Every year, the running scene receives a high-tech upgrade. We aren’t complaining; if it means moving more, smashing personal bests and actually enjoying the kilometres, sign us up. Brooks Running has just raised the stakes with the Glycerin Flex, a silhouette engineered with flexible support that refuses to fight against your foot. It’s the next generation of premium cushioning, built for those who crave a natural motion without ditching the protection of a high-end trainer.
Who Is This Shoe For?
Some runners want the shoe to do all the heavy lifting, while others want to be the ones driving the run. The Glycerin Flex acts as an extension of your body, merging unparalleled cushioning with innovative flexibility. If you want to run confidently, knowing your gear can adapt to your unique stride and help you reach that elusive “flow state,” this is your new go-to.
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The Technical Breakdown
This shoe is a masterpiece for the runner who prioritises natural movement. By reducing extra layers and materials in the midsole, Brooks has created an efficient, precisely tuned ride that feels custom-built for every step.
- Midsole drop: 6 mm
- Midsole height: 26:20
- Total stack height: 36:30
- Weight: 227 g (W) 249 g (M)
Precision Cushion
Featuring DNA TUNED, the next generation of nitrogen-infused foaming created with a tuned dual-cell technique. The heel features large cells for plush landings, while the forefoot features small cells for responsive toe-offs. Our cutting-edge foam reduces added layers and processes for a seamlessly tuned experience.
Unleash Your Feet
Feel the best parts of the run with innovative and carefully crafted flexibility from midfoot to toe-off. The asymmetrical midfoot flex groove, plus the podular lateral forefoot flexibility, provide the flexibility and support you need to go the distance.
Comfortable, Flexible Fit
The upper hasn’t been overlooked either. A new engineered flat knit material provides a secure yet adaptive fit. It’s breathable, flexible and moves naturally with your foot to ensure a distraction-free run.
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WH Tests It
Flexibility is one of those things brands love to talk about, but you only really notice it when you run. From the first few kilometres in the Brooks Glycerin Flex, I could feel the difference.
The 6mm drop works for me. It doesn’t feel flat or minimal, but it also doesn’t pitch you forward in an aggressive way. The transition feels smooth and easy, which I think newer runners will appreciate. If you’ve been running for a while, it still feels efficient enough for steady efforts.
The DNA TUNED midsole makes its presence known without being over the top. Landings feel softer at the heel, while toe-off has a bit more response. I never felt like I was sinking into the cushioning, but I also didn’t get that harsh impact that sometimes creeps in on longer runs.
What stood out most, though, is how the shoe moves. The asymmetrical midfoot flex groove and podular forefoot design allow it to bend naturally through each stride. It doesn’t force your foot into a rigid motion. My transitions felt fluid, and even on corners or slightly uneven pavement, I still felt stable.
At 227g for women, it’s light enough for daily mileage. The engineered flat knit upper is breathable and secure without feeling restrictive, which makes it a solid option for warmer runs.
For me, this is a strong daily trainer. It’s cushioned enough for longer efforts, flexible enough to feel natural and stable enough to trust. If you’re just starting out, it won’t feel intimidating. If you’re building mileage, it won’t feel basic. And that level of flexibility? You notice it every single run. – Chamain van Zyl, Online Editor
*WH Partnership
