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
Softer, bouncier, lighter, and smoother rocker than the firmer, more stable Glycerin Max
Vomero Plus beats it hands down on price
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
Brooks Glycerin 23 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , neutral stability .
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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"
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The reviewer considers the Glycerin 23 one of the most comfortable shoes of the year and the most enjoyable daily Brooks option since the original Glycerin Max, praising its plush cushioning and impact protection while noting it lacks energy return and could be slightly lighter.
Ride:Very plush and compressive midsole with quick-to-compress feel. DNA Tuned foam is soft and forgiving, closer to the original Glycerin Max than V2. Lacks high energy return but excels as an impact protector. Flexible outsole complements the soft midsole well. 2mm additional stack over previous version in both heel and forefoot.
Fit:True to standard running shoe sizing. Voluminous toe box with lots of room, wide-footed runners likely fine without needing wide version. Thick rope-like laces provide excellent lockdown. Plush padding around ankle with elf-like booty construction at heel.
In their words: "plush impact protector" · "smashing long run shoe" · "Perfect for those easier sessions"
Nike Vomero Plus — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .
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FORDY RUNS' stated favourite shoe and Nike pick; despite upcoming versions he cannot keep it off the list as his overall favourite.
In their words: "my favorite shoe" · "can't keep going on about the Miro plus and then keep it off the list"
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Ben Parkes' top Nike pick; a comfortable, smooth max-stack daily shoe with great shock absorption and grip, praised for looking after legs on long runs, though slightly heavy and needs care in corners due to a high-soft-foam combination.
In their words: "smooth and surprisingly fast for a shoe that is quite bulky" · "go-to recommendation for the max stack shoes"
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His favorite super trainer in the lineup and the shoe he runs the most in: a ZoomX-loaded high-stack trainer with a smooth, stable, bouncy ride that's versatile from easy to marathon pace.
Ride:Packed with ZoomX foam from Nike's super shoes; very high stack yet a smooth, stable, bouncy ride that's brilliant for long runs and good for intervals, just less agile than the Evo SL.
In their words: "it's like wearing a high heel" · "the shoe I run the most in" · "my favorite shoe in this lineup"
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Nick's favorite max-cushion shoe and the standard others should aim for, delivering a fun, energetic, bouncy ride without sacrificing stability.
Ride:Big deep ZoomX midsole you sink into but springs straight back; bouncy and energetic without being soggy, retains bounce over long runs and reasonably versatile up to steady paces.
Fit:Very good fit true to size with lots of toe box room; heavily padded tongue feels plush but can run hot in warm conditions.
In their words: "puts a smile on your face" · "my favorite max cushion shoe" · "you sink into it, but you come straight back up"
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
- A reliable, comfortable, soft long-distance cruiser built to last. — Ben Parkes
- Easy runs, recovery runs, and long runs at a comfortable pace. Can handle some tempo work but not a speed shoe. — The Run Testers
- Very comfortable miles, not pushing pace — The Run Testers
- Plush daily training and long runs, including picking up the pace to sub-5 min/km. — FORDY RUNS
- Comfortable easy-paced daily miles and long runs for neutral runners who want a plush, stable cushioned shoe. — The Run Testers
Consider the Nike Vomero Plus if
- 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
- Easy days, recovery runs, and lifestyle/walking use — EDDBUD
- Soft, cushioned easy miles; aggressive pricing makes it attractive at sale prices — EDDBUD
- Easy and long runs in a rotation; cushion-shoe slot. — The Run Testers
- Easy, long, and daily training runs with enough versatility to stretch into tempo work. — The Run Testers
- Daily training and long runs, especially as a cheaper Superblast 2 alternative for runners wanting a max-cushion ZoomX trainer — FORDY RUNS
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. FORDY RUNS on the Nike Vomero Plus: 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.
Per The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the Nike Vomero Plus?
Yes — Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS, and EDDBUD directly compared the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the Nike Vomero Plus in their reviews.
Per Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD.
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.