Footwear Focus—A Podiatrist's Expert Review of the Brooks Glycerin Max Running Shoe
Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the past decade, you’ve likely heard of Brooks shoes.
The brand has blown up from a cult favorite to a mainstream darling, going toe to toe with the perpetual heavy hitters in the athletic shoe arena—and winning.
That’s because Brooks has a lot to offer that folks really like.
They’re comfortable
Well-made
Offer stability
And come in a ton of styles and colors
Many people who’ve been riding the Brooks train for a while discovered the brand through word of mouth or by trying them on in person.
One of my friends was unaware of the brand until she tried a pair during a gait assessment at a running shoe retailer. “I’d never tried a pair of shoes that fit and supported my feet so well,” she remembers, adding “they felt especially amazing on my high arches.” She bought that pair on the spot and has never looked back. Today, she’s on her fourth consecutive pair of Brooks shoes, with the Ghost style being her go-to.
Her experience doesn’t seem to be an isolated case. Look down, and you’ll likely notice lots of folks sporting Brooks’s forward arrow logo on their feet. From runners to walkers to healthcare professionals—Brooks has become a household name and a first-string option for daily wear.
But why is this so? What makes Brooks so popular? And are they podiatrist-recommended footwear?
I’m unpacking everything you need to know about this brand, including my personal experiences and expert podiatrist assessment of Brooks footwear in my latest Footwear Focus blog! I’m also sharing my review of my newest pair of Brooks—their hot-off-the-startline Glycerin Max.
What are we waiting for? Let's get moving!
Brooks footwear brand overview
Brooks has entered the mainstream footwear collective consciousness relatively recently, but they’ve actually been in business longer than mainstay brands like Nike.
In fact, they’ve been around for more than a hundred years!
Brooks got their start in Philadelphia in 1914, where their small factory made a line of women’s bath and ballet shoes.
From the start, they focused on creating shoes designed for specific activities—from soccer and football cleats to roller skates!
When the running craze swept the nation following the Munich Olympics in 1972, they shifted their focus to creating top-quality running shoes.
With a spirit of innovation, they continued to evolve over the decades, introducing new technology and materials to enhance their running shoes and provide wearers with a singular experience.
In the 2010s, this push to revolutionize led them to fold sustainability initiatives into their process, including utilizing eco-friendly materials when possible.
But their primary focus remains on creating running shoes designed with technology and science to keep folks moving forward in comfort and stability.
What do I, as a podiatrist and runner, like about Brooks shoes? Here are my top takeaways about what they offer—
Shock absorption—Brooks shoes often have a good amount of shock absorption but are historically not too cushy. The materials they use for cushioning are more firm so you don’t feel like you’re sinking into the shoe.
Stability—Brooks offers a good range of stability options.
Widths—Brooks shoes have more width options than some other brands, which is important for folks looking for a perfect fit.
Colors—Brooks is known for their extensive color options, meaning you can find a pair that matches your aesthetic and supports your foot health.
Brooks shoes also come in a wide range of styles, designed for specific feet and needs. Popular offerings include the Ghost, Adrenaline, Glycerin, Hyperion, and Launch.
Now that you know a bit about the brand in general, it’s time for review of their newest offering: the Glycerin Max.
A podiatrist’s review of the new Brooks Glycerin Max
As a longtime fan of the brand, I was excited to get my hands (and feet!) on the new Brooks Glycerin Max.
According to Brooks, this style is designed as a maximum cushioning running shoe, made for protection and comfort. Featuring their new DNA tuned midsole technology, they’re made to offer a balance of soft landings and a springy response in the toe-off.
They also feature the Brooks glide roll technology, which the company asserts makes them “feel seamless and effortless underfoot.”
If you check out the reviews online, shoppers seem to agree. Many describe the shoes as comfortable, responsive, and effortless. Some were initially put off by the thickness of the soles, only to discover a few miles into their run what a difference this made. Some folks were split on the fit, with some stating they were just right, while others felt they were a bit roomy and others going up a half size for optimal fit. It just goes to show you that everyone’s feet are different.
As a podiatrist and an avid runner, I’m always on the lookout to try new footwear styles. I love making personalized recommendations to my patients and helping them find the right footwear to support their foot and ankle health and active lives.
So, what did I think of the new Brooks Glycerin Max style once I got them on my feet?
While I’ve only had my pair for a short time, I’ve already put them to the test. Here are my impressions so far:
As advertised, this style is VERY cushioned. They feel springy when walking and running. Personally, I’m a fan of shock absorption because a lot of my running takes place on concrete in the city.
Note: If you prefer a shoe that lets you feel more in touch with the ground, these may not be the ideal pair for you.
The toe box in this style is more on the tapered side (which Brooks tends to favor in my experience with them).
The drop (6mm) is a good middle ground.
Being a neutral shoe, these might not work well for someone who needs extra support from their footwear.
I personally love the regular Glycerin style and felt I could benefit from even more cushioning, so I really like these. For some runners, however, the extra cushioning may make you feel very high off the ground, which might be tricky to get used to.
Now, the moment of truth. Would I recommend this style as a podiatrist and runner to my patients?
Let’s dive into my thoughts.
Does Dr. Young recommend the Brooks Glycerin Max?
So far, I really like this style for my feet and needs.
I plan to continue to assess them as I wear them on runs and rack up more miles with them.
I’d recommend these shoes for someone with a neutral foot and gait who prefers a lot of cushioning.
Ideal wearers for this style might include runners, but they could also be a good choice for healthcare workers and those who are on their feet on hard floors for long periods. If you’re a runner in the concrete jungle like me, these may offer you the added cushioning you’re seeking for a more comfortable experience.
I wouldn’t recommend this shoe for my older patients or those with balance issues. With their added cushioning, height, and larger size, it could be easy to trip or lose balance in these.
Overall, I’m a fan of this newest offering from Brooks. I’ll certainly be wearing mine around to get to know them better over the coming months and will keep you posted if I decide to update my opinion!
Do you have a personal story about Brooks you’d like to share? How about a question you need an expert opinion on? I’m here for you! Reach out online, book an appointment, or stop by our convenient downtown Chicago office location. City Step Podiatry is here to help you step strong!
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
