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Brooks Glycerin 15
Brooks Glycerin 15 Review Facts
The Glycerin line of running shoes always seems to deliver and the Brooks Glycerin 15 are certainly no different. Although this model is not the latest model, it is not outdated by any stretch of the imagination. This running shoe will be relevant for many years to come and it is because of the standards that Brooks sets for themselves. If you are interested in checking other models offered by Brooks read our guide on the best Brooks running shoes.
As with the other Glycerin running shoes, the 15 is loaded with ample cushioning and comfort. It may not be the lightest sneaker on the market but it is also not trying to be that. While it maintains the same major platform that made the 14 great, there are also minor additions and updates present.
Everything is not amazing with the Brooks Glycerin 15. Various users and testers of the shoe have had their fair share of complaints. Without question, the good outweighs the bad and the Glycerin 15 is just another prime example of why Brooks is such a juggernaut in the running industry. You may want to compare this model with the Brooks Adrenaline Gts 17 or Brooks Ghost 11.
Read our in-depth review to check this model and make a proper decision of buying your next pair of running shoes.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Equipped with a new plush transition zone
The Super DNA midsole is fantastic
The insole is quite comfortable
Features an outsole covered in rubber
Several diverse color options are available
Sports a breathable construction
The weight is not too much of an issue
Cons
Early wear and tear has been documented by some runners
Has a tendency to run small
Not a ton of arch support
Comfort
If nothing else, pretty much everyone will be in universal agreement that this running shoe is geared for maximum comfort and nothing less. Every single feature is out to make this a highly cushioned and comfortable experience for you. This all starts with the new plush transition zone.
Basically, with this new technology in play, the Brooks Glycerin 15 will make every move you make from your heel to your toe feel as smooth as smooth can be. It also helps that the insole is worth mentioning, which is something that can be rare with running shoes. How it conforms to your foot is admirable, and it makes everything feel more natural.
Furthermore, the upper of this shoe is also set out to make your running experience that much more enjoyable. In addition to the four-way stretch air mesh, the upper is also seamless and sports a plush heel and tongue. All these small features go a long way, and once you put this shoe on, you will begin to get an idea of just how comfortable it truly is.
Basically, with this new technology in play, the Brooks Glycerin 15 will make every move you make from your heel to your toe feel as smooth as smooth can be. It also helps that the insole is worth mentioning, which is something that can be rare with running shoes. How it conforms to your foot is admirable, and it makes everything feel more natural.
Furthermore, the upper of this shoe is also set out to make your running experience that much more enjoyable. In addition to the four-way stretch air mesh, the upper is also seamless and sports a plush heel and tongue. All these small features go a long way, and once you put this shoe on, you will begin to get an idea of just how comfortable it truly is.
Durability
It is not going to take long for you to realize that the qualities of the materials that are utilized with this shoe are high. You can tell that Brooks did not skimp on any of the main components of their Glycerin 15. Given the high price tag that is the way, it should have been, without question.
Everything from the mesh upper to the high-quality interior to the rubber outsole proves that this is Brooks’ premium line of footwear. All is good, and we can move on from this section, right? Wrong; as there is something that you need to know.
Even though everything that was just documented is correct, there were a few testers of this shoe that had some interesting insights. In specific, there were a few runners who reported that they noticed early wear and tear of the outsole after around 70 to 75 miles of running. While several factors could have contributed to this, it is still somewhat of a concern that they noticed wear so quickly.
Everything from the mesh upper to the high-quality interior to the rubber outsole proves that this is Brooks’ premium line of footwear. All is good, and we can move on from this section, right? Wrong; as there is something that you need to know.
Even though everything that was just documented is correct, there were a few testers of this shoe that had some interesting insights. In specific, there were a few runners who reported that they noticed early wear and tear of the outsole after around 70 to 75 miles of running. While several factors could have contributed to this, it is still somewhat of a concern that they noticed wear so quickly.
Midsole
If you know the purpose of a midsole in a running shoe then you probably already have a good idea of how the Brooks Glycerin 15 holds up in this regard. Let’s say that it does pretty well and, of course, this is an understatement. Admittedly, it is not too much of advancement of the midsole of the 14, but it does not need to be.
To let the cat out of the bag, the midsole of the 15 is known as Brooks’ Super DNA midsole. When compared to their standard DNA midsole, this sucker delivers 25 percent more cushioning. It is the lifeblood of this running shoe, and it allows it to excel when it comes to cushioning and responsiveness.
