Brooks Glycerin 20 and Glycerin GTS 20 Review

Published: August 19, 2022

Lofty DNA Upgrade Injects a Big Bounce into the Glycerin

Likes

DNA Loft v3 midsole is protective and energetic
Plush upper is highly comfortable
Durable trainer that will last for miles

Dislikes

Can be slappy at times

What's New

A big milestone birthday deserves a big update, and the Brooks Glycerin 20 (neutral option) and Glycerin GTS 20 (stability option) are both outfitted with some awesome new features that elevate the performance of these highly cushioned daily trainers. The most substantial upgrade is the introduction of a new full-length DNA Loft v3 foam midsole, which was first seen in the exciting Brooks Aurora last year. This super-lightweight foam is bouncy and protective, far exceeding the quality of the previous DNA Loft compound.

Along with the new midsole, Brooks has created a wider platform to help stabilise the Glycerin 20's softer footbed. This works in harmony with a robust rubber outsole, which is also equipped with an upgraded layout to promote smoother heel-to-toe transitions. In the Glycerin GTS 20, the stability is magnified further with the help of GuideRails that run along the sides of the foot and act as bumpers to help limit excess inward movement of the foot. On top of it all is a new lightweight and breathable air mesh upper that delivers all the comfort you expect from a Glycerin with a secure lockdown that will safely get you wherever you're going.

The Bottom Line

Like a teenager transitioning into adulthood, turning 20 comes with more pressure and higher expectations. In the case of the Brooks Glycerin 20 and Glycerin GTS 20, those expectations have been met, setting a high bar as the shoe enters its roaring 20s.

Both models have been fully upgraded and are touting a new DNA Loft v3 midsole, which impressed when it debuted in the Aurora in 2021 and continues to deliver top-quality performance in the Glycerin. Though, compared to the Aurora, the Glycerin is not quite as energetic, which is likely a byproduct of the Glycerin's substantial rubber outsole. That said, the Glycerin 20 is both softer and more responsive than the previous version, injecting an uncharacteristic yet highly-appreciated bounce into the line.

The Glycerin 20 and GTS 20's new air mesh upper still emphasises comfort with plush padding in the collar and tongue, delivering the classic Glycerin feel that Brooks fans have grown to expect from the trainer.

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Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Connor B: "The Brooks Glycerin 20 and GTS 20 both feature the same engineered air mesh upper, and I enjoyed the fit of both shoes. The wrap of the mesh delivered a very classic Brooks feel, providing a fair amount of padding in the heel collar and tongue along with more than enough room for toes to splay comfortably. Aesthetically, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is available in some sleek colourways, which I am sure a lot of runners will appreciate."

Midsole

Connor B:

Neutral: "Brooks has made minimal midsole upgrades to the Glycerin in the past, but the addition of DNA Loft v3 foam is the boldest step yet, and now the midsole provides a much softer and springier underfoot sensation than version 19. The initial step-in is comfortable, and as I start running, the midsole comes alive, delivering an improved energy return with reliable protection.

I put a good amount of mileage on the Aurora BL, so I have plenty of experience running on a DNA Loft v3 midsole. The Glycerin 20 has a similar underfoot sensation to the Aurora, but it does not have the same stack height and outsole configuration, so the Glycerin does not quite offer the same pop. Keep in mind that the Glycerin and Aurora are very different shoes with vastly different intended uses, and I thought Brooks did well to maintain a healthy dose of the classic Glycerin feel that has made it so widely loved. For those who are familiar with the model, think Glycerin with an exciting infusion of responsiveness.

GTS: "The Brooks Glycerin's GTS stability sibling gets a similar midsole upgrade, but of course, with the addition of a GuideRails stability design. As a more neutral runner, I typically do not need additional stability. That said, the Glycerin GTS 20's GuideRails system still offers a natural underfoot feel with enough support to help moderate overpronators without overcorrecting neutral runners.

