Looking to upgrade your running experience or simply curious about the latest advancements in cushioning technology? If you’re a fan of the plush comfort that Brooks is known for, then the Glycerin series is likely on your radar. With the release of the Brooks Glycerin 15, many runners are wondering how it stacks up against its predecessor, the highly regarded Brooks Glycerin 14.
This comparison dives deep into the key differences and similarities between these two exceptional shoes. We’ll explore the updates, the feel, and the performance aspects that set the Glycerin 15 apart from the familiar ride of the Glycerin 14. Whether you’re a loyal Brooks runner or considering a switch, understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Brooks Glycerin 15 | Brooks Glycerin 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Neutral Cushioned | Neutral Cushioned |
| Weight (oz) | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Heel-to-toe Drop (mm) | 10 | 10 |
| Upper Material | Engineered Mesh | Engineered Mesh |
| Midsole Material | DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA | DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA |
| Cushioning Level | Max | Max |
| Support Type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Outsole Durability | High | High |
| Fit | Adaptive | Adaptive |
| Breathability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Ride Feel | Soft and Smooth | Soft and Smooth |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Cushioning
- Brooks Glycerin 15: Features Brooks’ most plush DNA LOFT cushioning, offering a softer, smoother ride than previous versions. This provides excellent shock absorption and a luxurious feel underfoot, ideal for long runs and recovery days. Some users might find it slightly less responsive due to the increased softness.
- 14: Utilized Brooks’ Super DNA cushioning, which was already known for its adaptive and responsive feel. It provided a balanced blend of softness and energy return, making it a versatile option for various types of runs. While comfortable, it may not feel as exceptionally plush as the Glycerin 15.
- Winner: brooks glycerin 15
Upper Construction
- Brooks Glycerin 15: The 3D Stretch Print overlay system offers a more dynamic and adaptive fit, moving with the foot without sacrificing structure. The engineered mesh provides excellent breathability and a seamless feel, reducing the risk of irritation. The fit is generally accommodating for a wider range of foot shapes.
- 14: Featured an engineered mesh upper with a traditional overlay system. This provided a secure and supportive fit with good ventilation. While comfortable and reliable, it may not offer the same level of dynamic adaptability and seamlessness as the Glycerin 15’s 3D Stretch Print.
- Winner: brooks glycerin 15
Midsole Technology
- Brooks Glycerin 15: Incorporates a full-length DNA LOFT midsole, creating a consistent and highly cushioned experience from heel to toe. This design emphasizes softness and smooth transitions. The updated midsole compound aims to deliver a more luxurious and forgiving ride.
- 14: Utilized a full-length midsole that combined Super DNA with other foam compounds. This aimed to provide a responsive and cushioned feel, balancing plushness with a degree of energy return. The construction was well-regarded for its comfort and reliability.
- Winner: brooks glycerin 15
Outsole Design
- Brooks Glycerin 15: Features a redesigned outsole with more flex grooves for improved flexibility and a smoother heel-to-toe transition. The rubber compound is designed for durability and traction. The updated pattern aims to enhance the natural motion of the foot.
- 14: Had an outsole designed for durability and reliable traction across various surfaces. It offered good flexibility for a smooth ride. The specific rubber placement was optimized for impact absorption and longevity.
- Winner: brooks glycerin 15
Fit and Feel
- Brooks Glycerin 15: Offers a supremely soft and plush feel, often described as running on clouds. The adaptive upper and generous cushioning create a forgiving and comfortable experience, particularly for easy miles and long distances. Some runners seeking a firmer, more responsive feel might find it too soft.
- 14: Provided a balanced feel of cushioning and responsiveness. It was known for its consistent comfort and supportive nature, making it suitable for a variety of runs. The feel was generally well-received for its versatility.
- Winner: brooks glycerin 15
Weight
- Brooks Glycerin 15: Tends to be on the slightly heavier side due to the increased plushness and cushioning materials. While not excessively heavy, it prioritizes comfort over minimal weight. This can be a trade-off for runners prioritizing speed.
- 14: Was also a well-cushioned shoe and therefore not the lightest option on the market. However, it generally offered a slightly lighter feel than the Glycerin 15, making it a bit more versatile for faster paced runs.
- Winner: 14
Durability
- Brooks Glycerin 15: The premium materials and robust construction suggest good durability, especially for its intended use as a high-mileage trainer. The outsole rubber is designed to withstand significant wear. Long-term durability is generally expected to be excellent.
- 14: Was known for its solid durability, with the outsole and midsole compounds holding up well over many miles. It was a reliable workhorse that could handle consistent training. Durability was a strong point for this model.
- Winner: Tie
Responsiveness
- Brooks Glycerin 15: While incredibly soft, the DNA LOFT cushioning in the Glycerin 15 prioritizes plushness over a snappy, responsive feel. It offers a smooth, forgiving ride rather than an energetic rebound. This makes it ideal for recovery and easy runs, but less so for tempo work.
- 14: The Super DNA cushioning provided a good balance of softness and responsiveness. It offered a more energetic feel and a quicker toe-off compared to the Glycerin 15, making it more suitable for a wider range of paces, including some faster efforts.
- Winner: 14
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | Brooks Glycerin 15 |
| Upper Comfort | Brooks Glycerin 15 |
| Value | Brooks Glycerin 14 |
| Ride Feel | Brooks Glycerin 15 |
| Overall | Brooks Glycerin 15 |
What They Have in Common
- Cushioning System: Both the Glycerin 15 and 14 utilize Brooks’ signature DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA midsole technologies, delivering a luxuriously soft and responsive ride. This dual-compound approach ensures excellent shock absorption and energy return with every stride.
