One of the best things to note with Brooks is their returns policy. 90 days to return and get your money back even if you've racked up 100+ miles in them. Other manufacturers need to up their game with that.
"Boring in a good way" is exactly what Brooks does well. I have a pair of Adrenalines and if they were my only shoes I would hate them. They're not too heavy, or too firm, or too soft, or...anything. They're just shoes that are unremarkable. They just...do their job. Which is great.
For us wide foot runners Brooks along with New Balance are really the only companies that cater for us in the UK so will keep getting my money. Saucony and Asics on their US website have wide versions which we don'y get here. Strange marketing decision
6:07 Think you made a fan 😂 I bought the Glycerin 19s in the sales and it has grown on me massively. It’s the shoe I reach for when I’m not interested in pace and just want something soft and comfortable on a long run or a recovery run
Some months ago, coming out of an injury, I was desperately looking for a pair of a safe, protective and stable running shoes. I got a Glycerin 19 (20 wasn't out yet) and to my surprise it is one of the best running shoes I ever tried, besides of all great protection and stability for the legs it actually has a pretty good response on the mid sole (incredible but true). Almost 300 very enjoyable running kilometers and it still looks almost new. Can't tell about the 20 but the 19 I would buy again for my "garbage" miles. Crazy
Sure, it’s not an exciting shoe but it’s dependable. As you said long easy runs and recovery runs are it’s wheelhouse. And one thing Brooks does really well is step in comfort. Their shoes feel great when you first try them on. We have sold a ton of Glycerins since they we’re released. So while not the shoe for me (I prefer the Triumph 19) a lot of people like the shoe. I guess boring works? 😂
Yes, Glycerin is a bit boring but as a cushioned shoe they are good for recovery and easy miles, and they last long thanks to good amount of outsole rubber. The downside is that the generous amount of outsole rubber also muted the new midsole. At least version 20 comes with 2 different uppers (Traditional and Stealthfit) and Neutral and GTS (stability) versions. Add in wide versions there are a lot of combinations to fit someone perfectly.
I have 2 pairs of glycerin 19’s and a pair of Hyperion tempos. I’m only doing 5 and 10km races and training but they fit my needs. In its niche, it just does it so well. I’ll upgrade to the 20’s in 300km - 500km when the 19’s retire.
I got a pair of Glycerine 20’s for $90 US. They were on clearance. I absolutely love this shoe. They are very comfortable and there does seem to be a little bit of return from this shoe.
Brooks may not be the prettiest shoe but they're probably one of the best training shoes that you can buy. They're consistent and reliable, not to mention the amazing return/exchange policy. I've ran in a lot of different makes and models of shoes, but I usually come back to Brooks simply because they're reliable.
Ive had 2 pairs of Brooks the ghost 13(now retired after 470 miles)and The 14s which are great for long training miles, but the best shoe for me this year are the floatride energy x,for value and comfort with the plate as well superb!!
Really enjoyed the glycerin gts 19 and I’ve just retired them to maybe very short easy runs/gardening shoes after getting 400miles out of them (I’m a 200+ lb runner). Currently got the ASICS glide ride 2s on the go for the longer efforts (based on your rec fordy), what a great shoe! You really feel that shoe working for you. I didn’t find them firm or the rocker extreme, but I had been running in the evo ride 2 prior to getting them so maybe that helped.
I did 500 miles in the Glycerin 18s and then tried on 8 different shoes in the running shop. Eventually I bought the 19s. They were the most comfortable best fitting shoe 🤷♂️
I’ve moved away from Ghosts but enjoying Glycerin 18 still. Strangely a bit responsive if I do pick the pace up and not too heavy. The 2e width option is a key factor meaning I still look at Brooks (along with NB and Saucony).
You are right about that Brooks model as a solid first serious running shoe. It got me to my first ever half. Just the one shoe. Since then I’ve bought many other brands and lighter shoes. I did go back to Brooks for the Hyperion Temo which is great - but please Books maybe an update to that model? It’s been a few years.
Nike is too gimmicky with their styling, so I kind of appreciate the less flashy look of the Brooks. The Glycerin 21's bumped the visual appearance up a bit.
Boring put reliable, I have other shoes, none of the midsole last as long. Example, 600 miles on a set of ghost 14s still good enough and soft enough for yard work or to walk around in.Have ASICS novablast 2 at 400 miles pulling out of rotation going in the garbage ( midsole are like a bricks). What stands out to me is midsole and grip on brooks. Just durable and boring. Picking up a pair of speed 3s and Mach 5s. I will probably always have one set of brooks for just putting down the miles. The soles as you mentioned is great on hard trails.
I’m doing my first marathon in October at the Yorkshire Maraton. Currently I have endorphin speed 2s, alphaflys, new balance rebel v2 and hola rincon 3s. I seem to have been addicted to buying fast but comfortable shoes but I need something to keep me honest on long runs and easy days, so I think this or perhaps the 19 on a discount might be ideal for my training. (I’m still planning to use the alphas come race day though!)
I would say the Glycerin 19's and 20's are great shoes. I can't stand the Ghost. I have the Glycerin 19's. The Glycerin 19's DNA Loft is better than BioMoGo. The Adrenaline GTS is not the same shoe. I have the GTS 22 currently. I don't like the BioMoGo(Doesn't last as long).I've worn the Adrenaline GTS since the early 2000's. I think I started with the GTS II. The GTS II was a great shoe...I digress. Currently, for my money, if I'm gonna pay $140.00 for the GTS 22, what's another $20 bucks for the Glycerin 20? If you want another shoe that's great right put of the box try the ASICS Kayano 29.
I have wasted thousands of dollars trying to find an exciting sexy shoe that isn't Brooks: Hoka, Altra, Asics, NB, Etc. Meanwhile, poor little Brooks is sitting at home making me dinner and cleaning my house. Brooks isn't pretty, but she is reliable, stable, and nurturing. Brooks is my soul shoe and I just started treating her right. This year I went all in with Ghost 14, Glycerin 20, and Cascadia 16s. I have stopped fighting the fact that Brooks is my one and only brand that works for my feet. ❤🩹