The Brooks Glycerin 19 and the Hoka Bondi 7 are both cushioned neutral running shoes designed for comfort during long runs. With plush cushions and soft uppers, these shoes aim to keep your feet feeling fresh even on marathon distance runs.
But how do they compare when put head to head? Read on for a detailed breakdown of the key features and performance of the Glycerin 19 vs the Bondi 7.
Similarities And Differences Between Glycerin 19 And Hoka Bondi 7:
| Feature | Glycerin 19 | Bondi 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2021 | 2020 |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Sizing | Men 7-16, Women 7-13 | Men 7-15, Women 7-12 |
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.8 oz (W) | 10.8 oz (M), 9.5 oz (W) |
| Cushion | Supersoft | Supersoft |
| Outsole | Blown rubber | Rubber |
| Midsole | DNA Loft v3 | EVA foam |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Retail Price | $153 | $170 |
Features Comparison: Glycerin 19 vs Bondi 7
We will now compare the features of the Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 to see who outperforms the other.
Materials
The outsoles on both the Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 are made of durable blown rubber to withstand miles of road running.
The Glycerin 19 utilizes DNA Loft v3 foam in the midsole, providing an ultra-soft feel underfoot. This proprietary cushioning material is designed for soft landings without losing responsiveness.
The Bondi 7 uses a full-length EVA foam midsole to deliver its plush, pillowy soft cushioning. In terms of uppers, both shoes use an engineered mesh material that is breathable and flexible but still supportive.
Overall, the cushioning materials seem slightly softer in the Bondi 7, but the Glycerin 19 has the advantage of Brooks’ DNA Loft foam which offers a springier ride.
Durability
With blown rubber outsoles, both the Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 are built to go the distance. Rubber outsoles hold up well for many miles of road running without excessive wear and tear. The DNA Loft foam in the Glycerin 19 is durable and maintains its cushioning for around 500 miles.
Heavy runners may get slightly more life out of the very thick midsole foam in the Bondi 7, but for most runners, these shoes should last approximately the same duration before the cushioning breaks down.
The engineered mesh uppers are also durable, but mesh materials are never as long-lasting as solid shoe materials. For most runners’ purposes, both shoes provide sufficient durability for daily training. The Bondi 7 may have a slight edge for heavier runners.
Fit
The Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 have similar true-to-size fits in medium widths, but the Bondi 7 also comes in wider widths to accommodate broader feet. For those with narrower feet, the Glycerin 19 provides a more precise fit, while the Bondi 7 will feel more roomy in the forefoot and toe box. Both shoes have padded collars around the ankles for added comfort.
The upper mesh material has some stretch to accommodate different foot volumes. One key difference is the heel shape—the Glycerin 19 has a narrower, more tapered heel, while the Bondi 7’s heel is wider and deeper.
This gives the Bondi 7 better heel lockdown for runners susceptible to heel slippage. Overall, the Bondi 7 accommodates more foot shapes with its wider toe box, deeper heel, and multiple widths available.
Stability
The Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 are both neutral cushioned shoes, so they do not provide specific stability features for pronation control. However, the Glycerin 19 has a narrower heel and midfoot platform, which creates more of a guiding feel through each stride.
The Bondi 7 has a wider base through the midfoot, allowing more natural foot motion but less directed stability. Both shoes have an offset of around 10mm from heel to toe to facilitate smoother landings and transitions.
While this helps guide the foot through the gait cycle, it is not a correcting mechanism. Neutral runners should feel comfortable in both models. Those needing pronation control may feel slightly more supported in the Glycerin 19 but would be better off in a dedicated stability shoe.
Cushioning
When it comes to soft, pillowy cushioning, both the Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 deliver. The DNA Loft foam in the Glycerin 19 provides a plush, cushioned feel that maintains some natural responsiveness and bounce.
The full-length EVA foam in the Bondi 7 feels slightly softer, especially when brand new. However, the thick midsole foam can feel mushy and less energetic over time compared to the Glycerin 19. Underfoot protection from impact is excellent in both models, making them suitable for recovery days and long runs when you need that extra cushioning.
