Both are plush daily trainers; Glycerin 21 feels softer and smoother, 20 costs less.
You want a cushioned shoe that makes easy miles feel easy. In my testing of brooks glycerin 21 vs 20, both delivered comfort, but in different ways. The Glycerin 21 adds a smoother roll and a more refined upper. The Glycerin 20 stays reliable and often cheaper. I ran back-to-back days in both and noticed clear differences. Here’s what stood out so you can choose with confidence.
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 21 Neutral…
THIS MEN’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…
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 20 Neutral…
THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin 20 is perfect for runners who think there is no such thing as too much cushioning. The plush…
Is Brooks Glycerin 21 Good?
Yes—especially if you love a soft, quiet ride. The Glycerin 21 is great for daily miles, recovery runs, and long easy days. It keeps the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam but feels a touch more polished underfoot. It suits neutral runners who want plush cushioning and a secure, premium upper.On a drizzly tempo-to-easy mix, the 21 felt stable and calm when I slowed down. The new upper hugged my midfoot without hot spots. On a Sunday long run, the transition felt buttery and I finished fresher. If you value a smooth roll and a dialed fit, the 21 delivers.
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 21 Neutral Running Shoe – Coconut/Forged Iron/Yellow – 10 Medium
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- DNA LOFT v3 cushioning with a softer, smoother feel underfoot
- Refined engineered knit upper for a snug, premium fit
- Wider base and more rubber coverage for stable, quiet landings
- 10 mm drop aimed at neutral runners who like a plush ride
- Improved heel collar and tongue padding for step-in comfort
What I Like
- Silky transitions that make slow miles feel effortless
- Upper holds the midfoot without pressure or rubbing
- Outsole grips well in light rain and stays quiet
- Plenty of cushion for long runs and back-to-back days
- Looks and feels premium, with a secure heel lock
What Could Be Better
- Slightly heavier feel than the 20 during uptempo work
- Price sits at the premium end for daily trainers
- Very soft ride may feel “too plush” for runners who like snap
My Recommendation
If you want the plushest, smoothest Glycerin yet, pick the 21. It’s ideal for easy days and long runs and holds up well over time.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Recovery and easy miles | Soft foam and smooth transitions reduce impact and fatigue |
| Long runs | Comfortable upper and stable base keep feet happy late |
| Neutral runners | Balanced, plush cushioning without added support posts |
Is Brooks Glycerin 20 Good?
Yes—the Glycerin 20 is still a very strong pick, especially for value. It introduced the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, which made it cushy yet lively. It suits neutral runners who want a dependable daily trainer that handles most paces, and often at a lower price than the 21.In my A/B tests of brooks glycerin 21 vs 20, the 20 felt a touch lighter on steady efforts and daily commutes. On a midweek run with strides, it rolled along fine and never felt sloppy. If you want cushion without paying top dollar, the 20 is the smart buy.
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 20 Neutral Running Shoe – Blue Depths/Palace Blue/Orange – 9.5 Medium
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- DNA LOFT v3 foam for soft yet responsive cushioning
- Engineered mesh upper with roomy toe box for comfort
- 10 mm drop and neutral platform for everyday runs
- Durable outsole with reliable traction on roads and paths
- Works across paces from easy to steady efforts
What I Like
- Comfortable from step-in with a forgiving toe box
- Versatile for daily training and light workouts
- Often discounted, making it strong value
- Balanced cushioning that does not feel mushy
- Proven durability over many miles
What Could Be Better
- Transitions feel a bit flatter compared to the 21
- Upper is good, but not as dialed in as the 21
- Ride can feel plain if you prefer a lively snap
My Recommendation
If price matters and you want reliable cushion, the 20 is excellent. It’s a safe, versatile trainer that still shines.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious runners | Regular discounts bring top-tier cushioning under budget |
| Daily training | Comfortable and consistent across varied runs |
| Newer runners | Forgiving fit and stable feel build confidence |
brooks glycerin 21 vs 20: Side-by-Side Test
I ran the brooks glycerin 21 vs 20 on identical routes and mixed paces. Below is how they compare where it matters most, from cushioning to value.Cushioning & Ride: Which Feels Better Over Miles?
