Brooks Glycerin 18 Review

Right from its inception, the Brooks Glycerin series is known for its soft cushioned, and comfortable ride. Glycerin series is one of the first running shoes to use gel pads to offer a softer ride. In its 18th edition, Brooks Glycerin 18 continues to uphold its original goal.The upper got extra stretch and the midsole got more cushion.A stretchier upper and more cushioning typically mean a shoe is going to improve and that’s what happened here. 

The Brooks Glycerin 18 is a neutral daily trainer that's breathable, plush (from upper to the midsole), protective, and most of all, adaptive. Yes, it can be your one go-to for just about any run.It is made of a synthetic moisture-wicking material that keeps the feet dry and happy. The tongue and heel cup are plush, but not overly padded, which feels great on foot and distributes any pressure points.

If you like ample soft cushioning and a flexible fit, this shoe is a great choice. It likely won’t be your running shoe of choice for faster, shorter runs, but it’d be a great choice for longer training distances and even half-marathons or marathons.

Brooks Glycerin 18 Pros and Cons

Brooks Glycerin 19 Review

The Glycerin 19 is no exception and year after year improves from previous models while equally keeping a consistent fit and quality.It’s designed for neutral runners – those who have a relatively high arch or who don't overpronate when they go through their gait cycle – and provides a heightened level of cushioning, making it one of the best running shoes for supination.

From a design perspective, the Glycerin 19 looks almost exactly the same as the Glycerin 18 and has very strong “dad” vibes.It has been updated with a slightly softer ride and a new outsole configuration which results in smoother ride transitions but it still has that signature, polished Glycerin feel.It also uses DNA Loft but it has a softer density than version 18.The shoe uses the DNA LOFT foam throughout the entire mid-sole from a high concentration of foam in the heel to a medium concentration throughout the entire shoe.The weight is also exactly the same as the previous version.Compared with Glycerin 18, the 19 is 0.5cm wider through the forefoot and 0.5cm wider through the widest part of the heel. 

Brooks Glycerin 19 Pros and Cons

Brooks Glycerin 20 Review

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is designed to be the softest version yet, thanks to a new nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole.The Glycerin 20 neutral cushioned running shoes are the final word on comfort thanks to new, supremely soft DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, an updated, improved fit and silky smooth transitions.DNA LOFT v3 foam is now nitrogen-infused to provide plush cushioning to every step, and even adds a little bounce thanks to its energetic formula. This makes the Glycerin 20 an excellent daily trainer or wear-everywhere shoe for people on their feet.A new, cushioned upper provides a normal to fit that with a little stretch. The changes make for the lightest Glycerin ever, with a smooth forefoot transition, but a slightly clunky heel. Best for easy and long miles, the Glycerin 20 is about comfort for those who want a traditional ride from a newer midsole.

Brooks Glycerin 20 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Brooks Glycerin?

• Brooks Running(1.2% super cash back) 

• Road Runner Sports(up to 6% super cash back)

• Dicks Sporting Goods

• Amazon

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Brooks Glycerin 18 vs. 19 vs. 20: Comparision Side by Side

1.Specifications

2.Construction and Material

• Outsole

Brooks Glycerin 18 - The outsole uses HPR Plus rubber, a high abrasive rubber material, on the heel of the outsole that helps the durability and helps absorb impact from heel-strike runners.

Brooks Glycerin 19 - The outsole of the Glycerin 19 uses soft, blown rubber. This helps to soften landings and increase ground feel, though the drawback is that the rubber wears down faster than normal. The biggest difference between the outsoles of the Glycerin 19 and the 18 is that the 19 has one long price of rubber on the medial side that extends from the rearfoot, all the way to the end of the midfoot just before where the forefoot starts.

Brooks Glycerin 20 - A thick rubber covers the outsole of the Brooks Glycerin 20 running shoes.The redesigned outsole rubber provides a good grip on the ground, whether dry or wet. It even seems to do its job in gravel. This makes the Brooks Glycerin 20 a versatile trainer, perfect for long daily training sessions or recovery days.

• Midsole

Brooks Glycerin 18 - The shoe features full-length DNA LOFT cushioning. The DNA Loft foam is made of EVA foam, rubber, and air. This particular combination helps keep the shoe lightweight while still giving it a long-lasting soft, comfortable feel for the runner.The DNA Loft foam performs for all types of runs, and holds up well to the high mileage most people will throw at it. However, it also works remarkably well when the pace was turned up a little.

Brooks Glycerin 19 - The midsole softness of the Glycerin 19 has definitely been dialed up a notch compared to the Glycerin 18 but not by much.

The size of the patch has increased compared to the Glycerin 18 which results in more ground feel but less durability.

Brooks Glycerin 20 - Brooks has replaced the DNA Loft midsole foam with the DNA Loft V3, a lighter, poppier, nitrogen-infused midsole foam.First spotted on the Brooks Aurora BL, this nitrogen-infused foam now equips the midsole of the Glycerin 20. This foam provides light and soft cushioning, especially for a midfoot strike. This cushioning is durable and soft, which delivers optimal plush comfort. Also, the combination of the 10-mm heel-to-toe drop and widened platform provides much stability.

• Upper

Brooks Glycerin 18 - Upper is an engineered mesh, and is stretchy, and is highly breathable.This model gets rid of the traditional overlays and uses a 3D Fit Print saddle to provide a seamless and secure fit. This new stability on the upper really give you a locked-in feeling in the mid-foot.

Brooks Glycerin 19 - The upper is a 3D engineered mesh that almost feels like a knit, and contours to the shape of your foot. It feels secure, but not suffocating. The tongue and gusset are cushioned and extend all the way over the top of the foot, too, so you don't have to worry about rubbing on those particularly long days.

Brooks Glycerin 20 - The Brooks Glycerin 20 is available with different uppers. The Stealthfit upper is knit with denser areas that require support and lighter ones where breathability is needed.It’s more lightweight and breathable (the Glycerin 20 is lighter than previous versions, which weighed in at a half-ounce more), without feeling too sock-like.

3.Fit and Sizing

Brooks Glycerin 18 - Fitting true-to-size, this shoe starts with a medium width heel cup and midfoot which opens up slightly to a comfortable, but not overly roomy, toebox.

Brooks Glycerin 19 - True to size.The Brooks Glycerin 19 is inviting and comfortable, there’s lots of padding in the upper, and the midsole has a smooth, yet slightly uninspired ride, which for an everyday trainer is not necessarily a bad thing, it's consistent. 

Brooks Glycerin 20 - The upper has a normal fit that’s also suitable for wide feet. However, runners with more narrow feet will need to adjust the lacing for a better lockdown. The toe box is wide and thus adapts to many morphologies.In the toe area, padding provides even more comfort. The whole thing stiffens in the heel and ankle area to provide better support.

Conclusion: Which is Best for You?

The main difference among Brooks Glycerin 18，19 and 20 is the midsole material. Glycerin 18 and 19 had DNA Loft foam in midsole. However, the new Glycerin 20 has DNA Loft 3.  The DNA Loft 3 is a nitrogen-infused cushioning foam which is intended to provide softer, lighter and more responsive ride. So, you can conclude that the Glycerin 20 is softer, lighter and more responsive than the Glycerin 19.A redesigned outsole offers smoother, more stable transitions while a new upper adds comfort and support.

Glycerin 19 is an improvement over the 18. The softer midsole is a move in the right direction and the ride transitions are smoother. These changes also don’t come at an increase in weight which is a bonus.

In summary, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a very cushioned and stable shoe. It’s targeting neutral runners or mild supinators. Whether you hit the ground on your heel, midfoot or your forefoot, this is an incredibly versatile and cushioned shoe.

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