Comparison Overview
Both are top contenders in the long run category. Try both to find your preference.
How the Brooks Glycerin 21 and Hoka Skyward X differ
The Brooks Glycerin 21 and the Hoka Skyward X sit in the same long run bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.
Where they actually differ: the Hoka Skyward X comes in roughly 0.4 oz lighter (10.6 oz vs 10.2 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (10mm on the Brooks Glycerin 21, 5mm on the Hoka Skyward X) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Hoka Skyward X rides on the taller stack (38mm/28mm vs 40mm/35mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; only the Hoka Skyward X uses a carbon plate, which adds noticeable propulsion at marathon pace and below but isn't really worth the premium for easy days; and the Brooks Glycerin 21 is $65 cheaper at MSRP ($160 vs $225).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Brooks Glycerin 21 | Hoka Skyward X |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Brooks | Hoka |
| Model | Glycerin 21 | Skyward X |
| Category | long run | long run |
| Weight | 10.6 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Drop | 10mm | 5mm |
| Price | $160 | $225 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Brooks Glycerin 21 or the Hoka Skyward X?
- The Hoka Skyward X is the lighter shoe at 10.2 oz versus 10.6 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Brooks Glycerin 21 is the more affordable option at $160 compared to $225.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Brooks Glycerin 21 has a 10mm drop and the Hoka Skyward X has a 5mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Is either shoe carbon-plated?
- Only the Hoka Skyward X uses a carbon plate. The Brooks Glycerin 21 relies on foam geometry alone, which makes it more versatile for daily training.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Brooks Glycerin 21 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Hoka Skyward X — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.