Brooks Glycerin 20 vs. 21 vs. 22: Differences and Reviews 2025

Brooks Glycerin 20 vs. 21 vs. 22: Quick Comparision 

Where to Buy Brooks Glycerin?

You can buy Brooks Glycerin running shoes from Brooks official website (up to 2% super cash back), their physical stores worldwide, and verified partners.  Find your nearest store here.You can also buy from these online retailers below:

• Marathon Sports (up to 6% super cash back)

• Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

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• Brooks Amazon store

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Brooks Glycerin 20 Review

Although it’s designed primarily for luxurious comfort, Glycerin 20 doesn’t rest on its laurels. This cushioned running shoe is packed with comfort-first innovations like a widened platform and an all-new engineered mesh upper, allowing runners to forget their feet and let their minds run free.Alongside Caldera and Hyperion, Glycerin 20 was one of the first Brooks Running shoes to feature nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam, the softest cushioning,improved fit and silky smooth transitions.This makes the Glycerin 20 an excellent daily trainer or wear-everywhere shoe for people on their feet.A new, cushioned upper provides a normal to fit that with a little stretch.The changes make for the lightest Glycerin ever, with a smooth forefoot transition, but a slightly clunky heel. Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a tried-and-true daily trainer that we identified to be a cozy and reliable pick for both beginners and seasoned road runners.

Key Features of Brooks Glycerin 20

• DNA LOFT v3: This new, nitrogen-infused foam provides the softest, lightest, and most responsive cushioning in the Glycerin lineup. It gives a bouncy and propulsive feel to the ride.

• Engineered mesh upper: A redesigned upper creates a secure, foot-hugging, and incredibly comfortable fit. It's also breathable to keep feet cool during runs. 

• Padded collar and tongue: The addition of cushioning in the tongue and collar enhances the plush feel around the foot. 

• Redesigned platform: Widened Midsole and Outsole: The platform has been widened for greater stability and more confident steps. 

• APMA Seal of Acceptance: The design recognizes the commitment to good foot health, earning the seal from the American Podiatry Medical Association. 

Brooks Glycerin 20 Pros and Cons

Brooks Glycerin 21 Review

One of the standout features of the Glycerin 21 is its plush cushioning. Equipped with Brooks' DNA LOFT v3 technology, this shoe provides an incredibly soft and luxurious feel with every step. Featuring more of Brooks' DNA LOFT v3 foam than any other running shoe, Glycerin 21 keeps your feet feeling firmly off the ground.What’s even better is that all that comfort doesn’t come at the cost of performance—this is a balanced, lightweight blend of responsiveness and support for mile after mile of distraction-free running.It was also the first shoe in the Glycerin series to include RoadTack rubber.New RoadTack rubber includes recycled silica and is lightweight and durable.The new, engineered warp knit upper is breathable and allows for a flexible, accommodating fit while staying soft against your foot

While the Brooks Glycerin 21 is softer than the Glycerin 20, it’s not supremely soft when compared to other shoes of its class. For example, it’s firmer than the New Balance 1080V13, Saucony Triumph 22, Puma Magnify Nitro 2, and even the Asics Nimbus 26.

While not ideal for fast-paced running or chasing personal bests, Brooks Glycerin 21 is a reliable workhorse for high-volume mileage and an excellent choice for heavier runners seeking comfort and durability.  

Key Features of Brooks Glycerin 21

• DNA LOFT v3 Cushioning: The shoe uses Brooks's super-soft, nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for maximum cushioning, which is even softer than the previous Glycerin 20 model. 

• Additional 2mm of DNA LOFT v3 midsole for a plush ride.

• Warp Knit Upper: An engineered warp knit upper provides a comfortable, flexible, and breathable, sock-like fit. 

• New RoadTack rubber includes recycled silica and is lightweight and durable.

• Segmented Pods: The rubber is placed in segmented pods in high-wear areas to allow the midsole foam to compress and work more effectively. 
  

• Made with recycled materials equivalent to 5 plastic water bottles.

• The broad platform stabilizes your foot and promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

Brooks Glycerin 21 Pros and Cons

Brooks Glycerin 22 Review

The Glycerin 22 is the latest in the Glycerin series and is a premium running shoe designed to provide luxurious comfort with airy landings and electric toe-offs.

The midsole is made from DNA Tuned, innovative nitrogen-infused cushioning. First introduced a few months earlier in the ultra-stacked Brooks Glycerin Max, DNA Tuned is a nitrogen-infused foam created with dual-sized cell technology—larger cells in the heel and midfoot for soft landings and smaller cells in the forefoot for responsive toe-offs. Compared to Brooks’ other nitrogen-infused foams, DNA Tuned is softer than DNA LOFT v3.But while it provides soft landings, there is a great energy return and it feels more responsive than DNA LOFT v3.The generous stack height of 38/28 mm firmly puts it in the maximum cushion category, although it is unusual for a max cushion pair’s forefoot stack height to sit below 30 mm.Compared to the 21, there’s a bit less rubber underfoot for a smoother ride. Like literally every other running shoe, there are flex grooves and just the tiniest bit of exposed foam.

