Brooks Beast 20 vs Glycerin 21: What Should I Buy?

Brooks Beast 20 vs Glycerin 21: For runners seeking a perfect blend of support, comfort, and performance, the Brooks Beast 20 and Glycerin 21 are two popular options that often find themselves pitted against each other.

The Brooks Beast 20 is renowned for its maximum support and stability, making it an ideal choice for runners who need a little extra help with their foot pronation.

On the other hand, the Glycerin 21 is designed for runners who crave a soft, smooth ride with a touch of responsiveness.

Brooks Beast 20 vs Glycerin 21: A Quick Overview

Brooks Beast 20:

• Supportive and stable: Designed for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis, offering maximum support and stability
• Soft and cushioned: Features a soft and cushioned ride with a DNA LOFT midsole for comfort
• Segmented crash pad: Helps to smooth out the heel-to-toe transition for a more natural stride
• Guide Rails: Provides additional support and stability for runners who need it
• Weight: 12.4 oz (men’s), 10.9 oz (women’s)
• Recommended for: Runners with high arches, plantar fasciitis, or those who need extra support and stability

Brooks Glycerin 21:

• Soft and smooth: Features a soft and smooth ride with a DNA LOFT midsole for comfort
• Neutral and balanced: Designed for runners with neutral foot pronation, offering a balanced ride
• Segmented crash pad: Helps to smooth out the heel-to-toe transition for a more natural stride
• BioMoGo DNA: Adapts to the runner’s individual stride and pace for customized cushioning
• Weight: 10.9 oz (men’s), 9.5 oz (women’s)
• Recommended for: Runners with neutral foot pronation, those who want a soft and smooth ride, or those who need a balanced shoe for long runs

Cushioning and Comfort: Which Brand Offers Better Comfort?

Cushioning

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a DNA LOFT midsole for soft and cushioned landings
  • BioMoGo DNA technology adapts to the runner’s individual stride and pace for customized cushioning
  • Soft and smooth heel-to-toe transition for a comfortable ride
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Also features a DNA LOFT midsole for soft and cushioned landings
  • BioMoGo DNA technology adapts to the runner’s individual stride and pace for customized cushioning
  • Segmented crash pad for a smooth heel-to-toe transition

Comfort

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Engineered mesh upper provides a comfortable and breathable fit
  • Soft and padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • Roomy toe box for a comfortable fit
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Engineered mesh upper provides a comfortable and breathable fit
  • Soft and padded tongue and collar for added comfort
  • Plush interior lining for a comfortable feel against the foot

Key differences

• The Beast 20 has a more substantial and supportive ride, while the Glycerin 21 has a softer and more cushioned ride.
• The Beast 20 has a more substantial heel counter for added support, while the Glycerin 21 has a more minimalist heel counter for a more natural stride.

Support and Stability: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Support

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Guide Rails provide additional support and stability for runners who need it
  • Soft and cushioned ride with a DNA LOFT midsole
  • Supportive and stable ride for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Neutral and balanced ride with a DNA LOFT midsole
  • BioMoGo DNA technology adapts to the runner’s individual stride and pace for customized support
  • No additional support features, designed for runners with neutral foot pronation

Stability

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a more substantial and supportive ride for runners who need extra stability
  • Guide Rails provide additional stability and support for runners who need it
  • Designed for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis who need extra stability
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Neutral and balanced ride with no additional stability features
  • Designed for runners with neutral foot pronation who don’t need extra stability

Key differences

• The Beast 20 is designed for runners who need extra support and stability, while the Glycerin 21 is designed for runners with neutral foot pronation who don’t need extra stability.
• The Beast 20 has more substantial support features, including Guide Rails, while the Glycerin 21 has a more minimalist design.

Traction and Grip: Which Shoe Stack Up for Hiking?

Traction

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a unique tread pattern for improved traction on various surfaces
  • Provides a confident grip on wet and dry surfaces
  • Designed for runners who need extra support and stability
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features a unique tread pattern for improved traction on various surfaces
  • Provides a confident grip on wet and dry surfaces
  • Designed for runners with neutral foot pronation

Grip

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a grippy and durable outsole material for improved grip
  • Provides a secure grip on various surfaces
  • Designed for runners who need extra support and stability
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features a grippy and durable outsole material for improved grip
  • Provides a secure grip on various surfaces
  • Designed for runners with neutral foot pronation

Key differences

• Both shoes feature a durable and flexible outsole with a unique tread pattern for improved traction and grip.
• The Beast 20 is designed for runners who need extra support and stability, while the Glycerin 21 is designed for runners with neutral foot pronation.
• The traction and grip features are similar between the two shoes, with the main difference being the overall design and support features of each shoe.

Weight and Responsiveness: The Verdict Both The Shoes

Weight

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Men’s weight: 12.4 oz (351g)
  • Women’s weight: 10.9 oz (308g)
  • Heavier due to additional support features
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Men’s weight: 10.9 oz (308g)
  • Women’s weight: 9.5 oz (269g)
  • Lighter due to more minimalist design

Responsiveness

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a DNA LOFT midsole for soft and cushioned landings
  • BioMoGo DNA technology adapts to the runner’s individual stride and pace for customized responsiveness
  • Softer and more cushioned ride, but slightly less responsive due to additional support features
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features a DNA LOFT midsole for soft and cushioned landings
  • BioMoGo DNA technology adapts to the runner’s individual stride and pace for customized responsiveness
  • More responsive and springy ride due to more minimalist design

Key differences

• The Beast 20 is heavier due to additional support features, while the Glycerin 21 is lighter due to its more minimalist design.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more responsive and springy ride due to its lighter weight and more minimalist design.
• The Beast 20 has a softer and more cushioned ride, but is slightly less responsive due to its additional support features.

