The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is Brooks’ big, protective daily trainer for runners who want max cushioning without feeling like they’re just plodding along.
It’s built for easy miles, recovery runs, and long runs where the goal is simply to finish feeling better than you expected.
And honestly, it mostly nails that mission. My overall take is that it’s a very capable, confidence-inspiring max-cushion shoe that keeps legs fresher on slow days… but it doesn’t have quite the same “wow” factor that I fell in love with in the original Brooks Glycerin Max.
If you’re coming in fresh (or you simply want protection first), you’ll probably be stoked with how this one feels. If you’re expecting v1’s exact vibe, the differences are real, and I'm going to share them all in this review...
Key specifications
- Price: $200 at Brooks
- Weight: 11.2 oz / 318 g (men’s US 9, my pair)
- Drop (and stack height): 6mm (45mm heel / 39mm forefoot)
- Upper: thicker triple-jacquard air mesh
- Midsole: full-length DNA Tuned (nitrogen-infused EVA, dual-cell construction)
- Outsole: thick rubber in high-wear zones + deep extrusion over exposed foam
- Extra attributes: GlideRoll Rocker geometry, pronounced toe spring, sculpted heel bevel
Sizing and fit
They fit true to size for me, with a secure, “hug-like” wrap that feels a little more locked-in than the previous version.
The trade-off is that the toebox feels lower-volume than v1, so if you’ve got wide feet or a high-volume forefoot, it’s worth paying attention to pressure up front.
The upper also runs a bit warm, which is totally fine most of the time, as you won't be racking up as many high intensity runs in these… but you’ll notice it more in hot/humid conditions.
There's also still lots of padding around the collars and the collar walls are still fairly low making them a comfy choice for those with low ankle bone geometry.
Performance review
That protected, “fresh legs” feeling is the whole point of these
This is a max-cushion shoe that does what max-cushion shoes are supposed to do.
It takes the sting out of the road and lets you rack up easy miles without your legs feeling beat up when you finish.
Alastair Dixon
The underfoot protection is massive, especially for slower-paced running and longer outings where you’re prioritizing comfort and impact reduction over speed.
This is easily one of the highest stack daily trainers out there right now.
For heavier runners (or anyone who just wants more shock absorption day-to-day), it makes a ton of sense.
The DNA Tuned midsole foam doesn’t feel like it bottoms out, and the cushioning stays consistent rather than turning into a mushy mess.
The rocker and toe spring do a lot of the work
One of the most noticeable traits for me (with this updated version) is how much the geometry helps you move along.
The GlideRoll Rocker plus that incredible toe spring creates an effortless forward roll that feels almost automatic.
On easy runs; think roughly 5 – 6:50+/km (8:00 to 11:00+/mile), it smooths transitions and keeps things feeling fluid even when you’re not pushing hard.
That forward roll is also noticeable on gentle inclines, where some max-cush shoes can start to feel like you’re hauling weight.
Alastair Dixon
Here, the shoe kind of nudges you into the next step.
Stable for the stack height (and that matters at 45 mm)
With this much foam underfoot, stability can get sketchy fast, but the Glycerin Max 2 feels surprisingly controlled and confidence-inspiring for what it is.
It’s not a “precision” shoe, obviously, but it doesn’t feel like a wobbly platform either. The more structured ride and secure upper help here, and the overall result is a max shoe that feels dependable rather than unpredictable.
The outsole design is quietly excellent
This is one of those details that doesn’t sound exciting until you’ve worn enough shoes to appreciate it; yes, yes, I'm a shoe nerd... 😁
The rubber coverage and the way it’s deeply extruded over the exposed foam is genuinely a smart move that I wish other brands would take note on.
In my pair, I haven’t even made contact with the ground on some of the exposed areas yet, and that’s rare. It tells me Brooks put real thought into protecting the midsole foam and extending lifespan of the traction, whilst keeping weight down.
If you’re the kind of runner who wants a max-cush daily trainer that won’t look trashed after a short block, this outsole approach is a big win.
Where it starts to feel “less fun”, and why that might not matter to you
While the Glycerin Max 2 absolutely great at protecting you, it can feel a little slower and less snappy than you might want if you’re chasing a quicker cadence or a more responsive daily trainer feel.
Alastair Dixon
For me, that super soft landing and heavy-stack protection can slightly delay the stride and make turnover feel a touch slower compared to more balanced midsole alternatives.
I don’t see that as a flaw, this shoe is doing exactly what it’s built to do, but it explains why some runners say it feels more like a structured tank than a bouncy cloud.
So if your “daily trainer” needs to cover steady runs, progression finishes, or faster uptempo work, this isn’t the shoe I’d reach for first. But if your priority is easy miles, recovery, long-run comfort, or just saving your legs, the Glycerin Max 2 is right in its element.
Comparison to the previous version
The Glycerin Max 2 feels like an evolution of v1, same mission, slightly different personality.
- Weight: My US 9 Max 2 is 11.2 oz (318 g) vs 10.9 oz (309 g) in the original. It’s not a huge jump, but you can feel the direction here: more substance, a bit less “floaty” - being heavier is a negative for me.
- Upper & fit: v1 had that super soft, roomy forefoot that felt amazing but could be a little sloppy for some feet. Glycerin Max 2 shifts to a more secure, plush wrap with a lower-volume toebox. Better lockdown and stability for many, but potentially snug for wide/high-volume feet.
- Ride & rocker: The rocker/toe spring feels more aggressive in Glycerin Max 2. Both roll well, but GM 2 leans further into that “the shoe does some of the work” sensation. It's not as soft as plush as it was before either.
- Outsole: v1 was already solid but this update takes it up a notch with that deeper extrusion protecting the exposed foam. From what I’m seeing on my pair so fat, durability looks extremely promising.
Overall, if you loved v1 for its roomy plushness and softer “fun” feel, you might miss that exact vibe. If you want the same max-protection concept with a more secure fit, more structure, and a more pronounced roll forward, the Glycerin Max 2 lands really well.
My verdict
At the end of the day, the Glycerin Max 2 are every bit as good as the original at delivering the core job: soft landings, huge protection, and easy miles that leave your legs feeling fresher.
The high-stack, toe spring and rocker geometry are the real “personality” of this shoe, and the outsole design is one of the smartest durability choices I’ve seen on a max-cush trainer, of late.
The main caveats are straightforward: it’s heavy, it’s not a fast-feeling shoe, and the toebox is lower-volume now. But if you’re buying it for what it’s built for: easy miles, recovery runs, long-run comfort, and day-to-day protection, it’s an excellent tool.
If you’re someone (like me lately) who’s drifting toward more responsive daily trainers, you may find yourself reaching for this less often. But for runners who want max protection first, the Glycerin Max 2 absolutely earns its keep.
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