BI
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.
Best for: Max cushion easy miles for runners who prioritize rocker over bounce.
Road Easy Recovery
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.
"rocker is the most pronounced characteristic" — Believe in the Run
Physical blueprint
Where this shoe sits
Weight 315 g
Heel stack 48.0 mm
Drop 6.0 mm
Cushioning Maximal
Best for
Recovery & EasyDaily Training
Pronation Neutral
Surface Road
Specifications
Weight (M9)
315g (11.1 oz)
Stack (Heel)
48.0 mm
Stack (Forefoot)
42.0 mm
Drop
6.0 mm
Midsole
DNA TUNED (nitrogen-infused EVA, dual-size cells)
Outsole
Rubber
Upper
Triple jacquard air mesh
Lacing
Traditional
Fit Profile
Length
True To Size
Forefoot Width
Standard
Midfoot Width
Average
Heel Width
Snug
Lockdown
Good
Toe Box
Roomy
Sizing
True To Size
Ride Characteristics
Cushioning
Maximal
Feel
Soft Plush
Stability
Neutral
Durability
Outsole
Above Average
Expert reviews
DO
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.
Best for: Neutral runners wanting a protective max-stack trainer with a pronounced forefoot rocker for longer efforts
E
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.
Best for: Easy/recovery running where weight is not a priority
+1 earlier review from EDDBUD
A serious max-cushion protector for heavier runners, though heavy and not especially exciting.
Best for: Heavier runners and grueling marathon training blocks needing leg protection
FR
A major disappointment relative to the Glycerin 23 and the original Glycerin Max; feels heavy and cumbersome.
+2 earlier reviews from FORDY RUNS
A big disappointment — the DNA Tuned ride is still comfortable but the shoe gained weight, the new upper runs very hot, and at £180 it's outclassed by cheaper alternatives.
Best for: Easy-paced comfort runs, though overheating upper and added weight undermine it.
A major letdown — extremely heavy, extremely warm, terrible upper; reviewer says to skip this version and wait for v3.
K
+1 earlier review from Kofuzi
A good max-cushion shoe on its own merits, but a sensible, less eccentric successor that feels like a step back from the beloved Glycerin Max 1 and is hard to justify at $200.
Best for: Daily training, recovery, and long runs for fans of the Ghost/Glycerin wanting extra plush cushioning.
RM
If you liked version one you'll like version two, as it's largely the same DNA Tuned midsole with a new upper; the range is narrow and competitors like the Superblast do the bouncy non-plated super trainer better.
Best for: Fans of the Glycerin Max 1 wanting a heavily cushioned, non-plated max-stack shoe for easy comfort wear; same DNA and fit as v1 with a new upper.
TR
A solid max-cushion option but heavier and less fun than the Vomero Plus; Nick also prefers the original Glycerin Max over this update.
Best for: Runners who want a very stable, natural-feeling max-cushion shoe for racking up easy miles and long runs.
+2 earlier reviews from The Run Testers
A step back from the original Glycerin Max for Tommy — clunky, heavy, and lacking the bounce to justify the stack and price; he struggled to enjoy training in it.
Best for: Walking and short easy efforts for runners who specifically want a very tall, very cushioned shoe
A comfortable, protective max-cushion easy-day shoe with a firmer, more rockered ride than the MagMax, but heavier and not versatile enough for picking up the pace.
Best for: Easy runs, recovery runs and long runs at easy pace for runners who want firmer, more immediate cushion.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 good for daily training?
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.
How does the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 fit?
Reviewers note: 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.
Per The Run Testers.
How much does the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 weigh and what is its drop?
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 weighs about 315g (men's 9), has a 48.0mm heel stack and a 6.0mm heel-toe drop.
What shoes is the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 compared to?
Reviewers compare the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 to Nike Vomero Plus, Brooks Glycerin Max, ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, Nike Vomero Premium.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD, Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running, FORDY RUNS, Run Moore, Kofuzi.
How many experts have reviewed the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
Next Pair aggregates 13 expert reviews of the Brooks Glycerin Max 2, including The Run Testers, EDDBUD, Believe in the Run.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD, Believe in the Run.
Where it sits among similar shoes
Compared to other road easy recovery in the same lane.
Weight · lower = lighter
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 315g
Mizuno Horizon 9 309g
Skechers Aero Burst 312g
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 298g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 48.0mm
Mizuno Horizon 9 42.0mm
Skechers Aero Burst 43.0mm
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 40.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning
Brooks Glycerin Max 2 6.0mm
Mizuno Horizon 9 8.0mm
Skechers Aero Burst 6.0mm
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 8.0mm
Continue reading
Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and
authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized
from named, linked sources — never copied verbatim. We weight clinical
and lab-tested sources more heavily than community commentary, but the
specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.
Last updated 2026-06-19