Brooks Glycerin 21
RRP: $160
Weight (male): 1 lb 3 oz. (0.54 kg)
Weight (for women): 1 lb 1.6 oz. (0.49 kg)
Discard: 0.39 in (10 mm)
Heel height: 1.1 in (28 mm)
Forefoot stack height: 0.71 in (18 mm)
Brooks knows a thing or two about making running shoes, having been in the game since 1914. The Glycerin series offers a well-sustained, cushioned ride, perfect for long runs. of roads, but without making the shoe too heavy.
Our reviewer is a fan of high rebound and a thick, bouncy sole, and the Glycerin 21 ticked all of their boxes, quickly becoming a firm favourite. Having already tested the Ghost 15 and Ghost 16 and not going further with them, the Glycerin 21 was a great reference for Brooks in the eyes of our reviewer.
Brooks Glycerin 21: How we tested it
Our reviewer first tested these shoes a few months ago and has been using them for trail running and treadmill work. Our tester covered more than 50km in these shoes, mostly on slow, long runs.
Brooks Glycerin 21: Build and fold
The Brooks Glycerin 21 is comparable to the Hoka Bondi 8 in terms of support and cushioning. Our reviewer tends to favor well-fitting, well-rounded shoes that provide plenty of bounce as they are supinator (a natural way of walking where the foot tends to roll outward).
While this isn’t a purpose-built stable shoe – for that you’ll need the Glycerin GTS 21 – the width of the sole means it’s a very stable shoe that supports a smooth heel-to-toe transition. While with some shoes this might mean the inclusion of an aggressive rocker, the Glycerin 21 feels neutral underfoot.
A heel-to-toe drop of 0.39 in (10 mm) encourages forward foot movement from heel to toe, and a heel height of 1.1 in (28 mm) provides plenty of room for heel-striking runners.
Brooks Glycerin 21: Design and top
There is plenty of room in the toe box and the upper is soft and flexible, allowing for comfort when running on rough terrain. The Brooks Glycerin 21 is highly breathable, with an engineered top-knit that allows feet to breathe, even on hot days.
The only downside is that this high breathability means that these shoes are completely waterproof.
Brooks Glycerin 21: Outsole
Our reviewer was particularly interested in the traction mechanism, having been let down by other Brooks shoes in the past. As a midfoot/forefoot runner, they found some Brooks shoes – particularly from the Ghost range – lacked traction in the toe area, leading to slippery.
While the Glycerin 21 is designed for heel-striking runners, the outsole is grippy throughout, making it perfect for those with a more forefoot pattern. Most recreational runners are heel-strike runners and the amount of cushion in the crashpad provides adequate protection.
Despite a lot of use, the exterior of our pair of Glycerin 21s is still in good condition, with little to no damage to its deep treads.
Brooks Glycerin 21: Performance
The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a bouncy shoe, with 2mm more height compared to the previous generation. Despite this added height, it is 0.3 oz lighter than the Glycerin 20. However, it may still be too heavy for those looking to achieve a PB speed, as Brooks has prioritized comfort and reduced weight. light in the form of Glycerin.
Brooks Glycerin 21: Verdict
The Glycerin 21 offers a strong, bouncy ride with plenty of toe room and breathability.
If you’re looking for a more neutral shoe and aren’t sure what to go for, the Glycerin 21 offers a more comfortable ride than the Ghost 16. For even more trim, the Glycerin Max is an affordable option. very heavy and baggy.
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