Like most Brooks, they start out Good to Very Good (the Launch 8 was Great) and maintain that for 3 to 4 weeks, after which they are mostly Good to OK, and you start to feel the defects in the foot bed. For maybe another 6 weeks or so they are hopefully OK, at which point they have pretty much lost all cushion. I'd say by 12 weeks they are pretty much unwearable. The Uppers of course still look fantastic (this pair was black). Considering that I have had these for 40 days, and they've been in rotation with two other pairs of shoes, at $160 dollars, even if I had worn these shoes exclusively, that's $4 dollars per day. And that's what it will end up costing if they do last 12 weeks. Hardly a great value, tbh.They do have good support with the GTS system, which I ... MoreLike most Brooks, they start out Good to Very Good (the Launch 8 was Great) and maintain that for 3 to 4 weeks, after which they are mostly Good to OK, and you start to feel the defects in the foot bed. For maybe another 6 weeks or so they are hopefully OK, at which point they have pretty much lost all cushion. I'd say by 12 weeks they are pretty much unwearable. The Uppers of course still look fantastic (this pair was black). Considering that I have had these for 40 days, and they've been in rotation with two other pairs of shoes, at $160 dollars, even if I had worn these shoes exclusively, that's $4 dollars per day. And that's what it will end up costing if they do last 12 weeks. Hardly a great value, tbh.They do have good support with the GTS system, which I like. They are not as narrow as the Launch 9, particularly in the toe box, but I have narrow feet, so these would probably feel perfect for average width.

The glycerin 21 has a great upper for year around use for granted it???s not waterproof so don???t expect it to be just saying soft and great looking in my opinion . The cushion is softer feeling then the last version 20 great step in feel with great grip that does good besides I???m guessing with snow it???s not for that so . 28mm heel < to 18mm forefoot < 10mm drop is high seems tougher on the front of the foot and toes unless the persons like high drop shoe overall . If size is correct width is correct and you like high drop shoe with longevity this is a fantastic option . Unfortunately the glycerin 21 looks sporty with great materials BUT did not work for me the mid foot width is not wider as mentioned shoes need width in the mid foot along with the toe box heel ... MoreThe glycerin 21 has a great upper for year around use for granted it???s not waterproof so don???t expect it to be just saying soft and great looking in my opinion . The cushion is softer feeling then the last version 20 great step in feel with great grip that does good besides I???m guessing with snow it???s not for that so . 28mm heel < to 18mm forefoot < 10mm drop is high seems tougher on the front of the foot and toes unless the persons like high drop shoe overall . If size is correct width is correct and you like high drop shoe with longevity this is a fantastic option . Unfortunately the glycerin 21 looks sporty with great materials BUT did not work for me the mid foot width is not wider as mentioned shoes need width in the mid foot along with the toe box heel was good toe box was good mid foot not so much . Do like the looks and cushion but mid foot width did not accommodate to narrow and drop is to high for some reason this time around so I had to return . Looking forward to the glycerin max which I hope has a lower drop the dna loft v3 with max cushion could be a game changer with the right stack and drop with longevity . Price of shoes is a downfall also not just brooks in general the cost of shoes is becoming high to high so tread with care make sure it???s a shoe for you and fits correctly but thank brooks for having a good policy and good support staff I have had no issues so far and some shoe companies should take note . Ps didn???t work me but does not mean it won???t work for you fantastic shoe overall in my opinion .

I am an 84 year old daily walker who has been sidelined due to arthritis in my left foot and right ankle. I have been fitted with orthodic arch supports modified to allow for a metatarsal joint that protrudes through the ball of the foot pad. I have tried several different shoe brands with limited success and comfort. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21, along with my orthodics, is a life saver for me! I am able to walk my regular 1 and 2 mile routes again without my feet or ankles bothering me. The nitrogen expanded sole is the "secret sauce" to a soft but supportive base that I need. The woven mesh upper is firm but not restrictive so that you do not develop any blisters, calluses, or bunions. I am not happy that I have to wear a larger size due to my flat feet but the ... MoreI am an 84 year old daily walker who has been sidelined due to arthritis in my left foot and right ankle. I have been fitted with orthodic arch supports modified to allow for a metatarsal joint that protrudes through the ball of the foot pad. I have tried several different shoe brands with limited success and comfort. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 21, along with my orthodics, is a life saver for me! I am able to walk my regular 1 and 2 mile routes again without my feet or ankles bothering me. The nitrogen expanded sole is the "secret sauce" to a soft but supportive base that I need. The woven mesh upper is firm but not restrictive so that you do not develop any blisters, calluses, or bunions. I am not happy that I have to wear a larger size due to my flat feet but the broad foot print of the sole adds more safety for my balance and stability. I am a happy walker, again!

