The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a shoe that aims to provide maximum cushioning and comfort for runners, but does it deliver? In this review, we'll take a deep dive into the pros and cons of this max-stack shoe, examining its cushioning, stability, and overall performance. While it excels in certain areas, there are some drawbacks that may make it a less appealing choice for some runners.
Who Should Buy the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is ideal for runners seeking maximum cushioning for relaxed daily miles. It's also a great option for heavier runners who want a comfortable and supportive shoe with a premium upper. Additionally, heel strikers will appreciate the extra stability provided by the max-stack design.
Who Should NOT Buy the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
If you're looking for a lighter and more versatile max-cushion trainer, the Glycerin Max 2 may not be the best choice. It feels noticeably bulky and lacks the lively bounce expected from a premium-priced shoe. Alternatives like the Nike Vomero Plus or ASICS Novablast 5 offer a more agile and smooth experience while still providing a highly-cushioned ride.
Cushioning and Shock Absorption
The Glycerin Max 2 features a radically different shock absorption distribution compared to its predecessor. The heel delivers slightly less cushioning (137 SA), while the forefoot receives a significant upgrade with an impressive 128 SA. However, the DNA Tuned foam used in the midsole struggles with energy return, recording just 49.1% in the heel and 51.3% in the forefoot. This is not surprising given that it's an EVA-based compound, but for a $200 shoe, we expected better.
Heel Stack and Drop
With a towering 45.4 mm heel stack height, the Glycerin Max 2 fully earns its place in the maximalist running shoe category. It provides maximum isolation from the ground and an extra-tall underfoot sensation. However, the 8.1 mm heel-to-toe drop is slightly higher than the claimed 6 mm, which may affect the ride for some runners.
Midsole Softness and Secondary Foam
Brooks prioritized comfort with this shoe, using a much softer formulation of DNA Tuned. The midsole feels noticeably softer than the first-generation model, which should appeal to runners who found the previous version too firm. The secondary foam piece in the heel is slightly firmer (36.5 AC) to enhance stability.
Rocker and Size/Fit
The Glycerin Max 2 features an aggressive rocker design in both the forefoot and heel, creating a strong forward-rolling sensation. In terms of size and fit, the shoe has a measured internal length of 269.0 mm, which is slightly longer than average. The width is 96.5 mm, making it slightly roomier than the average running shoe, which should accommodate most foot shapes comfortably.
Traction and Grip
The Glycerin Max 2 delivers solid traction, earning a 0.61 result in our test. While not exceptionally remarkable, it still provides good grip, including on wet surfaces. However, the limited rubber coverage on the outsole is surprising given the shoe's high weight.
Flexibility and Stiffness
The Glycerin Max 2 is a stiff shoe, with a flexibility measurement of 21.9N. This is due to the max-stack design, where midsole height often influences stiffness more than the presence of a carbon plate. As a result, you shouldn't expect much flexibility from this shoe.
Weight and Breathability
The Glycerin Max 2 is a heavy shoe, weighing 11.2 oz (318g), which is even heavier than the first version. This weight may make it less appealing for daily training. However, the upper features a strong 4/5 ventilation score, allowing it to handle warm-weather runs without issues. The padding around the heel collar is particularly plush, creating an exaggerated step-in feel.
Stability and Torsional Rigidity
The Glycerin Max 2 is an extremely tall shoe, which may raise concerns about stability. However, the current max-stack trend is evolving to prioritize stability-focused design choices. The shoe has high torsional rigidity (19.6 Nm), making it difficult to twist and providing a noticeable layer of stability. The ultra-stiff heel counter (5/5) further enhances stability around the heel area.
Durability
The Glycerin Max 2 shows promise in terms of durability, with a 3/5 toebox durability score and a 4/5 heel padding durability score. The outsole wear depth is 1.1 mm, which is reassuring but not exceptionally good. The outsole thickness is 3.5 mm, which is fine, but a more extensive rubber layout could have been used to improve durability.
Price
The Glycerin Max 2 carries a high price tag of $200, which may be justified by its maximum comfort and plush upper. However, for most runners, it falls short in overall performance compared to its rivals in the premium category. The next Glycerin Max should aim to lose at least 10% of its weight to become more versatile and appealing for daily training.
In conclusion, the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a shoe that excels in certain areas, particularly cushioning and comfort. However, its bulkiness, lack of bounce, and high weight may make it a less appealing choice for some runners. While it may be suitable for those seeking maximum cushioning and stability, alternatives like the Nike Vomero Plus or ASICS Novablast 5 offer a more versatile and agile experience.
