I’ve had these Brooks sneakers for over a year. These are the best sneakers I’ve ever owned

For many of us, a new year means a new commitment (or rededication) to our fitness routine. This might include going to the gym, taking a Pilates class, learning a new sport, or setting aside time to walk each day. If your goal is to be more active in 2025, you need the right shoes to provide proper support for your feet. The wrong shoes (i.e. shoes that look cute but aren’t actually supportive) can lead to foot pain, knee pain, and, in the worst cases, injury.

I was looking for new sneakers as my old sneakers were getting worn out and my feet were starting to hurt after long walks and hikes. I’m more of a walker than a runner, but all my running friends recommended the Brooks Glycerin 21 sneakers. After hearing so many rave reviews about these shoes, I finally decided to see for myself what all the fuss was about. Spoiler alert: these shoes did not disappoint.

price: $129.95 at Brooks (originally $160)

Everything I love about Brooks’ Glycerin 21 sneakers

comfortable

Brooks’ Glycerin 21 sneakers felt comfortable right out of the box and have stayed that way for the past year. This is a stark contrast to other sneakers I’ve tried in the past, which took a bit of break-in time to get really comfortable.

To me, an important indicator of comfort is how roomy the shoe is around the toes. As someone with slightly wide feet, I’m always conscious of how cramped my toes are. I was so happy that I didn’t feel any friction or discomfort around my toes and heels, even after walking for miles in the heat.

Another feature I like about Brooks Glycerin is that it is super lightweight, weighing only 8.8 ounces. It’s a welcome change from the chunky sneakers I wore before. Plus, the knit upper fabric feels soft against the foot and flexes easily from the moment you first put them on.

apply

The cushioning present in these sneakers was immediately apparent. Immediately after trying them on, I noticed that they provided a bit of bounce every time I stepped on them. This support was reassuring, especially considering that my last old pair of running shoes would cause knee pain after a few miles of walking. I have yet to experience anything like that with my new Brooks sneakers. I assume this is at least partly due to the ample cushioning of the glycerin, which helps absorb the impact of each step.

style

Although not a requirement for a supportive sneaker, the Brooks Glycerin 21 comes in 12 fun color options and matches easily with most athleisure wear. Sometimes it’s the only incentive you need to get out and hit the road. Despite the dirt roads I often wear, my shoes surprisingly remain in pristine condition even after a year.

overheadMy Brooks Glycerin 21 sneakers have worked incredibly well for my long daily walks and hikes over rugged terrain. And your legs or feet won’t get tired when you wear them on the pickleball court. I know that one day, when these shoes wear out, I will repurchase them.

price: $129.95 on Amazon (originally 159.95)

Post I have had these Brooks sneakers for over a year and they are the best sneakers I have ever owned. Originally published in RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal.