Glycerin Max 2
The Glycerin Max is designed to push boundaries and deliver a level of tuned comfort never before seen at Brooks. With the second iteration of the Max franchise, we set out to build on the insights from the first version and elevate every aspect of the experience. While staying true to our core goal of creating a product that empowers runners to tune out the noise and fully immerse themselves in the run.
Initial sketches
Glycerin Max 1
Early Mold Trials
Glycerin Max Initial 3D
Starting Point
The Glycerin Max 2 began with a simple but ambitious question: How do you run forever? One of our goals was to unlock the runners potential and allow them to run on autopilot. To experience a comfort and underfoot experience like no other shoe on the market.
A lofty goal like that demands focus ( perhaps stating the obvious ) but I took it quite literally during the ideation phase. I wanted to use singular expression, a simple gesture that could translate forward energy. A single origin point for the key lines to be start from. This mindset also helped guide how I celebrated the GlideRoll rocker technology and DNA Tuned cushioning in the midsole.
Once the key lines were established, we quickly integrated our brand markers considering how this shoe would command presence and live in harmony with the other Glycerin Portal projects. It became clear that the heel was the ideal location to amplify the brand marker, while also aligning with the story we were developing.
Get a grip
My most funnest challenge was the outsole I think. See the Max 1 was unique but most importantly - very functional. the rubber layout in conjunction with the exposed areas of exposed foam is key for how and why the Max feels like a Max. At first I struggled with pushing the needle because I really wanted this to work similarly to the Max 1. I needed to grow and change my of I needed to approach the problem. I challenged myself and pushed to not have so many lines and curves. I wanted to discover new forms and ultimately a new identity for the bottom view of the Max. As I reduced it become clear that the reduction of noise and simplicity was the next version. Simplifying helped amplify.
Forward Energy
The midsole was also carefully crafted to express forward energy. I wanted everything to radiate from the edge of the toe, that was the origin. It was a a huge game of millimeters to offset and visually balance all of 4 lines. ( Joking but not joking, I wanted it to be perfect ok ). In the cavities in between he surfaces was another game to be played of getting the ridges to lay right but also have the right depth. Sprinkle in a laser etching and very quickly things can go wrong. This detail though was crucial because its our tying element for all of the shoes in Glycerin family.
Double Trouble
I will forever be obsessed with the material unlock in this project. The team and I unlocked a new technique where we could have a two “ holes”. Well technically a slit or giant hole on the top face and then smaller openings in the inner channels thus creating the double hole effect.
The first rounds of the upper featured a split so this effect was mirrored on either side. The line created by the split was another element that started at the crown of the shoe. I then used symmetry to keep things balanced, focused and clear. Through the design and manufacturing process it was simplified to be featured only on the lateral side. And then mimicked with small mesh holes on the medial side.
Forward Energy
In every detail of the show I wanted the story of “ running forever “ to come to life. I love the detailing in the forefoot cavities and heel groove. Instead of just the chamfered channels I wanted to show the runner how the foam can displace through a familiar idea or motion like an accordion. It ties in perfectly with the sharper and angular design of the rest of shoe too. The concept of “running forever” is thought about through the whole shoe. It allowed for details like this to help tell a beginning middle and end to the story. Quite literally at times like how the edges fade as they wrap up the heel of the midsole.