Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22Price: $164.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.7 oz, 303 g (men's size 9), 9.4 oz, 266 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 39 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
Drop: 10 mm
Shoe Purpose: Moderate/High Stability Premium Daily Training Shoe
Pros: High Medial Stability, Responsive DNA Tuned Offsets Higher Weight, High Durability
Cons: Upper Takes Time to Break In, Heavier Than Last Version, Heel Transition Takes Some Time to Break In
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is a high-stability premium training shoe for those who want strong medial heel and midfoot stability. The shoe also features a snug, but adaptable fit and slightly responsive cushioning. The jacquard knit upper provides an initial snug fit that breaks in over miles to provide more room. The new DNA Tuned midsole offsets the higher weight from the prior version, adding a touch of firmness and a little bounce. The increased firmness from the prior version makes the medial stability far more prominent than the softer Glycerin GTS 21, creating a rare, moderate to high support shoe for those who need a traditional feeling medial post.
SIMILAR SHOES: Mizuno Horizon 7
PAST MODEL: Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 provides an initially snug fit that opens up to normal to slightly wide depending on your foot type. The jacquard knit mesh felt slightly short due to a tapered toe box (medial more than lateral) that took 15-20 miles to break in. Now that the upper has stretch with my feet, it provides a normal to slightly wider fit throughout that still is lower volume. The forefoot initially fits snug that opens up to a normal width with the above-mentioned lower volume. This transitions into a midfoot that starts out normal in width then begins to widen. The tongue is moderately thick and ungusseted. This did slide a little but was never a major issue. I have had to tighten the laces as the upper relaxes but have only had mild heel slippage during early stages of my runs. The heel fits normal to slightly wide with tons of padding that offsets the stiff heel counter. This padding has protected my sensitive heel from the counter but those with high sensitivities should still approach with caution. I have had some heel slippage due to the slightly wider fit and the additional padding. This has been easily fixed with tightening the laces and only happens during early parts of the run. The upper is comfortable but the midfoot inner liner is harsh, so I would suggest socks with this shoe.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Bach: The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 offers a slightly lower volume forefoot fit with a wider midfoot. The overall length feels true to size, but I noticed my big toe occasionally rubbing when I didn't lace the shoe down well. Re-lacing each run is a must with the Glycerin GTS in order to get a good, quality fit with no issues on the move. The midfoot felt a little on the wider side to me. Due to lack of not taking the time to lace once or twice, I noticed my foot sliding slightly, especially during a long walk with the shoe, which irritated my midfoot. On my long run where I properly laced the shoe though, I had no fit issues. There is a heavily-padded heel counter that is stiff and rigid in typical stability shoe fashion. The upper breathed well in the humid South Carolina heat.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Bach well: Nike Pegasus 40, Saucony Guide 17, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, Nike Structure 25
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Asics Kayano 30, Puma Electrify Nitro, Brooks Hyperion, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Shoes that have fit large: Hoka Gaviota 5, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Moderately Flexible
How Flexible is the Shoe: Mildly Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Somewhat
Recommended for Haglunds: Somewhat
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 features a full-length DNA Tuned that provides a cushioned, balanced ride. The underfoot feel is firm at first, especially at the heel with the stability mechanisms and takes time to soften. Once broken in after 10-15 miles, the ride is slightly soft. The weight is much heavier than version 21 but fortunately the DNA tuned provides a more responsive heel that offsets this. It is still a training shoe that is not meant for faster running. Doing strides in this shoe felt clunky, easy runs and long runs have felt great. There is a 10mm heel drop that feels slightly lower (like 8-9mm) thanks to a heel that compresses well. There is a small posterior lateral heel bevel that transitions well thanks to indentations in the rearfoot midsole that allow extra sole compression. The heel feels firm at first then becomes softer and slightly responsive. The forefoot is mildly flexible with a normal forefoot rocker and minimal toe spring. The ride is slightly soft up front as the lack of stability mechanisms like the heel give it a softer contrasting feel.
