Brooks
Glycerin Max 2
Product Judgment
Solid
7.2
Category: Max Cushioned
Release year: 2026
Price Judgment
Unjustified
Common retail price: ~$200
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Flagship Brooks max-cushion trainer focused on plush comfort and protection. Minimal changes from previous version, with improved upper breathability and outsole durability. Expert reviews highlight standout comfort but reduced liveliness.
Ride feels exceptionally soft and protective, prioritizing impact absorption over responsiveness. High stack and soft foam create a luxurious but heavy, sometimes unstable platform. Transitions are smoother than before but remain ponderous, with a muted, less energetic feel compared to competitors.
Best suited for heavier runners or those seeking maximum comfort for easy, recovery, or walking sessions. Less effective for faster paces or long distances due to weight and instability. Ideal for runners prioritizing plushness and durability over versatility or speed.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Plush upper and max cushioning deliver luxurious comfort, especially at easy paces.
Energy Return
5Foam is soft and cushioned but lacks meaningful bounce or propulsion.
Stability
5Wide base adds some stability, but softness and stack height can feel unstable.
Durability
9Outsole and upper are highly durable, with minimal wear after extensive use.
Fun to Ride
5Ride is smooth but muted and lacks the energy expected from top max trainers.
Run Fitness
Daily
7Comfortable for easy daily runs but weight and softness limit versatility.
Long
6Cushioning protects on long runs, but instability and weight are drawbacks.
Tempo
3Heavy, unresponsive ride makes faster paces challenging and inefficient.
Race
2Weight and lack of propulsion make it unsuitable for racing.
Recovery
9Plush cushioning and upper comfort excel for slow, easy recovery sessions.
Pros & Cons
- Outstanding comfort
- Highly durable build
- Smooth transitions
- Heavy and cumbersome
- Less responsive than rivals
- Potential instability
Extremely plush upper and max cushioning create a luxurious underfoot feel for easy runs.
Outsole and upper hold up very well over extended mileage.
Refined geometry delivers smoother transitions than the previous version.
Weight and bulk make the shoe feel cumbersome, especially at faster paces.
Ride lacks the lively, energetic feel found in competing max-cushion shoes.
Very soft, high stack construction can feel unstable for some runners or on uneven surfaces.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:45-7:30 min/km
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
45 mm heel / 39 mm forefoot
Weight
340 g
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
45 mm heel / 39 mm forefoot
Weight
340 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
wide
Terrain
Road
Technologies
DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused foam, Double jacquard knit upper, RoadTack outsole
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:45-7:30 min/km
Comparable Models
Brooks Ghost Max 3 is firmer and more stable-feeling, but less plush and maximal.
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Nike Vomero Premium is more energetic and high-stack, but less traditional as an easy-mile cruiser.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 is softer and more maximal, but less structured.
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ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is softer and more premium-feeling, but less maximal in geometry.
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Saucony Triumph 23 is livelier and more flexible, but less protective underfoot.
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Puma MagMax Nitro is similarly protective for longer daily runs, but feels more performance-oriented and less like a plush cruiser.
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