Brooks
Glycerin 21 Running Shoe - Women's
$109.95
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The Grivet Take
The Glycerin 21 is Brooks's max-cushion daily trainer for runners who want a traditional high-drop, plush ride. Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 delivers genuine soft cushion at 38/28 stack, and the broadened platform keeps the foot stable through the gait. Best for high-mileage easy training, long runs, walking, and customers who explicitly want the most cushioned plush Brooks daily trainer. Skip it for race-pace work, runners wanting modern responsive foam, or anyone who wants a low-drop or zero-drop platform. The Glycerin 22 is the current model with iterative updates; v21 may offer better value at closeout pricing.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.4 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.5 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.4 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.2 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.2 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Fits true to size with a roomier toe box than older Glycerin generations. Available in B (Standard) and D (Wide), so wide-foot women have a real option. The new warp knit upper is more comfortable but runs warm; some customers report mild forefoot rubbing during break-in. Heel hold is solid; midfoot is normal volume.
How it feels
Plush, smooth, predictable. Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 reads as soft and cushioned without crossing into pillowy territory. The broadened platform keeps the soft foam stable through the gait. The 10mm drop is high enough to forgive heel-strike landings; cushion is generous at 38mm heel stack. Flexibility and rocker are moderate; this is a traditional plush daily trainer, not a high-rocker max-cushion shoe. Best at easy-to-moderate paces; the foam doesn't return energy at race pace.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 38.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 28.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 10.0 mm
- Weight (women's 8)
- 8.8 oz · 249 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 5 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- DNA LOFT v3 (nitrogen-infused)
- Outsole
- RoadTack rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- B · D
Tech, translated
DNA LOFT v3 (nitrogen-infused) midsole: Brooks's top-tier daily-trainer foam, nitrogen-injected for energy return at slow paces. Meaningfully softer than DNA LOFT v2, with the same long-mile durability.
Warp knit upper: Brooks's newer upper construction, knit material that flexes with the foot's natural movement. More comfortable than older engineered-mesh uppers but runs slightly warm.
Broadened platform: the Glycerin 21 widens the base under the foot for added stability at the high stack. Distinguishes the shoe from older Glycerin generations that felt narrower underfoot.
RoadTack rubber outsole: Brooks's high-durability rubber compound, optimized for grip and longevity on pavement.
Frequently asked
Does the Brooks Glycerin 21 run true to size?
Yes, the Glycerin 21 fits true to size for most runners. The toe box is roomier than older Glycerin generations, especially in the wide widths. Available in B (Standard) and D (Wide). Customers with extra-narrow feet may want to size down a half-size. Some customers report mild forefoot rubbing during the warp knit upper's break-in period; this typically resolves within the first couple of runs.
How does the Brooks Glycerin 21 compare to the Brooks Glycerin 22?
Both are premium plush daily trainers with nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3. The Glycerin 22 is the current model with iterative updates. The Glycerin 21 is the predecessor with the same essential character; may offer better value at closeout. Choose v22 for current refinements and the latest tuning. Choose v21 if it's at closeout pricing or you've worn v21 successfully and want the same fit.
Is the Brooks Glycerin 21 firm or soft underfoot?
Soft and plush, leaning genuinely max-cushion. Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 delivers Brooks's softest neutral cushion, with consistent feel across long miles. The broadened platform keeps the soft foam stable through the gait. Customers wanting an even softer max-cushion ride should look at the Glycerin Max 2; customers wanting firmer should look at the Brooks Ghost 17.
Is the Brooks Glycerin 21 good for treadmill running?
Yes, it's a strong treadmill choice. The RoadTack rubber outsole holds up well to belt wear, the soft DNA LOFT v3 cushion handles repeated foot strikes comfortably, and the high 10mm drop reduces calf strain during steady-state treadmill running. Strong choice for runners doing high-mileage daily training on a treadmill.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Brooks Glycerin 22
Choose the Glycerin 21 if you want the predecessor at potential closeout pricing. Choose the Glycerin 22 if you want the current model with iterative updates.
Compare Brooks Glycerin 22 →
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Choose the Glycerin 21 if you want the traditional high 10mm drop plush ride. Choose the Ghost Max 3 if you want the wider stable platform with 2E width option and stronger rocker.
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 →
Hoka Bondi 9
Choose the Glycerin 21 if you want Brooks's plush DNA LOFT v3 ride and 10mm drop. Choose the Bondi 9 if you want Hoka's pillowy CMEVA cushion and aggressive Meta-Rocker.
Compare Hoka Bondi 9 →
Saucony Triumph 22
Choose the Glycerin 21 if you want Brooks's DNA LOFT v3 and the higher 10mm drop. Choose the Triumph 22 if you want Saucony's PWRRUN+ daily-trainer foam at moderate stack.
Compare Saucony Triumph 22 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
Read the guide