Brooks
Glycerin Max 2 Running Shoe - Men's
$199.95
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The Grivet Take
The Glycerin Max 2 is Brooks's tallest-stack neutral, built around the new DNA Tuned foam with a 6mm drop, an aggressive forefoot rocker, and a wide platform that reads steadier than a typical neutral. It's firmer than the Glycerin Max 1 was; the cushioning protects rather than bounces, and the rocker carries you forward more than the foam pushes you. Best for daily easy miles, recovery runs, long days on your feet, and walking. Skip it if you want speed versatility, energy return, or a flexible forefoot; this is a protective cruiser, not a propulsive trainer. Heavier runners (190+ lbs) will get the most out of the foam compression.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.2 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.5 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.2 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.4 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.3 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Fits true to size, an improvement over the v1 which sized short. Toe box runs standard width but lower volume; runners with high-volume forefeet may feel pressure on the dorsum. Midfoot is snug, with a thin tongue and lacing system that locks the foot down without fuss. Heel hold is secure thanks to a generously padded collar. Available in Standard (D) only for men's; no wide option. Some runners report mild pressure on the big toe and slight tongue slippage on long runs with sharp turns.
How it feels
Cushion is at the top of the scale, but the new DNA Tuned reads firm and controlled rather than soft and bouncy. Aggressive forefoot rocker carries the foot forward with a pronounced roll; heel transition is smooth thanks to a refined bevel. Forefoot has essentially no flex (rigid plate-feel without an actual plate). Energy return is moderate; the shoe protects more than it propels. Wide base and full-length medial sidewalls produce a steadier feel than a typical neutral max-cushion shoe, which works well for runners who want stability without committing to a stability category.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 45.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 39.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 6.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 11.2 oz · 318 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 5 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- DNA Tuned (nitrogen-infused, dual-density supercritical)
- Outsole
- rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D
Tech, translated
DNA Tuned is Brooks's new nitrogen-infused supercritical foam. The cell structure is dual-density: bigger cells in the heel for softer landings, smaller cells in the forefoot for firmer push-off. In the Glycerin Max 2 it reads firmer than in the lower-stack Glycerin 23.
Aggressive forefoot rocker is the geometry story for this shoe. Instead of relying on foam compression and rebound, the Max 2 rolls the foot forward through a pronounced toe-spring. Result is a smooth roll-through transition without much bend through the forefoot.
Wide platform with medial sidewalls is what makes this shoe read steadier than a typical neutral max-cushion shoe. The base is broad at the heel and forefoot, and the sidewalls reach up around the midsole, providing a stable feel without the firmer foam wedges of a true stability shoe.
Frequently asked
Does the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 run true to size?
Yes, the Glycerin Max 2 fits true to size, an improvement over the original Max which ran short. The toe box is standard width with lower volume, so runners with high-volume forefeet may want to pay attention to dorsum fit. Brooks offers Standard (D) only in men's; no wide option. Try them on if you have wider or taller forefeet.
How does the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 compare to the Hoka Bondi 9?
Both are max-cushion neutral trainers built around a high stack and a rockered ride. The Glycerin Max 2 reads firmer and more controlled, with an aggressive forefoot rocker and a wider, steadier base; the Bondi 9 reads softer and plusher, with the classic Hoka geometry. Choose the Max 2 for stability lean and rocker-driven roll. Choose the Bondi 9 for softer landings and a plusher overall feel.
Is the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 firm or soft underfoot?
Firmer than expected for a max-cushion shoe. The new DNA Tuned foam is dual-density and runs firmer than the v1 Max foam; the cushioning protects rather than bounces. Heavier runners (190+ lbs) compress the foam more and get more give out of it; lighter runners may find it stiff at slower paces. The aggressive forefoot rocker carries you forward more than the foam pushes you.
Is the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 good for walking?
Yes, the Glycerin Max 2 is well-suited to walking and long days on your feet. The 45mm stack gives generous protection, the aggressive forefoot rocker rolls you smoothly through each step, and the wide base reads steady underfoot. The 11.2 oz weight is heavier than a dedicated walking shoe, but the cushion and rocker make up for it on long-day-on-feet use.
Is the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 good for treadmill running?
Yes, for easy and steady-state treadmill miles. The full-rubber outsole holds up to belt wear, and the cushioned, rockered ride is forgiving for repeated foot strikes. At 11.2 oz the shoe is on the heavier side, so longer treadmill efforts may feel sluggish compared to a lighter daily trainer. For recovery and easy treadmill sessions, it's a comfortable pick.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Brooks Glycerin 23
Choose the Glycerin Max 2 for the tallest-stack Brooks neutral with an aggressive rocker and wide steady base. Choose the Glycerin 23 for a lower-profile, lighter, more flexible daily trainer on the same DNA Tuned foam.
Compare Brooks Glycerin 23 →
Hoka Bondi 9
Choose the Glycerin Max 2 for a firmer, more rockered ride with a stability lean. Choose the Bondi 9 for a softer, plusher max-cushion neutral with the classic Hoka geometry.
Compare Hoka Bondi 9 →
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
Choose the Glycerin Max 2 for a lower 6mm drop, wider platform, and more aggressive forefoot rocker. Choose the Nimbus 28 for a higher drop, softer foam, and a more traditional cushioned daily trainer.
Compare ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 →
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Choose the Glycerin Max 2 for the tallest stack and the most aggressive rocker in the Brooks max-cushion line. Choose the Ghost Max 3 for a more versatile, slightly lighter rockered cruiser at a friendlier price.
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 →