Our review and opinion of the Brooks Glycerin Max 2

The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is the headline release for the end of 2025 from the American brand. Designed to deliver an effortless stride, it features a major innovation: nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED foam.

Positioned as the ultimate comfort shoe from Brooks, we had to put it to the test. Emeric, a member of the Alltricks staff, took on the challenge. With a consistent training rhythm of four runs per week and impressive personal bests (2h59 marathon, 1h18 half-marathon, and 36:30 for the 10km), he pushed this "supertrainer" to its limits to see if it lived up to its promises of comfort and responsiveness.

Sommaire du test des Brooks Glycerin Max 2

• First Impressions on discovering these Glycerin Max 2 trainers
• First feel
• The conditions of the test
• What about performance ?
• What are the key takeaways from our review of the Brooks Glycerin Max 2?
• Summary of our opinion on the Brooks Glycerin Max 2

First impressions: Unboxing the Glycerin Max 2

As soon as I opened the box, it was a total "Wow!" effect. The design is fantastic, featuring a massive, grooved midsole with a blue gradient running the entire length. The Brooks logo stands out clearly against the fabric. It’s a real success! The design is innovative due to its imposing sole, which introduces a new foam featuring larger cells under the heel to guarantee a soft landing, and smaller cells at the forefoot to energize the stride. This is a "supertrainer"—a category becoming increasingly popular across all running brands, making it a best-seller.

My expectations for this shoe are an ample but not excessive cushioning—one that doesn't "bottom out" the stride—paired with enough energy return to handle more than just easy recovery runs. Regarding comfort, I’m looking for a fit that perfectly hugs the shape of my foot with good heel lockdown while still leaving room in the forefoot. Stability is also a crucial point for a shoe of this type. Generally, "maximalist" running shoes with thick soles can have excessive cushioning that completely kills the stride's momentum, making them extremely uncomfortable. To be continued...

First feel

Comfort is undoubtedly the major asset of this model. I have never felt such comfort in a daily trainer. From the moment you slip the shoe on, you feel immediate comfort, like a slipper. The foot is perfectly supported without any pressure points, offering a sense of freedom in the forefoot. This is a premium experience; the foot is perfectly enveloped with a toe box that is just right—neither too tight nor too wide. The well-padded tongue ensures uniform pressure, adjusting to the foot and guaranteeing impeccable heel lockdown.

Testing conditions for the Brooks Glycerin Max 2

I covered a total of 80 kilometers with this shoe, all in exceptional comfort, which encouraged me to take it out frequently with great pleasure. I can no longer do without them. In terms of performance, I am surprised by this "supertrainer"; you can truly vary your sessions. The first test was short: a 50-minute jog. I tested them on both trails and asphalt. The shoe fully met my expectations, offering very good cushioning and impeccable stability. As for grip, whether in dry or wet conditions, the shoe was flawless.

I then performed intervals, a long run, a threshold session, and several short recovery runs. For intervals, the shoe is not appropriate at all due to its weight and lack of explosiveness. For the long run, it excels; its cushioning and great stability make it a perfect shoe. For the threshold session, this shoe really surprised me because it responds perfectly on flat ground with progressive propulsion and no energy loss. I maintained a steady pace of 4:15 to 4:30 without difficulty, which made the session particularly enjoyable.

What about performance?

In terms of pure performance, this shoe is made for asphalt or light trails, but certainly not for rugged terrain. The foot and ankle support are simply perfect; you feel extremely secure due to the width of the sole at the heel. Traction and grip are excellent; the shoes do not budge on road irregularities or paths. Despite the stack height, the model remains remarkably stable, and I felt no instability on the various terrains tested, even during sudden changes in direction. Thanks to its rocker, the stride remains fluid with a progressive and steady transition requiring minimal effort.

What I particularly loved was the quality of the cushioning at the heel, neither too soft nor too firm, combined with a rebound effect at the front that brings real dynamism to the forefoot. Given its build and my midfoot strike, it isn't just for jogging; it also performs well during threshold runs and long hill climbs. The rocker sole facilitates heel cushioning while smoothing the forward transition. Finally, ventilation is good in moderate temperatures, and the foot remains dry despite rainy weather, while the width of the toe box ensures great comfort for runners who, like me, have a wider forefoot.

Final takeaways from our Brooks Glycerin Max 2 test

The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is a total success for anyone looking for a versatile shoe capable of racking up miles with consistent enjoyment. Its heel cushioning—neither too soft nor too firm—pairs perfectly with genuine responsiveness in the forefoot, making it an ideal ally for varying your pace. This is a model that inspires great confidence over the long haul: after 80 kilometers, the outsole shows no signs of wear and the impact zones remain sharp, which is a testament to its remarkable durability. On the practical side, it fits true to size: I stuck with my usual running size (EU 45 for a size 44 dress shoe) and felt perfectly comfortable thanks to the generous toe box. One point of caution, however: once you try this shoe, you won't be able to live without it.

Summary table of our Brooks Glycerin Max 2 review