The Brooks Glycerin Flex is a running shoe that offers a unique blend of comfort, flexibility, and style. It's designed for runners who want a premium upper with excellent shock absorption for both daily runs and walking. The shoe features a flex-focused design, combining a regular daily trainer's heel stack with a more flexible forefoot, resulting in a fresh and innovative concept. While it may not be the most ultra-flexible shoe, it excels in comfort, durability, and a sleek, modern look.
One of the standout features of the Glycerin Flex is its upper. Brooks has crafted a cozy knit material that provides high ventilation and a premium feel. The strategically-placed ventilation holes in the toebox area enhance airflow, ensuring that your feet stay cool during runs. The upper's detailing and finishing quality are impressive, making it a standout in terms of comfort and style.
In terms of performance, the Glycerin Flex delivers solid shock absorption, with 143 SA in the heel and 109 SA in the forefoot. However, its energy return is disappointingly low at 49.1% in the heel and 51.3% in the forefoot, which is a common issue with the DNA Tuned midsole. The shoe's flexibility is moderate, offering 19% more flexibility than the regular Glycerin, but it's not as ultra-bendable as some runners might expect.
The Glycerin Flex has a mainstream drop of 9.3 mm, which is suitable for most runners. Its midsole softness varies, with the forefoot feeling slightly firmer than the heel, and the secondary foam in the heel being softer. The shoe's fit is snug, especially in the forefoot and toebox, making it ideal for runners with narrow feet or those who prefer a snug fit.
The outsole of the Glycerin Flex combines exposed white foam in the heel with multiple black rubber patches and a large neon-green rubber section through the midfoot and forefoot. The traction is solid at 0.60, ensuring a reliable grip during daily runs. The shoe's weight is reasonable at 9.3 oz or 264 g, and its breathability is impressive, earning a 4/5 rating.
In terms of stability, the Glycerin Flex requires slightly more effort from the runner to maintain stability compared to the regular Glycerin. It has a torsional rigidity of 12.9 Nm, which is below average, but the shoe still delivers a secure and confidence-inspiring ride for neutral runners.
The Glycerin Flex's durability is commendable, with a 4/5 score in our testing. The upper is highly durable, earning a strong 4/5 score, while the heel padding durability is even higher at 5/5. However, the outsole durability is slightly below average, with a measured wear depth of 1.3 mm.
Overall, the Brooks Glycerin Flex is a solid choice for runners seeking a comfortable, flexible, and stylish shoe. Its premium upper, solid shock absorption, and durable construction make it a reliable option for daily runs and walking. While it may not be the most ultra-flexible shoe, it offers a unique blend of comfort and performance that is sure to impress runners.
