Brooks Glycerin 21 vs New Balance FF 1080 v13: A Comprehensive Review

Brooks Glycerin 21 vs New Balance FF 1080 v13: For runners seeking a harmonious blend of comfort, support, and performance, the Brooks Glycerin 21 and New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 are two of the most popular and highly-regarded options on the market.

Both shoes boast impressive features, from plush cushioning to sleek designs, making them top contenders for runners of all levels.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the details of each shoe, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Brooks Glycerin 21 vs New Balance FF 1080 v13: A Quick Overview

Brooks Glycerin 21:

• Cushioning: DNA LOFT cushioning provides a soft and smooth ride
• Support: Segmented crash pad for smooth heel-to-toe transition
• Fit: Engineered mesh upper with a roomy toe box and comfortable fit
• Weight: 10.4 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)
• Drop: 10mm heel-to-toe offset
• Ideal for: Long runs, recovery runs, and runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:

• Cushioning: Fresh Foam midsole provides a supportive and cushioned ride
• Support: Supportive and stable ride with a comfortable toe spring
• Fit: Engineered mesh upper with a comfortable and secure fit
• Weight: 10.2 oz (men’s), 8.8 oz (women’s)
• Drop: 8mm heel-to-toe offset
• Ideal for: Runners who need a balance of cushioning and support, and those with medium to high arches

Key differences:

• The Brooks Glycerin 21 has a softer and more cushioned ride, while the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more supportive and stable ride.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more substantial heel-to-toe offset (10mm) compared to the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 (8mm).
• The Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more substantial and supportive toe spring compared to the Glycerin 21.

Cushioning and Comfort: Which Brand Offers Better Comfort?

Cushioning

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • DNA LOFT cushioning provides a soft and smooth ride
  • Midsole features a combination of EVA and PU materials for customized cushioning
  • Segmented crash pad for smooth heel-to-toe transition
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Fresh Foam midsole provides a supportive and cushioned ride
  • Single-piece midsole design for a smooth and consistent feel
  • Supportive and stable ride with a comfortable toe spring

Comfort

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Engineered mesh upper with a roomy toe box and comfortable fit
  • Soft and breathable upper materials for a comfortable ride
  • BioMoGo DNA technology adapts to individual running styles for customized comfort
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Engineered mesh upper with a comfortable and secure fit
  • Supportive and comfortable upper materials with a soft and breathable feel
  • Ortholite footbed for added comfort and moisture management

Key differences

• The Brooks Glycerin 21 has a softer and more cushioned ride, while the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more supportive and stable ride.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more substantial heel-to-toe offset (10mm) compared to the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 (8mm).
• The Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more substantial and supportive toe spring compared to the Glycerin 21.

Support and Stability: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Support

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Segmented crash pad for smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • BioMoGo DNA technology adapts to individual running styles for customized support
  • Engineered mesh upper provides a comfortable and supportive fit
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Supportive and stable ride with a comfortable toe spring
  • Fresh Foam midsole provides a supportive and cushioned ride
  • Upper features a supportive and comfortable design with a secure fit

Stability

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Neutral support for runners with medium to high arches
  • Segmented crash pad helps to reduce pronation and supination
  • BioMoGo DNA technology provides customized support and stability
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Supportive ride with a comfortable and stable feel
  • Fresh Foam midsole provides a stable and cushioned ride
  • Upper features a supportive and comfortable design with a secure fit

Key differences

• The Brooks Glycerin 21 is designed for runners with medium to high arches, while the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 is suitable for runners with medium arches.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more substantial heel-to-toe offset (10mm) compared to the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 (8mm).
• The Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more substantial and supportive toe spring compared to the Glycerin 21.

Traction and Grip: Which Shoe Stack Up for Hiking?

Traction

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Designed for running on roads and paved paths
  • Provides good traction on dry and wet surfaces
  • Suitable for running in various weather conditions
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Designed for running on roads and paved paths
  • Provides good traction on dry and wet surfaces
  • Suitable for running in various weather conditions

Grip

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Soft and durable rubber compound provides good grip on various surfaces
  • Omega Flex Groove helps to improve grip and traction
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Blown rubber outsole provides good grip and traction
  • Strategic placement of rubber pods helps to improve grip and traction

Key differences

• The Brooks Glycerin 21 has a more flexible outsole design, while the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more supportive and stable outsole design.
• The Glycerin 21 has a softer and more durable rubber compound, while the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more durable and abrasion-resistant outsole material.

Weight and Responsiveness: The Verdict Both The Shoes

Weight

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Men’s weight: 10.4 oz (295g)
  • Women’s weight: 9.2 oz (260g)
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Men’s weight: 10.2 oz (289g)
  • Women’s weight: 8.8 oz (249g)

Responsiveness

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • BioMoGo DNA technology provides customized cushioning and responsiveness
  • Segmented crash pad helps to promote a smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Engineered mesh upper provides a comfortable and responsive fit
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Fresh Foam midsole provides a responsive and cushioned ride
  • Supportive and stable ride with a comfortable toe spring
  • Upper features a supportive and comfortable design with a secure fit

Key differences

• The Brooks Glycerin 21 is slightly heavier than the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more substantial heel-to-toe offset (10mm) compared to the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 (8mm).
• The Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more substantial and supportive toe spring compared to the Glycerin 21.

