The ride is smooth and feels natural with a bit of ground feel. The heel area is reinforced up until half the height of the shoe, and generously padded above that and below the ankles. Read on to find out if it works. : As Joost says stable, predictable, and controlled and Bryan says a thin forefoot and dull-sh ride. Gear up for your next marathon or casual run around the neighborhood with a pair of Brooks Levitate 5 running shoes from DICK'S Sporting Goods. Both fit my wide feet well and were very comfortable. Joost: M9.5 in both. Sally is a lifelong runner and mother of five who ran her first marathon at age 54, and has now run the past seven Boston Marathons and one Chicago, with a 2017 Boston PR of 3:29, good for 8th in her age group. The DNA AMP foam is unchanged from the Levitate 4 (RTR Review) where it became 20% lighter than in prior versions. $99.95 . If you are a heavier runner you might lean towards the Levitate over the Ghost in this match up. There was a lack of lockdown due to its softness and pliability. men's 10.2 oz / 290g (US9) with women's 9 oz / 254 g (US8) with its upper and particularly its very firm over the toes knit proving to be, while fantastic looking, one of the most upper painful uppers I ran last year. The Ghost is more of a do-it-all-at-all-paces one shoe quiver shoe. Both are bottom heavy shoes but the Ultraboost PB definitely offers a more pleasant experience, with the Celermesh-like upper proving far superior in functionality and breathability to the StealthFit knit. Sam: Heavier yet with a complex construction and knit upper these two compete in the near lifestyle category. In the Levitate 4, Brooks offered just one variant with its Fit Knit Upper. Brooks Levitate Gts 5 Men's Running Shoe The Levitate feels very stable, and I can feel just a little bit of arch support upon walking around in them. DNA AMP is a PU based midsole foam wrapped in an outer skin( I assume TPU) that is dense, quite heavy compared to other modern foams and has a deliberate pneumatic kind of rebound with very strong vibration and shock attenuation, especially at the heel. And yes, it responds to pushing the pace, not like a plated shoe or a max cushioned shoe would, but as a traditional old school shoe might. The rubber was fairly quiet on the roads, an important consideration for me, and the traction is great even on wet pavement. All Brooks shoes have cushioning, but how it feels can vary across categories and individual shoe styles. Exclusions Apply. As Bryan stated: no issues with durability and traction and the copious usage of outsole rubber definitely adds to the weight of an already heavy shoe. Sally is a compact (petite) runner at 52 and 105 pounds. The weight of the Levitate works a little bit against it, though and is always noticeable. All of those issues are fixed in the 5. Derek: The Levitate 5 neutral purportedly has the same midsole as the Levitate 4. The Levitate will take you where you want to go in an unpretentious way. The GTS Guide Rails go quite a long way to move things along more decisively than without them, acting as a dynamic mid foot platform and this even with the commonly shared continuous and not particularly well decoupled or flexible outsole, the models continued weak link in my view. PRIORITY ORDER PROCESSING. I didn't get hotspots consistently in any particular spot during testing, though it was most noticeable under the ball of my right foot. There is very little flexibility across the midsole. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. I have previously run in the ever-popular Brooks Ghost and the lighter Brooks Launch, as well as their marathon super shoe, the Hyperion Elite 2. I wouldnt go as far as calling the ride pneumatic. Bryan has gone into the technical details. Thicker socks eat up more shoe volume and reduce the amount of foot movement in the shoe, but they won't breathe as well; thinner socks breathe better but then your foot will slide sideways more, creating friction and heat build-up. Suffice it to say that the circular knit is classic in appearance, accommodating in its soft stretch, but also not sufficiently breathable and noticeably hot for summer running. Both fit my wide feet well and were very comfortable. In this respect, one faces a dilemma. For those who have run in the Trace 1, this upper will feel fairly familiar, although there are technically some differences. Manage Settings The midsole is dense, very vibration dampening especially at the heel, uniform in feel, and more pneumatic in a gradual way than springy. Again, it is a shame the DNA AMP midsole is muted for me by the poor performing upper and outsole. : Stable, predictable, controlled Joost summarizes the ride well. He is 59 tall and weighs about 164 lbs. That's a pretty rare combination I think, and therein lies the quandary. DNA AMP is dense, which unfortunately makes it heavy. Suffice it to say that the circular knit is classic in appearance, accommodating in its soft stretch, but also not sufficiently breathable and noticeably hot for summer running. I have run in several versions of the Levitate and all shared a dense pneumatic return and knit uppers. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The last is already on the longer and narrower side, though it is ameliorated somewhat in Leviatate 5 because the upper stretches to give a semblance of a wider fit. Not eligible for Cash on Delivery (COD) Sam/Derek: Very consistent feel, pneumatic and measured rebound at all paces that increases in return feel at faster paces. There are some plastic overlays (small rhombuses and 2 triangles), probably more for aesthetic reasons than for anything else. You must agree to receive marketing communications. My first impression on opening the box was that this shoe is a very dark shade of grey! Free shipping and returns on every order. On a personal level, the shoe does not fit into my rotation; it is like a heavy racing flat that doesnt offer sufficient lockdown or an everyday training shoe that isnt flexible and versatile enough to handle variation in paces. 140. For example, within Cushion, the Ghostoffers soft, balanced cushioning whereas the Glycerin provides super soft cushioning. The new upper is not as supportive, and there is a less connected feel between the foot and the midsole-outsole as a consequence. Read on. Enter your email address to be notified when it is available. The impact dampening under the heel is clearly felt on the downhills and much welcomed. Secure transaction . Earlier Levitate weighed close to 2 oz more (heavier DNA AMP, upper, and I think thicker outsole), yet the outsole midsole combination once wound up was considerably more dynamic in ride with the outsole providing plenty of rebound in the mix at faster paces. I puzzled mightly over the two Levitate 5 versions I tested taking them for multiple runs including A/B test runs GTS vs non GTS. My last run in the non GTS regular upper was super easy, slower than expected and just what I needed that day. The Levitate 1 and 2 (shown below) had a chevron pattern of crystal rubber. The first time I felt the dampening effect of the Levitate, it reminded me of reviewing the Sonic 3 Accelerate, especially on downhills. On the run the adidas is firmer with clearly more dynamic propulsion from its extensive underfoot plastic but heavier in feel. : The womens version of the standard model is likewise a standard grey color accented with violet midsole/outsole and laces. The firmer ride and dampening is probably where the comparison ends. While not a rigid shoe I think the overall character of the midsole (and ride) is hampered or tempered by the full coverage outsole and its relative lack of decoupling. Sam: if you seek a softer ride in a Brooks the now all soft and decently bouncy DNA Loft midsole Ghost or for that matter Glycerin with DNA Loft ( but I have not tested) are clear alternatives to the Levitate. Bryan and Joost describe the uppers well. The weight of the Levitate works a little bit against it, though and is always noticeable. Unlike many other shoes on the market, the Levitate 5 uses the single density midsole throughout. As in the image above, the upper can be divided into three parts; the darker grey knit (including the spot patterned side panel where the Brooks logo sits on) that wraps the toe box and hugs the midfoot on the medial and lateral sides, the lighter grey material that runs from the top of the toebox and serves as the bootie tongue beneath the lacing, and the heel cup. To help runners chase down their goals, we introduced the Levitate in 2017. Both the lower weight of the Launch and its firmness are felt and if a more plush modern feel up top and underfoot are what you are seeking for easier running the Levitate despite costing $50 more is a better choice as would be the Ghost which sits between the other two. Much like the Levitate 4, there is an internal layer of material running the entire circumference of the shoe to help limit sideways movement of the foot in the shoe. Generally knit is heavier, breathes less well, and its hold is not what engineered meshes can provide at less weight. This loading could be via the runners weight or the forces of faster paces. Click For Details. With its soft thick circular knit upper and plushly padded collars, it screams comfortable cruiser, leaning toward a lifestyle shoe. Its the kind of traditional feeling shoe lots of people still like for any kind of run. I got the standard Levitate 5, meaning the normal circular knitted upper and no GTS, or Go-To-Support via side Guide Rails. It has the most spring of the lot. See shopping links below $150. Sam/Sally: Uppers now flexes with the foot notably improving ride up front. The circular knit upper (non GTS blue above) adds weight as we tip the scales at 10.97 oz / 311g while Bryans StealthFit version (without GTS) checks in at 9.81 oz / 278g in a US9 so decently lighter than the Levitate 4. Stretch upper. Sally is a compact (petite) runner at 52 and 105 pounds. Not quite the hold up front but no longer nearly unbearable as before. The regular circular knit hugs the foot nicely without creating any hotspots and fits true to size for me. I enjoyed running in the Launch 8 at the bottom of the cushion category and the new Trace 1, at the bottom of the speed category. If you are a heavier runner you might