BROOKS GLYCERIN 21: do we need more cushion?

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

My sister is the Brooks wearer in the family, and she's been enjoying her G21. It helps with her PF. Thanks, Matt.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I'm glad to hear the shoes help her PF! That alone makes them worth their weight in gold (for her)!

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

@@its_Matt_B_ Indeed. I recommended the Ghost or the Levitate, but she's sold on the Glycerin. Whatever works for her.

[@hectorguzman6122]

Hyperion max very thankful for my knee

[@UWI-Anna]

Bought this 3 days ago and was so impressed how light, cushy and stable it is. Not as responsive as I want it to be but for walking and LSD running this is a great shoe especially for a senior like me.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Glad to hear you’re liking it! It’s definitely got more Cadillac than Porsche vibes!

[@akapantsusenpai181]

I like the ASICS Novablast 3 for daily runs. My friend loves Brooks and ran in the Ghosts until he tried the Glycerin 20s. I sent him this video as I'm sure he'll get a pair of the 21s. Great review!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for sharing the vid! The Novablast 3 is a solid shoe! I can see why you use it as your daily!

[@christiandm1041]

I agree with your take on this shoe. I'm not a Brooks guy overall but got a pair of these on clearance. $59 and on a no tax weekend. I ran in them twice and was pleasantly surprised. I also wore them casually all day. Very comfortable shoe and you're right they don't feel heavy. Great review as always and happy running sir!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Christian! I'm always glad to hear when shoes work out for people, and especially when they get a great deal! You got both, so that's definitely a W! Happy running, right back at ya!

[@Leporkchop34]

My wife got these a few weeks ago to replace a barely used 1080v13. Both expensive but she says the 1080 is not a running shoe, too soft. She loves the glycerin 21. I’m considering it once I hit 300+ miles on my aurora. Thx for the detailed review.

[@frontierlandfrank5314]

It’s wild to me how different shoes feel underfoot for different people.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Although I really like a soft shoe, I can totally understand how the 1080 is too soft for a lot of peeps! The Glycerin 21 is still relatively soft, but far from the softness of the 1080! P.S. I love the Aurora! That has been one of my fav Brooks shoes ever!

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@frontierlandfrank5314 Yeah, it can be surprising how different people interpret how a shoe feels. I take it to mean we have to take what shoe reviewers say with a grain of salt.

[@frontierlandfrank5314]

No doubt. For me, just finding shoe reviewers who explain shoes how I feel them makes me trust their reviewing process more. @@its_Matt_B_

[@michaeldalziel1890]

I use Glycerin 20s for all my zone 2 Easy runs and I love them. Already done over 400 miles in them and look like new, my On cloud runners are badly worn on the upper and outsole after only 400 miles. Yes Brooks are not as good looking as some other brands, but they do the job they're made for, are super comfortable and are worth the money. They don't have the turnover of the Saucony endorphin speed 4s, but for long runs they are perfect.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yep, they definitely work best for those long easy miles and there is no end to the comfort! I have the new Cloudrunner 2 and I really like how they feel underfoot! I didn’t run in the first version, but I read they made some big updates.

[@justanotherguywhocomments9689]

I’m 6’2-230 ish but I am a lifter - flat feet - these are amazing for my weight I need more stability and cushion - did a feet forming test and these were perfect

[@its_Matt_B_]

Good to hear they work so well for you! 💪🏽.

[@jameslayco9]

I bought two pairs Glycerin 21. One for work and I need a comfortable shoe since I work in the hospital. One for everyday shoe walking, gym. Very comfortable shoe and I’m looking forward to buying more in the future.

[@its_Matt_B_]

This is perfect example of how well-rounded this shoe is!

[@Jhanke999]

I was waiting for this review because I was curious and it was about time to buy a new pair. I went with the Ghost 15 again but that shouldn’t be a reflection on the Glycerin 21. I tend to run about 3 miles at a time so I want to feel that connection to the road. When I tried on the Glycerin I didn’t get quite the same feel. Having said that I’m not opposed to the shoe. It came down to personal preference. Seven or eight months from now when I will likely need a new pair of shoes I will have a decision to make between the Ghost 16 which should be out by then or the Glycerin 21. We’ll see. Love the video and the consistency of how you move from one part to another.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I get it about the road feel. When the time comes, you should also consider the Ghost Max. It's a great option!

