Brooks Glycerin Max 2: Max Cushion, Max Comfort, and (Mostly) Max Enjoyment

The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 arrives with huge expectations, especially for runners who fell hard for the original iteration. That first Max earned a loyal fanbase for its pillowy ride and I-could-run-forever protection. The second iteration keeps the core DNA—plush midsole, tall stack height, seriously lounge-level comfort—but adds a bit of refinement. The result? A smoother, less marshmallow-melty shoe that leans more toward balanced cushioning than full-on squish.

It’s not a dramatic redesign but a quiet evolution. Think: the same cozy couch but with better lumbar support and a sturdier frame.

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Fit Check: Upper & Lockdown

The Glycerin Max 2 debuts a lighter, more breathable upper that immediately solves one of the first version’s few annoyances: bulk. The triple jacquard mesh feels plush without being puffy, and the midfoot lockdown is greatly improved—no more feeling like your foot is free-floating somewhere inside a foam balloon.

The toe box remains generously roomy, toe-splay-friendly, and kind to thicker socks. It still fits as a comfort-first shoe should—soft, spacious, and secure, rather than vice-gripping your foot into "race mode."

If the original Max felt a bit like a velour tracksuit, this one leans more toward upscale athleisure.

Underfoot Feel: Cushioning & Ride

Let’s address the cushioning right away. Yes, the Glycerin Max 2 is soft. No, it is not as soft as the first iteration—and that’s by design. Where the original Glycerin Max sometimes veered into “walking on memory-foam pillows," the Glycerin Max 2 introduces just enough firmer structure to stabilize the stack. The heel offers plush landings, while the forefoot is tuned to feel slightly snappier—not springy, but supportive. The rocker geometry smooths transitions beautifully, making long runs feel calm and dependable rather than wobbly.
,br/> On easy days, the shoe feels like a reliable brunch friend who shows up exactly on time and never makes you run faster than you feel like. There’s no drama, no fuss, just smooth cruising.

Miles That Matter: Training Performance

Where the Glycerin Max 2 truly shines is in the bread-and-butter of most training blocks: aerobic base runs, recovery days, and long weekend mileage when your quads are negotiating their continued employment.

In short, it excels at:

• Steady endurance miles
• Recovery shuffle days
• High-volume weeks where leg savings matter more than pace

Where it falls short:

• Tempo day ambition
• Interval pace
• Anything that requires the word "pop," "snap," or “turnover"

The ride is luxurious but not energetic. Speedier runners or those doing structured 10K prep will likely want a second shoe for workouts where the goal is pace rather than pleasantness. The Glycerin Max 2 can do a fast day if asked, but it will sigh heavily and remind you that comfort was, in fact, the assignment.

The Practical Stuff: Breathability, Weight & Durability

The upper is improved, but don’t expect a breezy racer. The mesh is comfortable and padded enough that longer warm runs may feel toasty, especially if you live somewhere more July than February year-round. That said, the updated design does reduce the “locked in a foam sauna" feeling of the original.

Durability is a strong point—the outsole holds up, and the foam seems resistant to early flattening. If you’re logging regular 10K training mileage, you’ll likely see a long, happy lifespan out of this shoe.

Who This Shoe Will Love (and Love Back)

In the fan club:

• Runners who want maximum cushioning with a touch more structure than version one
• Anyone stacking easy miles during a 10K build
• Neutral runners who prefer soft cushioning without instability
• Wide-footed or high-volume runners who appreciate space

In search of a different vibe:

• Tempo-day purists seeking fireworks and bounce
• Hot-climate runners who need major ventilation
• Minimalist shoe fans or ground-feel enthusiasts

Specs

• Weight: 10.2oz (women); 11.3oz (men)
• Drop: 6mm
• Price: $200
• Link: women, men

The Home Stretch

The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 takes what worked and polishes it. The comfort remains elite—the kind of comfort that makes long runs feel less like endurance and more like meditation. It’s smoother, more controlled, and more secure than the first iteration, and it doesn’t lose its max-cush charm in the process.

Is it a do-everything shoe? Not quite. It’s a luxurious cruiser, not a track sprinter. Pair it with something zippier for those 10K speed sessions, and you’ll have a training duo that feels both indulgent and efficient.

If long miles are your weekend love language—the Glycerin Max 2 is here to support, cushion, and softly high-five your joints.