Brooks Womens Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoe - Plush Cushioning take

In this review the Brooks Womens Glycerin 22 stands out as a top choice for runners and walkers seeking maximal cushioning and smooth transitions. The single biggest reason to buy is its updated DNA Tuned midsole, which combines larger heel cells and smaller forefoot cells to deliver a very soft landing and a responsive toe-off, while also providing a neutral platform that works for long road miles and daily wear. Certified as a PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and carrying the APMA Seal of Acceptance, it balances comfort, support, and breathable uppers in one package.

Key Features

• DNA Tuned Cushion: Larger midsole cells in the heel and smaller cells in the forefoot give plush landings and energetic toe-offs for a smooth ride.
• Neutral Support: The shoe provides maximum cushioning without added stability elements, making it suited for neutral gait patterns and road running.
• Accommodating Fit: A double jacquard knit upper offers flexibility and breathability while accommodating a variety of foot shapes, including a roomier toe box.
• Smooth Transitions: A broad platform with a tuned heel and forefoot stabilizes the foot and helps produce consistent heel-to-toe movement.
• Medical Acceptance: Certified PDAC A5500 and APMA-accepted, the shoe is appropriate for users who need diabetic-friendly and podiatrist-approved footwear.

Who It's For

The Glycerin 22 is best for women who prioritize cushioning over aggressive responsiveness, including road runners, daily walkers, and gym-goers who want a soft, protective sole for longer sessions. Its neutral support and plush midsole make it particularly well suited for runners recovering from joint discomfort or people who spend long hours on their feet and need gentle shock absorption.

Those who should look elsewhere include runners who require strong stability or motion-control features, and people who prefer a very snug, race-day fit; the knit upper and roomy toe box favor comfort and accommodation over a precise, locked-in feel. If sizing is critical, try in person or order with caution, as some users report discrepancies in fit compared with previous models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional cushioning and a soft, squishy ride thanks to the DNA Tuned midsole.
• Comfortable, breathable double jacquard knit upper that adapts to foot shape.
• Broad platform and tuned geometry create smooth, stable transitions from heel to toe.
• Certified PDAC A5500 and APMA Seal of Acceptance support medical and diabetic use cases.

Cons

• Sizing opinions vary and some customers find them smaller than expected, so fit may be inconsistent across users.
• Neutral design means runners needing extra stability should consider the Glycerin GTS 22 or other support models.

Specifications

Model	Glycerin 22
Support	Neutral
Midsole Technology	DNA Tuned with dual-size cells
Upper	Double jacquard knit, breathable and flexible
Medical Certifications	PDAC A5500 certified; APMA Seal of Acceptance
Predecessor	Glycerin 21

Our Verdict

The Brooks Womens Glycerin 22 is an excellent pick for women seeking maximum cushioning, comfortable fit, and smooth ride mechanics for road running and long walks. Its DNA Tuned midsole and accommodating knit upper deliver clear comfort advantages, and the medical certifications add practical value. Consider sizing carefully and choose a stability variant if you need motion control, but for neutral runners and walkers this model represents a strong value for comfort-focused footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long walks?
Yes. The plush DNA Tuned midsole and broad platform provide comfortable shock absorption for long distances and extended wear.

Do they offer support for diabetic feet?
Yes. The Glycerin 22 is PDAC A5500 certified and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance, indicating suitability for diabetic-friendly footwear needs.

Should I size up or down?
Users report mixed sizing; try your regular Brooks size first but be prepared to adjust, as some shoppers find them smaller than previous models.