[@JeDindk]

Great review! The Glycerin 20 is one of my favourite shoes. In fact, I just checked the status on my Garmin app, and I can see the Glycerin 20 is the shoe I've been wearing most times in the last year. Based on the improvements mentioned in your review, I can't wait to buy the new model. 😀

[@its_Matt_B_]

Good to hear you're already a fan of the Glycerin! Thanks for watching! 👊🏽

[@johnfairbrother6346]

I’ve been a long time Glycerin user. I loved the 20s. I of course upgraded to these. And for some reason they are killing my feet. I do need a firmer shoe, I guess the extra cushion was too much for my feet. Luckily I did buy them at Road Runner so I can exchange them.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I get needing a firmer shoe. Have you tried any Mizuno shoes? They’re generally a little firmer.

[@dnashj33]

Pretty sound review. I just bought a pair (the GTS stability version) and I have to say it does feel noticeably more cushioned than the pair of Glycerin 20's I have had for a few months. I don't know if it is only because of the extra 2mm of stack height or if Brooks modified their midsole compound (to make it feel slightly more spongy/cushioned), also. The Glycerin 20 seemed a bit more on the stiff side than in previous versions, so I was kind of eager to try the 21 and see for myself. I also think it looks much nicer, now. The previous designs were admittedly on the boring side, compared to much of the competition.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Both the 20 and 21 have the same (named) midsole, but Brooks may have switched up the formulation to make the 21s feel more squish! Glad to hear your 21s are an improvement! 👊🏽

[@brokenfreddy1262]

I envy you that your feet are way tougher than mine..never met a Brooks that I liked..the only one that was even close to usable went flat before I got to the corner and went back the same day..but they outsell everyone else..

[@its_Matt_B_]

🤔 I’m not sure why this is. I find Brooks so comfy. What is your most comfortable shoe brand?

[@brokenfreddy1262]

@@its_Matt_B_ for a long time it was hoka..they got too built up and now I use mostly NB fuel cell shoes..but my last 3 have all been hoka..

[@Echom4-kr5el]

I really disliked the glycerin 20 gts as they were firm with no arch support . Are the 21s that much better?

[@its_Matt_B_]

The 20 and 21 use the same foam, but v21 has an additional 2mm of it. It's still not what I would call soft, but it's far from firm!

[@davidg9120]

I must say I love road runner sports for discounts with thier vip program. My daily trainer has been the vomero17 on sale from road runner sports but recently purchase the adrenaline gts on advice of my foot doc due to tendenitis so started running in that today for my daily runs. I’m struggling what to use for long slow runs, I have been using the endorphin pro3 but I think I want that as my race day shoe so would be nice to find a non plated soft shoe for long runs.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Those savings from the VIP program really add up! I would have thought the Adrenaline would make an excellent long run shoe, but are you looking for something with guidance and softer than the Adrenaline?

[@davidg9120]

@@its_Matt_B_ don’t need the guidance but higher drop are easier on my Achilles tendinitis. Triumph 20 seems like it might also be a good long run option and a little softer than the adrenaline would be good

[@Chungdol]

More Cushion... sure, as long its stable! I think especially for older runners, or beginner runners who only want to stay hobby runners, ultra max cushion shoes are great, as long they are stable. My current long run shoes are the Adidas Prime X2 - for the fun, and lttlebit higher effort long runs, and the new balance fresh foam more v4 for the easy easy long runs... especially the new balance is my first advice for heavy runners, nurses or anyone that needs to stand all day. And the Glycerin is actually in a place where I say its super great for long runs when your musles maybe give up a littlebit, but the little "core" in the soft foam, prevents you that your running form suffers too much - actually very great shoe, and usually I think brooks shoes are kinda lame, but not this one.

[@its_Matt_B_]

This is a great post! Yes, the Glycerin 21 is definitely one of Brooks’ better shoes, but IMO Brooks has had repeated winners over the last year. The Ghost Max was excellent as was the Hyperion Max. I’ve also been really enjoying the Hyperion Elite 4.

