Equipment Review - Glycerin Max & Endorphin Speed 4
Equipment Review – Shoes Part 2
This week we tackle the Brooks Glycerin Max and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. I always lead into these reviews with a disclaimer. I am a regular guy. A large regular guy at 6’5” 260 lbs. I run and I own a running store but I am by no means a professional runner or shoe reviewer. These are my observations from running in the shoes that I’m trying and I am only trying shoes that are legal to use in Ironman races. This is not meant to be a selection of the best shoe for me or anyone else. Just one man’s point of view.
Brooks Glycerin Max
Price $200
My Use Daily runner
Size 14D
Stack height (Heel/Forefoot) (45mm/39mm)
Drop 6mm
Weight 9.5 ounces
What does Brooks say?
The Glycerin Max optimizes airy softness and electrifying responsiveness at every point of every step. How? Two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning, seamlessly tuned into one midsole. That’s running redefined.
Best for…
- Road Running
- Protective Cushioning
- Innovative Design
Features
- Tuned cushion
- Ultimate protection
- Effortless transitions
The Shoe has 66.4% recycled materials in the upper.
My Thoughts
I love the feel of the Glycerin Max. It is a true fit shoe, meaning when I put on a 14, I have almost a full size of room. The two types of nitrogen infused cushioning are make for a very nice, soft but firm run. As for weight, I’ve run in lighter but for a shoe with 45MM/39MM of stack height, it is amazing how light the Glycerin Max is. Given my size, the weight of the shoe is not exactly the most important thing to me. The level of cushioning and support on the landing and roll of my feet is most important and it is definitely a great shoe for that. The one drawback for me, at 6’5” is actually the stack height. I feel like a giant with almost 2 inches of rear stack under me.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 4
Price $170 (before the Speed 5 came out)
My Use Daily Trainer
Size 14D
Stack height (Heel/Forefoot) (36mm/28mm)
Drop 8mm
Weight 8.2 ounces
What does Saucony say:
We're all seeking relationships that go the distance. The Endorphin Speed 4 running shoe is here to fill the role. Designed as a race-day shoe, it's quickly proven itself much more, equally capable during long, moderate training sessions and sprints to the finish. Thanks to the "just right" combination of winged nylon-plate, SPEEDROLL technology and PWRRUN PB foam, this cushioned running shoe provides the perfect balance of support, rebound and forgiveness.
Saucony’s Highlights:
· Smooth SPEEDROLL technology for effortless speed, smooth turnover and propulsive forward motion.
· PWRRUN PB foam is a true unicorn, offering the best combination of cushioning and energy return of any foam on the market.
· Re-engineered winged nylon plate provides reinforcement while maintaining flexibility
My Thoughts
First, the Saucony also seems to be a true-fit shoe. When I wear a size 14 I have almost a full size of room for my feet to expand while running.
Having never run in a Saucony before, I was very pleasantly surprised. First, the additional drop over the other three shoes I’d been running in doesn’t seem to bother me at all. Second, while I tell every customer this is very cliché, Saucony shoes seem to fit like a glove. Not too tight, not too loose. Third the upper is super light weight and breathable. Fourth, the shoe is firm enough for someone of my stature but soft enough that I can tell it is absorbing a great deal of the impact. I can feel the nylon plate but not much at all, again I’m not a super runner. I thoroughly enjoy running in these (well as much as I can thoroughly enjoy running).
Overall
I ran in both regularly for a couple of weeks. I thoroughly enjoy the Glycerin Max but I like the Endorphin Speeds so much they have become favorite runners lately. I’m anxious to try the newly released Endorphin Speed 5s!
Up Next
Next I’ll take on the Altra Escalante 4 and the Diadora Nucleo 2.