REVIEW: Brooks Glycerin 21

If you're looking for supreme softness and ultimate comfort, the neutral Brooks Glycerin 21 running shoe provides an ultra plush ride thanks to even more soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning than before, plus a new streamlined knit upper that delivers structure and breathability.

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Engineered Warp Knit Upper

With a new, engineered warp knit upper, the Brooks Glycerin 21 offers exceptional breathability alongside a flexible and accommodating fit that stays soft against your foot. The engineered upper encourages cool air to permeate the fabric, removing uncomfortable heat build-up to maintain a cool, regulated temperature for a healthy environment feet can thrive in. The knit feels soft for supreme softness and smooth comfort surrounding the foot. A padded collar and tongue provide exceptional comfort, eradicating chafing and rubbing from hard edges against the skin. Finished with a traditional lace closure the Glycerin 21 offers a secure, locked-in feel that reduces in-shoe slippage.

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DNA LOFT v3 Midsole

Featuring the same DNA Loft v3 midsole as the Glycerin 20, the Brooks Glycerin 21 Running Shoe is soft and comfortable. This new and updated version has 2mm more of this super-soft, nitrogen-infused cushioning technology to maximise softness. The DNA LOFT v3 cushioning carries the footwell and even moulds itself to the shape of the underfoot, allowing the platform to fully support the curvature of the underfoot. Infused with nitrogen to be as soft, light and durable as possible, Brooks' DNA LOFT v3 has been designed to be super soft. Having this cushioning and support helps to lessen the impact placed upon your joints as well as attenuate shock, minimising the potential risk of injury or discomfort. Thanks to the added 2mm of this cushioning, the Glycerin 21 further enhances this when compared to the previous version. The plush midfoot transition zone is designed to propel your movements from heel to toe, especially for a neutral runner to maintain the most efficient gait possible for a smoother ride.

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Roadtrack Rubber Outsole

Designed with a broad platform, the Glycerin 21 stabilises your foot and promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions throughout wear. A new RoadTrack rubber features on the outsole to provide exceptional durability that delivers a sustainable performance time and time again. This RoadTrack rubber includes recycled silica for a lightweight and durable finish. In addition, the outsole possesses high grip and traction properties to ensure a firm, assured foothold so you can run with both comfort and confidence. Lastly, the shoe is able to flex as one with the foot instead of restricting it without compromising grip and durability for a more comfortable and confident ride.

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What's new and how does it compare to the Glycerin 20?

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- Glycerin 21 is the first shoe in the Glycerin series to feature new RoadTack rubber, which is lightweight, resilient, and is made using a mix of rubber and recycled silica.

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- Both the Glycerin 20 and Glycerin 21 feature a redesigned midsole and outsole, creating a widened platform for greater stability and smoother heel-to-toe transitions.

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- Brooks have added an extra 2mm of DNA LOFT v3 underfoot in the Glycerin 21 for even more plush cushioning to soften your ride, making it their most cushioned shoe yet.

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- The Glycerin 21 has a stack height of 28:18 (heel to forefoot) with a 10mm drop, most suitable for heel strikers (both the G20 and G21 have a 10mm drop).

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- A new engineered warp knit upper provides structure and security in crucial locations. This upper is breathable and allows for a flexible, accommodating fit while staying soft against your foot.

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- Both the Glycerin 20 and Glycerin 21 offer a choice of classic fit or StealthFit, which moulds closely to your foot. Both shoes are also available with go-to-support (GTS) via GuideRails® technology.

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- The Glycerin 21 is a slightly lighter model, 278g compared to 286g (men's shoe).

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What the Wear Testers say

“The cushion is a highlight. It provides good softness that enables me to run farther. The ride on the shoe is smooth, the transition is smooth, and it never causes irritation."

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About Brooks

Brooks is an American company that designs high performance men's and women's running shoes that are all built with the right technologies to give you the right fit and function. Every single engineering choice made by Brooks is informed by runners needs and backed by in depth biochemical research. Balancing art, science and runner insight, the products made for you always feature groundbreaking innovations that advance the ride, style, fit and performance of your gear.

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