Brooks Running is stepping into 2026 with the launch of the Glycerin Flex, a neutral running shoe designed for runners who want to feel in control of every stride. Built around the brand’s next generation cushioning technology, the Glycerin Flex blends plush comfort with intentional flexibility. This blend allows for a more natural ride.
Available from 1 February 2026, this is a shoe aimed at runners who do not want their footwear to do all the work for them. Instead, it is built for those who want to drive their run and unlock their own potential.
DNA Tuned Delivers Expertly Balanced Cushion
At the heart of the Glycerin Flex is DNA Tuned, a nitrogen infused midsole foam created using a dual cell technique. As a result, the cushioning adapts to different phases of your stride.
The heel features larger cells for softer, more plush landings. In the forefoot, smaller cells create a more responsive platform for sharper toe offs. This tuned approach reduces unnecessary layers and delivers a seamless underfoot experience that feels both smooth and energetic.
With a 6 mm midsole drop and a total stack height of 36 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot, the shoe balances protection with ground feel. The men’s model weighs 249 g. This keeps things light enough for daily kilometres without sacrificing cushioning.
Flexibility That Works With You
The Glycerin Flex is not just about softness. Its defining feature is flexibility that supports your natural movement.
An asymmetrical midfoot flex groove works with podular lateral forefoot flexibility to create a smooth transition from midfoot to toe off. Moreover, the design encourages fluid movement while maintaining stability. This helps you stay confident as the pace picks up.
Wear testers describe it as flexible without sacrificing comfort or stability. Cushioning feels appropriate for the sleek and agile build of the shoe.
A Comfortable, Breathable Fit
Up top, a new engineered flat knit upper enhances comfort and breathability. The material is flexible and moves with your foot, offering a secure yet adaptive fit during longer sessions. The overall feel is streamlined but not restrictive, making it suitable for everything from steady state runs to faster workouts.
Tried & Tested
“The shoe is impressively light out of the box. While the sole remains flexible enough for a natural gait, there is a distinct sense of support through the heel and arch. The fit is non-restrictive, yet the platform provides enough inherent stability to feel secure throughout the transition. The cushioning provides a soft, gel-like impact that effectively protects the joints without sacrificing responsiveness. One of the standout features is the upper’s ventilation; even during a high-temperature midday run, breathability remained excellent, keeping the feet cool. The stack height hits the sweet spot – it’s substantial enough for comfort but low enough to maintain a stable feel on uneven road surfaces. I’ve found these to be a highly capable ‘double-threat’ in my rotation, performing just as well during focused pace work as they do on longer, endurance runs.” – Andries van Zyl, Freelance Contributor
Who Is the Glycerin Flex For?
This shoe is built for runners who want to feel connected to their stride. If you prefer a responsive underfoot feel with enough cushioning to protect your joints over longer distances, the Glycerin Flex fits the brief.
It is ideal for:
- Neutral runners seeking balanced cushioning
- Daily training runs
- Runners who value flexibility from midfoot to toe off
- Athletes chasing that smooth flow state feeling
Colourways and Models
The Glycerin Flex will be available in both men’s and women’s models, with a range of colourways including White, Cyber Pink and Argyle for women, and White, Green Gecko and Phantom for men. As running continues to evolve, so too does the gear that supports it. With its combination of tuned cushioning and innovative flexibility, the Brooks Glycerin Flex positions itself as a versatile daily trainer. This shoe moves the way you move.
