Brooks Glycerin Max vs On Cloudsurfer Max

The On Cloudsurfer Max and Brooks Glycerin Max are both premium trainers carrying the Max moniker, and they interpret it in a similar, geometry-first way rather than chasing maximum bounce. The Glycerin Max is higher stacked and heavier, delivering more overall protection and a slightly more substantial underfoot feel, while the Cloudsurfer Max sits lower and feels a bit firmer and lighter on foot. Both shoes favor a consistent, predictable ride that stays protective without feeling overly soft, and both rely heavily on a pronounced rocker to smooth transitions and keep turnover efficient. For those reasons, they stand out in the premium trainer space for their controlled ride and their emphasis on geometry over raw energy return.