Both are plush daily trainers: Bondi 8 is softer; Glycerin 21 is snappier.
You want a shoe that makes miles feel easy. I’ve been there. The Hoka Bondi 8 and Brooks Glycerin 21 both promise soft comfort, but they solve it in different ways. In my runs and long walks, the Bondi 8 felt like a padded highway, while the Glycerin 21 felt smooth and lively. I tested both back-to-back to help you choose the right fit in the Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21 matchup.
TOP PICK
Hoka Men’s Bondi 8 White/White…
Textile, Synthetic Polyurethane
White/WhiteMedium
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RECOMMENDED
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 21 Neutral…
THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin 21 is perfect for runners seeking super-soft cushioning for supreme comfort. The plush internal fit and soft, stable…
NeutralRunning
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Is Hoka Bondi 8 Good?
Yes—if you want max cushion and a stable, gentle ride. The Hoka Bondi 8 shines for recovery runs, long easy miles, walking, and all-day standing. The rocker helps roll you forward, the base is wide, and the drop is low at about 4 mm. It feels like a soft, steady platform that pampers sore legs. For me, it’s the “don’t think, just go” shoe.On a week of heavy mileage, I reached for the Bondi 8 when my calves were tight. Concrete felt less harsh. I also wore it for a five-hour airport day. My feet felt fresh at the gate. If you crave maximum underfoot comfort in the Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21 debate, this one leans toward plush and protective.
Hoka Men’s Bondi 8 White/White 10 Medium
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Max-cushioned EVA midsole with soft, stable feel
- Early-stage rocker for smooth forward roll
- Wide platform and beveled heel for planted landings
- Low 4 mm drop to ease calf and Achilles strain
- Durable rubber coverage for high-mileage road use
What I Like
- Exceptional comfort on hard surfaces and long days
- Very stable for a plush shoe; great for tired legs
- Smooth transitions thanks to the rocker geometry
- Upper holds the heel well and feels secure
- Available in wide sizes for more toe splay
- Outsole wear is slow; good value per mile
What Could Be Better
- Heavier than many daily trainers; not ideal for fast runs
- Runs a bit warm in hot weather
- Ride is protective, not lively or bouncy
- High stack can feel bulky on sharp turns
My Recommendation
If you want max cushion for easy days, walking, or recovery, pick the Bondi 8. It’s widely available, lasts long, and keeps legs happy.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Recovery and easy miles | Soft, stable ride reduces impact and muscle fatigue |
| All-day standing or walking | Wide base and plush midsole feel supportive for hours |
| Heavier runners or injury-prone | Broad platform and cushioning protect joints and tendons |
Is Brooks Glycerin 21 Good?
Yes—if you want soft comfort with a touch of snap. The Brooks Glycerin 21 uses DNA LOFT v3 foam, which is cushy yet a bit more energetic than the Bondi 8. It has a 10 mm drop, which helps roll you onto your toes. For daily training, it feels smooth, light on foot, and very forgiving.I did several midweek runs in the Glycerin 21, from easy cruise to a steady 10K on the treadmill. The shoe kept my cadence up without beating up my legs. On a damp morning, the outsole held fine on city paths. In the Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21 matchup, the Glycerin 21 is the more versatile trainer if you mix paces.
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 21 Neutral Running Shoe
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- DNA LOFT v3 foam for soft yet lively cushioning
- 10 mm drop for easy toe-off and smooth roll
- Engineered mesh upper with plush step-in feel
- Durable rubber outsole tuned for road grip
- Neutral platform with widths available
What I Like
- Soft but more responsive than many plush shoes
- Great for a wide range of paces and workouts
- Upper comfort is top tier; zero hotspots for me
- Feels lighter and more agile than Bondi 8
- Outsole lasts well over many miles
- True-to-size fit with good heel hold
What Could Be Better
- Not as cushioned as Bondi 8 for very long, slow days
- 10 mm drop may not suit low-drop fans
- Price is premium for a daily trainer
My Recommendation
Want a plush trainer that can handle easy runs and a little pace? Go Glycerin 21. It’s a reliable, do-it-all daily shoe.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily training and mixed paces | Soft cushion with some pop keeps runs smooth and fun |
| Treadmill and road | Stable platform and grippy outsole work across surfaces |
| Runners who like a more traditional drop | 10 mm drop eases calves and helps toe-off |
Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21: Side-by-Side Test
I ran these shoes on the same routes, one day apart, to feel the differences. The Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21 comparison comes down to ride feel, support, and range. Here is how they stack up in real use.Cushioning & Ride: Softness vs Snap
Both shoes are soft. One favors max cushion; the other adds bounce.| Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Character | Plush, protective, rocker-driven | Soft with mild rebound |
| Drop | Approx. 4 mm | Approx. 10 mm |
| Best Use | Recovery and long easy miles | Daily miles and steady efforts |
| Ground Feel | Very muted | Slightly more feedback |
Bondi 8 wins for pure softness and relief; Glycerin 21 for balanced cushion and energy.
