Brooks Glycerin 21 Introduction
Tremendous mushy cushioning for supreme consolation”, that’s the product description of the Glycerin 21 on the official Brooks web site.
My very first Glycerin was the sixteenth model, a few years in the past. It wasn’t an excellent mushy coach again then and now, 5 variations later, neither is the Glycerin 21. I agree with brooks that it’s supremely snug although. The Glycerins are among the most snug trainers I’ve ever worn.
The Glycerin is Brooks’ max-cushioned coach and whereas it’s the softest Brooks coach, in comparison with different max-cushioned trainers from different manufacturers, just like the Invincible Run, the Extra and the Nimbus, the Glycerin has a a lot firmer journey. This makes it a sturdy, secure shoe appropriate for heavier runners.
Final yr’s Glycerin 20 was one of many largest Glycerin updates as a result of it switched from an everyday EVA midsole to a supercritical, Nitrogen infused midsole. This made the journey softer when strolling however firmer when operating as a result of the new-age foam decompressed a lot quicker after every foot strike.
This yr’s model retains its DNA Loft v3 midsole nevertheless it has a special geometry. It additionally has a brand new higher and outsole.
The Glycerin 21 weighs 278 g (9.8 oz) which is 8 g (0.3 oz) lower than the Glycerin 20- spectacular contemplating the 21 has 2 mm additional stack peak within the heel and forefoot. It nonetheless has a ten mm drop and prices $160.
Brooks Glycerin 21 First Impressions
My first run was the second run of the day, a really sluggish 8 km restoration run on drained legs. In the course of the first 3 kilometres, I might really feel the raised aspect partitions within the forefoot and midfoot which was annoying.
This was stunning as a result of that is the common Glycerin and never the GTS model. Fortunately this sensation disappeared after the primary 3 kilometres.
The shoe supplied loads of safety and my legs felt actually glad throughout that run. The journey didn’t really feel tremendous mushy nevertheless it felt very balanced- extra like a every day coach than a max-cushioned coach. The higher match me like a glove and it was actually snug and conforming.
It jogged my memory somewhat little bit of the Aurora-BL, additionally from Brooks however the Glycerin 21 didn’t really feel as mushy, energetic or distinctive. The Aurora was the primary coach to characteristic DNA Loft v3.
Brooks Glycerin 21 Higher
The higher of the Glycerin 21 is luxuriously padded with easy lining on the within, a textbook max-cushioned higher. I’ve no points with scorching spots or heel slippage however I do discover it extraordinarily heat.
It has a brand new knitted higher which is softer to the contact however has decrease breathability. It stretches extra and conforms to your toes higher than the standard mesh higher of the Glycerin 20 and it’s noticeably thicker.
The padded tongue isn’t gusseted however there isn’t extreme tongue slide as a result of there’s a loop on the tongue for the laces to undergo. The laces have been modified to mushy, skinny oval laces which fray simply. I want the flat laces on the earlier model as a result of they really feel extra premium.
The Glycerin 21 has a slender match nevertheless it’s additionally out there in a large model. I discover it true to measurement however somewhat bit shorter than the typical operating shoe. Its toe field is wider than the Glycerin 20.
Brooks Glycerin 21 Sole Unit
The most important and most notable replace to the only unit is that the Glycerin 21 has lateral aspect rails within the forefoot and midfoot to assist preserve your toes centred, just like the Glycerin GTS model. That is designed to extend stability, however I didn’t discover an enormous distinction.
I’m a heel striker so maybe it really works higher for forefoot or midfoot strikers. I don’t suppose the Glycerin 21 wants the aspect rails as a result of the GTS model has these for runners needing additional stability and the common model was already a really secure impartial shoe with out them.
The Glycerin is the identical sort of max cushioned coach because the Hoka Bondi. They each have agency however cushioned rides which go well with runners who need a secure platform with out a lot squish.
The Glycerin 21 is an excellent long term shoe as a result of it has deep cushioning and it’s simple on the ankles because of its midsole which isn’t overly mushy. I did a 35 kilometre lengthy, sluggish run in it and I actually loved how snug and durable it felt. Model 21 is barely wider than model 20 to account for the rise in stack peak so it’s much more secure.
Though the Glycerin 21 has hundreds of tiny nitrogen bubbles in its DNA Loft v3 midsole which make it supercritical, it doesn’t really feel as bouncy as you’d count on. It feels very padded and absorbs shock properly nevertheless it doesn’t make me wish to run quick. Solely sluggish, relaxed runs are within the Glycerin 21’s wheelhouse. My simple and restoration runs are what I exploit it for.
There’s an absence of a outstanding forefoot rocker within the Glycerin 21 so it feels flat in comparison with the brand new Brooks Ghost Max which has quicker transitions and a stiffer forefoot. Model 21 can also be extra versatile than model 20 so it feels much less snappy.
The outsole design is kind of totally different to its predecessor and the Glycerin 21 has much less rubber on the midfoot which saves some weight. The 21 outsole is extra segmented within the forefoot which makes it extra versatile. The rubber lugs are thick and hard-wearing so that you gained’t have any sturdiness points.
The uncovered midsole foam can also be actually powerful and gained’t present many scuffs or abrasions. After 80 kilometres in my pair, it’s barely exhibiting any outsole put on.
I wore the Glycerin 21 within the rain quite a few occasions and I didn’t slip however traction is common on moist surfaces- the rubber lugs should not very aggressive.
Brooks Glycerin 21 Conclusions
The Glycerin 21 nonetheless doesn’t have that tremendous mushy cushioning that Brooks advertises, however that’s not a deal breaker. Not everybody desires a mushy max-cushioned coach.
The Hoka Bondi is an instance of a agency max-cushioned coach that sells by the boatload. It was the 2nd greatest promoting operating shoe at Operating Warehouse this yr and final.
I personally want my max-cushioned trainers to be lighter and extra bouncy however I’m a light-weight runner (60 kilograms) so I don’t suppose I’m benefiting from the Glycerin’s tank-like construct.
The Glycerin 21 stands out from the gang of max-cushioned trainers as a result of it might probably face up to a beating. It has a thick, hard-wearing outsole and a midsole foam which doesn’t compress a lot over time.
Model 21 is an enchancment over model 20 as a result of it supplies a softer, plusher journey as a result of enhance in stack peak and it has a extra snug higher with a wider toe field.
I believe the Glycerin could possibly be improved by having a fair taller midsole and a extra outstanding rocker to ease transitions. Hopefully the Glycerin Max could have these options when it will definitely comes out.
