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Brooks Glycerin 18 Performance Review

Sep 6, 2020 | Kit, Running | 1 comment

Brooks Glycerin 18 Performance Review

Ok, be honest, have you ever chosen a pair of running shoes based on looks?

Rose gold and black Brooks Glycerin were kind of high up on my list for ‘pretty shoes’. And it helps that they’re mega comfortable.

I’m having a bit of a moment with Brooks shoes right now. As most of the miles I’m running are easy, slower paced mostly focusing on enjoyment, I’m choosing a shoe for comfort and support. And whilst the Glycerin 18 aren’t a stability shoe, they are definitely cushioned for a comfortable run.

Brooks Glycerin 18 review

Brooks Glycerin 18 Performance Review

If you like cushioning, then you’ll like these. The Brooks Glycerin 18 is an ideal daily running shoe, perfect for easy miles and long runs. If it’s good enough for Des Linden…

According to Des, the Glycerin don’t “bring anything fancy to the table because that’s your job, but it’s never going to take away from your run.”

The Brooks team have listened to the feedback on the Glycerin 17 shoe, making the newest iteration lighter and more flexible than the last. And whilst it’s not necessarily designed for speedy runs, tempos or track workouts, however if you’re anything like me, if my run is comfortable, I tend to find my legs turning over faster even on easy miles.

Brooks Glycerin 18 Upper Unit

The streamline double jacquard mesh upper is stretchy to adapt to the way your foot moves, whilst ensuring breathability. The OrthoLite sockliner makes for extra smooth fit, whilst the medium width heel cup and mid foot suit most foot shapes.

I chose the black and rose gold colour way which I love. It feels very sleek and versatile (sometimes I feel that Brooks colour ways are a bit bright for me).

Brooks Glycerin 18 Performance Review

Brooks Glycerin 18 Sole Unit

Cushioning remains the main focus of the Glycerin 18.

The DNA Loft cushioning foam in the shoe remains the same as the Glycerin 17, albeit with more of it. The DNA Loft is made up of a mix of EVA foam, rubber and air.

The midsole to outsole ration has been reconfigured for an even softer ride, and the flex grooves on the outsole have been reduced for extra cushioning.

The heel to toe drop is 10mmm, with a heel stack height of 31mm and 21mm at the forefront.

In the midsole, Brooks uses Omega Flex Grooves to increase the shoes flexibility and responsiveness. The outsole is split between the forefoot and heel – with blown rubber outsole for the forefoot and HPR plus rubber at the back of the shoe for extra durability for heel strikers.

Brooks Glycerin 18 review

The Good And The Bad

The Good

My feet are on the wider side, I like that the shoes are naturally a little wider to accommodate. If your foot is slimmer than mine, then you can cinch in the upper for a secure fit.

As a heel striker, I find the shoe cushioned in heel but with enough of a ‘roll’ to help toe off.

These trainers are long lasting! The rubber outsole and flex grooves create stability and grip on the road. I’ve also worn mine of manicured trails on the Thames Path without any issues.

The Bad

Personally, I like my running shoes to have a little more support on my longer runs, which is why my go-to Brooks easy shoe is the Ghost 12, which have slightly more stability.

These are ultra soft – I don’t find these the fastest Brooks shoes. Not ideal for every run, especially not speed workouts or your 5K PB attempt.

best running shoes

Brooks Glycerin 18 Overall Performance Review

I’ve worn these shoes on easy runs as well as all day at work. (I’m actually getting a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS in black for work to avoid having to wear my running shoes on the ward. Especially after the time I stepped in human poop but that’s a story for another day).

The shoes fit true to size – I typically wear a UK 6.5 running shoe and am wearing the same size in the Glycerins. They have a six hole lacing system for a secure fit without too much foot movement within the shoe (and no blisters right out the box!)

Overall, these won’t replace my fave Ghosts and are more likely to be my lunchtime easy run shoe that I leave at work. But I do seriously appreciate the comfort on those runs!!

1 Comment

  1. Maria @ Maria Runs

    I am so easily swayed by a pretty shoe! When trying them on I try to think about the comfort but if I like one design or colour more, then I am more likely to get them! It’s so good to have a range of options though, as first they were just all white which got dirty so quickly, and then the female shoes were so often just pink or purple.

    Reply

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