
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.78
3.49
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
280 mm (11.0")
278 mm (10.9")
Internal Heel Width
66 mm (2.6")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
92 mm (3.6")
89 mm (3.5")
Wide Sizing Available
No
No
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.5
7.2
Forefoot Width Photo
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Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
1.2 mm (0.047")
-3.4 mm (-0.135")
Toe TTS Deviation
5.3 mm (0.208")
-5.3 mm (-0.207")
Forefoot Fit: Height
8.1
2.7
Forefoot Height Photo
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Toe TTS Deviation
-2.4 mm (-0.095")
-8.6 mm (-0.340")
Arch Fit: Width
9.9
8.2
Arch Fit Photo
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Arch Width TTS Deviation
1.2 mm (0.047")
-3.1 mm (-0.122")
Length Fit
10
10
Toe Clearance Photo
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Heel Rocker Geometry
7.5
Heel Rocker Photo
Heel Spring
24 mm (0.9")
Heel Apex Position
24.7%
Heel Rocker Angle
18.2°
Forefoot Rocker Geometry
7.8
Forefoot Rocker Photo
Toe Spring
55 mm (2.2")
Toe Apex Position
62.8%
Forefoot Rocker Angle
26.6°
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Non-gusseted
Semi-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Compression Energy Return
2.0
2.2
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
67.8%
68.2%
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
3.1
3.6
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
69.6%
70.2%
Heel Cushioning
8.5
8.1
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.47 J
3.45 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
10.81 J
10.21 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
19.55 J
17.63 J
Forefoot Cushioning
9.0
8.2
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
5.33 J
4.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
10.19 J
8.90 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
15.84 J
13.30 J
Heel Firmness
4.1
4.6
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
46.4 N/mm
45.1 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
85.8 N/mm
99.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
170.7 N/mm
206.3 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
6.1
7.2
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
78.4 N/mm
91.9 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
147.1 N/mm
187.2 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
273.9 N/mm
340.6 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
8.4
7.5
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
9.41 J
8.14 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
9.15 J
7.95 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
9.02 J
7.85 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
8.93 J
7.76 J
Rocker Stiffness
7.6
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Video
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Graph
Preview Graph
Force To Flatten The Rocker
105 N
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
4.9
Forefoot Bending Video
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
56.5%
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
8.1
Forefoot Bending Resistance Picture
Forefoot Bending Resistance
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
15.9 N/mm
Forefoot Bending Force
381 N
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Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Mizuno Neo Zen 2
Comments
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 vs Mizuno Neo Zen 2: Main Discussion
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