Brooks Men's Glycerin GTS 21 Supportive Running Shoe

he Brooks Glycerin, a name synonymous with comfort on the weary sole. For decades now, these fine shoes have been my companions on countless journeys – a testament to their enduring quality and unwavering support. And this latest iteration, the Glycerin GTS 21 in a shade of deepest black, proves itself a worthy successor in the long line.Slip them on, and your foot is embraced by a plushness that would rival a Slieve Bloom mountain cloud. Yet, there's a hidden sturdiness to them as well, a subtle whisper of support that guides your gait and guards against any misstep. A veritable dance they orchestrate – comfort and support in perfect harmony.Now, let me be frank. One man's jig is another man's reel. Every walker, every runner, carries the rhythm of their own stride. That's why a bit of detective work is always in order, a consultation with a professional perhaps, to understand the unique song your feet sing as they meet the earth. Brooks, bless their cotton socks, offer a whole orchestra of footwear, each designed to meet a specific need. Don't be afraid to try on a few pairs, to find the one that best complements your own personal walking style.But if you're searching for a shoe that cradles your foot in comfort while offering a steadying hand, then the Brooks Glycerin might just be your melody. It certainly has been mine for many a year.Sonnet for Brooks Glycerin ShoesIn deepest black, a loyal friend I find,The Glycerin, a name through decades worn.A comfort soft, a cradle for the mind,On countless journeys, battles fought and won.This latest step, a worthy heir, they say,The GTS 21, with purpose built so strong.A hidden strength to guide me on my way,A silent pact to right where I belong.But every foot, a rhythm all its own,A different jig, a stride that's light or bold.So heed this verse, before your path is known,Consult a guide, a story to unfold.For Brooks, like music, offers many a tune,Find yours, dear friend, beneath the summer moon.

I am a long distance runner, averaging about 30 miles a week when I am not training for a marathon. I used to be a faithful Brooks runner but a few years ago switched to Saucony. My shoe line-up consists of Freedoms for races up to the half-marathon distance, the Tempus for distances beyond that and for training, and Guides for the steady runs throughout the week. My favorite shoe still is the Tempus, which provides some support, but despite the development away from support shoes, I feel I benefit from some support. The Glycerine GTS was recommended to me when I shopped for a new pair of Tempus', and I immediately liked the slightly plusher feel and comfortable ride. When my Guides hit the 500 mile mark and were ready to be retired, I got these as a replacement. They are fabulous! I have done a few longer runs in them (13.5-15miles) and found that right out of the box, they fit well and provide great support without feeling bulky or heavy, nor do they feel slow. I typically train in the 7-7:45 min/mile pace region and thought, I'd see s drop in my pace when wearing the Glycerins. But. that wasn't the case. They feel surprisingly snappy and comfortable. Of course, all of that is subjective, but you are not reading this as a scientific study. I like them better as the Saucony Guides (which almost feels outdated against these), but still like the Tempus' better.The only odd thing is that I had to size up. For years, I was a 12.5 in all my running shoes, but here I had to size up to 13. That's not much, 5mm, actually. And now that I have 60 miles in them, they loosened up a bit.Overall, an excellent shoe! They spark joy!

Review:I recently put the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 in Cloud/Black/Gold through its paces, and it delivers a plush, supportive ride perfect for daily runs and long-distance mileage.From the moment I stepped in, the cushioning felt incredibly soft—like running on clouds. Brooks added extra padding in this version, and you can really feel the difference, especially during longer runs. Despite the plush feel, the shoe remains surprisingly responsive and doesn’t feel overly heavy.The standout feature is the GuideRails support system, which offers subtle stability without being intrusive. It helps guide your stride naturally, making it a great option for mild overpronators or anyone seeking structured support that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.The engineered upper is soft and breathable, offering a secure and comfortable fit. It accommodates wider feet well and doesn’t cause any pressure points or discomfort, even after hours of wear.Pros:Exceptionally soft and cushioned rideSubtle, effective stability supportComfortable, breathable upperDurable outsole with good tractionTrue to size with room for natural toe splayCons:Slightly heavier than some performance trainersUpper may feel warm in hot conditionsNot ideal for speed-focused runsVerdict:The Glycerin GTS 21 is a premium daily trainer built for comfort and stability. It’s perfect for runners who prioritize cushion and support over speed and want a reliable shoe for everyday miles or recovery runs. A great choice for comfort-focused runners.