From Pain to Pace: How Brooks Glycerin Flex Transformed My Running Journey
Like many people, I began 2026 with a New Year's resolution to run more, shifting away from my long-time focus on weight training. However, my initial attempt was a complete disaster, largely due to inadequate footwear. I mistakenly believed my old, inexpensive trainers from Sports Direct would suffice for my first 5K run since the lockdown period.
How wrong I was. Every pavement crack was painfully felt with each stride, and a massive blister developed on the side of my foot halfway through, making the final two kilometres agonising. I finished in 35 minutes, which wasn't terrible, but I knew better shoes could enhance my performance.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe
After extensive research and recommendations from marathon-running friends, I settled on Brooks running shoes. Despite the higher cost, I decided to invest in quality to boost my motivation. The Daily Mail team had recently reviewed and rated the Brooks Glycerin 23, so I opted for the Brooks Glycerin Flex in coconut colour.
Brooks Glycerin Flex Running Trainers
- Price: £165 from Brooks, £164.99 from Sports Direct
- Weight: 226.8 grams
- Material: Midfoot flex groove, plush tuned cushioning, comfortable flexible fit
What We Love
The trainers are incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and feature foam inside that provides a plush feel. Their bounce made running feel like being on a trampoline, offering a responsive and energetic experience.
What Could Be Better
They are not suitable for weight training due to their bouncy and rounded soles, which lack the flat stability needed for exercises like deadlifts. Additionally, the coconut colour tends to get dirty quickly, and wide-footed individuals may require wide-fit versions to avoid blisters during long-distance runs.
Our Verdict
Wearing the Brooks Glycerin Flex trainers transforms running into a buoyant, trampoline-like experience. From the moment I put them on, I felt like a whippet, immediately shaving almost five minutes off my 5K time, reducing it from 35 to 31 minutes. After just a few runs, I achieved 29 minutes.
They excel in interval training on treadmills, providing more power than my old trainers, and mould perfectly to my feet. However, for weight training, they fall short due to their curved design. For short-distance running, they are perfect and reasonably priced, making me never want to return to my old Sports Direct trainers.
How We Test
Hayley Minn tested the Brooks Glycerin Flex running trainers through various workouts, including 5K runs, an 8K run, and weight-training sessions. The testing focused on comfort, speed, design, and value for money, simulating typical daily use.
First Impressions
Upon unboxing, the shiny cream trainers appeared stylish for gym wear, unlike many running shoes. The thick padding on the bottom hinted at good running potential.
Comfort and Cushioning
Brooks promises a 'cushioned ride that doesn't boss your feet around,' and this held true. My feet felt comfortable and unrestricted during runs, though blisters occurred on an 8K run due to my wide feet, suggesting a wide-fit option might be necessary.
Speed and Performance
The bounce and flexibility of these trainers significantly increased my running speed. With excellent grip, I avoided trips and landed properly, despite usually being clumsy.
Value for Money
Priced at £165, they aren't budget trainers but offer great value for their quality, with few alternatives providing similar benefits at a lower cost.
Comparison to Similar Products
Similar shoes include the Puma Velocity Nitro 4 (£110), Brooks Ghost 17 (£135), and Brooks Glycerin 23 (£165). The Puma model is cheaper, but all are around a similar price point, warranting personal trials to find the best fit.
Online Ratings
On the Brooks website, these shoes have an impressive 4.5/5 rating. Users praise their lightness, cushioning, and natural feel, though some note they lack stable support for those who need it.
Why Trust Us
At the Daily Mail, expert testers like Hayley Minn have years of experience reviewing products honestly and impartially, covering areas from travel to beauty.
FAQs
Are there other Brooks Glycerin trainers? Yes, the Brooks Glycerin 23 is recently released, ideal for road running, everyday runs, and long runs with balanced support.
Are Brooks Glycerin good for everyday use? Yes, they excel for everyday use with plush comfort, soft cushioning, and stability, suitable for most running scenarios.
What do podiatrists think of Brooks shoes? Podiatrists generally view Brooks shoes positively, recommending them for excellent cushioning, support, and versatility.
