For the past few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to test out the new Brooks Glycerin 19. While the reviews continue to roll in regarding their new and improved DNA Loft cushioning, I just couldn't shy away.
Right off the bat, putting these shoes on your feet feel...right. Even before I got out the door for my first run in them, I could tell something was working.
During this literal test run, the more I ran the more impressed I was with the ride; I got that cushioned, comfy, feel whilst avoiding a sloppy, over-cushioned ride. It's a firm pillowed running shoe, that doesn’t have to delve into all that stiff-rocker jazz (sorry, Hoka). I felt like it really cradled my feet during the 8k.
Brooks describes this phenomenon as a midsole composed of DNA Loft, an EVA component that provides a soft, but responsive feel. In other words, I had a soft, cushioned ride without the sinking--into--a--marshmallow experience; which is the absolute worst during a run of any kind.
See, more often than not, if you want a responsive shoe, you’ll end up with a firm-cushioned sole to offset any chance of being slowed down by a heavy bolster. Brooks has proved themselves able to dodge this annoying feeling.
How did run number two go you ask? Well it brought a few things to light. During my 5k with strides--which is a very regular run for me--the shoe felt a bit heavy, and during strides it was significantly harder to get a spring from this shoe. Although the responsiveness that the Glycerin can bring during a maintenance run is great, when striding or reaching that lactate threshold on a tempo run, the shoe felt just a tad heavy.
Alas, that’s not exactly what this shoe is meant for, the Glycerin has proven itself to be an easy run specialist, not a tempo run specialist.
In terms of that mesh upper, the shoe is surprisingly breathable. Although I found the toebox to be quite pointed rather than open and rounded, there was still enough room to breathe.
So are these rave reviews on the cushioning justified? Well I, for one, would say yes--but let’s talk about something different.
These shoes are a great pair of neutral runners, but what about the flat footed athlete? The pronator? The weak ankled jogger? Don’t you worry, because Brooks released this sweet ride in a stability version, the Glycerin 19 GTS.
Nothing changes in the cushioning, the mesh upper, or the stylish appearance with the GTS. All that is added is a medial post within the shoe to offer arch support and prevent that wavering ankle from dipping inwards when running. Personally, I find this freedom of choice to be super handy if you’re needing a bit more support.
In short--are you looking for some happier feet during those long runs? Well the Brooks Glycerin 19 has your back, but don’t take my word for it! Poke around the store and try on a pair for yourself--you might just like them...