A Step Backwards

First, let me say I’m a big fan of Brooks, and especially of the Glycerin GTS series. I have 5 pairs of the GTS20, and it was time to start replacing them as the mileage builds up.I think the GTS20 was a super shoe. Supportive, relatively lightweight, and comfortable right out of the box. I could take a new pair of 20’s out for the first time and run a half marathon comfortably. I was hoping the 21’s would be every bit as good, or perhaps even better.But no, that was not the case. IMHO, the 21 is a huge step backwards. It’s a very uncomfortable shoe. It’s stiff, has a very tight and unforgiving toe box, and high sides which rub against the malleolus bones (the “knobs” on the sides of your ankles). Three test runs in, it’s no better than the first outing, and I'm ... MoreFirst, let me say I’m a big fan of Brooks, and especially of the Glycerin GTS series. I have 5 pairs of the GTS20, and it was time to start replacing them as the mileage builds up.I think the GTS20 was a super shoe. Supportive, relatively lightweight, and comfortable right out of the box. I could take a new pair of 20’s out for the first time and run a half marathon comfortably. I was hoping the 21’s would be every bit as good, or perhaps even better.But no, that was not the case. IMHO, the 21 is a huge step backwards. It’s a very uncomfortable shoe. It’s stiff, has a very tight and unforgiving toe box, and high sides which rub against the malleolus bones (the “knobs” on the sides of your ankles). Three test runs in, it’s no better than the first outing, and I'm having to bandage my ankles to avoid blisters, and about to lose a toenail. The “clunkiness” of the shoe reminds me a lot of the early models of the Beast support shoe.I’m going to try to nurse my existing 20’s through another season, and hope the 22’s will be much better. I know I can return the shoe via the “Run Happy” guarantee, but I’m going to hang onto it, and hope it eventually loosens up.

Among the Best, most Comfortable and Supportive Shoe ever!

This was my first Brooks shoe ever purchased and worn. I thought nothing could surpass the comfort on my ON Running shoes as a longtime ON customer. I was wrong!The Glycerin GTS 20 is superb in every department and checks all the boxes, Comfort for me is paramount but of course I'm also driven by style. I struggle occasionally with Plantar Faciitis and chose this style based on the shoe finder tool and a discussion with a very helpful CS rep. Love that I can actually talk to an expert if needed.Importantly, however, I find these days that one foot is a bit smaller than the other, and only through using Lock Laces was I able to get the sizing "just right." I use Lock Laces regardless these days an all my athletic shoes. I mean, why tie shoe laces in this day and ... MoreThis was my first Brooks shoe ever purchased and worn. I thought nothing could surpass the comfort on my ON Running shoes as a longtime ON customer. I was wrong!The Glycerin GTS 20 is superb in every department and checks all the boxes, Comfort for me is paramount but of course I'm also driven by style. I struggle occasionally with Plantar Faciitis and chose this style based on the shoe finder tool and a discussion with a very helpful CS rep. Love that I can actually talk to an expert if needed.Importantly, however, I find these days that one foot is a bit smaller than the other, and only through using Lock Laces was I able to get the sizing "just right." I use Lock Laces regardless these days an all my athletic shoes. I mean, why tie shoe laces in this day and age if you don't have to?I seldom, if ever pay regular price on anything, so am very satisfied Brooks offers customers the option to purchase the year's previous iteration of a shoe given there is typically a nominal difference from year to year. I was happy to pay $99 v $165 for what is essentially the same shoe. I liked the first pair so much I turned around and bought a 2nd pair na different color! I absolutely can recommend this shoe!

