Brooks Glycerin 23 vs Nike Vomero Plus
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Only $5 more but much bouncier and more fun despite also being heavy
Nike is lighter, bouncier and more fun; Brooks is firmer, more stable and more rockered but less lively off the toes.
Vomero Plus is cheaper in the UK and feels like a step up on midsole performance
Vomero Plus is more nimble and bouncy; Glycerin Max is more stable, denser and has a better outsole
Vomero Plus beats it hands down on price
Softer, bouncier, lighter, and smoother rocker than the firmer, more stable Glycerin Max
Brooks Glycerin 23 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , neutral stability .
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A plush, durable recovery/easy-day shoe that the reviewer calls a real winner, crediting the DNA Tuned midsole material.
In their words: "really hits the spot" · "I just found this one to be a real winner"
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Reviewer enjoyed the Glycerin 23 as a solid, very plush and comfortable daily shoe, though Brooks wasn't featured as a main brand in the video.
In their words: "very plush, very soft, very comfortable"
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A slight but meaningful improvement over prior Glycerins with more forefoot cushion and a nicer 8mm drop; the more comfortable, more stable of the two Glycerins and the better pick for most runners.
Ride:Plush, stable, comfortable ride with a smoother feel than the previous version thanks to 2mm more forefoot cushioning and an 8mm drop; thick, grippy outsole.
Fit:Fits true to size with a forgiving midfoot that accommodates average to slightly wider feet; soft, comfortable upper with good toe space.
In their words: "smoother ride to this shoe" · "It's very stable still"
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An average premium daily trainer that suffers from excessive weight and a non-breathable upper. At $175, both reviewers gave it a C across design, value, performance, and overall, noting there are better options like the Glycerin Flex, Nike Vomero Plus, or Saucony Ride at similar or lower price points.
Ride:DNA Tuned midsole with softer heel and firmer forefoot for zonal energy. Ride is smooth through the stride but feels slightly firmer than the previous version. Added 2mm of forefoot cushioning compared to version 22. The major issue is weight at 11.7 oz in size 10.5, making it feel heavy on longer runs.
Fit:True to size. One reviewer went half size down and found it too tight in the toes. Lockdown is good. Tongue is very thick and not gusseted. Upper uses triple jacquard mesh which is not very breathable despite many perforations. Lots of cushioning in heel collar area.
In their words: "premium cushion daily trainer" · "a little heavy for a running shoe" · "smooth ride going through your stride"
Nike Vomero Plus — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .
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The reviewer's preferred max-cushion shoe overall thanks to its exceptionally bouncy ZoomX midsole, edging out the Clifton Pro despite being pricier and heavier.
Ride:Full ZoomX midsole gives a very bouncy, high energy-return ride with a 45/35mm stack and 10mm drop; smooth despite the high drop thanks to a moderate rocker.
Fit:True to size in UK9 (US10); thick, warm, well-padded upper; also available in wide fits.
In their words: "booming bouncy mid sole" · "sink in and then come straight back" · "extra springy ride just wins the day"
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EDDBUD says the Vomero Plus SE offers a huge amount of cushion, carrying over heavily from the discontinued Nike Invincible Run, and is great value at the discounted price.
In their words: "huge amount of cushion" · "borrows heavily from the previous version" · "can't lose under 100 quid"
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Fordy's clear favourite long run shoe, powered by ZoomX foam; he used it heavily through a prior marathon block and it's the obvious, default pick again for this training cycle.
Ride:ZoomX foam that's proven epically reliable for long runs.
In their words: "absolutely loved it" · "epically reliable for my long runs" · "constantly recommend on this channel"
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Kofuzi likes the Vomero Plus's peppier, comfortable midsole and thinks it could work as a speedy long-run or marathon shoe for bigger/taller runners, but at 10 oz he personally finds it too heavy for anything beyond easy everyday runs.
Ride:A similar midsole design to the Neo Vista 3 with more pop, very comfortable and well-padded, but noticeably heavier at 10 oz.
In their words: "a lot more pop to it" · "too heavy to do anything"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Brooks Glycerin 23 if
- Easy runs, recovery runs, and long runs at easy pace for neutral runners who value comfort and reliability — The Run Testers
- Easy and recovery runs, long runs at sustainable pace, heavier runners wanting road impact protection, all-day comfort for standing professions — EDDBUD
- A do-it-all workhorse daily trainer for newer runners or those building toward a first half marathon. — Run Moore
- Easy runs, recovery runs, and long runs at a comfortable pace. Can handle some tempo work but not a speed shoe. — The Run Testers
- A reliable, comfortable, soft long-distance cruiser built to last. — Ben Parkes
- Very comfortable miles, not pushing pace — The Run Testers
Consider the Nike Vomero Plus if
- Easy and long runs for neutral runners who want a soft, bouncy, fun max-cushion daily trainer that can also handle some tempo work. — The Run Testers
- Versatile max-cushion daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and even first races — The Run Testers
- Everyday runners who want a great long-run shoe at a lower price and don't want the softness of the Superblast 3 or the narrow fit of the Megablast. — FORDY RUNS
- Runners wanting a fun, bouncy max-cushion shoe for easy and long daily training runs — The Run Testers
- Long runs and marathon-pace blocks, and a good option for heavier runners. — Ben Parkes
- A high-stack do-it-all daily shoe for runners who are not racking up the longest long runs. — Ben Parkes
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Brooks Glycerin 23 is a recovery / easy and the Nike Vomero Plus is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the Brooks Glycerin 23 weighs 309g, has a 39mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Nike Vomero Plus weighs 281g, has a 43mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. MSRP is $175 for the Brooks Glycerin 23 and $155 for the Nike Vomero Plus.
Should I buy the Brooks Glycerin 23 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Run Testers on the Brooks Glycerin 23: Easy runs, recovery runs, and long runs at easy pace for neutral runners who value comfort and reliability. The Run Testers on the Nike Vomero Plus: Easy and long runs for neutral runners who want a soft, bouncy, fun max-cushion daily trainer that can also handle some tempo work.
Per The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the Nike Vomero Plus?
Yes — Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, EDDBUD, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the Nike Vomero Plus in their reviews.
Per Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS.
Which is lighter, the Brooks Glycerin 23 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Nike Vomero Plus is lighter, at 281g versus 309g (men's 9) — about 28g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Brooks Glycerin 23 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
Measured by stack height, the Nike Vomero Plus has more underfoot foam — 43mm at the heel versus 39mm.