The Glycerin GTS 20, like other more modern stability shoes, offers a more inherently stable design that both overpronators and neutral runners can enjoy out on the run. The midsole is soft and springy like the neutral Glycerin, but the GTS is noticeably firmer, and I enjoyed the GTS when I wanted that extra bit of stability. Honestly, I found myself going back and forth between the Glycerin 20 and the Glycerin 20 GTS, and my preference depended on which type of run was on the schedule."

Outsole

Connor B: "Like the upper, the Glycerin and Glycerin GTS are both outfitted with a sturdy blown-rubber outsole that delivers solid traction and quality durability, which is what I expect of a premium trainer. Strategically placed grooves help deliver a small flex, which helped smooth out the ride. Although, I know that some runners found the Glycerin to be slightly slappy depending on their specific gait cycle."

Comparable Shoes

Connor B: "With a high level of cushioning and plush upper, the Glycerin is still in the same category as the New Balance 1080 and Saucony Triumph. The soft ride and high stack height give all the cushioning and protection you need for long miles while also delivering a premium upper experience that delivers top-end comfort. The new midsole upgrade provides a lively underfoot experience that is favourable compared to the competition, making the Glycerin GTS feel slightly faster but maybe not quite as sink-in squishy.

With the Glycerin GTS 20's heightened level of stability, I would put it in the same ballpark as shoes like the Saucony Tempus and ASICS Kayano Lite. The GTS stability system is much smoother than a traditional stability shoe and does not have any abrasive features underfoot. The Tempus has a slightly more responsive ride due to the PWRRUNPB super foam. However, the Glycerin GTS is still plenty lively for a stability trainer and offers a more reliable underfoot experience overall.

The Glycerin series continues to be a plush daily trainer in both the neutral and stability categories, but with the addition of the DNA Loft v3 foam, the shoe is now a top contender in the daily training category. The Glycerin is no longer just a reliable trainer but a fun and bouncy option great for all different types of runs as well. With its soft yet responsive midsole and its plush and comfortable upper, the Glycerin has everything you need for short recovery runs, steady Sunday long runs, and everything in between."

Men's Brooks Glyercin 20 & GTS 20

Completely revamped from top to bottom, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is the brand's most cushioned road running shoe. Featuring an all-new DNA Loft cushioning for a plush ride, the Glycerin can handle runs of any distance. This road shoe is also available in a stability version, the Glycerin GTS 20, which uses GuideRails for better support and alignment as you check off the miles.

Women's Brooks Glycerin 20 & GTS 20

Individual Thoughts

Connor B.Overall Score: 9/10

I have enjoyed testing both the Glycerin 20 and the Glycerin GTS 20, and I think that Brooks did an excellent job with this update. The new DNA Loft v3 midsole is fantastic, and the Glycerin is now softer and more responsive, making it perfect for daily runs and long efforts.

The GTS was noticeably firmer than its neutral counterpart, but the GuideRails support system was not intrusive, delivering quality support that even bad overpronators will enjoy. Like I said earlier, even as a more neutral runner, I appreciated the extra level of support that the GuideRails provided. Depending on the type of run I was on, I preferred the GTS model over the neutral Glycerin.

Both the neutral and stability models feature the same new air mesh upper and blown rubber outsole, so runners won't have much to pick between in those areas. The upper provides that classic Glycerin feel with a plush heel collar and tongue, as well as a comfortable amount of space through the midfoot and forefoot. The rubber outsole is also as durable as ever, and the Glycerin 20 and GTS will last runners for miles.

Wrapping things up, the Glycerin is one of Brooks' premier daily and long-haul trainers, and version 20 is better than ever in my opinion, thanks to the addition of the DNA Loft v3 foam midsole. I have no doubts that runners familiar with the Glycerin will love this new update, but even runners who may not have experience with the shoe should give version 20 a try, especially if they're looking for a fun and comfortable new trainer.