Fit & Upper Comfort: Lockdown and Breathability
Upper comfort matters mile after mile. Both hold the heel well.| Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing | True to size; wide options | True to size; width options |
| Toe Box | Moderate; better in wide | Comfortable, slightly roomier feel |
| Breathability | Good, runs a bit warm | Good airflow for daily use |
| Heel Hold | Secure | Very secure |
Glycerin 21 edges it for upper comfort and breathability in daily training.
Stability & Support: Platform and Confidence
Both are neutral shoes, yet stability differs in feel.| Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Width | Very wide, planted | Standard, balanced |
| Ride Stability | High for a plush shoe | Moderate, neutral |
| Cornering | Stable but bulky | Smoother, more agile |
| Support Option | Neutral only | GTS version exists (support model) |
Bondi 8 offers more inherent stability; Glycerin 21 is steadier with agility.
Weight & Agility: Turnover and Tempo
Weight affects how quick a shoe feels on foot.| Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived Weight | Noticeably hefty | Lighter feel |
| Turnover | Relaxed cadence | Easy to pick up pace |
| Tempo Suitability | Not ideal | Handles steady/uptempo |
| Rocker vs Traditional | Rocker helps roll | Traditional flex, smooth |
Glycerin 21 is the agile daily trainer; Bondi 8 is a comfort cruiser.
Durability & Traction: Miles and Grip
Outsole rubber and midsole resilience drive value.| Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole Wear | Slow, high mileage | Slow, high mileage |
| Midsole Longevity | Holds cushioning well | Maintains bounce over time |
| Wet Grip | Good on wet pavement | Good; slightly better bite |
| Upper Durability | Strong heel counter | Strong mesh and overlays |
Both last a long time; the edge depends on your surface and stride.
Versatility & Use Cases: One Shoe to Do It All?
Which one covers more ground across your week?| Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Miles | Excellent | Excellent |
| Uptempo / Progression | Limited | Good |
| Walking / Standing | Outstanding | Very good |
| Treadmill | Good | Excellent |
Glycerin 21 is more versatile; Bondi 8 is best for comfort-first days.
Value for Money: What Do You Get for the Price?
Both are premium. Value depends on your main use.| Bondi 8 | Glycerin 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | Premium tier | Premium tier |
| Mileage Expectation | High (durable outsole) | High (balanced wear) |
| Cost per Mile | Strong for heavy use | Strong for mixed training |
| Use-Case Value | Best if you want max cushion | Best if you want range |
Glycerin 21 offers better value if you need one shoe for most runs.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Hoka Bondi 8 is the comfort king. Pick it if you want a soft, stable, low-drop shoe for recovery, long easy miles, walking, or long shifts. It shines when your legs feel beat up.The Brooks Glycerin 21 is the all-rounder. Choose it if you want plush comfort with more pep, a higher drop, and better range. In the Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21 decision, pick based on whether you want max cushion (Bondi) or versatility (Glycerin).
FAQs Of Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21
Which is softer in the Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21 matchup?
The Bondi 8 feels softer and more protective. The Glycerin 21 is soft too, but has a touch more bounce.Which is better for long walks: Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21?
Bondi 8. The wide platform and plush midsole make hours on feet feel easy.Which is more versatile for daily training: Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21?
Glycerin 21. It handles easy runs, steady paces, and treadmill work better.How do they fit in the Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21 comparison?
Both run true to size with width options. Bondi 8 feels more structured; Glycerin 21 feels plusher up top.What about drop: Hoka Bondi 8 vs Brooks Glycerin 21?
Bondi 8 has a low 4 mm drop. Glycerin 21 has a 10 mm drop that helps toe-off.
