MEN'S GLYCERIN 21

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a premium neutral running shoe designed for those who crave a plush and comfortable ride. Here’s a detailed review:

Comfort and Cushioning: The Glycerin 21 is known for its luxurious cushioning, thanks to the full-length DNA LOFT midsole. This technology provides a soft, yet responsive feel, making the shoe ideal for long runs and runners who prefer a more cushioned ride. The cushioning is consistent throughout the shoe, from heel to toe, ensuring a smooth and comfortable running experience regardless of your stride.

Upper Design: The shoe features an engineered mesh upper that offers excellent breathability and a snug, adaptable fit. Brooks has incorporated its 3D Fit Print technology, which provides strategic stretch and structure to the upper, giving it a glove-like fit without feeling restrictive. The interior is lined with a soft, moisture-wicking material that enhances the overall comfort, making the Glycerin 21 feel great even on extended runs.

Ride and Performance: The Glycerin 21 is designed for comfort over speed, excelling in delivering a smooth, cushioned ride. The transition from heel to toe is seamless, thanks to the Segmented Crash Pad, which absorbs impact and ensures a smooth transition with every step. While the shoe is slightly heavier than some other models, the cushioning and comfort more than make up for the added weight, especially on longer runs.

Durability: The outsole of the Glycerin 21 features a durable rubber compound that offers excellent grip and traction on various surfaces. The shoe is built to last, with high-quality materials that withstand the wear and tear of regular use. The DNA LOFT cushioning is designed to maintain its plush feel over many miles, making the Glycerin 21 a reliable choice for high-mileage runners.

Style: The Glycerin 21 has a sleek and modern design, available in several colorways that range from subtle to bold. The overall aesthetic is polished, appealing to runners who appreciate both performance and style in their footwear.

Weight: Weighing in slightly heavier than other neutral trainers, the Glycerin 21 is more about comfort than speed. However, for runners who prioritize cushioning, the extra weight is a fair trade-off for the plush ride it provides.

Summary: The Brooks Glycerin 21 is an excellent choice for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning. It’s particularly well-suited for long-distance running, recovery runs, or for those who prefer a softer, more protective ride. While it might not be the best choice for speedwork due to its cushioned nature, it excels in delivering a luxurious and comfortable running experience, making it a top pick for high-mileage runners and those seeking a plush ride.

• Midsole Drop: 10mm
• Weight: 9.8oz

--------------------------------

The Brooks Glycerin 21 and Glycerin 20 are both premium neutral running shoes that offer a plush, cushioned ride, but there are some key differences between the two models that reflect the ongoing evolution in design and technology. Here’s a comparison:

1. Cushioning:

• Glycerin 20: The Glycerin 20 was one of the earlier models to feature Brooks' DNA LOFT midsole technology. This provided a soft and cushioned feel throughout the shoe, but the cushioning was a bit firmer compared to later iterations.
• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 further refined the DNA LOFT technology, offering a more plush and luxurious cushioning experience. The foam in the Glycerin 21 is slightly softer, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially for long runs.

2. Upper Design:

• Glycerin 20: The Glycerin 20 featured a double jacquard mesh upper, which was designed to offer a breathable and secure fit. It was well-ventilated and provided a good balance between structure and flexibility.
• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 improved upon this with an updated engineered mesh upper, which offered better adaptability and a more comfortable fit. The 3D Fit Print technology in the Glycerin 21 was also enhanced, giving the upper a more glove-like feel without sacrificing breathability or flexibility.

3. Ride and Performance:

• Glycerin 20: The Glycerin 20 provided a comfortable and cushioned ride but had a slightly firmer feel, which might appeal to runners who prefer a more responsive shoe while still enjoying ample cushioning.
• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 focused more on maximizing comfort with a softer and more plush ride. The transitions from heel to toe were also slightly smoother in the Glycerin 21, making it feel more seamless during runs.

4. Weight:

• Glycerin 20: The Glycerin 20 was a bit lighter than its successor, making it slightly more versatile for a broader range of runs, including some faster-paced workouts.
• Glycerin 21: While the Glycerin 21 added a bit of weight due to the additional cushioning, it was primarily designed for runners who prioritize comfort over speed.

5. Outsole Durability:

• Glycerin 20: The outsole of the Glycerin 20 was durable and provided good traction, but it was slightly less flexible compared to the Glycerin 21.
• Glycerin 21: The outsole in the Glycerin 21 was designed to be more flexible, enhancing the shoe’s overall comfort and contributing to a smoother ride. The durability remained strong, with the shoe performing well on a variety of surfaces.

6. Overall Fit:

• Glycerin 20: Some users found the fit of the Glycerin 20 to be slightly narrower, especially in the midfoot area, which could be an issue for those with wider feet.
• Glycerin 21: The fit in the Glycerin 21 was improved to be more accommodating, with a slightly wider toe box and a more adaptive upper, making it a better fit for a wider range of foot shapes.

Summary:

The Glycerin 21 is essentially an evolution of the Glycerin 20, with enhanced cushioning, a more comfortable and adaptive upper, and a smoother overall ride. The main difference lies in the level of comfort and plushness, with the Glycerin 21 offering a softer and more luxurious experience compared to the Glycerin 20. If you prioritize a softer, more cushioned ride and a more adaptive fit, the Glycerin 21 is the better choice. However, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bit less weight, the Glycerin 20 might be more suited to your needs.