Glycerin 21 vs Triumph 22

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a max-cushion daily training shoe built for one job: making your everyday miles feel soft, calm and comfortable. This is the plush end of the Brooks range, a neutral running shoe that leans into cushioning rather than speed. At 280g it is not light, and it will not snap you through a fast finish, but that was never the point. What you get is a deep, forgiving underfoot feel that holds up well over long easy runs and recovery days, and a 10mm drop that suits heel and midfoot strikers alike. We rate it as a dependable cruiser for runners who want protection and a smooth, quiet ride over anything sharp or racy. If the £165 price gives you pause, the cheaper Brooks Ghost 16 covers similar daily duty with a touch less plush. But if soft comfort is what you are after, the Glycerin delivers it honestly.

The Saucony Triumph 22 is the brand's plush, do-it-all max cushion daily training shoe, and it is one of the most comfortable neutral running shoes you can put on for easy mileage. This is not a speed tool. It is a soft, protective ride built to soak up long runs, recovery days and the steady base miles that make up most of a training week. At 286g it sits on the heavier side of the daily trainer market, and the traditional 10mm drop suits heel and midfoot strikers who want a familiar, supportive feel underfoot. In our view the Triumph earns its keep on the days you want to switch off and just clock the distance in comfort. The trade-off is the £170 RRP, which is steep, and a ride that feels muted when you try to pick up the pace. If you want one cushioned shoe for the bulk of your running, it is a strong pick. The newer Triumph 23 refines the same recipe if you want the latest version.