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Brooks Glycerin 22 vs Topo Athletic Phantom 4

The Glycerin 22 is the softer, more cushioned shoe, with a 38.5mm heel stack and DNA Tuned foam that owners describe as plush. The Phantom 4 is lighter and lower, with a 5mm drop and ZipFoam 2.0 that gives a firmer, more ground-connected ride. Buy the Glycerin for long easy miles and recovery days if you want maximum cushioning and a wide fit. Buy the Phantom 4 if you want a lighter daily trainer with a more natural, lower-to-the-ground feel.

  • Choose the Brooks Glycerin 22 if you want maximum cushioning for long runs and easy days, and you need a wide width.
  • Choose the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 if you want a lighter, lower-drop daily trainer that keeps you closer to the road.

Prices

  • Brooks Glycerin 22: $59.16 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Topo Athletic Phantom 4: $96.55 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Brooks Glycerin 22 is $37.39 cheaper than the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Brooks
Brooks Glycerin 22

Brooks Glycerin 22
4.8(1,900 ratings)
$59.16at eBayChecked 13 h ago
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Pros
  • Very soft, well-cushioned ride for long and easy runs
  • Broad platform adds stability for a neutral shoe
  • Wide width available
  • Padded knit upper is comfortable out of the box
Cons
  • Heavier than the Phantom 4
  • 10mm drop and high stack feel less connected to the road
  • Almond toe can feel restrictive for some feet
Topo Athletic
Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Road-Running Shoes

Topo Athletic Phantom 4

Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Road-Running Shoes

$96.55at eBayChecked 10 h ago
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Pros
  • Lighter weight makes quicker daily runs easier
  • 5mm drop encourages a more natural stride
  • Roomy toe box and wide option suit broader feet
  • Firmer foam holds up well for daily training
Cons
  • Less cushioning underfoot than the Glycerin
  • Lower drop can strain calves and Achilles if you are not used to it
  • Firmer ride is less forgiving on long recovery days

What separates them

Brooks Glycerin 22Topo Athletic Phantom 4
CushioningHigh stack (38.5mm heel, 28.5mm forefoot) with soft nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foamModerate stack (35mm heel, 30mm forefoot) with firmer ZipFoam 2.0
WeightAbout 10.2oz in a men's sample sizeAbout 9.3oz in a men's sample size, lighter
Heel-to-toe drop10mm, a traditional drop5mm, a lower drop that loads the calf and Achilles more
UpperDouble jacquard knit with padded collar and tongueTechnical jacquard mesh with an OrthoLite insole
Fit and widthsWide width offered; almond toe can feel snug at the frontNormal and wide widths; roomier toe box is a Topo signature
Ride feelPlush landings with a broad, stable platformFirmer and more ground-connected
Best useLong runs, recovery days, standing and walkingDaily running and walking at a quicker pace

Price history

$135.11$79.95
Oct 29Nov 10
  • Brooks Glycerin 22: lowest $79.95 on Nov 9 at Amazon; $79.95 on Nov 10.
  • Topo Athletic Phantom 4: lowest $135.11 on Nov 9 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Brooks Glycerin 22

  • Nordstrom RackNew

    In stock

    $99.97Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Nordstrom Rack
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by the_giving_cards (100% positive, 773 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $59.16+ $7.17 shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $79.95Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • Running Lab BrightonNew

    Availability unknown

    $99.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit Running Lab Brighton

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 27 stores and price history →

Topo Athletic Phantom 4

  • PlaymakersNew

    In stock

    $149.95Checked 10 h ago
    Visit Playmakers
  • Zappos.comNew

    In stock

    $149.95Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Zappos.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $96.55Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $135.11Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBrooks Glycerin 22Topo Athletic Phantom 4
ColorBlackBlack
GenderMaleMale
Age groupAdultAdult
Stack heightHeel: 38.5mm; Forefoot: 28.5mm35mm (heel) // 30mm (forefoot)
Weight10.2oz (289g)7.6oz (W7)
Heel-to-toe drop10mm5MM
Gore-TexNoNo
Running StyleNeutralNeutral
OutsoleRubberRubber
Drop (mm)10.02.0
Size (US)13, 14, 11, 12, 6.5, 5.5, 9.5, 10.5, 8.5, 8, 9,…13, 14, 11, 12, 15, 9.5, 10.5, 8.5, 8, 9, 11.5,…
Weight (oz)9.19.3
Show all 38 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBrooks Glycerin 22Topo Athletic Phantom 4
FasteningLacedZipper, Laced
Upper MaterialKnit Fabric, Mesh, Synthetictechnical jacquard mesh
WidthNormal, WideNormal, Wide
MidsoleFoam, EVA, PolyurethaneZipFoam™ 2.0
Type of Running ShoeRoadRoad
Shoe size8.5—
BrandBrooks—
Athletic shoe typeCross-Training Shoes—
Shoe categoryMen's Shoes—
Shoe width

What reviewers say

Brooks Glycerin 22

  • 4.8 / 51,900 ratings

Topo Athletic Phantom 4

Owners of the Phantom line praise the wide toe box and light, balanced ride for daily miles. Most say it works well for easy runs and long walks, while some want softer cushioning and more outsole life.

What people mention
  • Toe boxPraisedOwners say the wide, foot-shaped front gives toes room to spread without rubbing.
  • CushioningMixedSome find the ZipFoam 2.0 ride balanced and responsive; others want a softer, plusher feel.
  • WeightPraisedRunners note it feels light for a shoe with this much stack.
  • Outsole durabilityCriticisedSome high-mileage runners report the outsole wearing sooner than they expected.

Questions and answers

Which is better for long runs?
The Glycerin 22. Its higher stack and softer DNA Tuned foam absorb more impact over distance. The Phantom 4 is better suited to shorter, quicker daily runs.
Which is better for wide feet?
Both come in wide widths. The Phantom 4 has a roomier toe box, which many runners with wide forefeet prefer. The Glycerin's almond toe can feel snug at the front.
Which lasts longer?
Both use rubber outsoles and should hold up for similar mileage. The Glycerin's thicker midsole may keep its cushioning feel longer for heavier runners.
Is the Phantom 4 worth stepping up to from the Glycerin?
Only if you want a lighter, lower-drop shoe. If you value cushioning and a traditional 10mm drop, the Glycerin is the better fit.
Can I use either for walking and cross training?
Yes. Both are neutral shoes suited to walking. The Glycerin's softer platform is more comfortable for standing, while the Phantom 4 feels more agile.
Which is better for a beginner runner?
The Glycerin 22. Its traditional drop and forgiving cushioning are easier to adapt to. The Phantom 4's 5mm drop takes time to get used to.

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Wide
—
Shoe closureSingle-Pull Lace—
Footwear featureDiabetic—
Foot pronationNeutral Pronation—
SportRunning, Cross Training—
Insole materialSynthetic—
Shoe sole materialRubber—
MaterialSynthetic—
Toe styleAlmond Toe—
Shoe heel stylePlatform—
Assembled product weight1.3 lb—
Shoe size systemEU Men's, EU Women's—
Model1104451D013.085—
Manufacturer ColorWhite/Limpet Shell/Amparo Blue—
Support—NEUTRAL STABILITY
Insole—OrthoLite® Insole
Lining—Polyester