How the innovative new GlideRoll Rocker helps the editor of iRun get ready for race day
Evenly dispersed, the foam beneath the Brooks Glycerin Max provides a smooth ride that’s nitrogen-infused, which is hard to quantify but shows up on the run. The cushioning is plush yet the shoe maintains its dexterity, and it’s malleable enough to allow the foot to move. A neutral shoe with a 6mm midsole drop, this sneaker represents comfort and innovation from a 110-year-old footwear brand.
Glycerin Max is designed for the extreme end of the cushioning spectrum and when preparing for races and working in a variety of shoes, the Glycerin Max is perfect for recovery. Leading into my training for the TCS New York City Marathon, I’d never approached such volume: weeks of 100 kilometres at 50-years-old put my ligaments to the test. It was during this cycle that I began wearing the Glycerin Max and I found it a perfect accoutrement to the mileage. With its GlideRoll Rocker, upturned wedges at the toe and heel, where additional DNA Tuned cushioning is stacked, I could transition deftly on my strides.
In addition, when working on Fartleks or interval training, at 10 ounces, I found the shoe light enough to compete. I’d do 18 kilometre sets with 8K mid-workout at half marathon pace in my Brooks Glycerin Max and find the shoe responsive at both speeds. What’s more, a product of Brooks, the number one performance running shoe in terms of 2022 American sales, with 22% market share, the shoe would not only survive a tough workout on Wednesday, but also retain its cushioning when I turned around to run 33K in the Brooks Glycerin Max Sunday morning.
Important to mention, I’ve long believed that Brooks is now making the prettiest shoes on the market, and I know I’m not the only runner who cares about style. I tried the Glycerin 21 with the aqua blue wave and the all-white Ghost Max sneaker and it pained me to wear these shoes running. They looked too good to muss up. Style has come to the races and Brooks may be leaving its rivals in the lurch. It’s no longer enough to make a shoe that’s light, springy and responsive. It now needs to look cool and Brooks is doing a good job at mixing fashion with function so we show up on race day ready for Instagram.
The Brooks Glycerin Max is a giant leap forward for one of the leading shoe brands in the world. If you need a shoe to help you with mileage or to recommend to someone getting into the sport, the Glycerin Max is cushioned and soft, plush and comfortable. It’s fast, sleek and effective for a variety of workouts. It’s a shoe I have no compulsions about to recommend.
For more information on the Brooks Glycerin Max, please see BrooksRunning.com.
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