Which is better for long road runs?

The Brooks Glycerin 23. Its 38 mm DNA TUNED stack and 8 mm drop are built for repeated impact over distance. The Cloud X 4 is a training shoe with far less cushioning.

Which is better for the gym and HIIT?

The On Cloud X 4. It is about 74 g lighter, more flexible, and its X-shaped Speedboard and star lacing handle lateral movement. The Glycerin is a forward-rolling road shoe.

The Glycerin 23 is the safer bet for mileage. Its road outsole and denser foam are made for repeated pavement runs. The Cloud X 4's light mesh and foam suit indoor training.

Is the Glycerin 23 worth stepping up to over the Cloud X 4?

Only if running is your priority. If you split time between running and the gym, the Cloud X 4 covers more ground; if you run most days, the Glycerin's cushioning is the bigger upgrade.

Do either offer stability support?

Neither is a stability shoe. The Glycerin 23 is neutral but owners describe it as stable underfoot. The Cloud X 4 lists light stability with a midfoot cage for lateral control.

Brooks Glycerin 23 vs On Cloud X 4

Buy the Brooks Glycerin 23 if your main goal is running, especially long or easy road miles. Its nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED midsole, 38 mm stack and plush triple jacquard knit upper make it the more forgiving shoe for daily distance, and owners repeatedly call it the most comfortable running shoe they have worn. The On Cloud X 4 is the better pick for gym work and mixed training: it is far lighter, more flexible and built around lateral movement, but it is not a distance running shoe.

Choose the Brooks Glycerin 23 if you run on roads several times a week and want maximum cushioning and a smooth, stable ride over long distances.
Choose the On Cloud X 4 if you train in the gym, do HIIT and lateral work, and want a light, flexible shoe that doubles as a casual sneaker.

Prices

Brooks Glycerin 23: $99.62 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
On Cloud X 4: $99.95 at Swizvisa (last seen Nov 8)
Difference: the Brooks Glycerin 23 is $0.33 cheaper than the On Cloud X 4 at the latest prices (Nov 8)

	Brooks Glycerin 23	On Cloud X 4
Primary purpose	Neutral road running shoe built for daily distance	Versatile training shoe for gym and HIIT workouts
Weight	10.6 oz (300 g) in a men's 9	226 g
Cushioning	38 mm/30 mm stack of nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED foam, rated 3/5	Helion superfoam midsole tuned for training, lower stack
Flexibility and lateral support	Stiffer, forward-rolling ride; no midfoot cage	X-shaped Speedboard and star lacing with midfoot cage for multi-directional moves
Upper	Triple jacquard warp knit, breathable and plush	Breathable mesh with padded heel and tongue; dope-dyed option uses 90% less water
Drop	8 mm	7 mm
Durability	Road outsole built for high mileage	Lighter mesh and foam suit indoor training more than long road miles
Owner feedback	4.9/5 from 90 ratings; praised for out-of-box comfort, stability and heel pain relief	4.5/5 from 13 ratings; smaller sample, praised as a feel-good workout shoe

Spec	Brooks Glycerin 23	On Cloud X 4
Heel-to-toe drop	8 mm	7mm
Weight	10.6 oz (300 g)	226.0g
Midsole drop	8 mm	—
Midsole cushioning	nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED	—
Forefoot cushion added	2 mm more DNA TUNED cushioning	—
Upper	triple jacquard warp knit	—
Stack Height	38 mm / 30 mm	—
Surface	Road	—
Support	Neutral	—
Cushion	3 out of 5	—
Shoe Ride	4 out of 5	—
Shoe Energy	3 out of 5	—

Spec	Brooks Glycerin 23	On Cloud X 4
Gender Size	Men's 9	—
Men'S Size	Size 9	—
Age Group Size	Adult size	—
Department	Men's	—
Suitable For Size	Men's Size 9	—
Age Group	Adult	—
Occasion	Athletic	—
Weightlifting Shoes	No	—
Fashion Sneaker	No	—
Flats	No	—

Brooks Glycerin 23 vs On Cloud X 4

Prices

Brooks Glycerin 23 vs On Cloud X 4

Prices

On Cloud X 4

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store