The Brooks Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23 are the same plush shoe with one difference: the GTS adds GuideRails, Brooks’ support system for feet that roll inward. Here’s how to tell which version your feet need.
Verdict: choose the Glycerin GTS 23 if your feet roll inward (overpronate) or you’ve been told you need a stability shoe. Choose the Glycerin 23 if you have a neutral or high arch, or you wear custom orthotics. Both use the same DNA Tuned cushioning and an 8 mm drop. Call (810) 206-1402.
In This Article
- Dr. Tom’s Top 10 Shoes (2026)
- Glycerin 23 vs GTS 23: The Short Answer
- Glycerin 23 vs Glycerin GTS 23: What’s Different?
- What Changed From the Glycerin 21 and 22?
- What Are GuideRails?
- Who Should Choose the Glycerin 23 (Neutral)?
- Who Should Choose the Glycerin GTS 23?
- With Orthotics: Which Version Works Better?
- Podiatrist Verdict Table
- FAQs
- Related Articles
- Footwear Advice from Michigan Podiatrists: When Shoe Choice Isn’t Enough
You’ve come to the right podiatry team. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what Brooks Glycerin vs Glycerin GTS means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 to book at Howell or Bloomfield Township.
Dr. Tom’s Top 10 Shoes (2026)
Each pick includes pros, cons, and the specific use case I prescribe it for.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases.
Need a personalized recommendation? Schedule a fitting at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office. Call (810) 206-1402.
Brooks Glycerin 23 vs Glycerin GTS 23: The Short Answer
The Brooks Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23 share the same plush, nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned midsole and the same 8 mm drop. The one real difference is GuideRails, the support system Brooks builds into the GTS. So the choice comes down to how your foot moves, not how much cushion you want.
- Choose the Glycerin GTS 23 if your feet roll inward when you walk or run (overpronation), your arches flatten noticeably when you stand, or you’ve been told you need a stability shoe.
- Choose the Glycerin 23 if you have a neutral or high arch, you’ve been fitted for neutral shoes, or you wear custom orthotics that already do the correcting.
- Not sure? Heavy wear along the inside edge of an old pair’s soles can hint at overpronation, but a quick gait check is the reliable way to decide.
Glycerin 23 vs Glycerin GTS 23: What’s Different?
Every figure below is what Brooks lists on its own product pages (checked October 2026). None of it was measured by us.
| Brooks lists | Glycerin 23 | Glycerin GTS 23 |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Balanced (neutral) | Structured, with GuideRails |
| Midsole | Nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned | Nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned |
| Cushion | Plush | Plush |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Weight | Men’s 10.6 oz, women’s 9.5 oz | Men’s 11.0 oz, women’s 9.8 oz |
| Widths | Men’s D, 2E, 4E; women’s B, D, 2E | Men’s D, 2E, 4E; women’s B, D, 2E |
| APMA Seal of Acceptance | Yes | Yes |
| List price | $175 | $180 |
Brooks doesn’t publish stack height or say which shoe size it weighs. Independent reviewers put both shoes at roughly 38–39 mm under the heel and 30–31 mm under the forefoot; Running Warehouse lists 39 mm and 31 mm for each. Sources: Brooks’ Glycerin 23 and Glycerin GTS 23 pages and the APMA Seal of Acceptance database.
For the Glycerin 23 on its own, our shoe-review site has a spec analysis with the published stack and drop figures side by side: Brooks Glycerin 23 review at Podiatrist Tested.
What Changed From the Glycerin 21 and 22?
The 23s came out in early 2026, two versions after the Glycerin 21 pair this page used to compare. Here is how the line has changed:
- Glycerin 21 (2024): DNA LOFT v3 foam and a 10 mm drop.
- Glycerin 22 (2025): switched to DNA Tuned, a dual-cell foam with larger cells in the heel and smaller cells in the forefoot; still a 10 mm drop.
- Glycerin 23 (2026): 2 mm more DNA Tuned under the forefoot, the drop lowered from 10 mm to 8 mm, and a new triple jacquard knit upper. Brooks lists it as slightly heavier than the 22.
The GTS versions changed the same way. The lower drop is a small change, but if you’re managing Achilles or calf tightness, ease into the 23 with shorter runs and walks for the first week or two.
What Are GuideRails?
