If you’ve spent any time looking for a shoe that doesn't leave your knees feeling like they’ve been through a blender, you've likely hit the "stability vs. cushion" wall. Usually, you get one or the other. Soft shoes feel like marshmallows but offer zero support. Stability shoes feel like bricks but keep your ankles straight.
Enter the brooks glycerin gts 22 women.
Honestly, this shoe is Brooks' attempt to stop making you choose. It’s their premium, max-cushion "tank" that somehow still feels like a luxury SUV. Released in early 2025, it has quickly become a staple for women who overpronate—basically, if your feet roll inward when you walk or run—but who still want that "walking on clouds" sensation.
What’s Actually New in the GTS 22?
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way. The big headline here is the DNA Tuned midsole.
In the older models, like the Glycerin 21, Brooks used DNA Loft v3. It was fine. Good, even. But DNA Tuned is a different beast. It’s nitrogen-infused foam that uses "dual-size cell technology."
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Basically, they put big air bubbles in the heel to make your landing soft. Then, they put tiny, tightly packed bubbles in the forefoot. Why? Because when you push off the ground, you want snap and energy, not a soggy sponge feel. It’s a subtle change, but if you’re doing ten miles, you’ll feel the difference in how much easier it is to keep your momentum.
The Support System
The "GTS" stands for Go-To-Support. If you don't need stability, you just buy the regular Glycerin 22. But for the GTS version, Brooks uses their GuideRails technology.
Think of them like the bumpers in a bowling alley. If your foot is moving straight, they don't do much. But if your foot starts to tilt or roll too far inward, the rails are there to nudge it back into its natural path. It’s a "holistic" approach, meaning it’s not just about the foot; it’s about protecting your knees, which is usually where the pain actually starts.
The Fit: It’s kida... narrow?
Here is the thing most reviewers aren't telling you: the brooks glycerin gts 22 women feels a bit more "locked-in" than the 21.
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The new double jacquard mesh upper is beautiful. It’s breathable and feels expensive. But some runners have noted that the midfoot feels a little more snug. If you have a high-volume foot (meaning your foot takes up a lot of space vertically) or if you traditionally like a very wide, sloppy fit, you might want to look at the wide (D) or even extra-wide (EE) versions.
- Weight: About 9.1 oz (258g). It’s not a racing flat, but it’s light for a stability shoe.
- Drop: 10mm. This is a classic "heel-striker" drop.
- Price: Usually sits around $165, though you can find deals closer to $125 depending on the colorway.
Why Real Runners are Switching (or Staying)
I talked to a few marathoners and high-school coaches about this specific model. The general consensus? It’s a workhorse.
One teacher mentioned she wears them for 10,000 steps a day in the classroom and has zero back pain. That’s the "hidden" market for this shoe. It’s not just for people running sub-4-hour marathons; it’s for anyone with plantar fasciitis or flat feet who needs to be upright for eight hours.
However, it’s not perfect.
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Some people find the arch a little aggressive for the first few miles. It’s like a new pair of jeans—you have to break them in. If you put them on and the arch feels "weird," give it 20 miles before you return them. The foam needs to compress and mold to your specific footprint.
Comparisons You Should Care About
| Feature | Glycerin GTS 22 | Adrenaline GTS 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | DNA Tuned (Plush/Bouncy) | DNA Loft v2 (Firmer/Snappy) |
| Best For | Long slow runs & recovery | Daily miles & faster paces |
| Feel | Like a pillow with guardrails | Like a supportive trainer |
The "Run Forever" Feeling
The brooks glycerin gts 22 women is marketed as the shoe to help you "run forever." Does it? Well, no shoe does that. But if your current shoes feel "dead" after 200 miles, the nitrogen-infused foam in the 22 is designed to last longer without flattening out.
The outsole rubber is also thick. Brooks didn't skimp on the high-wear areas, which is great because $165 is a lot of money to spend on something that falls apart in three months.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
If you’re thinking about picking these up, don't just click "buy" on the first pair you see.
- Check your current soles. Look at your old running shoes. If the inside of the heel is worn down more than the outside, you’re an overpronator. The GTS is for you.
- Size up. Almost everyone in the running community agrees: buy a half-size larger than your "street" shoes. Your feet swell when you run. If you buy your exact size, you’re going to lose a toenail.
- Consider the Glycerin Max. If you want even more foam and don't care about the GuideRails, the Max version is out there, but it’s taller and can feel a bit "tippy" for some.
- Look for the Stitch Edition. If you're a Disney fan, keep an eye out for the limited "Stitch" (Experiment 626) version that often drops around marathon weekends. It’s the same shoe but with much better vibes.
The brooks glycerin gts 22 women is a solid, dependable upgrade. It isn't a radical departure from what Brooks does best, but the midsole change makes it feel significantly more modern than the versions from five years ago. It’s stable, it’s soft, and it’ll probably save your knees on those long Sunday morning pavement sessions.