If you’ve spent any time at a local run club recently, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the Brooks Glycerin 22. It’s basically the "old reliable" of the running world, but with a major facelift that has some purists scratching their heads.
Honestly, the biggest misconception out there is that this is just another minor iterative update. People look at the silhouette and think, "Oh, it's just the 21 with a new paint job."
That is flat-out wrong.
For the first time in a while, Brooks actually messed with the recipe. They didn't just tweak the foam; they swapped it out for a completely different technology called DNA Tuned. If you’re coming from the Glycerin 20 or 21, the sensation underfoot is going to be noticeably different.
The DNA Tuned Shift: Not Just More Foam
Most running shoes use a single slab of foam throughout the midsole. It’s simple, it works, but it’s limited. With the Brooks Glycerin 22, the engineers took a page out of the "Glycerin Max" playbook.
Basically, they use a nitrogen-infused process to create different cell sizes within the same piece of foam.
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Think about it like this: the heel has these larger, airier cells designed to soak up the impact when your foot slams into the pavement. Then, as you roll forward, the cells in the forefoot get smaller and denser. This provides a firmer, snappier surface to push off from.
It’s a dual-density feel without the awkward seams or glue lines you find in older stability shoes.
Tech Specs at a Glance
- Weight: 10.2 oz (Men) / 9.1 oz (Women)
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
- Stack Height: 38 mm in the heel / 28 mm in the forefoot
- Midsole Material: Nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned
- Price: Usually retails around $165
You’ve probably noticed that weight. It’s a bit heavier than the 21. About half an ounce, give or take. While that might annoy the "weight weenies" on Strava, the trade-off is a massive 10 mm increase in stack height compared to older versions. You are sitting much higher off the ground.
Who Is This Shoe Actually For?
I’ll be blunt: if you are a forefoot striker who wants a "ground feel" experience, stay far away from the Brooks Glycerin 22. You’ll hate it. It’s too high, too plush, and feels a bit like running on a very stable marshmallow.
However, if you’re a heel striker or someone who does a lot of recovery miles, this is sorta your holy grail.
The 10 mm drop is fairly steep by modern standards (where many brands are moving toward 4 mm or 6 mm). This steep angle is a godsend for runners with tight calves or Achilles issues because it takes a lot of the load off the back of the leg.
I’ve seen plenty of walkers picking these up too. Since the foam doesn’t bottom out easily, it’s a great option for people who are on their feet all day at work.
The "GTS" Confusion
One thing that confuses a lot of people is the "GTS" version. Brooks stands for "Go-To-Support."
- Standard Glycerin 22: This is the neutral version. It’s for runners whose feet don’t roll inward excessively.
- Glycerin GTS 22: This features GuideRails technology.
Don't think of GuideRails like the old-school hard plastic posts. It’s more like the bumpers in a bowling alley. They don't force your foot to move a certain way; they just sit there and provide support if your form starts to get sloppy or your foot rolls too far in.
If you have flat feet or you've been told you overpronate, the GTS is the one you want. Otherwise, stick to the neutral version. It’s a bit more flexible and slightly lighter.
Real-World Gripes: The Toebox and Lockdown
It’s not all sunshine and nitrogen bubbles.
Some runners, specifically those with higher-volume feet, have complained that the toebox feels a bit shallow. It's not necessarily narrow—Brooks is actually pretty good about offering Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E) widths—but the vertical space above your toes is a bit tight.
There’s also the upper. It’s a double jacquard air mesh. It feels premium and looks great in the "Cobalt/Neon Yellow" colorway, but it’s thick. If you live in a swampy, high-humidity climate, these might run a little hot during the summer months.
On the flip side, the heel collar is incredibly plush. Brooks basically "over-stuffed" the padding around the ankle. It feels like a hug, but some reviewers have noted they need to use the extra eyelet (the runner's knot) to get a truly secure lockdown because the padding is so thick it can cause a tiny bit of heel lift if you don't lace them right.
How it Compares to the Competition
In the current 2026 market, the Brooks Glycerin 22 is competing directly with heavy hitters like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 and the Hoka Clifton 10.
Honestly, the ASICS is probably its closest rival in terms of pure "step-in comfort." But where the Glycerin 22 wins is durability. The "RoadTack" outsole rubber Brooks is using now is surprisingly tough. You can easily get 400 to 500 miles out of these before the foam starts to feel "dead."
Hoka’s Clifton is lighter, sure, but it also has a much lower drop (5 mm) which doesn't suit everyone. The Glycerin feels more like a traditional running shoe—just modernized.
Moving Forward With Your Miles
If you're currently in a pair of Glycerin 21s and they're starting to look a bit ragged, the 22 is a worthy upgrade, provided you don't mind a taller shoe.
Next steps for you:
- Check your wear pattern: Look at the bottom of your current shoes. If the inside of the heel is worn down significantly, look at the Glycerin GTS 22 for that extra support.
- Go true-to-size: Most people find these fit exactly like previous Brooks models, but if you have a "tall" foot, try them on in-store to make sure that shallow toebox doesn't pinch.
- Save them for the "Slow" days: Don't try to run a 5K personal best in these. They are built for the long, slow, "I just want to enjoy the scenery" type of runs.
The Glycerin 22 isn't trying to be a carbon-plated racing shoe. It knows exactly what it is: a luxurious, high-mileage cruiser that protects your joints. In a world of increasingly weird shoe designs, there’s something nice about a shoe that just works.