GuideRails are Brooks’ alternative to the old-style medial post, a firm wedge of foam that pushes on the arch with every step. Brooks says GuideRails are “designed to support your body in its natural motion path.” It describes them as two pieces at the heel: a firmer one on the inside to limit the foot rolling inward, and a raised edge on the outside to limit the heel moving outward. Brooks’ stated aim is to cut down excess rotation at the ankle and knee while leaving a normal stride alone.
That makes the GTS 23 a mild stability shoe, not a motion-control shoe. For a significant flatfoot or posterior tibial tendon problems, a podiatrist may add a custom orthotic or recommend a firmer stability shoe, because GuideRails alone offer only mild support.
What does GTS stand for? Brooks’ US help center spells it out as GuideRails Technology System, and its Canadian help center calls it Go-To Support. Either way, GTS on a Brooks shoe marks the version with GuideRails.
Who Should Choose the Glycerin 23 (Neutral)?
- Runners and walkers with a neutral or high arch whose feet don’t roll inward much
- People who wear custom orthotics: the orthotic does the correcting, and the neutral 23 gives it a plush, stable base
- Anyone a podiatrist or a gait analysis has fitted for neutral shoes
- Heel soreness from hard surfaces in a neutral foot, where cushioning is the main need
- Forefoot soreness on long days: the 23 has 2 mm more foam under the forefoot than the 22
Who Should Choose the Glycerin GTS 23?
- Mild to moderate overpronators who want maximum cushioning
- Adrenaline GTS wearers who want a softer, more cushioned shoe with the same kind of support
- Flexible flat feet that tire or ache by the end of a long walk or run
- Plantar fasciitis or arch pain in a foot that also rolls inward
- All-day walkers and people on their feet for long shifts who need cushion plus mild support
With Orthotics: Which Version Works Better?
If you wear custom orthotics, start with the Glycerin 23. Your orthotic is already built to your prescribed level of correction, and adding GuideRails on top can make the shoe feel like it’s working against the device. Take the stock insole out before you put the orthotic in. If you use a soft over-the-counter insole, or none at all, either version works, so choose by how your foot moves.
Podiatrist Verdict Table
| Your feet | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Neutral or high arch | Glycerin 23 |
| Mild to moderate overpronation | Glycerin GTS 23 |
| Custom orthotic user | Glycerin 23 |
| Flexible flat feet that tire on long days | Glycerin GTS 23 |
| Want maximum cushion plus some support | Glycerin GTS 23 |
| Heel pain or a thinning heel fat pad, neutral foot | Glycerin 23 (the cushioning is the same in both) |
FAQs
Is the Glycerin GTS 23 heavier than the Glycerin 23?
Slightly. Brooks lists the GTS 23 at 11.0 oz against 10.6 oz in men’s, and 9.8 oz against 9.5 oz in women’s, so the GuideRails add about 0.3 to 0.4 oz. Most people won’t notice it.
Can a neutral runner wear the Glycerin GTS 23?
Yes. GuideRails are designed to stay out of the way of a normal stride, so they shouldn’t cause harm, but you’d pay $5 more and carry a little extra weight for support you don’t need.
Do the Glycerin 23 and GTS 23 come in wide widths?
Yes, both. Brooks makes men’s in medium (D), wide (2E) and extra wide (4E), and women’s in medium (B), wide (D) and extra wide (2E). Neither comes in narrow.
What does GTS mean on Brooks shoes?
It marks the version with GuideRails support. Brooks’ US help center calls it GuideRails Technology System; its Canadian help center says Go-To Support.
Is the Glycerin 23 good for plantar fasciitis?
It can be a comfortable choice: it’s plush and carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance. If your feet roll inward, the GTS 23 is the better fit. A shoe alone rarely fixes plantar fasciitis, though; stretching, arch support and, for stubborn cases, treatment do most of the work. See our best Brooks shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Should I upgrade from the Glycerin 22 to the 23?
Only if you want what changed: a little more forefoot cushion, an 8 mm drop instead of 10 mm, and a new knit upper. If your 22 fits and feels good, a discounted pair is a sensible buy while stores still have them.
Do both shoes have the APMA Seal of Acceptance?
Yes. Both are listed in the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance database. APMA grants the seal after a panel of its podiatrists reviews the product; it is not a lab test.