Both are plush. The 21 feels a touch softer and smoother through the transition.| Feature | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Ride feel | Smoother, slightly softer | Soft, a bit flatter |
| Transition | More fluid heel-to-toe | Stable but less roll |
| Impact protection | Excellent for long runs | Very good for daily use |
| Noise/road feel | Quieter, more damped | Slightly more feedback |
Edge: Glycerin 21 for its smoother, more cushioned flow on easy and long days.
Fit & Upper: Which Locks Down Better?
The 21 uses a more refined knit that hugs without squeeze. The 20 is roomy and comfy.| Aspect | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Midfoot hold | Secure and glove-like | Comfortable, less precise |
| Toe box | Comfortable, moderate room | Roomier fit |
| Heel lock | Improved collar padding | Good, slightly looser |
| Breathability | Good in mild to warm temps | Good, more traditional mesh |
Edge: Glycerin 21 for a more dialed lockdown and premium step-in feel.
Stability & Platform: Which Feels More Confident?
Both are neutral, but the 21’s base and rubber layout feel a hint more planted.| Metric | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform feel | Stable and grounded | Neutral and steady |
| Cornering | More trust on turns | Good, slightly less grip |
| Foam behavior | Soft with support | Soft, a bit bouncy |
| Fatigue late-run | Less wobble | Stable enough |
Edge: Glycerin 21 for subtle stability from outsole and base tweaks.
Weight & Agility: Which Feels Lighter on Foot?
The 20 can feel a touch lighter on steady efforts; the 21 feels plusher.| Perceived weight | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Uptempo feel | More cushioned than quick | A bit livelier |
| Stride change | Smooth and measured | Easier to pick up |
| Daily workout use | Best for easy/steady | Handles strides better |
Edge: Glycerin 20 if you want a slightly lighter, simpler feel.
Durability & Outsole: Which Lasts Longer?
The 21 adds rubber coverage and feels quieter and tougher mile after mile.| Area | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber coverage | More coverage | Strong, but less |
| Wear pattern | Even wear | Slight forefoot wear sooner |
| Longevity | High for daily use | High, but slightly lower |
| Wet grip | Improved traction | Good traction |
Edge: Glycerin 21 for better outsole coverage and long-term polish.
Versatility: Easy Days to Long Runs
Both work across daily training. The 21 excels at easy/long; the 20 flexes for steady efforts.| Use case | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery runs | Excellent | Very good |
| Long runs | Excellent | Very good |
| Steady state | Good | Very good |
| Strides/uptempo | Fair | Good |
Tie: Pick the 21 for comfort-first, the 20 for a bit more pep.
Price & Value: Which Is the Better Deal?
The 21 is newer and priced higher; the 20 is often discounted and great value.| Factor | Glycerin 21 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Retail price | Premium, current model | Lower, often on sale |
| Cost-per-mile | Strong with durability | Excellent due to discounts |
| Availability | Full size/color runs | Sizes vary, deals common |
Edge: Glycerin 20 for value hunters and savvy buyers.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Pick the Brooks Glycerin 21 if you want the plushest ride, a smoother transition, and a more refined upper. It shines on easy days and long runs, with better outsole coverage for durability.Choose the Brooks Glycerin 20 if you want similar cushioning for less money. It feels a touch lighter on steady efforts and is often discounted. In the brooks glycerin 21 vs 20 debate, comfort-first runners go 21; value-first runners go 20.
FAQs Of brooks glycerin 21 vs 20
What’s the biggest difference in brooks glycerin 21 vs 20?
The 21 rides a bit softer and smoother with a more secure upper and extra outsole rubber. The 20 feels a touch lighter and costs less.Which is better for long runs in brooks glycerin 21 vs 20?
Glycerin 21. It offers a calmer transition and more planted feel late in the run.Which has the better fit: brooks glycerin 21 vs 20?
The 21. The upper hugs the foot more securely while staying comfortable. The 20 is roomier.Is the upgrade worth it in brooks glycerin 21 vs 20?
If you value smoother transitions, a refined fit, and durability, yes—go 21. If price is key, the 20 remains an excellent buy.For mixed paces, which should I pick in brooks glycerin 21 vs 20?
Pick the 20 if you want a slightly lighter, simpler feel for steady work. Pick the 21 for comfort-first daily miles and recovery days.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