Breathability and Ventilation: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

Breathability

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features an engineered mesh upper for breathability and ventilation
  • Mesh panels provide airflow and moisture management
  • Breathable materials help keep feet cool and dry
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features an engineered mesh upper for breathability and ventilation
  • Mesh panels provide airflow and moisture management
  • Breathable materials help keep feet cool and dry

Ventilation

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features ventilation zones in the upper for increased airflow
  • Perforations in the tongue and toe box provide additional ventilation
  • Breathable materials and ventilation zones work together to keep feet cool and dry
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features ventilation zones in the upper for increased airflow
  • Perforations in the tongue and toe box provide additional ventilation
  • Breathable materials and ventilation zones work together to keep feet cool and dry

Key differences

• The Beast 20 has a more substantial and supportive upper, which may affect breathability and ventilation slightly
• The Glycerin 21 has a more minimalist upper, which may provide slightly better breathability and ventilation

Durability and Longevity: Which Shoe Will Last Longer?

Durability

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a durable and flexible Omega Flex Groove outsole
  • Segmented crash pad for smooth heel-to-toe transition and durability
  • Engineered mesh upper with durable materials for long-lasting wear
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features a durable and flexible Omega Flex Groove outsole
  • Segmented crash pad for smooth heel-to-toe transition and durability
  • Engineered mesh upper with durable materials for long-lasting wear

Longevity

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Designed for high-mileage runners who need a shoe that can withstand heavy use
  • Supportive and stable ride helps to reduce wear and tear on the shoe
  • Durable materials and construction ensure a long lifespan
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Designed for runners who need a shoe that can handle high-mileage training
  • Soft and cushioned ride helps to reduce wear and tear on the shoe
  • Durable materials and construction ensure a long lifespan

Key differences

• The Beast 20 is designed for runners who need extra support and stability, which may affect its durability and longevity
• The Glycerin 21 is designed for runners who need a soft and cushioned ride, which may affect its durability and longevity

Style and Aesthetics: Which Shoe Looks and Feels Better?

Color Options

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Available in a range of colors, including bold and bright options
  • Some colors are more subdued and neutral, while others are more vibrant and eye-catching
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Available in a range of colors, including bold and bright options
  • Some colors are more subdued and neutral, while others are more vibrant and eye-catching

Upper Design

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a more substantial and supportive upper design
  • Upper is designed to provide additional support and stability for runners who need it
  • May have a slightly bulkier appearance due to the additional support features
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features a more minimalist and streamlined upper design
  • Upper is designed to provide a soft and cushioned ride for runners
  • Has a sleeker and more modern appearance due to the minimalist design

Heel Counter

• Brooks Beast 20:
  • Features a more substantial heel counter for additional support and stability
  • Heel counter is designed to provide a secure and stable fit
• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features a more minimalist heel counter for a more natural stride
  • Heel counter is designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit

The Final Step: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme in Our Head-to-Head Comparison?

Brooks Beast 20

• Ideal for runners who need extra support and stability
• Features a more substantial and supportive upper design
• Has a more substantial heel counter for additional support
• Provides a soft and cushioned ride with a DNA LOFT midsole
• Weighs 12.4 oz (men’s) and 10.9 oz (women’s)

Brooks Glycerin 21

• Ideal for runners who prefer a soft and cushioned ride
• Features a more minimalist and streamlined upper design
• Has a more minimalist heel counter for a more natural stride
• Provides a soft and cushioned ride with a DNA LOFT midsole
• Weighs 10.9 oz (men’s) and 9.5 oz (women’s)

The Verdict

• If you need extra support and stability, the Brooks Beast 20 is the better choice
• If you prefer a soft and cushioned ride with a more minimalist design, the Brooks Glycerin 21 is the better choice
• Both shoes provide a comfortable and supportive ride, but the Beast 20 is more supportive and stable, while the Glycerin 21 is more cushioned and soft

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between the Brooks Beast 20 and Glycerin 21?

A: The Brooks Beast 20 is designed for runners who need extra support and stability, while the Glycerin 21 is designed for runners who prefer a soft and cushioned ride.

Q: Which shoe is better for runners with high arches?

A: The Brooks Beast 20 is a better option for runners with high arches, as it provides additional support and stability.

Q: Which shoe is better for runners with neutral foot pronation?

A: The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a better option for runners with neutral foot pronation, as it provides a soft and cushioned ride without additional support features.

Q: How do the weights of the two shoes compare?

A: The Brooks Beast 20 weighs 12.4 oz (men’s) and 10.9 oz (women’s), while the Brooks Glycerin 21 weighs 10.9 oz (men’s) and 9.5 oz (women’s).

Q: Which shoe has a more breathable upper?

A: Both shoes have breathable uppers, but the Brooks Glycerin 21 has a more minimalist design that allows for better airflow and breathability.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for daily training?

A: Yes, both shoes are designed for daily training and can handle high-mileage running.

Q: Are these shoes suitable for racing?

A: Yes, both shoes are suitable for racing, but the Brooks Glycerin 21 is a better option for runners who prefer a softer and more cushioned ride during races.