WOMEN'S GLYCERIN 21

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a premium neutral running shoe designed to offer maximum comfort and cushioning for long-distance runs and daily training. Here’s a detailed review:

Comfort and Cushioning:

The Glycerin 21 is known for its plush, luxurious feel, thanks to the full-length DNA LOFT cushioning in the midsole. This cushioning is soft and comfortable, making the shoe ideal for runners who prioritize a smooth and cushioned ride. The DNA LOFT technology provides a good balance between softness and responsiveness, ensuring that the shoe doesn’t feel too mushy or sluggish, even on longer runs. The added OrthoLite sockliner enhances the step-in comfort, contributing to an overall cushy experience from the moment you put the shoe on.

Upper Design and Fit:

The Glycerin 21 features an engineered mesh upper that is both breathable and supportive. The 3D Fit Print technology used in the upper helps create a snug, secure fit without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. The fit is adaptable, accommodating a variety of foot shapes, while the internal bootie construction offers a seamless and comfortable feel. The upper also has a bit more structure compared to previous versions, which improves the overall lockdown, particularly in the midfoot area.

Ride and Performance:

The Glycerin 21 excels in delivering a smooth and cushioned ride, perfect for long distances and recovery runs. The shoe is built for comfort, so while it’s not the most responsive option for speed work, it shines in situations where comfort and protection are paramount. The transition from heel to toe is smooth, thanks to the Segmented Crash Pad integrated into the outsole. This feature helps in dispersing impact evenly, making each step feel natural and fluid.

Outsole and Durability:

The outsole of the Glycerin 21 is durable, with blown rubber in key areas to provide good traction and extend the life of the shoe. The tread pattern offers solid grip on both dry and wet surfaces, making the shoe versatile for various running conditions. The durability is excellent, with the outsole and midsole materials holding up well over many miles, making it a good investment for high-mileage runners.

Weight:

For a max-cushion shoe, the Glycerin 21 is reasonably lightweight. While it’s not as light as performance-focused models, it strikes a good balance between cushioning and weight, making it a viable option for daily training without feeling too heavy.

Style and Aesthetics:

The Glycerin 21 has a sleek and modern design, with several colorway options to suit different tastes. The aesthetic is clean and professional, appealing to runners who want both performance and style in their footwear.

Use Cases:

• Long Runs: The plush cushioning makes the Glycerin 21 ideal for long-distance running, providing the comfort and support needed for extended periods on your feet.
• Daily Training: It’s also well-suited for daily runs, particularly for those who prefer a more cushioned experience.
• Recovery Runs: The soft ride is perfect for recovery runs, offering protection and comfort for tired legs.

Comparison to Previous Models:

Compared to its predecessor, the Glycerin 21 offers improved upper comfort and a slightly refined fit. The cushioning remains consistent with what Glycerin fans expect, but with subtle tweaks that enhance the overall running experience. The 21st version is a polished iteration, with minor improvements that make a noticeable difference in comfort and fit.

Summary:

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a top choice for runners who value comfort and cushioning above all else. It delivers a plush, smooth ride that’s perfect for long runs, recovery days, and anyone looking for a soft yet supportive running shoe. While it may not be the lightest or most responsive option, its focus on cushioning and comfort makes it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable and luxurious daily trainer. If you’re a fan of cushioned running shoes and need something that can handle high mileage with ease, the Glycerin 21 is a solid pick.


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Glycerin 21 vs Glycerin 20

When comparing the Brooks Glycerin 21 to the Glycerin 20, several updates and refinements stand out, reflecting Brooks' commitment to improving comfort, performance, and overall ride quality. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Cushioning and Midsole

• Glycerin 20: The Glycerin 20 introduced the DNA LOFT v3 midsole, which provided a softer and more plush cushioning experience than its predecessors. This version of the midsole was nitrogen-infused, making it lighter and more responsive while maintaining the luxurious comfort the Glycerin line is known for. The focus was on offering a balance between softness and a slightly more energetic ride, making the shoe versatile for both long runs and daily training.

• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 continued with the DNA LOFT cushioning but without the nitrogen-infused feature seen in the Glycerin 20. The cushioning remains plush and soft, providing a cushioned and smooth ride. The Glycerin 21 focuses more on delivering a consistently comfortable and cushioned experience, ideal for runners who prioritize a soft landing and maximum comfort over responsiveness.

Upper Design and Fit

• Glycerin 20: The upper in the Glycerin 20 featured a new engineered mesh with 3D Fit Print technology, offering a secure and adaptable fit. The upper was breathable and lightweight, designed to hug the foot comfortably while providing enough structure to keep the foot in place during runs. The internal bootie construction contributed to a snug, sock-like feel, enhancing overall comfort.

• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 further refined the engineered mesh upper, improving both breathability and support. The fit is slightly more accommodating, especially in the forefoot area, making it a bit more comfortable for a wider range of foot shapes. The internal bootie construction remains, offering a seamless, irritation-free experience. The upper in the Glycerin 21 feels slightly more secure, with better lockdown in the midfoot area, providing an improved fit over the Glycerin 20.

Ride and Performance

• Glycerin 20: The ride in the Glycerin 20 was designed to be more responsive than previous versions, thanks to the nitrogen-infused midsole. This gave it a slightly more lively and energetic feel, which appealed to runners who wanted a cushioned shoe that could still handle a variety of paces, including faster runs.

• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21, while still offering a smooth and cushioned ride, leans more into the comfort side, focusing on a plush, consistent experience. The shoe is ideal for long runs, recovery runs, and daily training where comfort is the top priority. It doesn’t have the same level of responsiveness as the Glycerin 20, but it makes up for it with an even more cushioned and protective ride.

Outsole and Durability

• Glycerin 20: The outsole in the Glycerin 20 was designed for durability and traction, with strategically placed rubber to provide grip and enhance the shoe's lifespan. The segmented crash pad helped with smooth transitions, making the ride feel fluid and natural.

• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 features a similar outsole design but with slight improvements in rubber placement and durability. The traction and grip are solid, suitable for a variety of surfaces, and the Segmented Crash Pad continues to ensure smooth transitions from heel to toe. The durability remains excellent, with the shoe capable of handling high mileage without significant wear.

Weight

• Glycerin 20: Despite the added responsiveness from the nitrogen-infused midsole, the Glycerin 20 managed to maintain a relatively lightweight feel for a max-cushion shoe. This made it versatile for different types of runs, from easy days to more intense workouts.

• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 is slightly heavier than the Glycerin 20, mainly due to the focus on maximizing comfort and cushioning. The difference in weight is minimal, but the Glycerin 21 might feel a bit bulkier to some runners compared to the Glycerin 20.

Aesthetics and Style

• Glycerin 20: The Glycerin 20 had a modern, sleek design with a variety of colorways that appealed to runners looking for both performance and style. The overall look was streamlined, reflecting the shoe’s balance of responsiveness and cushioning.

• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 continues with a similar aesthetic but with slight updates to the design, offering a more premium and refined look. The colorways remain vibrant and appealing, with a design that reflects the shoe’s focus on comfort and luxury.

Summary:

The Brooks Glycerin 20 and Glycerin 21 both offer excellent cushioning and comfort, but with slightly different focuses:

• Glycerin 20: This model is more versatile, with a nitrogen-infused midsole that provides a bit more responsiveness while still offering plush cushioning. It’s a great choice for runners who want a cushioned shoe that can handle a variety of paces and run types.

• Glycerin 21: The Glycerin 21 doubles down on comfort, offering an even softer and more cushioned ride. It’s ideal for runners who prioritize maximum comfort and protection on long runs, daily training, and recovery days. While it may not be as responsive as the Glycerin 20, it delivers a consistently smooth and cushioned experience that’s hard to beat for those who value comfort above all else.

If you’re deciding between the two, go with the Glycerin 20 if you want a bit more responsiveness and versatility, and choose the Glycerin 21 if you’re looking for the ultimate in cushioned comfort.