lean towards the Levitate over the Ghost in this match up. To start, the dark grey part of the upper is thicker and far firmer than the very soft and stretchable lighter grey part, which makes sense in creating some structure in the toe box. Manufacturer : Brooks. The controlled, consistent ride was soft enough, the vibration dampening fantastic, the upper as comfy as could be, the weight and quite ponderous transitions evident so.. This one is a traditional circular knit, half bootie type construction with a gusseted tongue and a double layer in the forefoot that is fused together from the midfoot to the heel. Sam: Unchanged outsole is overbuilt, needs more decoupling and likely also add to weight. Shop the Brooks Levitate 5 Running Shoes Collection at DICK'S Sporting Goods and hit the road or trails in style. Read on. Buy Brooks Levitate GTS 5 online with FREE UK delivery & returns, or visit our stores for expert personal service. No issues with durability and traction. The first time I felt the dampening effect of the Levitate, it reminded me of reviewing the Sonic 3 Accelerate, especially on downhills. Add to cart 140. If You Find a Lower Price, Well Match It. The Trace is a new entry in Brooks lineup and its meant as a starting runners everyday shoe or an easy day shoe for most runners. For me personally, i prefer the upper of the Levitate 4, and the more fuss-free fit experience. The two-tone grey knit upper combined with a glossy, sculpted coated midsole foam creates a sublimely sleek shoe. Brooks Levitate GTS 5 Men's Running Shoes Size 13. That aside, it was my staple mileage trainer of choice. I have run in several versions of the Levitate and all shared a dense pneumatic return and knit . Sally: TTS W8 in both. Ride: 7.5 (50%) Fit: 9 (30%) Value: 7 (15%) Style: 9 (5%). Which, if any, should you pick? He is 176cm/ 5'9" tall and weighs about 63kg / 140lbs. Kind of like Boost, but not quite. The Brooks Levitate GTS 5 midsole DNA AMP technology is the impetus behind all this. He is 59 tall and weighs about 164 lbs if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA. The Launch is still a tad firmer, but due to its lower weight better suited to picking up the pace. This item has not been released. where it became 20% lighter than in prior versions. All positive reviews Amazon Customer. Unlike some superfoam and plated options out there, theres no need to adjust your stride or do anything special. Super springy cushioning and support technology that's there when you need it join together for miles of comfort. Our highest energy return meets industry-leading support. After experimenting with socks of varying thickness, I quickly realized that the heat build up was not due to the thickness of the knit upper alone, but also partly attributed to the movement of the foot within the shoe, and is exacerbated by the increased stretch of this knit upper vs Levitate 4. Essentially I sense that the more pressure , weight, and flex forces you put into the platform the more it returns. There is very little flexibility across the midsole. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. Arrow-point pattern on the outsole lets your foot move from heel to toe quickly, enhancing the shoe's springy feel. All versions were quite ponderous at slow paces and came alive as the pace picked up and all but the Levitate 4 were quite weighty on the scale. The GTS here provides me more of a platform for initiating transitions and a bounce effect forward that is noticeable and effective. What we have here is a uniform usage of some form of carbon injected rubber that detracts from the midsoles potential responsiveness. My struggles with the upper have made it difficult to really test the shoe over longer distances, and i've maxed out at 8 miles in this shoe. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Brooks Levitate GTS 5 Men's Supportive Running Shoe - Blue/India Ink/White - 12 at Amazon.com. How customer reviews and ratings work See All Buying Options. Black/Ebony/Gray. I think a lot has already been said about the outsole. A nice toe bumper is made of more tightly knit material. Their newest foams DNA Loft v3, a supercritical foam can be found in their Aurora-B a max cushion model far lighter than the Levitate and DNA Loft v2 in the trail Cascadia is a firmer Loft with some noted rebound. The relatively high weight of the shoe wouldnt be an issue. As with the recent Launch and Glycerin, which also get the GTS option, models such as the Ravenna and the Transcend which were essentially support versions of the preceding go away. The outsole rubber is quite firm and durable (based on my experience with the Levitate 4). Fit wise, I found there to be no immediate issues although the midfoot was perhaps on the narrower side. 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,171 ratings. This, I confirmed through a comparison of the stack heights, sans sockliner in the 2 shoes. I agree. Shop now. Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. You end up with a lot of pressure in a line across the front of the ankle. Notwithstanding suffering from sore feet mid-runs, which is very rare for me but I suspect it's from the rigidity of the shoe and the generally unstructured upper, I actually found the overall ride to be decent; not dead, not lively, not harsh, but that firm pneumatic feel which seems unique to the DNA AMP midsole. Heavier runners will benefit from the fine energy-returning performance of the midsole. As was mentioned, the pneumatic feel is evident, and the midsole is on the firmer side. The Launch is still a tad firmer, but due to its lower weight better suited to picking up the pace. The main one is a fishbone like pattern with just a couple of cutouts in the heel, providing some decoupling for heel strikers and on the lateral side of the forefoot, adding some lateral lengthwise flexibility for forefoot strikers. The resulting fit is ok, but takes a lot of effort to get right. The upper of the 5 looks to be a different animal, so lets see how it runs. Sam: The Wave Sky 5 ditches knit for a stretch woven upper that is not quite the plush roomy comfort of the Leviate 5 or the easy but effective compression of the Stealth Fit but ends up more run suitable overall than either. He is 64 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. A prime example is the Nike Vaporfly 4% flymesh vs flyknit (or the Zoom Streak 6 mesh vs knit if you want to go farther back). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Like the other Brooks shoes Ive reviewed, there is enough space in the forefoot for my wide feet, probably due to the fact theres some give in the upper, which gives my little toe the little extra space it needs. As Sam points out, the Levitate 5 is ideal for a heavier runner who pounds the pavement with his/her stride. Sell now. As a lighter runner, I prefer the versatile and classic looking (and running) Ghost over the bouncier Levitate. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of coupon codes. Sam: Weighing 0.25 oz less the Kayano competes with the GTS versions here. The Levitate comes to life when pushing the pace, not something the weight of the normal upper non GTS version is that much fun to do in, but which becomes a far better experience in the lighter GTS with Stealth Fit. If anything, i would have liked a softer compound for the forefoot rubber, to give the shoe more spring up front. More than that, they are often incredibly polarising. The sensation to me was that of a firm rubber, with added dampening, but still quite responsive and bouncy when picking up the pace. eBay Money Back Guarantee. Sam: I puzzled mightly over the two Levitate 5 versions I tested taking them for multiple runs including A/B test runs GTS vs non GTS. To say they have knits in the line? I run neutral shoes and yes the Guide Rails are noticed here too but unlike the Launch 8 GTS far less so as there seems to be a better match between their firmness and the main midsole. Levitate 5 StealthFit: 9.81 oz / 278g US 9, men's 9.89 oz / 280g (US8.5) Estimated US9 10.2 oz / 290g (US9). Brooks Levitate GTS 5 Men's Running Shoes Size 13. Regular upper vs more compressive knitted, neutral vs GTS. The two positives are the looks, and that I somewhat managed to enjoy the ride offered by the DNA Amp midsole through a disappointing package. It is definitely not a lightweight racer, and the weight is noticeable. The Levitate comes to life when pushing the pace, not something the weight of the normal upper non GTS version is that much fun to do in, but which becomes a far better experience in the lighter GTS with Stealth Fit. No apparent issues with this when walking. The Stealthfit upper here is just fine for me and at most paces with sufficient if more easy going compressive hold while the circular knit may have less stretch but is more baggy, thicker, softer, heavier and is yet more comfort cruise and wider foot oriented. Introduction. Sam: I have both the circular knit Levitate 5 and the Leviate GTS 5 Stealthfit knit. Product Code: BRO2387. The Levitate is more plush and comfortable, but didnt work as well for me as a lighter runner. Sam: The Levitate sits in the Brooks Energize collection described by Brooks as shoes that absorb energy and return it back for a springy feel. It can be found in the Levitate, and older to be discontinued Ricochet and Bedlam( replaced by Levitate GTS 5. Derek: I wear US9.5 in both shoes. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. : I received the Womens Levitate 5 in the standard version (non Stealthfit, non GTS) and have been putting it through the paces as I begin to ramp up marathon training for Boston 2021. He is a consistent sub 1:25 half marathoner and is presently chasing a sub 3-hour marathon. Sam: The Levitate sits in the Brooks Energize collection described by Brooks as "shoes that absorb energy and return it back for a springy feel". It does not have the pneumatic rebound of the Levitate but it is comfortable, soft, and versatile at more paces for me than Levitate. ASIN : B09JN11BT1. It is marketed to be their energy return, bounce back to move forward midsole. The men's Levitate GTS 5 is our highest energy return shoe with GuideRail holistic support to make reaching your goals easier every step of the way. The GTS versions delivered a more compelling dedicated run