Adding to the impressive nature of this midsole is the fact that it is slightly tapered. What this delivers is a smoother transition from the heel to the toe while you are running. All this adds up to a midsole that is simply top-notch.
To let the cat out of the bag, the midsole of the 15 is known as Brooks’ Super DNA midsole. When compared to their standard DNA midsole, this sucker delivers 25 percent more cushioning. It is the lifeblood of this running shoe, and it allows it to excel when it comes to cushioning and responsiveness.
Adding to the impressive nature of this midsole is the fact that it is slightly tapered. What this delivers is a smoother transition from the heel to the toe while you are running. All this adds up to a midsole that is simply top-notch.
Outsole
Even though there have been previous runners who have noticed the outsole wear prematurely, regarding its performance, it is designed very well. As with so many other running shoes, it is covered with a ton of rubber (but it also has a small section of exposed foam).
Not only will this rubber provide you with solid traction on the road (as the 15 is a road running shoe), but there are also grooves that have been implemented. The grooves are present to allow better this shoe to flex during your runs. This is a way to compensate for the amount of rubber without sacrificing flexibility.
That small section of foam that was alluded to is also worth mentioning. This saves just a few grams of weight while also not impeding the performance or grip of the outsole. Chances are you will probably not even notice that it is there when you run.
Not only will this rubber provide you with solid traction on the road (as the 15 is a road running shoe), but there are also grooves that have been implemented. The grooves are present to allow better this shoe to flex during your runs. This is a way to compensate for the amount of rubber without sacrificing flexibility.
That small section of foam that was alluded to is also worth mentioning. This saves just a few grams of weight while also not impeding the performance or grip of the outsole. Chances are you will probably not even notice that it is there when you run.
Size
The Brooks Glycerin 15, for the most part, is entirely consistent when it comes to its sizing. For the record, Brooks provides you with a plethora of different sizing options to pick from. And, they even offer some of the sizes in both narrow and wide widths. Standard widths are available, as well.
Several runners have lauded the fit of this shoe and one of the reasons why is the 3D Fit Print technology. The upper is going to surround your foot in such a way that offers a plush but secure feel. While you run, though, your foot will also be allowed to move and expand just enough not to feel cramped.
Other runners and testers have not been so kind to the sizing of this shoe, however. Quite a few have complained that it is merely smaller than their standard shoe size. If you are in-between sizes, then it may behoove you to go with the larger of the two. This will at least give you a little more room for error.
Several runners have lauded the fit of this shoe and one of the reasons why is the 3D Fit Print technology. The upper is going to surround your foot in such a way that offers a plush but secure feel. While you run, though, your foot will also be allowed to move and expand just enough not to feel cramped.
Other runners and testers have not been so kind to the sizing of this shoe, however. Quite a few have complained that it is merely smaller than their standard shoe size. If you are in-between sizes, then it may behoove you to go with the larger of the two. This will at least give you a little more room for error.
Breathability
No matter the season, your feet are going to sweat a lot, so it is quite comforting to know that the Glycerin 15 is quite the breathable running shoe. As with the previous iterations of the brand, this is all thanks to the well-designed upper of the 15. Of course, it also helps that the upper has seen a bit of an upgrade from the previous version.
As was noted earlier, the upper of the 15 is comprised of four-way stretch mesh. In addition to its ability to stretch, this mesh is also very thin and has a truly seamless fit and feel. Though subtle, this is quite the upgrade, and you will love this feature when your body begins to feel like it is going to overheat.
Due to the excellent breathability of the Brooks Glycerin 15, it is going to be terrific in just about any season. From hot summer days (to complement the running shoe check the guide on the best spring running gear) to cool fall afternoons, you will find yourself grabbing this shoe time and time again.
As was noted earlier, the upper of the 15 is comprised of four-way stretch mesh. In addition to its ability to stretch, this mesh is also very thin and has a truly seamless fit and feel. Though subtle, this is quite the upgrade, and you will love this feature when your body begins to feel like it is going to overheat.
Due to the excellent breathability of the Brooks Glycerin 15, it is going to be terrific in just about any season. From hot summer days (to complement the running shoe check the guide on the best spring running gear) to cool fall afternoons, you will find yourself grabbing this shoe time and time again.
Color
Everyone out there is going to have their own opinion on the visual appeal of the Brooks Glycerin 15. One thing is for sure. However, there are plenty of different colorways to choose between. As a consumer, there is nothing more that you really can ask for than to have a great deal of variety with what you are buying.