- Neutral Support: As highly cushioned neutral shoes, both models are designed for runners who don’t require pronation control. They offer a stable platform for a wide range of foot strikes, making them suitable for everyday training and longer distances.
- Adaptive Fit: The engineered mesh uppers on both the Glycerin 15 and 14 are designed to provide a comfortable and adaptive fit. They stretch and move with the foot, offering a secure yet breathable experience without feeling restrictive.
- Smooth Transitions: Both shoes are engineered for smooth heel-to-toe transitions. The outsole geometry and midsole construction work together to create a seamless flow from landing to toe-off, contributing to an efficient and comfortable running experience.
- Durability: Expect a high level of durability from both the Glycerin 15 and 14. The robust outsole rubber and well-constructed uppers are built to withstand many miles of training.
Brooks Glycerin 15 Vs 14 Buying Guide
Glycerin 15: For a Smoother, More Responsive Ride
The Brooks Glycerin 15 is engineered for runners seeking an exceptionally plush and responsive experience. Its updated midsole features a new DNA LOFT cushioning that provides a softer feel underfoot without sacrificing energy return. This makes it an excellent choice for long runs, recovery runs, or for anyone who prioritizes comfort and a smooth transition through their stride. The engineered mesh upper also offers enhanced breathability and a more adaptive fit.
Glycerin 14: Proven Comfort and Durability
The Brooks Glycerin 14, while not the latest model, remains a highly capable and comfortable running shoe. It offers a consistently soft and cushioned ride thanks to its established DNA LOFT and BioMoGo DNA cushioning combination. Runners who appreciated the feel and performance of the 14 will find it a reliable option, especially if they can find it at a reduced price. Its durability is also a strong point, making it a good long-term investment for many miles. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Target Runner Profiles
The Glycerin 15 is best suited for neutral runners who prefer a premium, soft cushioning system. It’s ideal for those logging high mileage, marathon trainers, or individuals who experience joint discomfort and seek maximum shock absorption. The Glycerin 14 caters to a similar neutral runner but might appeal more to those who prioritize a slightly more traditional, yet still very comfortable, feel and are perhaps looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Price and Availability Considerations
As the newer model, the Brooks Glycerin 15 will typically be found at a higher price point upon its release. The Glycerin 14, being an older version, is likely to be available at discounted prices, making it a more economical choice. Availability of the Glycerin 14 may become more limited over time, so if you’re a fan of that model, it’s worth checking specialty running stores or online retailers for remaining stock.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Brooks Glycerin 15 If…
- You’re seeking the latest iteration of Brooks’ most cushioned neutral shoe for unparalleled softness.
- You appreciate subtle updates in upper construction for an even more refined fit and feel.
- You want a shoe that offers a slightly more adaptable and accommodating feel in the forefoot.
- You are a loyal Glycerin wearer and want the newest model with minor enhancements.
Buy 14 If…
- You can find the Glycerin 14 at a discounted price and want excellent value.
- You are perfectly happy with the fit and feel of the Glycerin 14 and don’t need the latest updates.
- You prioritize a proven, highly-regarded cushioned trainer that has stood the test of time.
- You prefer a slightly less adaptive forefoot fit compared to the 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main cushioning differences between the Glycerin 15 and 14?
The Glycerin 15 introduces an updated DNA LOFT cushioning compound, which is designed to be softer and more luxurious underfoot compared to the Glycerin 14. While both shoes offer excellent shock absorption, the 15 aims for a more noticeable plushness and a smoother heel-to-toe transition. The 14 relies on a blend of BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT for its comfortable ride. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Is the fit of the Glycerin 15 significantly different from the 14?
The Glycerin 15 features an engineered mesh upper that is designed for a more adaptive and sock-like fit. It aims to provide better breathability and a more secure lockdown without feeling restrictive. While the Glycerin 14 also offers a comfortable and accommodating fit, the 15’s upper construction is a notable refinement in terms of feel and airflow for many runners.
Which shoe is better for marathon training?
Both shoes are well-suited for marathon training due to their ample cushioning. However, the Glycerin 15’s enhanced DNA LOFT cushioning might offer a slight edge in terms of long-run comfort and reduced fatigue over extended distances. Its smoother ride can be particularly beneficial when your legs are feeling tired during the later stages of a marathon or a long training run.
Can the Glycerin 14 still be a good option for a runner?
Absolutely. The Brooks Glycerin 14 remains a highly capable and comfortable neutral running shoe. If you’ve enjoyed its cushioning and performance in the past, and can find it at a good price, it’s still a fantastic option for daily training, recovery runs, and even long distances. Its proven track record ensures a reliable and comfortable running experience. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Is the Glycerin 15 worth the upgrade from the 14?
For runners who prioritize the absolute softest and smoothest ride, the Glycerin 15 is likely worth the upgrade. The refinements in cushioning and upper construction offer a more modern and luxurious feel. However, if you are perfectly happy with the comfort and performance of the Glycerin 14 and are looking to save money, the 14 is still an excellent shoe that will not disappoint.
Final Verdict
The Brooks Glycerin 15 represents a refined evolution, offering a noticeably softer and more responsive cushioning experience thanks to its updated DNA LOFT. While the Glycerin 14 is a proven performer, the 15 elevates comfort and ride quality, making it the superior choice for runners seeking the ultimate plush and smooth ride for long miles and recovery. It provides a more contemporary feel and enhanced breathability.
Winner: Brooks Glycerin 15