experience for me and especially if you need some light support or even if you dont as I dont. GTS is created through a Guide Rails of the same foam as the midsole that rises on the lateral side with a co-molded slightly firmer foam rail on the medial side. With its soft thick circular knit upper and plushly padded collars, it screams comfortable cruiser, leaning toward a lifestyle shoe. Sally: The standard Levitate 5 is a truly comfortable and classic looking shoe that many will find enjoyable for mellow runs. The ride is more conventional and slightly more cushioned and stable, and is more effective at varied paces with a mix of two types of Enerzy and EVA and a better designed outsole than the Levitate. As Bryan stated: no issues with durability and traction and the copious usage of outsole rubber definitely adds to the weight of an already heavy shoe. Please select a style * Size: Please select. As such I found easier pace runs slower than I expected while pleasant in feel while quicker paces were faster than expected. It clearly has a high comfort soft cruiser fit and vibe. *Price Promotions - Due to manufacturer restrictions, select new release and other specified products are excluded from price promotions. This design should prove very durable, delivers on a uniform feel from front to back and very stable but is in my view is in the way of moving the shoe along as it is overly rigid and continuous. Dazzle your outfit with Outlet Brooks Levitate Stealthfit GTS 5 Men's . Bryan: The Solar Boost is a shoe that I have a love-hate relationship with, mostly due to its chunky looks and neoprene upper which I truly am not a fan of. I think Brooks needs to rapidly move on from DNA AMP. Bryan: Very different shoes that perhaps would serve similar functions i.e. With incredible energy return and a super springy feel, the Levitate is the cornerstone of our Energize category, making each mile feel a little easier. Along the way she has raised over $240,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital running with. Ride: 7 (50%) Fit: 6 (30%) Value: 3 (15%) Style: 10 (5%). There is some extra internal and external padding added in that area. Notwithstanding suffering from sore feet mid-runs, which is very rare for me but I suspect it's from the rigidity of the shoe and the generally unstructured upper, I actually found the overall ride to be decent; not dead, not lively, not harsh, but that firm pneumatic feel which seems unique to the DNA AMP midsole. I tested the Levitate 4 last year, and as much as I like the concept of an energy-returning energyze ride, the upper of the Levitate 4 did not work for me (the low and stiff front of the toe box was problematic). tongue slippage, Bryan: Snappy toe off and responsive ride, Joost/Sally/Sam: Regular upper is heavy for whats offered in terms of rebound and fit (and for a name like the Levitate), Joost/Sam/Sally: Regular upper is quite hot, probably a better option for the fall/winter, Joost/Sam: $150 might be too much for this shoe. Check out our entire Running Shoes Collection and protect your feet on your next run. Of course, this is a non-issue if the knitted upper fits you well and you don't need to do too much with the lacing. Levitate GTS 6. Sam: Good single shoe for a heavier, beginner runner, Bryan: StealthFit - Great design; aesthetically pleasing, Bryan/Sally: Ideal for slower or recovery runs, Bryan: Bootie construct of the upper in the StealthFit means no immediate fit issues i.e. 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0 11.5 12.0 12.5 13.0 14.0 15.0. That DNA AMP has an actual fluorescent shine to it. All our running shoes prioritize comfort, but our GuideRails technology adds support by keeping excess movement in check. The Levitate sits in the Energyze category, which has shoes that have good energy return, or springiness. Joost: M9.5 in both. Still not sure if this shoe is the right experience for you? To commemorate her 60th birthday she ran the NYC Marathon in November finishing 2nd in her age group with a PR time of 3:28:39. Click to enlarge. M9.5 in both. As such I found easier pace runs slower than I expected while pleasant in feel while quicker paces were faster than expected. Its less bouncy than the Levitate, but also a fair bit lighter and especially a lot cheaper. I would imagine that the general runner would prefer the soft yet responsive, although outdated Boost over DNA AMP. Join DICKS Text Alerts to Receive Special Offers! ; GuideRails added support system; OUTSOLE. Bryan: From opening the box to taking the Levitate StealthFit 5 on runs, the experience was one that went downhill. You either love it or you hate it. It doesn't feel like it would be warm when you first start running in the shoe, but after a couple of miles, the heat will start to build up. I agree to receive email marketing communication from Brooks Running. Hes built like a tank and has a very powerful stride. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Both are bottom heavy shoes but the Ultraboost PB definitely offers a more pleasant experience, with the Celermesh-like upper proving far superior in functionality and breathability to the StealthFit knit.