Nike Vomero Plus vs Brooks Glycerin Max 2
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 7 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 Max 2
A max-cushion trainer built for easy miles and recovery, the Glycerin Max 2 delivers consistent protection with a pronounced rocker but feels heavier and less dynamic than its predecessor, leaving some testers questioning its value at $200.
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.
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 is heavier, firmer, more rockered and more stable but less bouncy and less versatile at faster paces.
Better ride with ZoomX, easier to pick up pace, cooler upper, similar comfort/outsole/stability, and cheaper at £155.
Mentioned as a preferred max-cushion alternative with more bounce
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"
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , soft_plush feel , neutral stability .
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A solid max-cushion option but heavier and less fun than the Vomero Plus; Nick also prefers the original Glycerin Max over this update.
Ride:Consistent poppy ride with a firmer, more stable feel than ZoomX; the Glide Roll rocker and lower 6mm drop give a smooth turnover but limited toe-off bounce, and the shoe feels labored at faster paces.
Fit:True to size in UK 9 / US 10; stiff internal heel counter is noticeable but not a problem on the run; comfortable padded upper with a slightly thinner, more breathable forefoot than the Nike.
In their words: "very nice consistent poppy ride" · "more stable than Zumax" · "a bit labored"
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A denser, heavier Glycerin Max that is locked into the easy recovery niche; the reviewer clearly prefers the lighter Nimbus 28 at a similar price.
Ride:Denser foam than v1, still soft and forgiving but not quicksand-like; aggressive outsole with more rubber coverage especially in the heel; ~314g feels bottom-heavy on foot; slightly lower drop than Nimbus
In their words: "a much heavier shoe on foot" · "a much denser foam" · "feels quite bottomheavy"
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A disappointing update that strips the original's dynamic bounce and personality, leaving a forgettable, heavy max-cushion shoe that's hard to justify at $200.
Ride:Very pronounced rocker, but foam feels blocky and lost the squish/bounce dynamism of v1.
Fit:Plush padded upper, slightly narrower forefoot than v1, fits true to size.
In their words: "rocker is the most pronounced characteristic" · "more narrow than the last version" · "doesn't feel that soft or max cushion"
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A meaningful improvement over the original Glycerin Max for runners who prefer a firmer, more structured ride; the sharp forefoot rocker masks the weight and feels great on long runs, though the heel transition may not suit everyone.
Ride:High stack rockered ride with slightly firmer DNA Tuned foam than v1; sharp forefoot rocker creates rhythmic roll, heel feels structured and can be slightly slappy/clunky through the midfoot transition. Outsole grips very well.
Fit:Normal width throughout, plush triple jacquard mesh upper, breathable but may run warm in summer; normal forefoot volume with adequate toe space.
In their words: "max stack training shoe" · "very rockered" · "heel might be a touch clunky"
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 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
Consider the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 if
- Runners who want a very stable, natural-feeling max-cushion shoe for racking up easy miles and long runs. — The Run Testers
- Easy/recovery running where weight is not a priority — EDDBUD
- Max cushion easy miles for runners who prioritize rocker over bounce. — Believe in the Run
- Walking and short easy efforts for runners who specifically want a very tall, very cushioned shoe — The Run Testers
- Heavier runners and grueling marathon training blocks needing leg protection — EDDBUD
- Neutral runners wanting a protective max-stack trainer with a pronounced forefoot rocker for longer efforts — Doctors of Running
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nike Vomero Plus and the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
The Nike Vomero Plus is a recovery / easy and the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the Nike Vomero Plus weighs 281g, has a 43mm heel stack and a 10mm drop, while the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 weighs 315g, has a 48mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. MSRP is $155 for the Nike Vomero Plus and $200 for the Brooks Glycerin Max 2.
Should I buy the Nike Vomero Plus or the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
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. The Run Testers on the Brooks Glycerin Max 2: Runners who want a very stable, natural-feeling max-cushion shoe for racking up easy miles and long runs.
Per FORDY RUNS, The Run Testers.
Has anyone reviewed both the Nike Vomero Plus and the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
Yes — The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS, and EDDBUD directly compared the Nike Vomero Plus and the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS, EDDBUD.
Which is lighter, the Nike Vomero Plus or the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
The Nike Vomero Plus is lighter, at 281g versus 315g (men's 9) — about 34g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Nike Vomero Plus or the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
Measured by stack height, the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 has more underfoot foam — 48mm at the heel versus 43mm.