The outsole traction is fairly good on dry and wet road surfaces. On smooth trail and minimal gravel it does fine but any more technical terrain will require a true trail shoe. I have 50 miles on my pair and the durability has been great. There is no major wear on the sole outside of slight abrasion on the exposed DNA Tuned. The outsole material is extremely tough and will last longer than most training shoes (although I will update this as I get to 100 miles).
Bach: I am maybe in the minority as someone who really loved last year's Brooks Beast GTS 24. That shoe was weighty, but had a smooth, consistent ride without a strongly intrusive feeling stability underfoot. The Glycerin GTS 22 feels like it has been molded to be in similar fashion to that feeling I got in the Beast thanks to the new midsole, but in a lighter package.
The DNA Tuned midsole is one that feels on the firmer end, especially when you first get out the door, but brightens up and gets a little responsive with each and every mile you put in during the run. This is purely a mileage grinder at its weight, but one that I enjoyed for both daily and easy long efforts. I typically run more forward mid-to-forefoot and found that part of the shoe to be the best. If I ever got hard on my heel I found the ride to be a little more clunky feeling. A simple rocker in the front provides a really smooth ride. The shoe overall is not as stiff as the Brooks Beast, offering a little hint of flexibility up front. The outsole didn't give me any problems on wet road and slight offroading, and has been bulletproof.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is a moderate to high level stability shoe. Although Brooks says it features centering guiderails, the medial post is the most prominently felt stability measure. This is evident the second you put the shoe on and provides a great deal of pressure in the medial midfoot and heel. There are other mechanisms at play from a guidance standpoint, including a wider sole, sole flare in the heel and midfoot and an outsole design that fills in the medial but not lateral midfoot. This all culminates in one of the more prominent stability shoes out there besides the Brooks Beast. While not as stiff or heavy as its motion control counter part, the Glycerin GTS 22 is still a rare higher level stability shoe for those that need medial support in the heel and midfoot. Although it supposedly does not extend into the forefoot, it almost feels like there is firmer medial forefoot compared to lateral. Regardless, the Glycerin GTS 22 will work best for those that need a higher level of medial support in the heel and midfoot with guidance in the forefoot.
Bach: The Glycerin GTS 22 has a well-balanced stability for those who have medial needs. Brooks has really dialed in Guiderails to not be overly-tuned, helping provide light centering. The shoe's firmness and width along with extra firmness from the Guiderails makes the whole shoe very confident, while still having some minorly neutral elements like flexibility to help separate it from the Beast. The shoe didn't bother my flat feet except during a long walk where my midfoot felt a little irritated due to the width of the shoe and having space to kind of flex. Making sure you take the time to lace properly is key for anyone with flat feet using the Glycerin GTS 22.
This is still overall one of the most higher level stability shoes in the market thanks to the Guiderails.
Thoughts as a DPT: Heel Transitions: More Than Just The Bevel
By Matthew Klein
I have been harping on heel design since this website started. As a heel striker, like >70% of the running population, shape and geometry of a shoe's heel can make a big impact on comfort and ride perception. A beveled heel is the minimum a shoe should have. A bevel refers to a curved design at the rearfoot. This is important as it facilitates/replaces (depending on the stack height of the shoe) the heel rocker mechanism of the foot. The back of the calcaneus (most posterior bone) is curved, which allows a smooth transition that reduces the amount of energy required to maintain forward momentum. It also reduces the stress and load on the muscles at the front of the shin bones (tibia/fibula). As shoes continue to increase in stack height, this design is important for maintaining gait efficiency and decreasing stress on certain muscles. The second most important design is to have the bevel angled slightly lateral (posteriolateral). The majority of heel strikers land at the back outside portion of the heel during both walking and running gait. There are obviously some variations in this but these are a minority. This is a normal mechanism that sets the foot up to pronate, moving inward to facilitate normal shock absorption. This is also why most people wear out the back outside of the outsole, which is completely normal.
