Glycerin Max 2

Yes, for most runners it fits true to size, so order your normal Brooks size. The toe box is a medium, rounded shape and the heel lockdown is excellent. Width options are limited, so runners with wider feet may find the standard last slightly snug across the forefoot. If your feet swell on long runs or you are between sizes, going up a half size is a safe choice for a little extra room.

It can get you round a marathon in comfort, but it is not built for chasing a time. At 305g with no carbon plate and little energy return, it feels heavy and slow at race pace. If your goal is simply to finish comfortably and cushioning matters more than speed, it will protect your legs well. For a genuine race day shoe, look at a lighter plated option like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 instead.

Yes, it is a friendly choice for new runners. The soft, tall cushioning is very forgiving on joints as you build mileage, the wide base feels stable and planted, and it is comfortable from the first run with no break-in. The main catch is the £170 price, which is a lot to spend when you are starting out. If budget is tight, the standard Brooks Glycerin 22 offers a similar cushioned feel for less.

Both are max-cushion neutral trainers built for soft, protected easy miles, so they compete directly. The Glycerin Max 2 leans on its dual-density DNA Tuned foam and a secure, premium upper, while the Bondi 9 is the long-standing benchmark for plush daily cushioning. Neither is quick. Choose on fit and feel: try both if you can, since heel hold, width and the exact softness of the ride will decide it for your feet.

Yes, it is built as a high-mileage cushioning workhorse. The thick midsole has plenty of foam to compress before it wears out, and the outsole rubber covers the high-wear zones well. Used as intended for easy and recovery running rather than fast work, most runners should expect a long, comfortable lifespan from it, in line with other premium daily trainers at this price.