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- Verified Buyer
These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. They aren’t the best for weight-training because they give too much in the soles.I finally decided to retire a pair of New Balance that were probably 10 years old. I took a break from running for a while so they weren't in use that whole time, but still, they were ready to be replaced now that I was starting to run again.After a lot of personal recommendations and online research, I decided to go with these Brooks Glycerin 17. I was very hesitant about buying a shoe without trying it out first, but based on Amazon's great return policy I figured I had nothing to lose. To preface the below - I'm just over 40 and a thick build. Not obese, rather I'm just muscular/husky and definitely not the prototypical runner's body. So I need all the support and comfort I can get. I also have to take care of my knees and lower legs after a history of shin-splints (why I fell out of distance running years ago).I unboxed the shoes and was so excited to get out and test them that I sent straight out for a 1.5mi run in them, right out of the box. They were not very comfortable and I ended up with some considerable shin and ankle pain for a few days after. I tried them again for another 1.5mi and I still felt a little discomfort but it was decreasing. It was then that I realized I needed to break-in my shoes and legs together before working them out. So, before running in them again, I wore them for probably 8-10 miles of walking around the neighborhood over a few sessions, and they began to conform to my feet better, and my legs got more used to those shoes as opposed to the old NB they were used to. I imagine that's similar with any shoe change, I just didn't think to do it previously.I went back out a few days later for 1.5 miles and felt great. Each week I've slowly increased my distances and am feeling great now about 6 weeks later at about 3.5 mi.I LOVE THESE SHOES! Very comfortable and supportive, even on this aging body. I got the normal width even though I have a slightly wider foot, and these still give room to flex and swell a little without getting tight.I am a 6' 215 pound male in my forties. I purchased this shoe primarily for walking and in the cushion and comfort department, it does not disappoint. I have very high arches and it is difficult to find shoes that fit my feet correctly. I purchased the mid-width in this shoe and it fits great and true to size. Brooks fit my feet better than any other shoe, with Asics running a close second.I found this shoe to be so cushioned that while walking, it almost feels like I am stepping in mud. My calves definitely get more of a workout than with the New Balance shoes that I was wearing before (which were free from work). For running for a person my size, I think this shoe would be great and absorb a lot of impact. (I am a heavy footed runner.) For walking, they are almost too soft. I think I would rather wear the Adrenaline for walking as it is not quite as padded. I have had a few versions of the Adrenaline in the past and really like that shoe.All in all, if you want a very padded shoe that is comfortable to wear and not too heavy, this is a great shoe. I created it a 3 for working out because I think of working out more as in the gym and not cardio. This isn't exactly a weight lifting shoe to me. With the amount of padding it has, it could be less supportive in some ways than shoes with less padding in my opinion, thus the 3 for support. For comfort, it's as soft as a cloud. I think I would prefer it to running, but due to Achilles tendon issues, I don't run anymore. For walking, in the future I will purchase the Adrenaline as it has a little less in the padding area, but adequate for what I prefer.I am over 50 and was looking for a soft compliant midsole shoe for walking and all-day wear on hard surfaces. I have previously been buying Asics Gel Nimbus Shoes up through the 20 model. In the 21, the cushion level seemed to go down from soft to hard so I decided to try the Brooks and they have not disappointed. I liked the Brooks shoe because they are clear in communication of the purpose they design and build the shoe for and they have succeeded completely!The Glycerin 17 shoe has a soft midsole that really absorbs impact. If I stand in one spot and transfer my weight back and forth between feet, I can feel the midsole deflection of about 1 to 2 mm in the heel I would estimate. If you have lower back or knee pain from walking on hard surfaces than these are just the shoe for you. I intentionally delayed my review to see if they would go flat over time. So far, they have maintained their soft cushioning. By using a combination of EVA and rubber, the midsole will hopefully maintain its soft cushion for at least a year of wear.While other shoes I have tried say they are “cushioning”, too many shoes try to be all things for all people and they end up failing by having too much energy return and not a soft enough midsole for someone specifically looking for soft cushioning. These shoes do not have enough energy return for a competition runner, presumably their energize line would better serve this purpose. On the other hand, these shoes are perfect for hard surface training and daily wear for somebody needing a high degree of cushioning due to injury, age and/or weight. I also bought a set of these for my wife who has some foot pain and she really likes them. Thank you Brooks for your clear communication of the purpose for each shoe you design and your focus to not compromise that purpose.Best shoes I ever had. And I Hand Nike , Reebok ,ASICS , on cloud and none are close to theseIdeal for the runner who is heavier than 12 stone and doesn’t run a 8min / mile. They Fit true to size and are extremely comfortable to wear straight out the box. The mid-sole is beautifully soft and springy. The last time my feet felt this comfortable was in my old Triumph ISO2. I have tried the 1080v9, Fresh Foam Beacon, Peg35 and Peg35 Turbo without feeling the same comfort. Summary - If you are a big but fit guy then avoid the reviews on YouTube from the thin & fast runners who review running shoes............... they are not us.These shoes are nothing short of a miracle. All running shoes I’ve tried up to now have made my outer foot ache after a few minutes (the usual suspects- Nike, Adidas). To put it bluntly, I’m a fat bloke that wants to start running, so cheaper shoes didn’t offer the support I needed. I bit the bullet and paid a decent amount for these based on reviews, and the fact that they’re recommended for the heavier runner. They’re the only shoes that I’ve been able to run until I was put of breath, as opposed to running until my foot ached too much. Highly recommended. Hopefully by this time next year I go from being a fat bloke jogging to some semblance of fit chap entering 5k or 10k races. Watch this space...!This my 10th pair of Brooks Glycerin. Although all are different grade numbers the basic shoe is the same. It is comfortable, light weight and lasts over 800 miles/1280kmts. My feet are fine even after a 20 kilometer run. I have been running for almost 60 years and for 50 of them distance running. Brooks Glycerin are far and away the best running training shoe I have ever used.Waited for a few months before reviewing to see how well they went. I run 5km on 4 days a week on footpaths and tracks. These are FAB. Really light, comfortable, excellent cushioning, hard wearing - all the product descriptions seem accurate, not misleading. I love these and highly recommend them, and would buy again in the future - best ones I've had.Bought to replace my last pair Glycerin 15s which we’re my perfect running shoe. I missed the 16 altogether. Not sure what Brooks have done but these don’t work for me at all. Gave them 50 miles for a fair go, but getting stabbing pain in legs, running is more effort as there seems to be less return off the sole, they seem heavier, for is different (upper seems narrower although lots of toe room still).
