Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 vs Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 2 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
A firmer stability trainer with a pronounced medial post that delivers high arch support and a bouncier ride once broken in, though reviewers split on whether the midsole feels soft or firm relative to its predecessor.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23
A stability-focused daily trainer that trades the softer v22 feel for a firmer, more rigid platform; reviewers split on whether the stiffer ride suits their mechanics, though most praise the wider fit and cushioned Glycerin base.
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.
v22 is softer, lighter by 0.1 oz, with higher 10mm drop and clearer medial post feel; v23 is firmer and more rigid overall.
v23 is heavier, firmer, and more rigid with less post-like GuideRails; v22 has softer midsole and clearer medial post feel.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .
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A firmer, bouncier update that feels lighter than its weight thanks to DNA Tuned break-in and delivers higher stability via a medial post; battling the Kayano 32 for Matt's stability shoe of the year and a clear improvement over the previous, too-soft version.
Ride:Firmer than the previous version but still well cushioned with a noticeable heel bounce once the DNA Tuned foam breaks in, making the shoe feel lighter than its listed 11.6 oz weight. 10mm drop with a more flexible forefoot. One of the few current shoes retaining a medial post (marketed as both medial and lateral support) — delivers high stability with distinct arch pressure.
Fit:Knit upper, lower volume, starts fairly snug but breaks in and widens over time — wider-footed runners should consider the wide version. Tongue is heavily padded, which some will like and others won't. Lockdown laces helped as the upper widened.
In their words: "still has medial posting going on" · "high stability shoe"
Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .
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A heavier, firmer, more rigid take on the Glycerin GTS that shifts toward motion-control feel; reviewer misses the softer v22 midsole and finds v23 clunky for his mechanics.
Ride:Firmer, stiffer ride with rigid rearfoot and midfoot; GuideRails feel less post-like than v22 but stability now comes from overall rigidity rather than a soft center with side bumpers.
Fit:Wider fit than v22 but runs short; very stiff heel counter; thick non-gusseted tongue. Those between sizes should try in store or size up a half.
In their words: "a lot firmer" · "fits short" · "moving in more of a motion control direction"
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Moore's shop stocks the GTS 3:1 or 4:1 over the neutral version; it offers light stability in the same cushioned Glycerin package and is Moore's go-to recommendation for most walk-in customers.
Ride:Same mold as the neutral Glycerin 23 with a subtle amount of pronation control; smoother transition than previous Glycerins.
Fit:Wider forefoot than previous version; sizing is accurate.
In their words: "a little bit of pronation control" · "not like there's a crazy amount of stability"
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 GTS 22 if
- Runners who found v21 too soft or wanted more stability/control from a premium stability trainer — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a softer stability ride with a clear medial post feel and narrower fit. — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a bouncier heel, a higher heel drop, a more flexible forefoot, and who like the feeling of a medial post with pressure under the arch — higher-stability needs than a stable-neutral trainer. — Doctors of Running
Consider the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 if
- Runners wanting rigid heel/midfoot stability without a medial post feel; not compatible with orthotics. — Doctors of Running
- Newer, older, or higher-arch-support-seeking runners who want a touch of pronation control in a max-cushion daily trainer. — Run Moore
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 and the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23?
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is a recovery / easy and the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 weighs 303g, has a 39mm heel stack and a 10mm drop, while the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 weighs 306g, has a 39mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $165 for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 and $180 for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23.
Should I buy the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 or the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23?
Doctors of Running on the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22: Runners who found v21 too soft or wanted more stability/control from a premium stability trainer. Doctors of Running on the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23: Runners wanting rigid heel/midfoot stability without a medial post feel; not compatible with orthotics.
Per Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 and the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23?
Yes — Doctors of Running directly compared the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 and the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 in their reviews.
Per Doctors of Running.
Which is cheaper, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 or the Brooks Glycerin GTS 23?
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is cheaper at $165 versus $180 MSRP — about $15 less.