Brooks Glycerin 20 Advent
For the previous 20+ years, the Brooks emblem has been synonymous with the Glycerin line of brogues. This high-cushion instructor used to be designed to lend a hand runners log lengthy miles whilst coaching for marathons.
It has all the time been a workhorse that can pound the pavement for a couple of coaching cycles, and that has now not modified within the final couple of many years. On this iteration, there are some new applied sciences offered, maximum significantly the nitrogen-infused DNA midsole which provides a bit of extra spring to the step.
At $160, this shoe is an immediate competitor with maximum emblem’s high-end common running shoes.
They’ll move head-to-head towards ASICS Nimbus 25, Saucony Triumph 20, New Steadiness 1080v12, Hoka One One Bondi 8, and extra.
On the subject of competing towards those sneakers, the Glycerins gained’t flip any heads, however they’ll stay smiles at the faces of the ones the usage of them.
Brooks Glycerin 20 First Impressions
When those sneakers arrived, I used to be very excited to offer them a move. And to be fair, I used to be a bit of dissatisfied after I opened the field. Visually, they’re not anything particular. That is very true when in comparison to one of the most extra thrilling visuals presented via competition. Alternatively, the discontentment temporarily went away after I put the sneakers on. They felt buttery from the start.
On my first run, they had been comfortable however nonetheless company sufficient that I didn’t really feel like I used to be sinking into the shoe. I beloved the trip. And after I wore them to college, my ft felt contemporary on the finish of the day.
There’s cushion there to final on the other hand lengthy you wish to have.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Higher
The higher at the Glycerin is not anything impressive. It is going to get the task finished, however gained’t be turning any heads. This higher makes use of an engineered air mesh to lend a hand stay the shoe breathable, whilst additionally bearing in mind a relaxed and versatile are compatible. Brooks makes use of 3-d print saddle to overlay and lend a hand lock within the midfoot, whilst now not making use of drive to the foot. Throughout the higher, Brooks makes use of an OrthoLite sock liner that makes positive the are compatible is comfortable, regardless of the thickness (or life) of socks.
The are compatible of the higher is true-to-size in duration, and felt relaxed on all portions of the foot. Within the heel, the shoe secures neatly, and is tight sufficient to really feel assured. Transferring into the midfoot, the texture is broad, which might really feel as despite the fact that you’re now not locked in, however the overlays lend a hand lock the foot in. The toe-box is broad sufficient whilst now not being overly roomy.
That is the only position I’ve a grievance with design, and that will be the low-profile heel collar. This heel collar, coupled with top of the heel of the midsole, brought about me some consternation. I had 3 other runs the place, when turning a nook, my ankle felt find it irresistible bent and nearly gave out. I simply want the ankle collar used to be fairly upper and locked my leg in additional.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Sole Unit
The only real unit is the place this shoe shines. It’s now not visually spectacular, nevertheless it positive feels spectacular below the foot. The heel stands at 38mm with a 10mm drop to the toe (beautiful usual for this stage of shoe).
The midsole makes use of a brand new nitrogen-infused DNA foam that provides a large number of cushion and leap. This foam is going the overall duration of the midsole, and provides an excessively relaxed trip, together with an power stuffed toe off.
Underneath the midsole, there are flex grooves used to lend a hand the only bend and allow you to transition into your toe-off. Those grooves are coupled with an excessively grippy blown rubber outsole that can go away you assured on nearly any floor or situation.
When in comparison to one of the most different sneakers in the similar class, the only unit is robust and great, however now not a head turner. That is very true when evaluating to the New Steadiness 1080 v12, which has extra leap, however much less cushion. It’s perhaps rather less “amusing” than the trip of the 1080 or of the Saucony Triumph, however I discovered it to be extra relaxed for the longer runs.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Conclusions
The Brooks Glycerin has been at the cabinets for 20+ years for a reason why. Even if it isn’t flashy, it will get the task finished. And admittedly, I don’t know that I’ve been extra relaxed on my lengthy runs this 12 months than I’ve been whilst on this shoe.
When evaluating those sneakers to different choices in the similar class, just like the New Steadiness 1080 or Saucony Triumph, the Glycerins had been much less thrilling. They struggled extra at the faster-paced runs than the ones different two choices. But if searching for a long-distance instructor, I put extra emphasis at the convenience of the shoe and the trip.
In 2022 and 2023 there has simplest been one shoe that I’ve run in that felt as relaxed because the Glycerin 20s, and that used to be the New Steadiness Extra v3 (now not the v4).
With emerging costs on all sneakers, the $160 price ticket turns out in-line with the contest. And I believe you’re getting a lot of shoe for the fee.
If you wish to have a relaxed trip on your lengthy runs, perhaps you must take a spin within the Brooks Glycerins.