My experience getting the Brooks Glycerin 21 US exclusive colors shipped to Switzerland

February 20, 2026

Why I wanted the US exclusive colorways

I have been a loyal fan of Brooks running shoes for years, but living in Switzerland, I noticed a frustrating pattern. While we get the standard colors, the US market always seems to get the vibrant, limited-edition palettes and a much better range of widths. For the 2026 season, the Brooks Glycerin 21 released several US-only colors that I simply could not find in Zurich or Geneva. I am not just talking about aesthetics; the US stores also carry the 4E extra-wide versions that my feet desperately need.

My experience getting the Brooks Glycerin 21 US exclusive colors shipped to Switzerland
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I decided that instead of settling for another pair of black-and-grey sneakers, I would find a way to get the gear I actually wanted. I found that using a freight forwarder was the most efficient way to bridge the gap between US retailers and my doorstep.

The things I love about the Glycerin 21

My first run in these shoes confirmed everything I had heard. The DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused cushioning feels incredibly plush without being mushy. It is their most cushioned neutral shoe yet, and we found that the 2026 model has a slightly wider platform than previous versions, which helps with stability. We noticed that the engineered warp knit upper is breathable enough for summer runs but substantial enough to keep my feet warm during those chilly Swiss morning jogs.

My shipping estimates for Switzerland

Before I placed my order, I had to make sure I wasn't going to be surprised by the bill. I used an estimate shipping cost tool to get a clear picture of my budget. Here is the breakdown of what I found for a standard pair of Brooks Glycerin 21:

Shipping Factor Details
Box Weight Approx. 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) including the shoebox and outer mailer.
Box Dimensions Medium size (approx. 14 x 10 x 5 inches).
Volumetric Warning Shoes are generally dense enough that they are billed by actual weight rather than volume. However, if I had ordered a massive plush toy alongside them, the volumetric weight might have spiked the cost.
Battery Check This item contains no lithium batteries. It is safe for standard air travel.

By checking the international shipping rates beforehand, I knew exactly what to expect. Since I used a tax-free US address in Oregon, I didn't have to pay any US sales tax, which saved me about 8-10% right at the start.

How I shopped from the US

I initially tried to buy directly from the Brooks website, but some US stores are picky about international credit cards. In those cases, I recommend the assisted purchase service. I simply told them what I wanted, and they handled the transaction for me. It is a great way to shop US store sites that don't usually accept non-US payment methods.

What I found out about Swiss import taxes

My package arrived in Switzerland quite quickly, but I had to keep our local regulations in mind. As of 2026, the Swiss VAT rate is 8.1%. I made sure my total value was declared correctly to avoid delays. I also took a quick look at the shipping rules to ensure I wasn't accidentally importing any restricted goods. Shoes are perfectly fine, but it is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with customs.

I found that combining my shoe order with a few other items helped me save on the overall international shipping fees. My total cost, even with shipping, was very similar to what I would pay for a standard pair in a high-end Swiss boutique—but I got the exclusive color and the perfect width that I couldn't get anywhere else.

I think if you are serious about your running gear, importing from the US is a very viable option. My experience with comGateway was smooth, and my Glycerin 21s are now the envy of my local running club.

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