Today we’re going to talk about what I believe to be the most improved running shoe of 2025—the Brooks Glycerin 22.
While Brooks has long been known for producing reliable, no-frills shoes, this latest iteration has a few surprising features that set it apart from its predecessors and, quite possibly, the competition.
Could the Glycerin 22 be the shoe that revolutionizes the easy running shoe market?
The Deets: Tech Specs For The Brooks Glycerin 22
- Stack Height: 38 mm/28 mm
- Weight: 9.1 oz (W), 10.2 oz (M)
- Heel-To-Toe Drop: 10 mm
- Release Date: February 2025
- MSRP: $165 USD
✅ What We Liked:
- Game-Changing Cushioning & Responsiveness – The nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam makes this one of the most comfortable and energetic easy running shoes, offering a soft yet bouncy ride.
- Dual-Cell Technology for Smooth Transitions – Shock absorption in the heel and propulsion at the toe create a balanced, effortless feel, making it great for recovery and daily runs.
- Industry-Leading Innovation – Brooks is setting a new standard by bringing supercritical foam to easy running shoes, forcing other brands to step up.
Watch Out For:
- Higher Price Tag – The premium materials make it more expensive than many other easy trainers, which may be a dealbreaker for budget-conscious runners.
- High Stack Height & Heel-to-Toe Drop – At 38mm with a 10mm drop, it may feel too elevated for runners who prefer more ground contact and a lower profile.
- Less Ground Feel & Slightly Heavier – While the cushioning is fantastic, it sacrifices ground connection, and the extra weight compared to the Glycerin 21 may be noticeable.
A New Kind of Glycerin
The Brooks Glycerin line has been a mainstay in the running shoe world for years, known more for its dependability than for pushing boundaries.
Brooks, as a brand, tends to prioritize function over form, often releasing updated versions of their popular models with only minor changes. Last year’s Brooks Ghost 16, for example, felt almost identical to its predecessors, leaving little incentive for a full-fledged review.
So, when rumors surfaced that the Glycerin 22 would be groundbreaking—even cool—it was easy to be skeptical.
However, Brooks was dropping hints that something big was coming. At the 2024 Running Event in Texas, their presence was anything but subtle. Their booth was bold, loud, and entirely themed around their most anticipated launch of 2025: the Glycerin 22.
What Makes the Glycerin 22 Special?
At first glance, the Glycerin 22 doesn’t seem dramatically different—it isn’t particularly flashy or unusually lightweight.
The real innovation lies in its midsole, which features a supercritical foam that’s softer and more responsive than the foam used in previous versions. Brooks calls this nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 technology, a material previously reserved for their performance shoes like the Glycerin Max.
One of the standout features of this shoe is its dual-cell technology.
Small pods embedded in the midsole work to absorb shock at the heel while providing propulsion at the toe. This means runners get the benefits of fast-shoe technology in an everyday trainer—something typically reserved for racing and workout shoes.
By integrating this high-performance foam into a daily running shoe, Brooks is setting a new standard that other brands will likely have to follow.
| Feature | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole Foam | Traditional EVA-based foam | Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 (supercritical foam) |
| Responsiveness | Soft but flat | Soft with noticeable bounce and energy return |
| Stack Height | 28mm | 38mm |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10mm | 10mm |
| Weight | 9.8 oz | 10.3 oz |
| Ride Feel | Cushioned but somewhat dull | Smooth, responsive, and more dynamic |
| Target Use | Easy, recovery runs | Easy runs, recovery days with enhanced performance |
| Technology | Standard foam setup | Dual-cell technology for shock absorption + propulsion |
| Comfort Level | Comfortable, but basic | Highly cushioned, cradle-like comfort |
| Price Point | $160 | $165 |
Specs and Comparison to the Glycerin 21
Size and weight-wise, the Glycerin 22 is fairly average for an easy running shoe, but it is fundamentally different from its predecessor, the Glycerin 21. In fact, it’s nearly an entirely different shoe:
- Weight: About half an ounce heavier than the 21.
- Stack Height: A full 10mm taller.
The Glycerin 21 was notably pared down in its midsole design, whereas the 22 leans into a thicker, more cushioned feel.
It actually has more in common with Brooks’ super trainer, the Glycerin Max, which was released last fall. The weight and midsole of the Glycerin 22 are nearly identical to the Max, making it a sort of everyday version of a high-performance shoe.
Wear Test: A Game-Changer for Daily Runs
After taking the Glycerin 22 out for a run, my initial impression was clear: I really, really like these shoes.
Compared to the Glycerin 21, they feel like a significant upgrade, offering a level of comfort and responsiveness typically found in race-day or workout shoes.
The DNA LOFT v3 foam makes a noticeable difference.
The shoes provide a lively bounce, but not so much that they feel like a performance trainer.
They strike a perfect balance—responsive enough to avoid feeling sluggish, but cushioned enough to make recovery runs comfortable. The midsole cushioning absorbs impact without sacrificing stability, making them an excellent choice for easy and long runs.
How the Glycerin 22 Stands Out
After multiple test runs, it became evident that the Glycerin 22 is in a league of its own.
Unlike the Glycerin 21, it doesn’t feel flat or outdated. It’s more akin to the Glycerin Max but with a design better suited for daily mileage.
The locked-down heel and flexible forefoot prevent runners from being pushed too far forward, offering a more natural stride.
Beyond personal preference, this shoe feels like Brooks’ declaration to the industry: If other brands don’t start incorporating supercritical foams into their easy running shoes, they will fall behind.
Running in anything without this advanced foam now feels outdated. Traditional EVA midsoles simply don’t provide the same level of comfort, energy return, or joint protection.
The Downsides
Of course, no shoe is without its drawbacks. The biggest downside of the Glycerin 22 is its price—it’s more expensive than your average easy running shoe, but that cost reflects the premium materials and updated technology. Other potential considerations include:
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: At 10mm, some runners might find the drop a bit steep.
- Stack Height: At 38mm, the platform is fairly high, which may not appeal to those who prefer a more grounded feel.
The Verdict
So, is the Glycerin 22 the right shoe for you? Consider picking up a pair if:
- You prefer plush, cushioned running shoes, especially for recovery days.
- You don’t mind a taller platform with a bit of extra bounce.
- You prioritize comfort and joint protection over ground feel.
On the other hand, you may want to skip these if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, dislike high stack heights, or prefer a shoe with more direct ground feedback.
Final Thoughts
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is a home run.
It takes everything Brooks has learned from their super trainers and integrates it into an easy running shoe. If you’re on the lookout for a shoe that brings cutting-edge foam technology into the daily trainer category, this might be the best option of 2025.
And if you think another shoe has made a bigger leap forward in the past year, let us know—I dare you to find one.
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