Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 Introduction
The Glycerin GTS 21 follows the Glycerin GTS 20 and continues to supply a steady trip with a really clean transition. Glycerin GTS is the soundness model of Brooks’ Glycerin, which implies it’s the similar shoe however with the added function of GuideRails® to assist information the foot via common pronation.
Glycerin GTS is probably the most plush stability providing from Brooks, becoming a member of the Launch GTS with its pace focus and Adrenaline GTS which sits between the 2 in cushion.
This shoe retails at $160 USD, the identical as final yr and because the Transcend 4, 5, 6 and seven, the earlier identify for Brooks’ most plush stability shoe (the fee was $10 decrease for the primary yr when the identify and design switched to “Glycerin GTS 19”).
The listed weight stays at 10.5 oz. (297.7 g.) in a US M9 and drops barely to 9.2 oz. (260.8 g.) in a US W7; the StealthFit model with a compression knit higher is a couple of half ounce lighter.
Brooks permits runners to decide on their preferences with selections for “StealthFit” or “Basic” for the higher and “Impartial” (Glycerin) or “Assist” (Glycering GTS) for the midsole, common or extensive width.
Glycerin GTS competes with Saucony Omni, New Stability Vongo, and ASICS Gel-Kayano for top-end stability choices.
Total, I like to recommend Glycerin 21 GTS over the Saucony Omni 22 with two exceptions:
1) I take the sock liner out of Omni to place in Glycerin; it’s thicker and presents extra arch help;
2) You’ll most likely want Omni when you’ve got a slim foot. I stayed with the half-size smaller in Omni than Glycerin as a result of although I’d want a barely wider toe, the size was true to measurement. Sizing up would have made it actually lengthy.
Select Vongo if you’d like the additional stiffness and spring of a nylon-plated shoe and Glycerin GTS in case your foot will get uncomfortable carrying a plated shoe.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 First Impressions
Unboxing Glycerin GTS 21, I liked the slick, clear model and regarded ahead to stepping onto this plush, enticing mannequin.
It didn’t disappoint in really feel underfoot, however I knew immediately that I would wish to measurement up a half measurement. True to the .2 ozdrop within the listed weights (for girls), the 21 in my measurement 10 weighed the identical as final yr’s measurement 9.5.
The primary run felt clean, and this continued via my testing interval (70 miles).
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 Higher
The Basic match choice combines a sturdy, double-layer engineered mesh higher with conventional lacing and a moderately-plush tongue, this yr created from over 61% recycled materials.
A better, extra stable heel counter this mannequin is a pleasant shock; padding across the ankle is average. My heel didn’t slip, and my foot felt supported.
The shoe has higher breathability and a extra snug match that doesn’t require as lengthy of a break in as within the 20.
The StealthFit higher choice, out there in each Glycerin and Glycerin GTS, permits for much more stretch, like Nike’s Flyknit of their React Infinity Run FK 2.
My least favourite a part of the shoe is the sock liner. It’s common, however for a $160 shoe I’d hope for one thing extra strong and supportive below the arch, like I discovered within the ($30 cheaper) Omni 13. After about 40 miles of testing the Glycerin GTS sock liner felt flat. I wish to put the Omni liner into the Glycerin GTS for a greater really feel underfoot contained in the shoe.
The look is enticing and welcoming, with a less-busy sample than the 20 and quite a lot of colorways to select from.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 Sole Unit
The midsole offers a superb trip. As soon as once more manufactured from Brooks’ nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 materials, it offers a softer touchdown than a standard EVA mix and a lighter trip than the model’s DNA LOFT.
This nitrogen method brings a singular really feel: gentle but resilient — not plush, however snug. The trip is gentle and ethereal, with a rocker really feel underfoot and fast transition into toe-off. The drop is 10 mm.
The GuideRails® stay largely unchanged since their 2019 revamp in Transcend 6. This distinctive method to counter extra movement and alleviate strain on knees and hips works along with the higher’s heel counter to rein in motion.
The GuideRails® encompass the midsole extending as much as border the shoe to offer help if wanted. If not, they don’t seem to be noticeable. The GuideRails® additionally assist help the arch of the shoe to direct foot movement ahead reasonably than rotating too far inward.
Once more this yr the skinny, carbon-rubber outsole would be the first a part of the shoe to proof put on. A further flex groove simply earlier than toe-off exposes the midsole, and after 70 miles on my footwear I can already see it beginning to fray.
On the optimistic facet, the outsole covers extra of the lateral midfoot.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 Conclusions
This can be a outstanding shoe that’s enjoyable to run in. The principle factor maintaining me from giving it 5 stars is the “meh” sock liner.
Sock liner apart, strive Glycerin GTS 21 for the perfect in cushion, stability, and higher help.
Earlier than shopping for, first verify to see when you’ve got heavy put on patterns below the medial toe field in your earlier footwear.
The brand new flex groove below Glycerin GTS’s large toe exposes the midsole, and it is likely to be a warning so that you can strive a unique mannequin to keep away from untimely put on.