Neutral Shoe or Stability Shoe?
A gait assessment takes the guesswork out of this decision. Our podiatrists in Howell and Bloomfield Township will measure your pronation, assess your arch type, and tell you exactly which shoe version — and which orthotics — will work best for your feet.
Book a Shoe + Gait Assessment →📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Related Articles
- Brooks Ghost vs Glycerin: Which Daily Trainer?
- Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline GTS: Neutral vs Stability
- Best Brooks Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Written by the podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Updated October 2026.
Footwear Advice from Michigan Podiatrists: When Shoe Choice Isn’t Enough
Michigan patients who are researching footwear — whether running shoes, walking shoes, work footwear, or recovery slides — are making a smart investment in their foot health. The right shoes for your foot type and activity can meaningfully reduce your risk of plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, bunion progression, and overuse injuries. The challenge is that the “right shoe” is individual — a shoe that works well for a neutral-gait runner may be inappropriate for a significant overpronator, and a shoe that provides adequate support for flat feet may be unnecessarily stiff for a high-arch foot. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients who want personalized footwear guidance from a podiatrist — including recommendations tailored to their specific foot structure, gait mechanics, and activity demands — can schedule a shoe consultation as part of a biomechanical evaluation. We also recommend specific insoles or custom orthotics when shoe selection alone is insufficient to address the patient’s structural needs. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Township Michigan office.
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Insoles for Brooks Glycerin
- CURREX RunPro Insoles — Dynamic arch support that replaces the Glycerin’s comfortable-but-neutral stock insole. Adds the medial control the Glycerin deliberately omits for neutral runners.
- PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles — For walking use in your Glycerin: medical-grade arch support that fits the wide Glycerin platform.
Glycerin vs Glycerin GTS is a pronation control question — if you’re unsure which you need, a gait analysis at our clinic takes 10 minutes. book an appointment → · (810) 206-1402
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
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Appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
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Podiatrist Pairing — Best Insole for This Shoe Category
Brooks Glycerin (neutral) and Glycerin GTS (stability) both benefit from a podiatrist-grade insole when patients have higher arches or specific structural needs the factory insole doesn’t address. Here are the two insoles I most often prescribe alongside this shoe category, both available on Amazon:
- PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles — the #1 podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic. Full-length with built-in arch support and a deep heel cradle. Fits inside most shoes after removing the stock insole.
- Currex RunPro Insoles — gait-engineered insole with shock absorption and dynamic support. Three arch profiles (low / med / high) so it matches your actual foot.
Both of these route through our podiatrist-affiliate program, which supports the practice at no extra cost to you.
Ready for Expert Care?
Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What is the difference between Brooks Glycerin and Glycerin GTS?
Brooks Glycerin is a neutral maximum-cushion trainer for normal or high arches. Glycerin GTS (GuideRails Technology System) adds Brooks' GuideRails stability technology to the Glycerin platform for runners who want maximum cushioning with mild overpronation control. GTS suits mild overpronators; standard Glycerin suits neutral runners.
Which is better for plantar fasciitis — Brooks Glycerin or Glycerin GTS?
Both are excellent for plantar fasciitis due to the premium DNA LOFT v3 cushioning. GTS is better if overpronation contributes to your plantar fasciitis. Standard Glycerin is appropriate for neutral plantar fasciitis patients. Balance Foot & Ankle determines which applies to your biomechanics.
Does GuideRails technology in Glycerin GTS work?
Brooks' GuideRails technology is clinically validated and well-regarded by podiatrists. Rather than using a rigid medial post, it uses external rail structures to prevent excessive movement without restricting natural motion. For mild overpronation, it provides effective guidance with premium cushioning.
Can I use custom orthotics in Brooks Glycerin or Glycerin GTS?
Yes. Both have generous depth and removable insoles ideal for custom orthotics. Note that using GTS with anti-pronation orthotics may overcorrect mild overpronators — Balance Foot & Ankle calibrates your prescription appropriately for GTS wearers.
Which should I buy — Brooks Glycerin or Glycerin GTS?
Buy standard Glycerin if your gait is neutral or you supinate. Buy GTS if you have mild overpronation or want a versatile stability option. If unsure, a gait analysis at Balance Foot & Ankle provides the definitive answer. Call (810) 206-1402.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.