Floating on a Cool Cloud: Brooks Glycerin SF 21

Brooks is my favorite brand of shoes for general living and walking in my neighborhood. So of course I was all in for trying the new Brooks Glycerin SF 21. I had already been seeing the ads on social media (thanks algorithm) and was ready for the promised lighter than air running experience.

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First impressions from opening up the box was that the Glycerin looked more like a basketball shoe than a running shoe. The laces are practically an accessory since the tongue is connected to the rest of the shoe. They were a snug fit from the start with a bit of a tight heel that took some getting used to. I eventually got there, but if you happen to be overly conscious of tightness on the feet, just keep this in mind. However, if you like a secure fit on the upper, and through the midsole, you are gonna get it here.

The thin fabric on the upper wasn’t the most resistant to the elements, so probably wouldn’t be my first choice during those rainy runs. However, for those months when the rain goes away, I am looking forward to these. For now this particular cool pair of shoes is going to be saved for primarily indoor use at the gym or working with kids – which is not a bad thing either. Maybe I’ll get to sit at the cool kids table. It looks nice enough to do that.

White and off-white shoes seem to be all the rage right now. For some (i.e. Matt) he is a huge fan of this colorway. However, white and the PNW don’t always mix super well. The pair I received started to show dirt right away as I reviewed this in the heart of winter. However, there are also 6 other color options available, so fear not if white ain’t your thing.

As for comfort and construction, these are quite nice. These shoes are very well supported with design made for road conditions and neutral support. The cushioning is listed as “most cushioned” on their rating scale and they feel really nice on the foot. They fit well into PNW values with 64.4% recycled materials in the upper shoe and development processes that help divert 1.38 plastic bottles from landfills per pair.

Overall, the Brooks Glycerin 21 Stealthfit is a unique and fun shoe that can accommodate running and casual wear with ease.