Brooks Glycerin 21 Introduction
Tremendous smooth 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 smooth coach again then and now, 5 variations later, neither is the Glycerin 21. I agree with brooks that it’s supremely comfy although. The Glycerins are a number of the most comfy 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 experience. This makes it a sturdy, secure shoe appropriate for heavier runners.
Final 12 months’s Glycerin 20 was one of many greatest Glycerin updates as a result of it switched from an everyday EVA midsole to a supercritical, Nitrogen infused midsole. This made the experience softer when strolling however firmer when operating as a result of the new-age foam decompressed a lot sooner after every foot strike.
This 12 months’s model retains its DNA Loft v3 midsole but it surely 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 top 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 facet 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 offered loads of safety and my legs felt actually joyful throughout that run. The experience didn’t really feel tremendous smooth but it surely felt very balanced- extra like a each day coach than a max-cushioned coach. The higher match me like a glove and it was actually comfy and conforming.
It jogged my memory a bit little bit of the Aurora-BL, additionally from Brooks however the Glycerin 21 didn’t really feel as smooth, energetic or distinctive. The Aurora was the primary coach to function DNA Loft v3.
Brooks Glycerin 21 Higher
The higher of the Glycerin 21 is luxuriously padded with clean 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 smooth, skinny oval laces which fray simply. I desire the flat laces on the earlier model as a result of they really feel extra premium.
The Glycerin 21 has a slim match but it surely’s additionally obtainable in a large model. I discover it true to dimension however a bit 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 facet rails within the forefoot and midfoot to assist preserve your toes centred, much 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 assume the Glycerin 21 wants the facet 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 similar sort of max cushioned coach because the Hoka Bondi. They each have agency however cushioned rides which swimsuit runners who desire a secure platform with out a lot squish.
The Glycerin 21 is an excellent future shoe as a result of it has deep cushioning and it’s simple on the ankles on account of its midsole which isn’t overly smooth. I did a 35 kilometre lengthy, sluggish run in it and I actually loved how comfy and durable it felt. Model 21 is barely wider than model 20 to account for the rise in stack top so it’s much more secure.
Though the Glycerin 21 has 1000’s of tiny nitrogen bubbles in its DNA Loft v3 midsole which make it supercritical, it doesn’t really feel as bouncy as you’d anticipate. It feels very padded and absorbs shock nicely but it surely doesn’t make me need 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 sooner transitions and a stiffer forefoot. Model 21 can 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 received’t have any sturdiness points.
The uncovered midsole foam can be actually robust and received’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 instances 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 smooth cushioning that Brooks advertises, however that’s not a deal breaker. Not everybody desires a smooth 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 12 months and final.
I personally desire my max-cushioned trainers to be lighter and extra bouncy however I’m a lightweight runner (60 kilograms) so I don’t assume 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 could possibly 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 offers a softer, plusher experience as a result of enhance in stack top and it has a extra comfy higher with a wider toe field.
I believe the Glycerin could possibly be improved by having an excellent taller midsole and a extra outstanding rocker to ease transitions. Hopefully the Glycerin Max may have these options when it will definitely comes out.
