Trainers have definitely gotten excessive recently. In sharp distinction to the minimalist designs of the 2000s—bear in mind the barefoot pattern?—increasingly more firms are releasing completely stacked designs. The most recent to take action: the Brooks Glycerin Max, the model’s plushest on a regular basis coach that claims to “redefine” operating.
I’m a giant Brooks fan, having worn its Adrenaline GTS 23s for almost all of my final half-marathon coaching final 12 months, so I used to be desperate to see if its max-cushioned initiative may make my miles even comfier as I prepare for a full 26.2 later this fall. So I slipped on a pattern of the brand new Glycerin Max ($200, brooks.com) to search out out.
Who these footwear are for
Christa Sgobba
Whereas loads of cushiony Hoka and On fashions have transitioned to the approach to life house, the Glycerin Max are most likely finest reserved for operating, thanks to some design options. Take its rocker form, which helps propel you ahead extra seamlessly with every stride. Then there’s the froth. For the primary time ever in a Brooks shoe, there are literally two sorts: One within the heel, which is product of bigger cells (to blunt the impression from the bottom with every footstrike), and the opposite within the forefoot comprised of smaller cells, which assist make the shoe extra responsive for every heel-to-toe transition. (And let’s not overlook the fashion issue—extra on that beneath!)
This makes the Max a strong possibility for runners in want of a shoe for his or her on a regular basis miles, particularly for individuals who are going lengthy and would profit from a little bit safety from all of the pounding. The ladies’s model weighs 9.5 ounces a shoe, in order that they’re additionally fairly heavy, that means they received’t be essentially the most environment friendly pair for selecting up pace. (The shoe additionally has a stack top of 45 millimeters, which technically makes it unlawful for racing, per the World Athletics max of 40 mm—so it most likely received’t be your ticket to a PR.)
Out of the field
Christa Sgobba