You should also keep in mind that not every single color option is going to be available in each of the sizes. Going back to the colorways, there is something for everyone. As you will see, there are dark, light, vibrant, and subtle colorways that this shoe comes in. In other words, it is not going to be hard to find an option that matches your style.
It is somewhat disappointing, admittedly, that you are likely not to find one of your favorite color options in the size you need. So, if you do happen to purchase this shoe, you may not be able to get your preferred colorway.
You should also keep in mind that not every single color option is going to be available in each of the sizes. Going back to the colorways, there is something for everyone. As you will see, there are dark, light, vibrant, and subtle colorways that this shoe comes in. In other words, it is not going to be hard to find an option that matches your style.
It is somewhat disappointing, admittedly, that you are likely not to find one of your favorite color options in the size you need. So, if you do happen to purchase this shoe, you may not be able to get your preferred colorway.
Support
To get some of the technical specifications out of the way, this sports a 10-millimeter midsole drop and is also rated to provide neutral support. As for the 10-millimeter drop, this is pretty standard when it comes to running shoes so it is nothing that is going to alarm you too much.
The only way it would present an issue is if you want a minimalist running shoe as the Glycerin 15 is definitely not that. But, both forefoot and heel striking can be achieved quite well with it. Now, as for the support, it is neutral and is ideal for medium-to-high arches.
Of course, that is what Brooks leads you to believe. The reality, however, is that the Brooks Glycerin 15 is not the best for those of you who have high arches (if you are looking for a model with high arches check this guide). This is due to the simple fact that there is just not enough arch support provided from it. While this will not be an issue for some of you, it may be detrimental for others.
The only way it would present an issue is if you want a minimalist running shoe as the Glycerin 15 is definitely not that. But, both forefoot and heel striking can be achieved quite well with it. Now, as for the support, it is neutral and is ideal for medium-to-high arches.
Of course, that is what Brooks leads you to believe. The reality, however, is that the Brooks Glycerin 15 is not the best for those of you who have high arches (if you are looking for a model with high arches check this guide). This is due to the simple fact that there is just not enough arch support provided from it. While this will not be an issue for some of you, it may be detrimental for others.
Weight
The Glycerin line-up of running shoes has been known for its superb level of comfort and cushioning (for more models with great cushioning click here). However, what that means is they also have not been known for being an incredibly lightweight brand of running shoes. Well, as you may have guessed, the 15 is no different.
When compared to the 14, thankfully, there is no weight increase of the Brooks Glycerin 15 in the slightest. It clocks in at 9.2 ounces, so there were no significant changes made to the weight. At 9.2 ounces, you may not be able to shatter world records with this shoe.
So, if what you are looking for is a speed shoe, then you will probably end up being disappointed with this. Though it may seem crazy, even a shoe that weighs one or two ounces less can have drastic impacts on your speed. At the same time, it is also not as if the Glycerin 15 is going to bog you down a ton. 9.2 ounces is still not that heavy, after all.
When compared to the 14, thankfully, there is no weight increase of the Brooks Glycerin 15 in the slightest. It clocks in at 9.2 ounces, so there were no significant changes made to the weight. At 9.2 ounces, you may not be able to shatter world records with this shoe.
So, if what you are looking for is a speed shoe, then you will probably end up being disappointed with this. Though it may seem crazy, even a shoe that weighs one or two ounces less can have drastic impacts on your speed. At the same time, it is also not as if the Glycerin 15 is going to bog you down a ton. 9.2 ounces is still not that heavy, after all.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Glycerin 15 is simply another impressive entry into the already stellar collection of Glycerin running shoes. Fans of this brand will be in for another treat with this bad boy. It continues the trend that Brooks has set out to make their Glycerin line-up of shoes their most superb when it comes to flat out cushioning and comfort.
The 15 indeed does not disappoint in this area. It is because every layer has been engineered for cushioning, comfort, and overall performance. It is also not a bad shoe for those long summer runs as it is highly breathable without adding any unnecessary weight.
Then again, it is also not going to be for everyone. As it does implement such a high level of cushioning, it is far from a lightweight shoe and is not even close to being a minimalist design. It also lacks adequate arch support which is going to be quite the issue if you have a high arch.
The 15 indeed does not disappoint in this area. It is because every layer has been engineered for cushioning, comfort, and overall performance. It is also not a bad shoe for those long summer runs as it is highly breathable without adding any unnecessary weight.
Then again, it is also not going to be for everyone. As it does implement such a high level of cushioning, it is far from a lightweight shoe and is not even close to being a minimalist design. It also lacks adequate arch support which is going to be quite the issue if you have a high arch.
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