The shoe also offers a comfortable, accommodating fit with a newly engineered double jacquard knit upper.The upper is one of the most luxurious, accommodating uppers from Brooks in some time. It hugs the feet tremendously well and the non-gusseted tongue—while massive—helps attain a secure lockdown. Frankly, the tongue looks a bit intimidating at first, and it looks like it’s going to be intrusive to the top of the foot. But it’s a seamless fit once you slip your feet into the comfort of the upper, including the ample padding in the heel collar. And despite the upper’s extreme coziness, it’s breathable thanks to the abundance of ventilation holes.

Key Features of Brooks Glycerin 22

• DNA Tuned foam: A significant upgrade, this nitrogen-infused foam uses dual-density technology with larger cells in the heel for soft impacts and smaller, denser cells in the forefoot for a more responsive and energetic push-off. 

• Super Critical Foam: The Glycerin 22 incorporates super critical foam, a feature typically found in racing shoes, to provide enhanced responsiveness and bounce. 

• Engineered double jacquard warp knit uppers provide a flexible, accommodating fit for extra comfort.

• RoadTack outsole is made with recycled materials and offers lightweight durability and rebound.

• HPR Heel Rubber ensures surefooted traction.

• Padded collars and tongue: The collars and tongue feature ample padding, contributing to a plush, pillow-like feel around the foot.

• Broad platform: The Glycerin 22 features an even broader platform than previous models, which helps to stabilize the foot during landings and transitions. 

Brooks Glycerin 22 Pros and Cons

Brooks Glycerin 20 vs. 21 vs. 22: Key Differences

Glycerin 20,Glycerin 21 and Glycerin 22 have a shared heritage, but there are some subtle points of differentiation among the three. Here’s how they compare in five key areas:

1. Tuned cushioning

Glycerin 20 and 21 feature the nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, Glycerin 21 has an additional 2mm of it underfoot. Uses DNA LOFT v3, which provides a soft and balanced cushioning experience. While Glycerin 22 has a new dual-layer DNA Tuned midsole for a softer, more responsive ride,the next generation of nitrogen-infused foam with dual-size cell technology  which offers softs landings and powerful toe-offs.

2. Improved upper

Glycerin 20’s breathable air-mesh upper offers a secure and comfortable fit. Glycerin 21’s new engineered warp knit upper is also breathable but provides structure in crucial locations across the foot.The Glycerin 22 has an enhanced double jacquard air mesh upper for extra comfort and breathability, and an accommodating and flexible fit.

3. Sole technology

Glycerin 21 is the first shoe in the Glycerin series with new RoadTack rubber, a resilient, lightweight compound made using a mix of rubber and recycled silica.Glycerin 22's RoadTack outsole is made with recycled materials and offers lightweight durability and rebound.HPR Heel Rubber ensures surefooted traction.

4. The heel

The 22 includes a new heel tab for easier use and a more secure fit, a feature absent in the 20 and 21. 

Conclusion: Which One to Buy?

The main updates to the Glycerin 22 are the DNA Tuned midsole foam and the double jacquard mesh upper.Thanks to a generous bed of plush DNA Tuned cushioning, the Glycerin 22 is a perfect choice for runners seeking soft landings and responsive toe-offs. If you’ve been considering an upgrade or want a cushioned shoe for long-distance and recovery runs, the Glycerin 22 is a fantastic option.

However,for those who prefer a firmer, more traditional cushioning feel, the Glycerin 21 is still a great choice.Featuring more of the DNA LOFT v3 foam than any other running shoe, Glycerin 21 keeps your feet feeling firmly off the ground. What’s even better is that all that comfort doesn’t come at the cost of performance—this is a balanced, lightweight blend of responsiveness and support for mile after mile of distraction-free running.The 20 served as a reliable but unremarkable shoe, with the 21 offering a noticeable jump in comfort and a better overall experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brooks Glycerin 20 best for?

Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a tried-and-true daily trainer that I identified to be a cozy and reliable pick for both beginners and seasoned road runners.

What is the life expectancy of Brooks Glycerin 20?

At 79.5 HC, it is just as hard as the other road shoe outsoles on average. Harder rubbers typically take longer to wear out, so I anticipate at least 400 miles from this Brooks shoe.

Is Brooks Glycerin 20 good for plantar fasciitis?

Yes, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is generally considered a good shoe for plantar fasciitis due to its plush cushioning and support that reduces strain on the feet. Its "marshmallow-like" comfort provides a soft landing and smooth transitions, which can alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis, especially for those with neutral arches. 

What is the Brooks Glycerin 21 good for?

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is best for daily training, long runs, and recovery runs at easy paces, offering supreme softness, comfort, and a plush feel for runners seeking a max-cushioned, versatile workhorse shoe. It is also a great option for walking and for anyone who needs a comfortable shoe for standing all day, particularly if you need a wider fit.  

Is the Brooks Glycerin 22 a rocker shoe?

One thing that remains unchanged in the Glycerin 22 is its signature ride. While it features a subtle rocker and a gently curved heel to assist rearfoot strikers, these elements are unobtrusive and deliver a smooth, natural feel.

What is Brooks Glycerin 22 best for?

The Brooks Glycerin 22 is good for comfortable, cushioned daily runs, long distances, and recovery, as well as walking and standing for extended periods due to its plush foam and supportive design. It's a neutral shoe suitable for heel and midfoot strikers, offering soft landings, smooth transitions, and a balanced, stable feel, though it's not the best choice for fast or uptempo workouts. 

Does the Brooks Glycerin 22 run wide?

They do have a true to size fit especially in length. And they do have a medium width as well.

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