Hey everyone! I’m James, a foot and ankle specialist, and today, we’re diving into the Brooks Glycerin 21 and the Brooks Glycerin Max. These two shoes may look similar, but trust me, they offer very different experiences. We’ll break down their cushioning, stability, fit, and the best ways to use them. By the end, you’ll know which shoe will be your new favourite!
If you’re a Brooks fan, you might also enjoy checking out my Brooks Ghost 16 Review or my comparison of the Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs. On Cloudmonster 2 for even more insights.
Cushioning: Soft vs. Super Soft
Let’s talk about what these shoes feel like underfoot – because that’s where the real difference lies!
Brooks Glycerin 21
The Glycerin 21 uses DNA Loft V3 nitrogen-infused cushioning. It’s soft and plush, with just the right amount of bounce back. You don’t sink into it too much; it’s more balanced cushioning. If you’ve tried the Brooks Ghost 16, you’ll notice a similar feel, but the Glycerin 21 has a bit more padding.
- Stack and Drop:
- 38 mm in the heel
- 28 mm in the forefoot
- 10 mm drop
- Weight:
- About 277g for a men’s size 9 (US)
This makes it a great option if you like a daily trainer that offers comfort without feeling too squishy.
Brooks Glycerin Max
Now, the Glycerin Max takes cushioning to the next level with its DNA TUNED nitrogen-infused foam. It’s super soft and incredibly cushioned, yet still surprisingly light for its size. The feel is similar to walking or running on a cloud.
- Stack and Drop:
- 45 mm in the heel
- 39 mm in the forefoot
- 6 mm drop
- Weight:
- About 297g for a men’s size 9 (US)
This extra cushioning is perfect if you love the plush feel of max-cushioned shoes like the Topo Atmos or the Brooks Ghost Max 2. Plus, the Glycerin Max has great energy return, making it more responsive than you’d expect.
Buy the shoes on Amazon
Stability: Keeping You Grounded
Even though both shoes are neutral trainers, they include stability features to keep you steady.
Glycerin 21
The Glycerin 21 has mild sidewalls on the midfoot to help control pronation. The moderately stiff heel counter also keeps your heel secure, reducing unwanted side-to-side movement. It’s similar to the stability you’ll find in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, though without the Go-To Support (GTS) system.
Glycerin Max
The Glycerin Max takes stability a step further. With bigger sidewalls on both the inside and outside, your foot stays centered even with all that extra cushioning. This design helps offset the inherent instability that comes with high-stack shoes. It also has a broader forefoot compared to the Glycerin 21, which means more contact with the ground and better overall balance.
If you like max-cushioned shoes but need extra support, you might also want to check out the Brooks Ghost Max 2 or the Hoka Bondi 8 for comparison.
Fit and Upper: Snug but Spacious
Glycerin 21
The Glycerin 21 features a plush, engineered mesh upper that hugs your foot like a sock. The fit is secure in the heel and midfoot, with a spacious toe box. It also comes in normal and wide widths, which is great if you need a bit more room.
Glycerin Max
The Glycerin Max also has an engineered mesh upper, but with an even broader forefoot. This makes it a top pick if you have wide feet or just prefer more space for your toes. It’s a similar fit to the Topo Atmos, which also offers a wide toe box with a snug heel and midfoot.
Both shoes have padded tongues (non-gusseted) and comfortable heel counters, but the Glycerin Max has a touch more flexibility in the heel compared to the Glycerin 21.
Best Uses: Daily Trainer vs. Comfort Cruiser
Glycerin 21: The Versatile Workhorse
The Glycerin 21 is a fantastic all-rounder. Use it for:
- Daily runs
- Long runs
- Recovery runs
- Even uptempo work
It’s a solid option if you want a shoe that can handle a bit of everything. If you liked the Brooks Ghost 16, the Glycerin 21 will feel like a plush upgrade.
Glycerin Max: The Ultimate Comfort Cruiser
The Glycerin Max is all about comfort and long, easy miles. It’s perfect for:
- Walking and standing all day
- Recovery runs
- Long-distance runs (if you love max cushion)
It’s not ideal for speed work – it’s just a bit too heavy and plush for that. But if you’re after a shoe that makes you feel like you’re floating, this is it. If you’re a fan of max-cushion shoes like the Brooks Ghost Max 2 or Hoka Bondi 8, the Glycerin Max should be on your radar.
Buy the shoes on Amazon
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Pick?
- Choose the Glycerin 21 if you want a versatile daily trainer with balanced cushioning and a bit of bounce.
- Go for the Glycerin Max if you’re looking for maximum cushioning, plush comfort, and a smooth ride for easy miles.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments below! If you found this helpful, a like, share, or subscribe really helps support the channel. And if you’re ready to buy, check the links in the description – it helps fund the channel at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading, and happy running!
