Brooks Glycerin 21

As much as I wanted to love them, the last two Glycerine that I tried just didn’t work for me. But with an all new foam, the Glycerin 21 gets a bit softer and smoother in a way that is still very much Glycerin but is also now enjoyable for me.
0:00 intro
0:39 disclosures
0:57 specs
2:23 what's it like
3:58 pairing options
5:21 buying guide and alternatives
disclosures: Brooks provided these shoes to review, so I did not have to pay for them. However, no one is paying me to make this video or to include their shoe in this video. No one will get a chance to preview any of my footage or my thoughts before the video goes up on KZbin.
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[@sandrosantos9791]

I’m glad to hear that runners who liked previous versions of the Glycerin are likely to enjoy this one as well. Brooks shoes are the best fit for me and I’ve had plenty of Ghosts and Glycerin over the last few years.

[@cobyoung]

im only watching a brooks review bc its kofuzi 😂

[@bubkabubka]

Ditto

[@kofuzi]

I appreciate the support

[@johnurizarii7058]

Same😂

[@GreyJedi17]

i know what you mean haha

[@istaavno]

Same here 👍

[@sel7954]

I haven't tried any Brooks but hey a new Kofuzi video!

[@muhammadkhairul3621]

Brooks has come a long way. Cant wait to see what will they bring with their hyperion line this year

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

They've got some fun looking stuff on the way

[@ColinBloodworth]

That's a great looking shoe! Thanks for the review as always ❤

[@kofuzi]

Thanks Colin!

[@SendingStache]

The 19 was one of my first 3 or so pairs of running shoes. It was one of the few shoes I tried on that suited a pinky toe bunion I had. I was grateful for the comfortable miles it afforded me as I addressed my foot health, all while starting off in the world of running.

[@yurynsk3533]

Nice review. Thanks!

[@suckslip]

I have 60 miles on mine and like them so far, very comfortable.

[@A_SEGA_Dremcast]

Totally surprised me how much I like the Hyperion Max. Really fun! Neat to see it's still in your good graces too.

[@kofuzi]

I don't get to run in it as much as I'd like

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I’m on my 2nd pair of Hyperion Max after 2 pairs of its predecessor Hyperion Tempo. Such a versatile shoe….

[@drewman747]

I got a pair of Glycerin 20’s for $80 as a Black Friday deal. I really enjoy them, especially at that price. Yes, they are a little stiff, but I tend to hit more on the forefoot so that doesn’t bother me too much. They pair well with my Novablast 3’s which I got for the same price. I love my Novablast 3’s.

[@FordyRuns]

I can’t wait to see you try the Hyperion Max 2

[@mpservatmand]

Thanks for the video. Do you recommend it for underpronating (supinating) runners who has wide feet? My shoes wear pattern is on the outer and looking for a one who has good cushioning to prevent injuries. Thanks

[@John-qv7in]

Was waiting for the Ghost Max comparison when your two companion shoes were the same as from the Ghost Max review. Will be curious to see how these shoes all influence each other moving forward.

[@kofuzi]

there's a bit of leapfrogging going on. ghost max came out first. then glycerin. next, ghost max should have updated foam, so that will be interesting.

[@marypagones6073]

I currently run exclusively in the Brooks Glycerin 20 Neutral (I actually have four pairs in various stages of wear). I find it hard to find a cushioned shoe that's neutral and doesn't have a plate so I like it. I just PR-ed a half and medaled in my age group in Glycerin 20 last weekend. I've been really curious to see if there was a difference in the 21s. When one of my pairs is retired, I will check this out.

[@kofuzi]

hope you enjoy! congratulations on your PR!

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

My favorite Glycerin yet

[@kofuzi]

more than ghost max?

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

@@kofuzi I like it better than the Ghost Max but Tyler reviewed it with me and pretty sure he was the other way around despite similar body types

[@meganloots5305]

What if you could only afford one shoe? Would you still recommend the Brooks Glycerin 21 as that all rounder type?

[@redcon1716]

How is the arch? I prefer almost no arch support. The brooks ghost is just a little too much arch but I deal with it. Would love if they would reduce it a bit.

