The Brooks Glycerin 20 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

Brooks Glycerin 20 is a daily trainer designed for runners seeking comfort during recovery days and long distances. With a notable 10 mm drop, this shoe is particularly suitable for midfoot strikers, providing an optimal blend of cushioning and responsiveness.

The soft 19 mm forefoot and 25 mm heel stack height contribute to a plush ride, while the firm 30 HA foam ensures stability on various terrains. These lab-tested measurements translate effectively into real-world performance, making the Brooks Glycerin 20 a reliable option for both beginners and experienced road runners.


Pros

  • Plush cushion
  • Awesome step-in feel
  • Breathable for hot days
  • Tank-like build
  • Weighs less than looks
  • Awesome value for money
  • Comfortable fit
  • Grippy on wet road and gravel

Cons

  • Laces don't stay tied
  • Heel drop higher than advertised
  • Low energy return

Key Features

  • Plush and breathable fabric upper combined with synthetic materials for maximum comfort.
  • DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused cushioning provides a lightweight feel with responsive rebound and durability.
  • Lace-up construction ensures an improved fit to secure your foot perfectly.
  • Round toe silhouette allows for natural toe movement.
  • Redesigned midsole and outsole with an enlarged platform for smooth transitions.
  • Durable and flexible synthetic sole designed for various surfaces.
  • Available in multiple sizes and four attractive color options.

Specifications

  • Fabric Type: Synthetic-and-rubber
  • Origin: Imported
  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up
  • Weight: 302g per shoe (based on size 9, width D - Medium)

Brooks Glycerin 20 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Glycerin 20 Brooks Glycerin 22 Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 21 ASICS Gel Excite 10
Price $160 $165 $160 $85
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.5 oz / 297g 10.3 oz / 293g 9.1 oz / 257g 9.5 oz / 268g
Drop lab Drop brand 12.8 mm 10.3 mm 10.5 mm 11.8 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Soft Balanced Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Normal Normal Small
Toebox durability - Decent Decent Decent
Heel padding durability - Good Decent Good
Outsole durability - Good Good Good
Breathability Moderate Breathable Warm Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width - Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Heel lab Heel brand 37.1 mm 38.5 mm 36.9 mm 35.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 24.3 mm 28.2 mm 26.4 mm 23.4 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons Summer All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Top 33% Top 50% Bottom 36% Top 49%
Popularity Top 18% Top 4% Top 40% Top 23%