Thirteen years ago, The Running Well Store presented me with a dilemma. The Fit Finder pointed to stability shoes, a category I’d always associated with words like “heavy,” “slow,” and “out of style.” As a teenager, the idea of trading my beat-up neutrals for “bricks” felt like trading speed for a prison sentence. Injury relief was an incredible perk, but it felt like something was missing all those years ago. Could I find a stability shoe that wouldn’t feel like an anchor on my runs? Could I escape the perception that support meant sacrificing performance? The challenge was on.

The Turning Point: Evolution of Stability Shoes

Around 2016, the running industry seemed to start waking up. Brands began to acknowledge that stability runners weren’t just looking for support; they wanted performance and excitement, just like neutral shoe wearers. For me, that excitement came in the form of the Brooks Transcend. By today’s standards, this shoe might be considered a bit hefty, but its wide-lasted design offered something new to my boring life of stability: comfort and energy return! Was this an early experiment on the Guide Rails concept that now dominates Brooks’ stability line? My memory is hazy, but one thing is clear: footwear brands were changing the stability game.

Tech Talk: Brooks Glycerin GTS 22

Today, the Brooks Transcend lives on as the Glycerin GTS (as of February 2025, Version 22!). The GTS (Go To Support) platform can be found in a variety of dependable and fun shoes, such as the Ariel, Beast, and Adrenaline. Let’s break down the features that make the Glycerin GTS 22 a standout:

• Cushioning: The plush and bouncy DNA Loft V3 foam is nitrogen-infused, adding pep to every step—a far cry from the flat feel of stability shoes a decade ago.
• Support: The balance of cushioning and straighter last creates a supportive feel that holds up, even on the longest runs.
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: With a 10mm offset, this shoe is perfect for slower efforts or walks where heel striking is more pronounced.
• Weight: The men’s standard shoe comes in at 10.7 ounces, while the women’s standard version weighs 9.5 ounces.
• Price: At $164.95, it provides great value for the features offered.

Who Should Wear the Glycerin GTS 22?

This shoe is best suited for overpronators. Personally, I use it for running, but many of our customers find its high cushioning volume dependable for standing on their feet all day. Long periods of standing in broken-down shoes tend to cause me back pain, but the support from these shoes? Game-changers! The sensational cushioning is even present in the forefoot, making every step on a hard surface feel like a treat. My legs stay fresh much longer into the day.

This shoe doesn’t resemble the clunkers of over a decade ago. Even the plush heel collar offers support without being stiff. Every detail is tailored to help overpronators live life comfortably and have fun on their feet.

Who Should Avoid the Glycerin GTS 22?

While I wouldn’t say anyone should necessarily avoid this shoe, there are features that certain foot types might not utilize fully. For example:

• Light Pronation: If you lightly pronate, the Guide Rails might add unnecessary weight.
• Looking for Less Weight: If you want a similar experience with less weight, consider the Glycerin 22, the sister shoe without the support features.
• Session Runners: For a support shoe with more responsive foam and a lighter price point, check out the Adrenaline GTS 24.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Curious if this shoe is the best option for you? Visit any of our four TRWS locations and ask us to take you through our Fit Finder process. We can fit you in a quality shoe tailored to your personal biomechanics. While no one shoe is perfect for everyone, the Glycerin GTS 22 has become a staple in my rotation for days when I’m seeking comfort.

Thanks for reading this far—happy running!

About the Author

William has been with The Running Well Store since 2015 and has been a customer since the store opened in 2012! He has been a full time member of the operations team since 2021 and worked on the sales floors of our Barry Road and Mission locations from 2015 to 2020. You can find Will out at local college track meets in the winter & springtime (even though he graduated 6 years ago) and out on the roads in the summer & fall. He also runs the majority of his miles at English Landing Park in Parkville, so if you see him out and about say hey!