[@LuisBecerra79]

My only brooks shoe I have ever used, is the revel one and I gotta say, it does its job. Nothing fancy or special, so I imagine brooks is kind of boring but does the job, 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MiracleWarriors]

Talking about Nitro foams, how the Glycerin 21 compares to a Puma Magnify Nitro 2 ?"in terms of comfort, stability, performance and durability ?! Thanks in advance for having the time for answering me .

[@kofuzi]

there is some similarity in terms of durability in nitro foams - they all seem to last forever (as long as they don't get too chewed up by the road/rocks). aside from that, there is a lot of variability based on the source material that the shoes are made of (supercritical foams have two main ingredients: the solid and the gas. nitro foams all have gas in common - nitrogen). I haven't tried the magnify before, so I can't comment more specifically

[@JonPhillipssea206]

Came here for the Triumph comparison and I was not disappointed! Thanks, Kofuzi. The Ghost Max intrigues me too. Did you compare that with the Triumph as well? I want to love Brooks shoes since they're my hometown company, but aside from prior iterations of the Ghost (6 & 7) I've struggled to find a daily trainer from Brooks that can soak up the miles on long slow days, handle some progression type runs where the majority of miles are easy with several minutes of midrun interval/repetition/uptempo sessions, and the all-around daily trainer for the easy day miles. Doesn't sound like the Glycerin is quite it (darn). Maybe it's the Ghost Max?

[@tomrichardson5433]

Shoes like novablast and speed have enough cushion for high teens long runs and comparable or better pop to legacy trainers like ghost. I havent tried Ride 17 but that could be in the mix too.

[@kofuzi]

I don’t remember

[@JonPhillipssea206]

You compared the Ghost Max to the Triumph RFG and you leaned toward RFG.

[@JonPhillipssea206]

@@tomrichardson5433 I’ll most likely end up getting the Speed 4 since it seems that, yet again, everyone is saying it’s the best shoe for all the things.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I always have at least one version of the Endorphin Speed in my rotation,as well as the Hyperion Max (formerly had the Tempos). But I also have the Ghost Max which I use for my slower long runs. I use the Speeds for LR’s that have GMP (faster) miles in them, but appreciate that the Ghost Max is a very comfortable cruiser that doesn’t push me to go too fast, yet provides all the cushion I need (I’m petite/lightweight) without being too bulky, heavy, or high stack. It’s far more nimble than most the max cushion shoes I considered and I’m looking forward the next version which will have an updated midsole foam. I have about 200 mi on my current pair and they’re still in excellent shape.

[@MIGGZC]

This is my first running shoe, havent used it yet but tried it in store. Do you recommend any first time trainer aside from this shoe? Wideflat feet so I was recommended this at my local running room.

[@kofuzi]

Did it feel good when you tried it on? If so, then it’s a good option for you

[@jayhdz9856]

So i tried the 21s for about 10 mins at the store.....but had some mild discomfort around my arch and heel ..... has anyone else experienced this????? Is it the same with the glycerin 20s ???? Im deciding between the two

[@GrungeAct]

I know this is the official specs provided by Brooks, but the stack height sounds completely off.

[@seatownfan]

Thanks for the review Mike! I find the Brooks foot entry a little tight and also I have had bad experiences with the heel end of shoe bending out of place, which I haven’t had happen with other running shoes.

[@pbnotj1]

Brooks ghost max 2 will be coming soon with the newer foam I am holding out for that update :-)

[@TheMors1975]

With that cushion looks exactly like a Asics gel cumulus, or an Adidas solar glide

[@jeffersonmp4]

Please review the New Balance 880 v14

[@laalaa99stl]

Glycerin was the first max cush shoe I ever tried at the insistence of people who told me I needed to try one. I thought it was heavy and clunky, and to this day I have a poor impression of this entire genre. That said, I respect that there might be heavier people who might not be able to run at all if these options weren't available. Now let's see Ghost Max get DNA Loft v3.

[@user-it2di3vw7k]

Thanks for the review I have nimbus26 and novablast4 Which is more like glycerin21?

