Which is better for running long distances?

The Glycerin 23. Its soft DNA TUNED cushioning and 8 mm drop are designed for repeated road impact over long miles. The Metcon 10 is firm and flat, which is good for lifting but tiring on long runs.

Can I lift weights in the Glycerin 23?

Only light work. The soft, tall midsole compresses under load and gives little lateral stability, so it is a poor choice for squats, deadlifts or Olympic lifts. Use the Metcon 10 for those.

The Metcon 10 generally holds up better to gym abuse, with a reinforced upper and tough outsole. The Glycerin's soft foam and road rubber wear down faster, especially if used indoors.

Is the Metcon 10 worth stepping up to over a running shoe for the gym?

Yes, if you train with weights or do classes. Its stable platform and support bridge are built for that. If you only run, the Glycerin is the better fit.

Which is more comfortable for all-day wear?

The Glycerin 23, by a wide margin. Owners describe it as plush and comfortable straight out of the box. The Metcon is stiff and firm by design.

Many runners who also lift keep both: the Glycerin for road miles and the Metcon for gym sessions. One shoe cannot do both jobs well.

Brooks Glycerin 23 vs Nike Metcon 10

These are not rivals; they are different tools. The Glycerin 23 is a neutral road running shoe built around soft, plush DNA TUNED cushioning with a 38 mm heel stack, and its owners rate it very highly for comfort straight out of the box. The Metcon 10 is a cross-training shoe with a firm, stable platform, a midfoot support bridge and a low, flat base for lifting, and its ratings are solid but less glowing. Buy the Glycerin for daily miles and long easy runs; buy the Metcon for the gym floor, lifting and mixed training sessions.

Choose the Brooks Glycerin 23 if your main training is road running and you want maximum soft cushioning and a smooth, comfortable ride from the first run.
Choose the Nike Metcon 10 if you lift weights, do CrossFit-style classes or mix gym work with short runs and need a stable, firm platform.

Prices

Brooks Glycerin 23: $99.62 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
Nike Metcon 10: $89.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
Difference: the Nike Metcon 10 is $9.63 cheaper than the Brooks Glycerin 23 at the latest prices (Nov 8)

	Brooks Glycerin 23	Nike Metcon 10
Primary use	Neutral road running and daily miles	Weightlifting, cross training and all-round gym work
Cushioning	Soft, plush nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED foam, 3/5 on Brooks' cushion scale	Firmer React foam with heel and forefoot cushioning tuned for stability
Stability under load	Neutral support; soft midsole flexes under heavy weight	Wide platform, midfoot support bridge and firm base for squats and lifts
Stack height and drop	38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot, 8 mm drop	Lower, flatter platform with a minimal drop for ground feel
Weight	About 10.6 oz in a men's size 9	About 11.8 oz
Upper	Triple jacquard warp knit, breathable and sock-like	Mesh and textile with a reinforced, abrasion-resistant build
Outsole	Road rubber tuned for smooth transitions on pavement	Rubber and synthetic with a grippy, studded pattern for gym floors
Owner sentiment	4.9/5 from 90 ratings; reviewers call it exceptionally comfortable and cite relief from heel pain	4.3/5 from 185 ratings; liked for stability and durability in the gym

Spec	Brooks Glycerin 23	Nike Metcon 10
Age Group	Adult	Adult
color	Black	White, Gray, Black
Gore-Tex	No	No
Outsole	Rubber	Rubber, Synthetic
Insole	Ortholite, EVA, Foam, Textile	Polyurethane, EVA, Polyester, Textile
Size (US)	13, 11, 12, 6.5, 5.5, 9.5, 10.5, 8.5, 8, 9, 11.…	13, 14, 11, 12, 6.5, 9.5, 8.5, 3.5, 11.5, 10, 5…
Fastening	Laced	Laced
Lining	Nylon, Textile, Mesh	Textile, Mesh, Cotton
Upper Material	Knit Fabric, Mesh, Textile, Synthetic	Mesh, Textile
Midsole	Foam, EVA	Foam, React
Heel-to-toe drop	8 mm	—
Weight	10.6 oz (300 g)	—

Spec	Brooks Glycerin 23	Nike Metcon 10
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

Brooks Glycerin 23 vs Nike Metcon 10

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Brooks Glycerin 23 vs Nike Metcon 10

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