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.
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.
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
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
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
A major disappointment relative to the Glycerin 23 and the original Glycerin Max; feels heavy and cumbersome.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compared to other road easy recovery in the same lane.