Extremely comfortable for me

I’ve worn the adrenaline GTS for the past five years because I need some support and the price was right. I’ve always liked them, but lately felt like I could use some more cushioning than what they had. I grabbed the glycerin GTS 20 on sale and I am extremely happy I switched. These are the perfect balance of cushioning and support for me. They do feel wider in the tow box, so overall they feel slightly big. I think if I went down a half a size it might be too tight though, so I’m sticking with my original size. These were a great price, and I loved the color. I do wish the entire midsole was the beautiful blue color instead of white. I’ve never understood white midsoles. They just get dirty so quickly when you run outdoors. I sprayed mine with a protectant spray ... MoreI’ve worn the adrenaline GTS for the past five years because I need some support and the price was right. I’ve always liked them, but lately felt like I could use some more cushioning than what they had. I grabbed the glycerin GTS 20 on sale and I am extremely happy I switched. These are the perfect balance of cushioning and support for me. They do feel wider in the tow box, so overall they feel slightly big. I think if I went down a half a size it might be too tight though, so I’m sticking with my original size. These were a great price, and I loved the color. I do wish the entire midsole was the beautiful blue color instead of white. I’ve never understood white midsoles. They just get dirty so quickly when you run outdoors. I sprayed mine with a protectant spray and attached a picture of what they look like after several runs.

Glycerine 21 GTS - exceptional cushion and support

As a casual runner, I have found the Brooks Gylcerine 21 GTS shoes to be a solid choice for short runs. These shoes offer a ton of cushion for road running, and even with slightly narrow feet, they provide a snug fit. The nitrogen injected foam is very dense, and absorbs a lot of the shock from running on hard surfaces. The cushioning under the foot feels soft, and adds to the snugness of the shoe. The mesh material allows feet to breathe, but is a fairly tight and thick weave which seems durable. The soft plush tongue adds to the comfort and snug feel of the shoe, but the thickness of materials may restrict breathability some. The shoes feel somewhat heavy, but still within a suitable range as a comfortable running shoe. I like the wide base with lots of rubber on ... MoreAs a casual runner, I have found the Brooks Gylcerine 21 GTS shoes to be a solid choice for short runs. These shoes offer a ton of cushion for road running, and even with slightly narrow feet, they provide a snug fit. The nitrogen injected foam is very dense, and absorbs a lot of the shock from running on hard surfaces. The cushioning under the foot feels soft, and adds to the snugness of the shoe. The mesh material allows feet to breathe, but is a fairly tight and thick weave which seems durable. The soft plush tongue adds to the comfort and snug feel of the shoe, but the thickness of materials may restrict breathability some. The shoes feel somewhat heavy, but still within a suitable range as a comfortable running shoe. I like the wide base with lots of rubber on the bottom for traction, and the strong side walls help keep feet centered. The collar of the shoe is also very comfortable and easy to slide shoes on and off. These shoes seem well-suited for paved surfaces. I enjoy these shoes for short runs, the gym, or even for errands around town since they are so cushioned and snug. These shoes are perfect for short distances, but I might prefer a lighter, more breathable shoe for long-distance running.

New version just as good as the old ones

I put 1700 miles on Glycerin 21 GTS shoes in 2023. They cured my feet problems and overall were just perfect for my feet. I tried multiple other shoes, including within Brooks. Nothing felt right. I returned a few different pairs after 50 miles or so and having issues with pain in certain parts of my feet. This included Hoka Clifton 9 and Mizuno Wave Sky 7. I ended up going back to the Glycerin GTS.SO, when the new version came out I was hesitant. My preorder came in way early and I’ve had the Blue/Black/Nightlife colorway for a few days now and put about 20 miles on them so far. If you were to blind me, I’d say they’re the exact same shoe. They feel very similar and move just like the old ones. The uppers are a bit different, but if you had the Jadeite version of ... MoreI put 1700 miles on Glycerin 21 GTS shoes in 2023. They cured my feet problems and overall were just perfect for my feet. I tried multiple other shoes, including within Brooks. Nothing felt right. I returned a few different pairs after 50 miles or so and having issues with pain in certain parts of my feet. This included Hoka Clifton 9 and Mizuno Wave Sky 7. I ended up going back to the Glycerin GTS.SO, when the new version came out I was hesitant. My preorder came in way early and I’ve had the Blue/Black/Nightlife colorway for a few days now and put about 20 miles on them so far. If you were to blind me, I’d say they’re the exact same shoe. They feel very similar and move just like the old ones. The uppers are a bit different, but if you had the Jadeite version of the 20’s, they’re very similar. Weirdly, the Jadeite color was the only one with a different upper from the old lineup but it’s nearly identical to the new version. So they feel like I’m still wearing the old ones, just in a better color combo.I will add I use lock laces since an arm injury makes tying shoes very difficult. With the lock laces on the 21 version, I will say that getting just the right tightness has been tricky. The way the laces cross towards the top few holes bunches them all together and can make it a bit annoying to find just the right fit. But once I got it, it’s set for the 500 or so miles I’ll put on them in the next 3 months until I get a new pair.SO FAR SO GOOD! Don’t be afraid to get the new version if you like the old ones

