The Glycerin continues to stand the test of time in Brooks’ lineup with a formula that simply doesn’t stray away from the recipe that has propelled it to over twenty iterations. Still, we begin to wonder in a rapidly evolving shoe landscape, does the mantra of not “fixing” something that isn’t broken the key to locking in a loyal base of runners who don’t want any surprises — and major changes — in a shoe year after year.
With the Glycerin 21, Brooks retains some of the ingredients that will prompt users of the previous model to take a look and ultimately take a pair home; depending on whether a tried-and-true approach works in the current world of daily trainers. But this is not the past shoe warmed over for a another model year. The Glycerin 21 has some changes that steers it into it’s own direction.
Changes and Notable Features
Right out the gate, the Glycerin 21 benefits from an extra boost in the midsole, with 2mm adding to the stack height over its predecessor. We’re in the era of the chunky (but light shoe) and for most us, we’ll take the increase in the midsole. The shoe retains the same DNA Loft v3 midsole as the prior shoe — but last year’s shoe was a shift in for the Glycerin, as it switched over from an EVA midsole to a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam. The ride on the run firmed up but was balance overall and made the Glycerin an easy pick when taking walks.
Meanwhile, if you’re still rocking last year’s shoe, you’ll notice changes in the upper, which feels plush and comfortable with a no-nonsense knit construction that strays from the mesh of the past. Plenty of ankle protection here and the tongue is beefy enough without being over the top. It’s an immediately comfortable — and locked in — environment once you slip your feet inside.
However, beware of how warm this shoe gets especially in warmer climates. While there weren’t any hotspots on the run, the new upper isn’t particularly breathable. The warmth won’t set off fire alarms but is noticeable. But, the shoe is constructed well and 50+ miles into testing, the obvious signs of wear are hard to detect after rolling along on paved roads and some gravel/dirt paths. The wider toebox is a blessing that my feet appreciated on the initial run.
The ride is predictable but lacking the bounce we expected from the DNA Loft v3 midsole. Fine for walks and brisk strolls to get those steps in but the urge to pick up the pace on the run will prompt you to grab for other options in the Brooks roster. Keep things easy in the Glycerin 21.
Personal Opinions
We’re super spoiled in the modern ever of shoes to a point where there is no excuse to not find a shoe that works — and the Glycerin 21 has settled into its very specific lane for a reason. The changes in this shoe over it’s predecessor are thankfully not a major revolution but it has me wondering what will the next version look and feel like. Or will a packed Brooks lineup allow the Glycerin to trudge along like the Ghost simply because the audience for these shoes know what they want. And, thankfully, the folks masterminding the product rollout are actually listening.
Overall Thoughts
The Glycerin will 21 will continue to help hold down the fort at Brooks headquarters because it delivers on what longtime users expect without overpromising. At a time when plated shoes and super stack trainers could convince you of the mythical powers you’d suddenly get with very little effort, the Glycerin keeps the game plan simple.
And while the bounce is mostly absent from this shoe, the durable midsole and the quality of the upper continues to allow Brooks to hover over other brands when it comes to constructing a trainer that allow you to not think too hard when it’s time to run. The Glycerin is certainly a contender for anyone who is reluctant to constantly switch things up because there are so many shoe options available. At $160, the Glycerin 21 is not cheap, especially in a shoe era that has sprinted past affordability in the name of variety, better tech and bigger stack heights. But for what it’s built to take on, this shoe has more and earned its mainstay status.
THE BREAKDOWN
Specs for the Brooks Glycerin 21
· Weight: (9.8oz / 277.8g) and (8.8oz / 249g)
· Stack height and drop: 28mm and 10mm
· Important features: DNA Loft v3 midsole, engineered warp knit upper
· Price: $160
· Release date: January 2024
How We Tested This Shoe
· Men: Size 11.5 (9.8oz / 277.8g)
· Women: Size 8 (8.8oz / 249g)
· Running conditions: Easy and recovery runs on asphalt and gravel/dirt paths
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Brooks Glycerin 21 – Men
Brooks Glycerin 21 – Women
