Brooks Glycerin GTS v23 vs ASICS Gel-Kayano v32
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 4 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
| Brooks Glycerin GTS v23 | ASICS Gel-Kayano v32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack (heel / forefoot) | 39.0 / 31.0 mm | 40.0 / 32.0 mm |
| Drop | 8.0 mm | 8.0 mm |
| Weight (men's 9) | 10.8 oz (306g) | 10.5 oz (298g) |
| Midsole | DNA Tuned (nitrogen-infused EVA) | FF BLAST+ ECO (EVA/OBC bio-based blend) |
| Plate | — | — |
| Upper | Engineered jacquard knit (60% recycled) | Engineered stretch knit |
| MSRP | $180.00 | $165.00 |
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 v23
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.
ASICS Gel-Kayano v32
A refined stability daily trainer that finally feels runnable rather than clunky, thanks to its lower 8mm drop and smoother transition. The 4D Guidance System provides subtle, non-intrusive support for easy miles, though it's not built for faster paces and runs snug in the forefoot.
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.
Kayano 32 is lighter, has a smoother heel transition, lower drop (8mm vs 10mm), more forefoot cushioning, a stiffer forefoot, and more moderate stable-neutral guidance instead of the Glycerin GTS 22's medial post.
Brooks Glycerin GTS v23 — 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"
ASICS Gel-Kayano v32 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .
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The reviewers praise the Kayano 32 as one of the best stability shoes on the market, noting it has evolved from feeling like a heavy tank to riding like a comfortable daily shoe while retaining excellent guidance. However, they find it less versatile than the Nimbus 28 due to its firmer, blockier ride and heavier weight.
Ride:Firmer and more controlled than the Nimbus 28 with a blockier but more uniform landing feel. The 4D guidance system provides adaptive stability that is noticeable but not overdone. Drop reduced from 10mm to 8mm versus previous version, improving transition smoothness. Less versatile than the Nimbus for picking up the pace.
Fit:True to size with a slightly more snug forefoot fit than the Nimbus 28. Thicker upper fits closer across the top of the toes adding a sense of security. More padded tongue with padded sections and a bigger medial gusset for additional medial support. Slightly more padding around the ankle collar.
In their words: "fantastically stable shoe" · "very plush, comfortable shoe" · "more controlled and everything is more uniform"
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Matt calls this the best and most runnable Kayano he has ever tested, praising the smoother transition, slightly firmer snappy ride, and improved full-length guidance — only real gripe is premature outsole wear.
Ride:Smoothest heel and best transition of any Kayano to date. New 8mm drop (down from 10mm) with 40/32 stack makes the shoe feel smoother and snappier. Slight firmness keeps it from feeling mushy. Full-length 4D Guidance System provides medial stability throughout, most prevalent in rear/midfoot but extending into the forefoot. Nice forefoot rocker aids toe-off.
Fit:Snugger, more performance-oriented fit compared to previous wider versions. Very secure lockdown with padded heel that doesn't bother the Achilles. Upper stretches somewhat; wide version recommended for those wanting more room.
In their words: "a little bit more snug" · "a little bit snappy underfoot" · "premature wear on the outsole"
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A heritage stability shoe that has evolved into a genuinely runnable daily trainer with strong durability and support, though it runs narrow and shallow so buyers should size up in width.
Ride:Much more runnable than previous Kayano iterations thanks to the FlyteFoam Blast Plus midsole. 4D stability system provides both medial and lateral support on a wider base for good ground control.
Fit:Runs narrow and shallow; reviewer sized up to 4E. Length is fine but width needs attention. Shoelaces feel a touch short.
In their words: "it runs narrow" · "much more runnable shoe" · "great durability"
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Still the king of the max-stability shoe world — comfortable, supportive, and versatile — but the only meaningful change is 2mm more foam, making it hard to justify the £180 price tag over the cheaper previous version.
Ride:The extra 2mm of FlyteFoam Blast Plus softens the ride versus the previous version, while the 4D Guidance System uses a softer, springier insert that you bounce off as you pronate rather than a firm post.
Fit:True to size with good lockdown; wide platform and built-up sidewalls create a stable cradle.
In their words: "this is a max stability shoe" · "still the king of the stability shoe" · "It's always been too heavy"
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 v23 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
Consider the ASICS Gel-Kayano v32 if
- Heavier runners or overpronators wanting a durable, stable daily trainer that can actually be run in, not just walked in. — Run Moore
- Runners needing medial stability who want a premium stability shoe that can also pick up the pace; long-time Kayano wearers looking for a more runnable, less clunky version. — Doctors of Running
- Easy runs, recovery miles, and daily training for runners wanting cushioned stability without intrusive support features; also works well for neutral runners who want a comfortable cushioned shoe. — The Run Testers
- Walkers and standers with mild stability needs who want a softer, bouncier ride with full-length guidance — Doctors of Running
- Overpronators who need maximum stability for daily miles, long runs, and easy-paced training. — FORDY RUNS
- Runners who need mild-to-strong stability and want a comfortable, reliable easy/daily trainer — also works well for neutral runners who prefer a firmer, more controlled ride. — The Run Testers