The final consideration is the geometry of the midsole. Motion can be facilitated with cut outs or folds in different areas. While some people may think this is purely aesthetic, folds and cut outs will cause more compression in that area. Even a shoe with a small bevel can actually transition well at the posteriolateral heel if the midsole compresses appropriately. That assumes that the midsole material compresses the right amount and at the correct rate for the individual, but that's a different conversation. The final piece of this is putting all these concepts together in a way that can adapt to each unique individual. While I mentioned landing in other areas is the minority, how each persons lands is often wildly different even when in the same general area. So creating shoes that use these principles but still allow some adaptability to variation is key when thinking about heel design.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: Although I do not like the weight increase. the Glycerin GTS 22 is a massive improvement over 21. The ride is far more stable and the shoe clearly stands out as a rare high stability training shoe. The midsole breaks in well and provides balanced cushioning with good transitions. My only suggestion is to see if the weight can be brought down without sacrificing durability. I believe this can be accomplished by thinning out the upper, which feels far thicker than it needs to be. A little more initial room in the forefoot may be helpful but I do appreciate the break in adaptability. Outside of that, it is a solid shoe.
Bach: I feel that the GTS 22 is one of the best iterations of the series in awhile. The stability feels well-balanced without being extreme, and the midsole is a good update. The upper fit feels like it could a tiny bit more volume in the forefoot and the midfoot could have a little better lockdown to make the shoe feel whole.
In the long term, I do think it would be good to see even more differences between the Glycerin and Adrenaline as far as comfort. Whether that's slimming the Adrenaline or maxing out the Glycerin, both feel so close in terms of cushioning at this point that it would be helpful to create a bigger divide to help make them more distinguishable. The Brooks Beast is clearly max in terms of stability underfoot. The Glycerin GTS may consider becoming the most maximal in terms of cushioning of the three shoes.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is a premium daily training shoe for those who want a high level of medial support in the heel and midfoot. The strong medial post from the guide rail provides noticeable medial stability for those who need it. The fit is somewhat adaptive with a jacquard knit, providing a snug lower volume fit initially in the forefoot and a slightly wider midfoot/heel. The sole is slightly soft and mildly responsive, offsetting the higher weight but still functioning best as a daily training shoe for easy runs, long runs, longer standing and walking. A mentioned, it is on the higher end of the stability spectrum, providing more traditional support along with newer concepts that distinguishes itself from other shoes like the Kayano 31 and Hurricane 24. This is rare in the industry as most companies have fully focused on guidance concepts and moved away from posting. The Glycerin GTS 22 now fits a clear niche with a justified price thanks to the good durability, moving away from the softer, mild stability ride of the last version
Bach: The Glycerin GTS 22 is going to be an option for those looking for daily driver and easy long run medial stability shoe that leans firmer and has a rockered ride. Runners who are seeking that medial post feeling of older shoes won't entirely find that here, but it is closer here than many models out in the market right now that depend on other stability mechanisms. For me, as someone who loves a stiffer ride the Beast GTS 24 remains a personal favorite in terms of stability and also a shoe that is a little closer to the ground. Anyone who wants a Brooks stability with the most cushion will want to check out the Glycerin GTS 22. Looking for alternatives? The Mizuno Wave Horizon series is an excellent alternative along with the Salomon Defy series for a high drop, guidance shoe.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Low volume but adaptive fit that opens up into a normal to slightly wider fit in the heel/midfoot with break in)
Performance: B+ (Heavier , slightly soft ride that is offset by a more responsive DNA tuned midsole. Best for easy and long runs only)
Stability: A [High Stability] (A rare high stability training shoe with strong medial heel/midfoot post and guidance mechanisms throughout the length of the shoe)
Value: A- (A rare high stability shoe that transitions well with great durability)
Personal: A- (Although I wish this was lighter, this has become a go to daily training shoe for me as I rehab an irritated posterior tibialis muscle. Takes some time to break in but a solid daily shoe. Just wish it was faster)
Overall Design: A-
Bach
Fit: B (Slightly tapered, wide midfoot can create a slightly funky fit.)
Performance: B+ (DNA Tuned midsole provides some nice comfort longer distances)
Stability: A (Well-rounded stability for medial needs)
Value: A- (Fairly normal priced trainer, but does have great durability so far)
Personal: B+ (A solid daily driver with a comfortable midsole for those who like a slightly firmer ride)
Overall Design: B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DORBrooks Glycerin GTS 22Price: $164.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
Hoka's high stacked trainer.
Adidas stability trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Adidas Solution 2
