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For many of us, a new year means a new commitment (or re-commitment) to a fitness routine. This could include hitting the gym, taking up pilates classes, learning a new sport, or setting aside time to walk each day. If your goal is to get more active in 2025, you’re going to need the right footwear to properly support your feet. The wrong shoes (i.e. ones that look cute but aren’t actually supportive) can lead to foot pain, knee aches and at worst, injury.
With my old sneakers wearing down and starting to hurt my feet after long walks and hikes, I was on the hunt for a new pair. While I’m more of a walker than a runner, all my friends who run recommended the Brooks Glycerin 21 sneakers. After hearing so many rave reviews about these shoes, I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about for myself, and spoiler alert: They did not disappoint.
Price: $129.95 (orig. $160) at Brooks
All the Reasons Why I Love Brooks’ Glycerin 21 Sneakers
Image: BrooksComfort
Brooks’ Glycerin 21 sneakers were immediately comfy straight out of the box, and have remained so over the past year. This is a stark contrast from another pair of running shoes that I tried in the past, which took some breaking in to get truly comfortable.
An important marker of comfort for me is how roomy the shoe is around my toes. As someone with slightly wider feet, I’m always conscious of cramped toe boxes. After walking miles in the heat, I was so happy that I didn’t experience any chafing or discomfort around my toes as well as my heels.
Another feature I love about the Brooks Glycerin: they’re super lightweight, weighing only 8.8 ounces. This is a welcome change from the chunkier sneakers I’ve worn in the past. Plus, the knit upper fabric is soft against my foot and flexed easily right from the first wear.
Support
The cushioning present in these running shoes were apparent right away. Shortly after trying them on, I noticed they offered a little bounce with each step I took. Feeling this support was reassuring, especially considering my last pair of (admittedly) worn-down sneakers would cause to knee pain after miles of walking. I have yet to experience that with my new Brooks sneakers. I’m assuming this is at least partly due to the Glycerins’ ample cushioning, which helps absorb the impact of each step.
Style
While not a requirement for being a supportive sneaker, the Brooks Glycerin 21 is available in 12 fun color options and easily matches with most of my athleisurewear, which sometimes, is the only incentive one needs to get out there and hit the pavement. My pair has also surprisingly remained super clean looking after a year, despite the dirt roads I’ve often taken them on.
Overall, my Brooks Glycerin 21 sneakers have served me incredibly well on my daily long walks and hiking up uneven terrain. And when I wear them on the pickleball court, they don’t leave my legs or feet feel fatigued. I know that one day, when this pair wears out, I’ll be re-purchasing them again.
Price: $129.95 (orig. 159.95) at Amazon
The post I’ve Had These Brooks Sneakers for Over a Year—They’re the Best Running Shoes I’ve Ever Owned appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
