Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
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Overview
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is a running shoe designed to offer exceptional cushioning and stability. This shoe is part of the Brooks Glycerin GTS family, known for its plush comfort and support, making it a popular choice among runners who need a bit of extra stability without the bulk. The Glycerin GTS 21 is built for daily running and features Brooks' DNA LOFT v3 midsole technology, which provides a soft and responsive ride.
Key Features:
- DNA LOFT v3 Midsole: Nitrogen-infused foam for a soft and responsive ride.
- GuideRails Support System: Helps keep excess movement in check for a more stable run.
- Plush Upper: Offers a comfortable fit with a roomy toebox.
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize cushioning and stability for everyday training. Its GuideRails system offers additional support, making it suitable for those who overpronate (experience excessive inward rolling of the foot during walking or running) or need extra stability during long runs.
With an average review score of 88%, it's in the highest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 40% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is a well-rounded daily trainer that excels in providing cushioning and stability. Reviewers have praised its comfortable upper and durable outsole, making it a reliable choice for long-distance runs. However, the shoe's knit upper lacks breathability, which can be a drawback in warmer conditions. Additionally, its weight and lack of speed make it less suitable for faster paces. Despite these minor issues, the Glycerin GTS 21 remains a top pick for runners seeking a stable and cushioned shoe for everyday use. Overall, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 offers excellent value for those needing moderate stability and plush cushioning.
Updates to Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 continues the legacy of the Brooks Glycerin GTS line with several updates. It retains the DNA LOFT v3 midsole technology from the previous model, ensuring a soft and responsive ride. The upper has been slightly modified for a more comfortable fit, although breathability remains a concern. The shoe is available in new colors and shades, offering more variety for runners.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21: Base model
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is a special version of the Brooks Glycerin 21. While both models share the same DNA LOFT v3 midsole technology and plush upper, the GTS version includes the GuideRails support system for added stability. This makes the GTS 21 more suitable for runners who overpronate or need extra support during their runs. For more details on the base model, check out the Brooks Glycerin 21.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Arahi 7 is a good alternative for runners seeking a lightweight stability shoe. It offers excellent breathability and is more suitable for faster paces compared to the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21. However, the Glycerin GTS 21 provides better cushioning and durability, making it a better choice for long-distance runs.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is another stability shoe from Brooks that offers a more ventilated upper and lighter weight. While the Adrenaline GTS 23 is better for speed training and hot weather runs, the Glycerin GTS 21 excels in cushioning and comfort, making it ideal for long-distance training.
8 Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 Pros & Cons
5 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is made from a warp knit material, which provides a snug and comfortable fit. However, this material does not excel in breathability, making it less ideal for hot weather runs. The upper is designed to offer a plush feel, contributing to the overall comfort of the shoe. Despite its lack of ventilation, the upper's durability is commendable, with the toebox and heel padding showing excellent resilience in tests.
Midsole
The midsole of the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 features DNA LOFT v3 technology, a nitrogen-infused foam that offers a soft and responsive ride. This midsole provides ample cushioning, making it suitable for long-distance runs. The shoe has a heel stack height of 38 mm and a forefoot stack height of 28 mm, resulting in a 10 mm drop. This design ensures a cushioned and stable experience, particularly beneficial for those who overpronate.
Outsole
The outsole of the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is made from Roadtack Rubber, known for its durability. Tests have shown that the outsole is exceptionally resilient, with minimal wear even after extensive use. The rubber's hardness and thickness contribute to the shoe's longevity, making it a reliable choice for daily running on various terrains.
Size/fit
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 offers a spacious toebox, accommodating wider feet comfortably. The shoe is available in wide sizes, ensuring a good fit for runners with broader feet. The non-gusseted tongue and straightforward lacing system provide a secure fit, although some may find the tongue padding excessive.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21. The plush upper, cushioned tongue, and padded heel contribute to a comfortable fit. The shoe's DNA LOFT v3 midsole adds to the overall comfort, providing a soft and responsive ride. However, the lack of breathability in the upper may affect comfort in warmer conditions.
Cushioning
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 excels in cushioning, thanks to its DNA LOFT v3 midsole. This nitrogen-infused foam offers a soft and responsive ride, making it ideal for long-distance runs. The shoe's heel and forefoot stack heights provide ample cushioning, ensuring a comfortable experience for both heel and forefoot strikers.
Breathability
Breathability is a weak point for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21. The warp knit upper material does not allow much air to flow through, making the shoe less suitable for hot weather runs. Despite this, the upper's plush feel contributes to the overall comfort of the shoe.
Stability
Stability is a key feature of the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21, thanks to its GuideRails support system. This system helps keep excess movement in check, providing a stable ride for those who overpronate. The shoe's torsional rigidity and heel counter further enhance its stability, making it a reliable choice for runners needing extra support.
Durability
Durability is a strong point for the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21. The Roadtack Rubber outsole and robust upper materials ensure the shoe can withstand extensive use. Tests have shown minimal wear on the outsole and excellent resilience in the toebox and heel padding, making it a long-lasting option for daily running.
Who should buy the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21?
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is ideal for runners who need a stable and cushioned shoe for daily running. It's a great choice for those who overpronate or need extra support during long runs. Runners with wider feet will appreciate the spacious toebox and availability of wide sizes. If comfort and durability are top priorities, this shoe is a solid option.
Who should not buy the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21?
Runners looking for a lightweight shoe for speed training or faster paces may find the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 too heavy. The shoe's lack of breathability also makes it less suitable for hot weather runs. Those who prefer a more ventilated upper might want to consider other options like the Hoka Arahi 7 or the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21: What's it good for?
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is good for daily running and long-distance training. Its stability features make it suitable for runners who overpronate or need extra support. The shoe's cushioning is ideal for marathon training and other long runs. However, it may not be the best choice for speed workouts or hot weather conditions.
4 Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 FAQs
Is the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 suitable for overpronators?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is designed with the GuideRails support system, making it suitable for runners who overpronate. This system helps keep excess movement in check, providing a stable ride.
How does the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 perform in hot weather?
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 has a warp knit upper that does not excel in breathability, making it less suitable for hot weather runs. Runners may find the shoe warm in such conditions.
Is the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 good for long-distance running?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 is an excellent choice for long-distance running. Its DNA LOFT v3 midsole provides ample cushioning, and the GuideRails support system offers stability, making it ideal for marathon training and other long runs.
Can I use custom insoles with the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21?
Yes, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 features a removable insole, allowing runners to use custom orthotics or insoles for a more personalized fit.
- Dec 2023
- Jul 2022
- Feb 2021