The soft foam and segmented crash pads provide a smooth heel-to-toe transition as well. The Bondi 7 takes the cake for the softest step-in feel, but the Glycerin 19 offers a touch more lively ride.
Value
With price tags of $153 for the Glycerin 19 and $170 for the Bondi 7, neither shoe is a budget buy, but the technologies and materials used justify the higher costs. The DNA Loft foam, blown rubber outsole, and engineered mesh upper make the Glycerin 19 a durable, well-cushioned shoe for daily miles.
Similarly, the full EVA midsole, rubber outsole, and mesh upper of the Bondi 7 make it a long-lasting comfort shoe as well. The Bondi 7 is slightly more expensive but does offer wider sizing options. Overall, both deliver excellent cushioning, comfort, and longevity that runners will appreciate over hundreds of miles.
Unless you specifically need the wide sizes of the Bondi 7, the Glycerin 19 offers very similar benefits and tech for $17 less. Most runners will be happy with the value they get from either model.
Performance Comparison:
After features comparison we will see how both shoes delivers when tested for performance.
Walking
With their flexible midsoles and roomy toe boxes, both the Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 make comfortable options for walking shoes as well as running. The plush cushioning absorbs impact for mile after mile on the sidewalk. The low drop design also encourages natural foot motion during walking gait rather than overly correcting stride.
While not designed specifically for walking, the smooth heel-to-toe transitions and ample underfoot padding in both models make them suitable for walkers who want running shoe technology for comfort over long distances. Neither has a clear advantage for walking purposes.
Running
On the run, the DNA Loft foam in the Glycerin 19 provides a soft yet lively experience compared to the very plush but slightly mushy Bondi 7. Fans of a firmer ride may prefer the ground contact feel of the Glycerin while those wanting cloud-like cushioning will love the Bondi. Both absorb impact evenly to reduce fatigue over long distances.
The wider heel platform of the Bondi 7 improves stability, especially on uneven terrain, while the Glycerin 19 has a more directed stride feel. The engineered mesh uppers work well to cradle the foot during runs in both models.
For marathon training or recovery days, you’ll be well-cushioned and comfortable in either option. It just comes down to fine-tuning your cushioning preference between soft yet energetic and super soft and pillowy.
Plantar Fasciitis
The maximal cushioning in both the Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 works to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia, making them suitable for runners with plantar fasciitis. The soft midsole foams absorb shock rather than leaving the foot and tissue to bear repeated impact.
The smooth transition also minimizes strain on the plantar fascia through each step. Those with sensitive arches may appreciate the moderate arch support from the shoes’ insoles as well. Overall, the deep cushioning and supportive engineered mesh uppers provide a comfortable environment for inflamed plantar fascia in both models.
Standing All Day
For those who spend long hours on their feet, either the Glycerin 19 or Bondi 7 can provide the cushioning needed to get through the day with less foot fatigue. The plush midsoles keep feet comfortable even with prolonged standing, and the mesh uppers don’t restrict or irritate the foot.
The roomy toe box in the Bondi 7 allows the foot to spread naturally when stationary as well. While not work shoes, the cushioned running shoe build makes both suitable options for doctors, nurses, teachers or others who need a comfortable shoe to stand in all day.
Final Verdict:
In the battle of the premium neutral trainers, the Glycerin 19 and Bondi 7 each have strengths that will appeal to different runners.
The Glycerin 19 offers soft DNA Loft cushioning with a lively, responsive ride. Its tapered heel provides a touch more stability too.
The Bondi 7 features an ultra-plush midsole and a wider fit and platform for neutral cushioning seekers. Both are cushioned and comfortable for long miles. For a more directed yet lively ride, opt for the Glycerin 19. If you want super soft cushioning with a wider fit, choose the Bondi 7.
Consider your preferences for responsiveness vs. plushness, heel fit, and price to decide which neutral shoe works best for you.