The glycerin 14 is the newest version of what Brooks considers to be their “premium ultra-cushioned shoe“. It keeps many of the same features from the previous version and is essentially a minor update to the Glycerin 13 which was given an excellent review by runningshoesguru.com last year.
The shoe has been slightly restyled this year and some adjustments have been made to the 3D overlay positioning. The outsole has also been modified slightly.
Other than those changes the glycerin 14 stays very similar to its predecessor. This includes the use of super DNA midsole material, a caterpillar midsole crash pad, omni grooves in the outsole as well as high abrasion rubber material.
When I received the shoe and put it on for the first time I immediately knew that I liked the upper. I was impressed with its sock like feel and fit.
I can feel the thick layer of super DNA midsole material slightly compressing while walking. This is actually the first pair of Brooks shoes that I was going to be running a significant amount of mileage in so I was eager to start running in them.
Brooks Glycerin 14 Sole Unit
The super DNA midsole foam material used in the glycerin 14 provides a soft comfortable ride. The shape of the midsole also tapers in the toe area allowing the shoes ride to stay smooth in transition from foot strike to toe off.
Brooks Glycerin 14 – Sole
This shoe also has a ton of rubber on the outsole and is absolutely built to last for many miles. The entire outsole is covered in durable rubber.
What’s really nice about the outsole and midsole construction is that it has many grooves built into it. This allows the shoe to flex pretty freely.
It’s obviously not going to flex like a Nike Free or something of that nature but it really does have good flex characteristics to it. This is Brooks most premium cushioned model.
It provides a ride that is very good and close to on par with some of the maximum cushioned shoes I’ve run in.
In other words it gets close to providing the soft and cushioned feel that a shoe like the Hoka ONE ONE Stinson or Clifton, but it doesn’t quite hit that Mark. That’s not to say that this isn’t a REALLY good shoe.
It’s great, it feels like a daily trainer like the Ghost or Pegasus with an extra layer of cushioning. In other words, it doesn’t feel like you’re running on pillows like you would experience in some max cushioning shoes.
I am a big fan of the smoothness of this shoes ride and its durability.
Brooks Glycerin 14 Upper Info
The upper of the Glycerin 14 remains very similar to the previous version which is a good thing.
It is a seamless upper and features a moisture -managing element mesh, 3D stretch printed overlays, and an adjustable saddle that is controlled by lacing. The element mesh is breathable and comfortable.
When you initially look at this shoe and put it on, it makes you think it probably won’t breathe well because it’s very plush in the heel and it just seems to have a lot going on.
Brooks Glycerin 14 – Medial Side
Multiple overlays on top of other overlays just make it seem like a hot shoe. My initial guess was wrong. This shoe breathes very well. The 3D printed overlays have been rearranged slightly in the 14 compared to last years 13.
They run along the long axis of the shoe. I had some trouble pinpointing the purpose of these 3D overlays. They basically give the forefoot of the shoes mesh a little bit of structure.
Without these overlays the toe of the shoe would just be a loose pouch of mesh. The adjustable saddle is controlled by lacing and something that can refine the fit of the shoe.
It’s not going to drastically change anything but gives you the ability to experience the best fit possible through customization. This shoes upper is extremely comfortable.
It has a very plush heel area that feels really good on your heel and ankle area. Moving forward the saddle wraps your foot up nice and snug in the midfoot and opens slightly in the toe area with room for your toes.
It has a sock like feel with no seams. Everything about it feels soft and comfortable and it’s got plenty of structure for stability.
The Glycerin 14 is marketed as a premium running shoe and I absolutely agree with that based on the upper alone. This upper is really good and it’s made of high quality materials.
Brooks Glycerin 14 Conclusions
I have to say that I was impressed all around with this shoe, and it certainly surpassed my expectations. One of the most important things about this shoe that should not be understated is its quality.
The shoe just all around feels solid. From the construction and materials used in the upper to the rubber on the outsole this shoe is just all around built to last.
It has actually caused me to reassess my perception and raise the bar when it comes to judging a shoes quality and durability. This is a shoe that I will continue to run many miles in.
It provides a very comfortable plush upper, and a smooth soft ride. The Glycerin 14 blows the New Balance 1080 Fresh Foam out of the water, in all categories. It’s also on par with many of the max cushioned shoes I’ve run in.
It doesn’t quite provide as much cushion or soft feel as a shoe like the Hoka One One Stinson 3 but it’s almost 2 oz lighter.
If you are in the market for a traditional running shoe with a little bit more cushion this shoe is an absolute must to consider. I have a hard time thinking of anything negative to say about this shoe.
It has a premium price but I truly think that its appropriate given this shoes quality and durability. Brooks has done a fantastic job with this one.
We thank the nice people at Brooks for sending us a pair of Glycerin 14 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