Not For My Orthotics

The Glycerin GTS 21 is my first pair of Brooks shoes after decades of New Balance. I bought the Brooks based on friend’s recommendations and reviews, and Brooks’ representation that these were ‘soft.’ I am a high arch, mostly neutral distance walker, and under 160 pounds. I also wear shoes like this for daily wear. I got this pair of Glycerins and tried them on-ok fit, generous toe box and sized correctly for me. But, there is a rigid heel cup which wraps around the heel area and curves inward slightly on the top edge. The top edge is very stiff and felt slightly uncomfortable. When I removed the insoles and tried a pair of my ultra arch orthotics (I’ve worn these inserts in every shoe for three decades, first under the New Balance brand and now “10 Seconds Ultra ... MoreThe Glycerin GTS 21 is my first pair of Brooks shoes after decades of New Balance. I bought the Brooks based on friend’s recommendations and reviews, and Brooks’ representation that these were ‘soft.’ I am a high arch, mostly neutral distance walker, and under 160 pounds. I also wear shoes like this for daily wear. I got this pair of Glycerins and tried them on-ok fit, generous toe box and sized correctly for me. But, there is a rigid heel cup which wraps around the heel area and curves inward slightly on the top edge. The top edge is very stiff and felt slightly uncomfortable. When I removed the insoles and tried a pair of my ultra arch orthotics (I’ve worn these inserts in every shoe for three decades, first under the New Balance brand and now “10 Seconds Ultra Arch") the insoles raised my heel just enough so as to have the Brooks heel cup dig into the outside of my heel, and to really tighten the rear heel. In short, the heel area is not deep enough to hold my inserts and my foot heel without significant discomfort. I tried bending the top of the rigid heel cup outward on the side, but no. So, unwearable with my orthotics, but moderately comfortable without, with just the Brooks inserts. Without my arch supports the shoes fit ok, but they are definitely not "soft" as Brooks claims, more like walking on plywood as compared to New Balance, Skechers or Addidas. Because I am so used to ultra arch orthotics, the unadorned Brooks felt like walking on plywood. What Brooks thinks is soft is not my idea of soft.I am keeping these shoes as “treadmill shoes" for walks shorter than four miles, and I might wear them to the grocery store, or keep them as "rain shoes." They are good and comfortable enough as is, but not orthotics friendly and not soft, or arch supportive. Reluctantly, I’ll probably go back to New Balance or maybe try a different Brooks shoe to see if I can get an orthotics friendly pair. Most newer versions of New Balance are junk compared to this pair of Brooks. These Glycerins are VERY well made and would probably be great for somebody that does not need arch support.

The Solution for Painful Feet

Several months ago I developed a case of plantar faciitis in my left foot. I tried to ignore it, but that only made it worse. Eventually I was examined by a podiatrist, prescribed orthotic inserts for my work shoes, a special boot for wearing when seated, and when all that didn't solve the problem, given a shot of steroid in my left heel (ouch!) to reduce inflammation. Finally the condition subsided and I was able to resume normal activity. That's when I shopped a new pair of walking exercise shoes to replace my rather worn down pair that's for paved surfaces. I considered various brands and styles and chose Brooks Glycerine GTS 21. It is A GREAT CHOICE! The shoes are very, very supportive and cushioned. They are as close to walking on a cloud as I can imagine. And ... MoreSeveral months ago I developed a case of plantar faciitis in my left foot. I tried to ignore it, but that only made it worse. Eventually I was examined by a podiatrist, prescribed orthotic inserts for my work shoes, a special boot for wearing when seated, and when all that didn't solve the problem, given a shot of steroid in my left heel (ouch!) to reduce inflammation. Finally the condition subsided and I was able to resume normal activity. That's when I shopped a new pair of walking exercise shoes to replace my rather worn down pair that's for paved surfaces. I considered various brands and styles and chose Brooks Glycerine GTS 21. It is A GREAT CHOICE! The shoes are very, very supportive and cushioned. They are as close to walking on a cloud as I can imagine. And they look great. Now that I am wearing a shoe that protects my previously injured feet, I also know that I must never again wait too long to replace shoes that are worn down. Doing that only made the curse of plantar faciitis more likely to happen.