Breathability and Ventilation: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

Breathability

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability and airflow
  • Ventilation zones in the upper help to promote airflow and moisture management
  • Soft and breathable materials used throughout the upper
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability and airflow
  • Ventilation zones in the upper help to promote airflow and moisture management
  • Lightweight and breathable materials used throughout the upper

Ventilation

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Strategic ventilation zones in the upper help to promote airflow and moisture management
  • Breathable materials used throughout the upper help to keep feet cool and dry
  • Ventilation zones in the tongue and collar help to promote airflow and moisture management
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Strategic ventilation zones in the upper help to promote airflow and moisture management
  • Breathable materials used throughout the upper help to keep feet cool and dry
  • Ventilation zones in the tongue and collar help to promote airflow and moisture management

Key differences

• Both shoes feature excellent breathability and ventilation, but the Brooks Glycerin 21 has a slightly more extensive ventilation system.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more substantial heel-to-toe offset (10mm) compared to the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 (8mm).
• The Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more substantial and supportive toe spring compared to the Glycerin 21.

Durability and Longevity: Which Shoe Will Last Longer?

Durability

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • High-quality materials used throughout the shoe
  • Engineered mesh upper is durable and resistant to wear and tear
  • Outsole is made of durable rubber that can withstand high mileage
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • High-quality materials used throughout the shoe
  • Engineered mesh upper is durable and resistant to wear and tear
  • Outsole is made of durable rubber that can withstand high mileage

Longevity

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Designed to last for hundreds of miles
  • BioMoGo DNA technology helps to extend the life of the shoe
  • Durable materials and construction help to prevent premature wear and tear
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Designed to last for hundreds of miles
  • Fresh Foam midsole is designed to retain its cushioning and support over time
  • Durable materials and construction help to prevent premature wear and tear

Key differences

• Both shoes are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but the Brooks Glycerin 21 has a slightly more extensive durability feature set.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more substantial heel-to-toe offset (10mm) compared to the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 (8mm).
• The Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more substantial and supportive toe spring compared to the Glycerin 21.

Style and Aesthetics: Which Shoe Looks and Feels Better?

Style

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Available in a range of colors and styles
  • Features a more substantial and supportive upper
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Available in a range of colors and styles
  • Features a more minimalist and streamlined upper

Aesthetics

• Brooks Glycerin 21:
  • Features a more substantial and supportive upper with a focus on comfort and performance
  • Has a more aggressive and dynamic look
  • Available in a range of colors and styles to suit different tastes and preferences
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13:
  • Features a more minimalist and streamlined upper with a focus on comfort and performance
  • Has a more sleek and modern look
  • Available in a range of colors and styles to suit different tastes and preferences

Key differences

• The Brooks Glycerin 21 has a more substantial and supportive upper, while the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more minimalist and streamlined upper.
• The Glycerin 21 has a more aggressive and dynamic look, while the Fresh Foam 1080 v13 has a more sleek and modern look.

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

Brooks Glycerin 21

• Pros:
  • Soft and cushioned ride
  • Excellent support and stability
  • Breathable and comfortable upper
  • Durable and long-lasting
• Cons:
  • Heavier than the Fresh Foam 1080 v13
  • Less responsive than the Fresh Foam 1080 v13

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13

• Pros:
  • Lighter and more responsive than the Glycerin 21
  • Excellent support and stability
  • Breathable and comfortable upper
  • Durable and long-lasting
• Cons:
  • Less cushioning than the Glycerin 21
  • Less support and stability than the Glycerin 21

The Verdict

• If you prioritize cushioning and support, the Brooks Glycerin 21 is the better choice.
• If you prioritize responsiveness and a lightweight ride, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 is the better choice.

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between the Brooks Glycerin 21 and New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13?

A: The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a more cushioned and supportive shoe, while the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 is a more responsive and lightweight shoe.

Q: Which shoe is better for long runs?

A: The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a better choice for long runs due to its superior cushioning and support.

Q: Which shoe is better for faster runs?

A: The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 is a better choice for faster runs due to its responsiveness and lightweight design.

Q: Are these shoes suitable for runners with high arches?

A: Yes, both shoes are suitable for runners with high arches. However, the Brooks Glycerin 21 is a better choice for runners with high arches due to its superior support and stability.

Q: Are these shoes suitable for runners with flat feet?

A: Yes, both shoes are suitable for runners with flat feet. However, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 is a better choice for runners with flat feet due to its more neutral design.

Q: How do I choose between these two shoes?

A: Consider your running style, preferences, and needs. If you prioritize cushioning and support, choose the Brooks Glycerin 21. If you prioritize responsiveness and a lightweight ride, choose the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for daily training?

A: Yes, both shoes are suitable for daily training. However, the Brooks Glycerin 21 is a better choice for high-mileage runners due to its superior cushioning and support.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for racing?

A: Yes, both shoes are suitable for racing. However, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 is a better choice for racing due to its responsiveness and lightweight design.