How good is Brooks' new Glycerin Flex? A review of the comfort of the shoes!

BROOKS—a brand beloved by everyone from elite athletes to recreational runners—has unveiled its new "Glycerin FLEX." But how does it perform? We had runners with a keen eye for footwear actually put them on and go for a run to test their real-world comfort.

“Not being ”made to run,“ but being able to ”run” on my own two feet”

Among Brooks’ extensive lineup, the Glycerin series is the flagship of premium cushioning. The latest addition to the series is the Glycerin Flex.

“As the name ”Flex“ suggests, the key feature is ”flexibility.” To put it simply, it means the sole bends easily.

In recent years, running shoes with thick soles and a rocker design have become the norm. There is an increasing number of models that roll forward naturally in response to weight transfer, allowing runners to build speed with minimal effort. While the ability to run faster is a major draw, from another perspective, this can lead to being pulled along at a pace faster than your actual ability, creating a sensation of being “forced” to run.

In that regard, this model offers solid cushioning without an overly thick sole. It provides just the right amount of ground feel—giving you the sensation of running while your feet make direct contact with the ground.

Run at a leisurely pace when you want to. Pick up the pace when the mood strikes. A shoe that adapts to every runner’s unique rhythm. That’s the “Glycerin Flex.”

We took it for a spin along the Sumida River to put it to the test!

The base for this run was our very own "Totoken." We joined the group run that takes place every Wednesday night.

The "BROOKS TOKYO 2026" pop-up event is currently underway. The exterior and interior have been specially wrapped, and shoes are available for customers to try on inside the store.

And so, with the "Glycerin Flex" on their feet, the team set off!

Starting at "Toto-ken," I headed to the promenade along the Sumida River. It was a bit chilly that evening, but once I started running, my body gradually warmed up, and I found myself in a comfortable rhythm.

We ran along the Sumida River, taking a short break along the way, then headed back to "Totoken" to cross the finish line! We completed a run of about 6 kilometers.

How did they feel? What runners really think.

What did the runners think of the comfort of the “Glycerin Flex”? We asked the members of the “ODYSSEY RUNNING” running team, as well as Kazunori Yamanobe and Hideaki Makino, for their honest feedback.

Everyone at ODYSSEY RUNNING
From left to right: Emma Ozawa, Justin Wolf, Taiki Sato, and Yusa Asao

It bends naturally in response to the movement of your foot.
“The moment I put them on, I could feel them molding to the shape of my feet. They gave me a comforting, enveloping sensation. It’s not a softness that makes you sink in, but a softness that ”bends.’ They flex naturally with the movement of my feet. I think I could even use them for tempo runs. I sensed they have potential beyond just being for jogging,” (Mr. Ozawa)

There was very little wobble, so I felt confident driving it.
“At first, I thought they felt stiff, but as I ran, I could really feel them ”gripping the ground.’ They stay stable with minimal wobble, even on uneven surfaces and around curves. They give me the impression of being shoes designed for confident running rather than just for racing. But because they provide such a solid connection to the ground, I really felt like I was running.” (Justin)

Running shoes that really get you moving.
“It looks like this one pair can handle everything from easy jogs to tempo runs. It’s firm, but that firmness actually provides good rebound. It doesn’t rely solely on cushioning—you can really drive your own stride. It’s a ”jogging shoe that lets you run properly.’ That’s what makes it so appealing,” says Mr. Sato.

The feeling of moving forward under my own power.
“I usually wear soft, cushiony shoes, so they felt stiff at first, but that stiffness provides good bounce, making it easy to move forward. It feels less like being supported and more like pushing forward with my own feet. It was a whole new kind of comfort,” said Mao.

Left: Kazunori Yamanobe (Creative Director)
Right: Hideaki Makino (Beams Creative)

It has good rebound and runs smoothly.
“For someone like me who mostly runs 5 to 10 kilometers, the cushioning is just right. It’s not uncomfortably stiff—it’s firm enough to support a solid run. This was my first time trying Brooks, and I’m really impressed. The white color also lifts my spirits. It’s the kind of design that makes me want to wear them when I run.” (Ms. Yamanobe)

The comfort that flexibility brings.
“The most interesting feature is its flexibility—it moves both vertically and horizontally. Traditional flex-type shoes tended to lean toward a barefoot feel, but this model balances that with comfort. Even though it has a thick sole, it still moves laterally. Since your movement isn’t restricted, you can wear them comfortably. They also seem perfect for recovery runs. I also like the gum-sole-style design,” says Makino.

The "Glycerin Flex" features premium cushioning while allowing runners to move naturally without overly restricting their stride. It’s a strong choice for runners who want to rediscover the feeling of running on their own feet rather than relying entirely on their shoes.

Brooks Glycerin Flex ￥27,500

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Text_Issey Enomoto
Edit_Hiroshi Yamamoto