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The Thickest Midsole in the Brand's History! Brooks Innovates with the "Glycerin MAX"
Founded in America in 1914, Brooks is a long-established running shoe brand with over 100 years of history. The new model released this season, Glycerin MAX, has been developed to provide runners with infinite energy and incorporates innovative technology not found in traditional shoes.
The midsole, which is the thickest in the brand's history, features the latest cushioning foam, DNA Tuned. The development of this foam is based on Brooks' unique new technology. What kind of material is DNA Tuned? And what kind of shoe is "Glycerin MAX"?
The midsole, which is the thickest in the brand's history, features the latest cushioning foam, DNA Tuned. The development of this foam is based on Brooks' unique new technology. What kind of material is DNA Tuned? And what kind of shoe is "Glycerin MAX"?
Innovative Material that Balances Different Functions with a Single Foam
The pursuit of comfort is what the "Glycerin MAX" aims for. While offering maximized cushioning capability, it supports smooth weight transfer and provides a pleasant ride feel. Through trial and error to create a shoe that makes runners feel like they want to keep running indefinitely, the new foam material, DNA Tuned, was born.
"DNA Tuned is a next-generation nitrogen-injected foam that uses DNA LOFT foam, created through two stages of injection molding and supercritical foaming technology. The white outer part of the midsole and the inner colored part differ in bubble sizes. The bubbles in the white section are larger, providing softness and high cushioning characteristics.
"On the other hand, the colored section has smaller bubbles and is excellent in rebound. This colored section also acts like a plate, supporting smooth weight transfer from landing to push-off in conjunction with the rocker structure of the sole shape," says Katsuaki Kuriiwa of Achilles Corporation, who serves as a general sales agent for Brooks in Japan.
The heel focuses on cushioning, while the forefoot emphasizes rebound. To prevent overpronation (when the heel excessively collapses inward upon landing), the inner side is made stiffer. In such cases, it is common to use different materials based on the desired characteristics.
Using different materials typically means using more adhesives, which can impact the ride feel and smoothness of weight transfer. To be able to alter the characteristics by section while using a single material is quite innovative.
"The data shows that DNA Tuned is 10% softer and has 4% more rebound compared to DNA LOFT v3. Additionally, it is designed to have two distinct characteristics by section. Since it is molded from a single foam, it allows for a more natural and smooth ride experience."
Heel Height is 45mm, the Thickest Midsole in the Brand's History
The innovative new material used in the midsole is impressive in thickness too. The forefoot is 39mm, and the heel is 45mm. This represents the thickest midsole in Brooks' 110-year history. Additionally, it employs a unique curved structure called Glide Roll Rocker to ensure smooth weight transfer from heel to toe."Due to the considerable thickness of the midsole, the surface area of the sole bottom has been increased to ensure stability. The ability to enjoy a bouncy feel while maintaining stable foot movements is also an appeal of Glycerin MAX."
Because of the large volume of the cushioning in the heel with large bubbles, the landing is soft (the thick sole effect also contributes). The Glide Roll Rocker, along with the role of the small bubbles in the colored section, supports the weight transfer to the forefoot, enabling smooth foot release during push-off thanks to its rebound and appropriate toe spring.
Moreover, because the midsole is made from a single foam, it has no idiosyncrasies. It can be said that "Glycerin MAX" is truly a new type of running shoe.
Shoes that Make You Enjoy Running
Upon putting them on, the first thing you feel is a great fit. There are no peculiarities in the last (shoe shape), and they hold the heel securely.As soon as you start running, you experience a pleasant bounce. Compared to typical running shoes, you don't feel the hardness of the asphalt or any jolt; the rocker structure and moderate responsiveness ensure a smooth foot lift. You get the sensation of becoming a better runner, allowing for enjoyable and comfortable runs.
The shoe weighs about 300 grams per foot (size 27 cm). While it’s slightly heavier among thick-soled models, I didn’t feel the weight while running. The expanded sole bottom area to support the ultra-thick design and the use of durable rubber outsoles contribute to the weight, which is rather a welcome aspect.
The pleasant bounce of "Glycerin MAX" makes running fun and likely to help those looking to start running for health or dieting to maintain their running routine.
Additionally, for runners, it will serve well for recovery jogs after races or jogs on days when motivation is low.
Perhaps its novelty attracts runners, as the first model was limited in number and is already in short supply; however, it is said, "We plan to expand with more color variations starting next January."
PROFILE
Katsuaki Kuriiwa
Achilles Corporation, Shoe Division, Second Sales Department, Athletic Sales Section, Section Chief
Text by Fumihito Kouzu
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