Glycerin GTS 21

Yes, for most runners it fits true to size, so order your usual Brooks size. The toe box is roomy and rounded, which suits medium and slightly wider feet well. If you are between sizes, plan to wear thick winter socks, or have high-volume feet, size up a half. Brooks also sells this shoe in several widths in the UK, so a wide fit is worth seeking out if standard road shoes usually feel tight across the forefoot.

They share the same soft, high-cushion ride and upper. The only real difference is support: the GTS 21 adds Brooks GuideRails, gentle guide rails along the heel that hold your stride in line if your form drifts inward. If you overpronate mildly or want a little insurance late in long runs, pick the GTS. If your gait is neutral and you want nothing steering it, the standard Glycerin 21 is the one to buy.

For the training miles, yes. Its deep, soft cushioning and gentle support make it an easy, protective choice for long runs and high-mileage marathon base training, especially if you value comfort and mild guidance. It is not a race shoe, though. At 289g it is too heavy and too soft to run fast in, so most runners pair it with a lighter shoe like the Adrenaline GTS or a proper tempo shoe for their quicker sessions and race day.

It is a strong beginner option if comfort and support matter to you. The plush cushioning is very forgiving on new runners' legs and joints, the guide rails add a little stability while your form develops, and the roomy fit is easy to live with. The main catches are the weight and the £165 price, which is high for a first pair. A newer runner on a budget could look at the Adrenaline GTS 25 for similar support at a lower cost.

Both are premium, cushioned stability trainers with a soft, guided feel rather than harsh correction. The Glycerin GTS 21 leans plush and roomy with Brooks GuideRails, while the Kayano 32 offers its own take on soft stability. It comes down to fit and feel: try both if you can. Runners who like a rounder toe box and a very soft platform often lean Brooks, while those wanting a slightly more structured hold may prefer the Asics.

Durability is a strength. This is built as an everyday workhorse, with a robust outsole and a hard-wearing engineered mesh upper that stands up to months of daily mileage. Most runners get a typical 500 to 650 km from a daily trainer like this before the midsole softens noticeably, and the outsole rubber holds up well on UK roads and pavements. Rotating it with a second pair will extend its life and let the foam recover between runs.