Brooks Glycerin 20 Performance Review

The Brooks Glycerin 20 is easily my most anticipated running shoe of 2022. Why? The amazing DNA Loft v3 from the Brooks Aurora-BL is now used for the Glycerin 20’s midsole, and these actually made our overall Best Running Shoes, Best for Beginners, Best for Men, Best for Wide Feet, Best for High Arches, Best for Flat Feet, Best Road Running Shoes, Best Neutral Running Shoes, Best for Long Distances, and Best Brooks Running Shoes lists in 2023.

Tyler: I’ve heard some great things about Brooks’ DNA Loft midsole cushioning. When the Brooks Glycerin 20 came in for testing, sporting DNA Loft v3, I was giddy. My size 13 also came in the StealthFit version. Two offerings from Brooks I’d yet to try. 

Initially, I was more excited about the StealthFit than the DNA Loft v3, but after 40+ miles, what I thought would impress me left me wanting more. Let’s jump in…

Pros

DNA Loft v3 Midsole

Tyler: Okay, initially I was really underwhelmed. The midsole felt a little “thuddy,” and didn’t exactly do much for me, but around the 15-mile mark, it came to life, and now I’m a believer. The true sign of a good shoe is thinking about the ride well before you run – and that’s what I’ve been doing with the Brooks Glycerin 20. 

Drew: Is the DNA Loft v3 as bouncy as the Aurora-BL? No. Is it better than the DNA Loft that is typically used on the Glycerin line? Yes, way better. Given my great experience with DNA Loft v3 on the Aurora-BL, I pushed the Glycerin 20 hard believing it could handle the miles. And it could. Even on an 18 mile long run, the DNA Loft v3 was soft the whole time and didn’t bottom out.

As Tyler mentioned, the DNA Loft v3 does get better once you break it in. I’m not sure why, that wasn’t the case in the Aurora-BL. It might be due to the increase rubber coverage on the outsole but I couldn’t say for sure. One other thing to note is that the DNA Loft v3 performs better when its warm. So, the night before your run (if the temp is low), move the Glyercin 20 out of the garage and into the house. It’ll perform much better on the next day’s run.

Durable Traction

Tyler: I’m a sucker for a good outsole and this one shines. Grip? Check. Wear? Almost non-existent at 47 miles (as of this review).

Drew: The Brooks Glyerin 20 mixes up the traction pattern from the Glycerin 19 but the result is the same, no slips. Even in wintry conditions, the Glycerin 20 delivered reliable traction. And, as Tyler said, it wears slowly. This will be a long lasting daily trainer.

Consistency

Tyler: After the midsole came to life, the consistency of the ride was phenomenal. Whether it’s mile 1 or pushing up into double digits, the shoe never wavered in ride or feel.

Drew: It’s a smooth ride that’s slightly upgraded from previous Glycerins. The Brooks Glycerin 20 also features a fit that works for everyone. The last (shape) used for the Glycerin line is an all around champ. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve recommended this shoe. Everyone I recommended it to comes back happy about the accommodating, great fit.

I know Tyler focused on the consistency of the ride, but the Glycerin brings another form of consistency. A consistent experience from year to year with portions of the shoe improving each year. Brooks consistently avoids taking a step back with the Glycerin and makes it better year in and year out. Bravo Brooks.

Cons

Laces

Tyler: C’mon Brooks, throw me some great laces on these instead of this junk.

Drew: The laces are awful. They came undone on both shoes multiple times during my first run. If you don’t double knot them, they’ll loosen and release. It’s the worse part of an otherwise great shoe.

StealthFit

Tyler: StealthFit is described as a sleek, closer-to-foot fit, but I found it annoying. Sure, I could make it work, but heel lockdown wasn’t great, the toebox felt loose and the only real secure part of the fit was over the arch of my foot. It honestly felt like I was in a shoe one size too big – but that wasn’t the case.

Drew: I was lucky enough to be able to test both versions of the Brooks Glycerin 20, regular and StealthFit. The StealthFit version is just not form fitting enough to be a great knit sneaker. It’s like it was made by someone who never wears knit shoes and doesn’t understand how they should hug the foot and break in over time. Avoid the StealthFit version and buy the regular version. The regular version doesn’t look as sleek, but the fit is WAY better.

Brooks Glycerin 20 Summary

Tyler: All in all, if anything, the Brooks Glycerin 20 StealthFit has made me want one thing: the Brooks Glycerin 20 Standard Fit. If I could dial in the fit a little bit more, this would be an excellent daily trainer. It’s got the right amount of cushion, pop and comfort to go the miles. And while it may not turn a lot of heads, the tradition of the Glycerin being a workhorse continues. 

Drew: The Brooks Glycerin 20 is one of my favorite daily trainers. It’s comfortable, breathable, versatile and well-cushioned. It’s a do everything shoe that fits a wide range of feet (including wide footers). It’s a great shoe to recommend to both runners just starting out and those looking for a workhorse daily trainer.