[@kofuzi]

Neither really, but if I have to pick one, Nimbus 26

[@stefaniesmith7117]

“I think it was designed for a runner that wasn’t me”. Oh my goodness I love that 😂😂

[@kofuzi]

It’s the beauty of having so many runners and so many brands. Shoes don’t have to be one-model-suits-most. Shoes can be commercially successful even though they may target a small subset of the larger general running population

[@chinitopogi7511]

Waiting for your review about Saucony Endorphin Speed 4.

[@kofuzi]

waiting for them to send me a pair to test or for them to go on sale. whichever comes first

[@Barry-Sweaty]

I have been a huge glycerin fan but the brooks ghost max knocked them out of my rotation. May the shoe gods be with the ghost max because I know they weren’t with the iPhone mini.

[@kofuzi]

I love my iPhone 13 mini

[@conradburdekin722]

Same! iPhone mini 13 all the way

[@Ghimlioak]

I have the Ghost Max and also the Hyperion Max. 2 great and enjoyable shoes

[@kofuzi]

glad you're enjoying them!

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I have both of those in my rotation as well. I’m hoping v3 of Hyperion Max and v2 of the Ghost Max are even better. These are the only Brooks shoes I have.

[@richardharvey4216]

Glycerin is vanilla ice cream of shoes. Nice step in comfort, will get the job done but nothing fancy. I much prefer the responsiveness of the Triumph 20/21. But I’m sure Brooks will sell yo s if Glycerins

[@kofuzi]

Some people choose vanilla as their favorite flavor of ice cream

[@tomekwolny5606]

Does it compare favourably with the ASICS Glideride 3 (that I loved)

[@kofuzi]

I don't want to put normative values on things that I prefer versus things that other runners might prefer, so I will say that the Glideride and the Glycerin provide different experiences

[@brettfettbeargaming]

The Hyperion 2 in July replaces the current Hyperion max and goes up 4mm stack, keeps 8mm drop, and goes from 7.8oz down to 6.8oz How DO they do it??? 🤔🤔🤔

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

I’m looking forward to trying that one. I’m on my 2nd pair of them, after having gone through 2 pairs of the Tempos.

[@brettfettbeargaming]

@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183 the Hyperion Max 1 are pretty nice, big fan Really looking forward to the Hyperion 2 and Hyperion Max 2 If you haven't tried the current Hyperion Max, I do recommend

[@AlexBartnik]

Hold up didn't the Glycerin 20 have DNA Loft v3? I thought they were advertising the new foam then

[@kofuzi]

DNA Loft v2, no?

[@AlexBartnik]

​@@kofuziI just checked the bottom of my pair of 20s and they say v3. Based on the website it seems like they just added 2mm more of it this year

[@djbrian52]

I was gonna post this same thing. The 20 was the first with v3 from the 19's v2. Possibly a reformulation with additional stack height?

[@TolunayOrkun]

Glycerin 20 has DNA Loft v3 as well. Kofuzi had missed that. 21 has a bit more stack and a bit wider platform.

[@javibramasco2690]

I know this video is about Brooks… but what would be the most comparable distance daily trainer to a Nike Pegasus/Vomero for Asics or even Brooks

[@kofuzi]

novablast

[@stevennashington1274]

can you please do Under Armour or Mizuno shoes

[@CSRunner7]

Yeah I’m confused now about the difference between Ghost Max and Glycerin.

[@kofuzi]

it's not exactly the same, but it's kind of like how there used to be a Cumulus, Nimbus, and Nimbus Lite

[@that_which_is_not]

Surprised they are listing 18mm in the forefoot as max cushion. Max cushion for heel strikers, maybe

[@kofuzi]

max cushion is a vibe, not a stack height. . . . also, I suspect Brooks measurements are for foam only and don't include outsole or insole

[@that_which_is_not]

@@kofuzi a post 20mm vibe 😉 Yep, some other commenters have mentioned as much

[@raymart86]

My impression is the ghost or ghost max are more 5k-1/2 range and the glycerin might hold up a little better for longer distances like a full marathon.

[@kofuzi]

I've not heard that before

[@stefaniesmith7117]

I would happily take the ghost max to longer distances. The 21 is a decent little upgrade and quite comfortable, awesome for plenty of the easy training runs. The max has the ability to pick it up a little, I think. And that rocker can be super helpful.