[@sumguy9687]

I’ve been running in the Glycerin 20 and it is nice and cushioned. So I’m curious if anyone has run in the 20 and now 21, how they like it.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I didn’t run in the 20 but I did just do a search comparing the two and several things come up! Check them out!

[@depakviswanathan47]

Excellent review! Bought the Glycerin 21 after watching your review. Mine are size US 13 2E wide. I'm a beginner runner and find this shoe to be too hot while wearing it for even 10mins. Is it normal?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Hi Depak! Thanks for watching! Unfortunately, yes it is normal. Daily trainers like this are often quite thick and are warm, especially when worn in hot climates. Shoes with a lighter upper are usually more for races, although I have no idea why this has to be the case.

[@depakviswanathan47]

Thank you @@its_Matt_B_ . Appreciate you getting back on this. I'll have to stick with these for now as no other shoe seems to fit we as well are these.

[@로키-w2m]

Thanks for the review! I have nimbus26 and novablast 4. Which is more like glycerin 21?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Hi! Your Nimbus is going to be most like the Glycerine. They’re really very similar! I have a comparison video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4LZp2Clj9Sifc0si=G0ddRiSEJMybY9jR

[@-Liyash-]

I like running in max cushion shoes, have a hoka bondi 8 wch i have run more than 300 km in them. Is the brooks glycerin 21 a suitable substitute for the bondi 8 ???

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yes, it is comparable but the glycerin feels a bit firmer than the Bondi.

[@shigerutanaka6903]

Brooks Glycerin is BEST shoe , i think!

[@its_Matt_B_]

Nice! It sure is one of the most comfortable shoes available!

[@shigerutanaka6903]

@@its_Matt_B_ Brooks isn't famous in Japan. So i look forward your video, from Japan.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@shigerutanaka6903 All eyes are on Japan with the Osaka marathon tomorrow and Tokyo next week! 🇯🇵 💕

[@shigerutanaka6903]

@@its_Matt_B_ Yes, i'll watch these races,too!

[@Hypnogogic]

How does this foam compare to the TPEe nitro foam in the magnify nitro 2?

[@its_Matt_B_]

This is quite a bit firmer. The Magnify 2’s Nitro foam is probably one of the squishiest I’ve run in.

[@Hypnogogic]

Good to know. I have a pair of magnify nitro 2 that I haven’t ran in yet and am saving for marathon training over the winter. Needing a long run/recovery run shoe until then and was considering these. Thanks for the reply!

[@001birdie]

GLYCERIN 21 or Cumulus 26?

[@its_Matt_B_]

I made a “Shoe(t) out” between those two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIfZhqyubteUidE

[@donalmctavish2127]

I've not run in this shoe, but do own the Magnify Nitro 2, which I would say is better value as a max cushion shoe. Cheaper and better midsole. Not EVA like Brooks. I've had lots of pairs of Brooks in the past and they always fit very well and make a good gym shoe after I've retired them. They do really need to up their game though in terms of midsole and how boring they look.

[@its_Matt_B_]

The Magnify NITRO 2 is way softer than the Glycerin. So much so that if you prefer that softer ride the Magnify gives, the Glycerin will prob be too firm. Agreed on Brooks needing to update midsole design, except for the Hyperion Elite 4, which looks amazing!

[@donalmctavish2127]

@@its_Matt_B_ really? I've found the Magnify a bit on the firmer side?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@donalmctavish2127 🤔 Well, it probably comes down to my weight making the Magnify seem soft to me. I weight 186lbs. Regardless, the Magnify is softer than the Glycerin.

[@donalmctavish2127]

Like I said, I've not run in the Glycerin so not comparing the Magnify 2 to the Glycerins. I'm 182 lbs, so it's probably about perception and opinion of what is soft. When I think of soft running shoes, I think of sink in feeling, which the Magnify 2s do not have.

[@u2b608]

Would anyone else recommend for wide feet?

[@its_Matt_B_]

It all depends on just how wide your feet are. They would certainly fit feet wider than mine. I think they're worth trying to see how they fit!