[@RobertoRomero-yr3id]

I've ran 2 half marathon's one with glycerin 14 and another with like the 16ish. They can get the job done. Sometimes runners get too intricate with running shoes when there's so many that will get you to the finish line that are comfortable. Not every race is gonna be a PR and not every runner gets paid to run.

[@raymart86]

I had a shoe rep at a fleet feet store recommend the glycerin from a ghost when I went from 1/2 to full training. That was the Glycerin 20 tho early last year. The Max wasn’t out yet either.

[@raymart86]

…& I was 230# running a 5hr marathon.

[@jaredstrauss617]

What do you think vs the Asics Gel Nimbus?

[@kofuzi]

there was a point a few years ago where these two shoes were similar. today, they are trying to achieve the same thing for two different sets of runner preferences

[@jay1572]

@kofuzi Gel nimbus or novablast 4? Ty!

[@srikalyanp]

I am an ASICS guy for all modes of training, Speed, recovery, long runs and race but, still saw the full review including ads only because it’s Michael’s review

[@kofuzi]

Life’s too short to watch skippable ads, so don’t feel the need to watch them on my behalf. But I appreciate your support!

[@macau.friend]

I wonder if you could make an entire shoe review video using Sora some day.

[@kofuzi]

I only review shoes that are available for sale in the US

[@samsirsiha4629]

Next review Puma velocity nitro3😊

[@kofuzi]

just sent out a request for a review unit

[@calsvlogs430]

Yo!

[@kofuzi]

yo!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Haven’t tried a Brooks since the Levitate 2, which destroyed my ankles . Maybe time to give Brooks a whack again.

[@matthewbeckham7529]

38 mil in the heel, not 28... btw 😅

[@kofuzi]

That's not what the information that Brooks emailed me says 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@matthewbeckham7529]

@kofuzi so wierd, cus if you look at the specs for the glycerin 20 it claims 38 mil, and Brooks claims to have added 2 mil this year. Also looks very chunky to the eye, and my pair have definitely been used for those recovery days. Love the reviews Kofuzi 😁

[@SMJooce]

160 dollars!!? here in the UK its £165 or 206 USD

[@kofuzi]

I’m sorry I don’t control exchange rates or global pricing

[@SMJooce]

@@kofuzi was just expressing my shock at how much cheaper it is

[@blackcatsarenopussies]

Saucony Triumph probably tue best in this category

[@pearlymaney3401]

Its not good compared. To nimbus 26 i tried in a shoe shop yeaterday just a normal shoes yhats it same quality u can get in any normal running show

[@magnusliang4183]

Nv tried a brooks. Let's see what the review says

[@KillStreakMcH]

10mm drop is too much. 👠

[@kofuzi]

wait until you hear about the Ghost

[@AleCardenasRealtor]

It seems that Brooks doesn't have any good models.

[@kofuzi]

I think they're the number one selling brand in America. their shoes don't always match up with my personal preferences, but there are a lot of other people who are very happy with their Brooks. and I'm glad that those people have shoes they love.

[@jds4300]

I’m sick and tired of your lame excuses. I could care less what the literature states that was emailed to you. You can clearly see that the stack height is not 28/18. The stack height is closer to 38/28. Why can’t you correct this moronic error?

[@kofuzi]

I'm sorry your sick and tired

[@kofuzi]

I hope you get well and energized soon

[@robertwinkler8444]

Way off on drop, Brooks says 38-28 for 10 mil drop. Don't know where you got 28-18 offset

[@jason.rams4]

This is the second review I've heard that said 28/18. I wonder if Brooks is sending out the wrong information?

[@kofuzi]

I don't report stack height if the brand itself isn't giving it to me . . . I suspect that they are providing foam-only heights that would not include outsole or insole heights. the spec sheet that they gave for the Hyperion elite 4, for example, gives stack height measurements and then specifies that total measured height for WA rules purposes is 40mm. ASICS used to report heights this way, but they have changed as of this year or last (depending on the shoe). There isn't a governing body or even an industry standard for reporting these things (although the trend is to report things in a way that would comport with how WA measures shoes for competition purposes)

[@jason.rams4]

@@kofuzi that's one reason I love your reviews, your very meticulous with your thoughts and objective. I definitely have a different running style than you, but still look to your reviews.

[@Everydaykaen]