I appreciated the Levitate the most during the shorter, faster-paced miles. These have all been resolved in the Levitate 4. Running a marathon is a big deal. A responsive midsole helps you make easy work of your toughest runs. The reformulated DNA AMP of the 4 makes it lighter, which I didn't notice much. Brooks is a Seattle-based fitness apparel company best known for producing high quality, reliable running shoes. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 is a good option for runners looking for extra stability and support. Brooks' newly engineered midsole formulation provides a high energy return. Price: $150Type: RoadWeight: 11.3 oz (M), 8.9 oz (W)The right shoe for: Enduring long runs and tempos.css-1nlgkks{background-color:#59E7ED;color:#000;display:inline-block;font-family:LeagueSpartan,LeagueSpartan-fallback,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;font-weight:normal;line-height:1;margin-top:0.3125rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-color:#59E7ED;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-transform:uppercase;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;-webkit-transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;width:auto;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1nlgkks{padding:0.8125rem 1.25rem 0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1nlgkks{padding:0.8125rem 1.25rem 0.75rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1nlgkks{padding:0.8125rem 1.25rem 0.75rem;}}.css-1nlgkks:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}.css-1nlgkks:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:#17D0D8;}Buy Mens Buy Womens .css-1hr08dr{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#59E7ED;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1hr08dr:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}More Images. Check out thisguide. If you are looking to see how the Brooks Levitate 4 feels while doing cross-fit, I hate to tell you, but I only use my running shoes for running until they're only good for yard work. Every Thursday at 6:30 PM. Because they're not super bulky either, I even wore them to run a couple miles to a group fitness class, and for the class itself. Oiselle MiiR BottleGet your coffee fix$35 | Oiselle, Amphipod HandheldHandy for trails $22 | Amphipod, Hydro Flask GrowlerFrosty beer post-run$45 | Amazon, Nathan HammerheadTriple insulated$35 | Amazon. Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. Despite 2mm more foam underfoot, the shoe comes in only 0.1 oz heavier than the Levitate 5 Stealthfit, at 9.9 oz for a US M9. Without the TPU coating, the energy would be released out the sides. The knit upper has been redesigned for this iteration of the Levitate, with an integrated tongue to bolster the sock-like fit. It comes in two support versions, neutral and overpronation ( GTS ). That may not seem like a lot, but it translates to huge cumulative savings, says Kram. Others said that even though it wasnt as cushioned as the Ghost, it was much more reactive than other Brooks models that I have worn before.. Brooks has been producing high quality running shoes for more than 100 years. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Who doesn't like free gear? Although I didnt race any official 3.1 mile races in the Levitate, I did time my 5K once, and I clocked in at 22:34 (Note: That was in the middle of training for a 10-mile race, and I was in extremely good personal shape). Until now. The Brooks Levitate 2 ($150) is available at select Marathon Sports locations and at marathonsports.com. Before anything else, I didn't exceed 30 miles while testing this shoe. I ran my first 10K at 6 years old, ran NCAA Division I in college, and later ran for a shoe store. I took these for a spin after a rainy day when the pavement was still wet, and I cant say I felt a monstrous grip on the road, but I didnt feel like I was ice skating either, so pretty neutral in that regard. It also has lightweight cushioning thats designed to be responsive and allow for faster transitions while you run. The arrows you see aren't just about design. This helped keep me stable in what is essentially a neutral shoe. That all changed when I decided I wanted to get my life in order, including my physical health. It actually returns energy, making you feel springier on your run! I definitely noticed how they gave me a bit more bounce in my step. In the Levitate 4, Brooks has found the right balance. But when running uphill, the shoe performed very well. Brooks Levitate Review: Two and a Half Years of Technology Testing, We Got Married in a Parking Garage and Other Bizarre Marriage Facts. Get the most out of every stride with the best energy return in our line. We didnt want to make a hard shoe, we wanted to make one that was still forgiving with that float feeling. [collection-error]. Running on a steel plate, which is highly resilient, will give 99 percent of that energy back, but because it is not compliant, it has only a tiny amount of energy to surrender. . 8 Best Running Shorts Pockets for Phone: Tried and Tested! The new men's Levitate StealthFit 5 combines a super springy ride with a new, sleek fit that feels seamless. Im always training for a race and run at least 40 miles/week, rotating up to 5 pairs of shoes through my runs. This is a review of the Brooks Levitate 4 by a runner who covers 50-120 miles a week. Caprara says that researchers are now trying to gain a better understanding of what leads to muscle fatigue in runners. Despite high hopes for some Outstandings or Exceeds Expectations, it only received an Acceptable grade on every subject. (280 g.) for a US M9 / 9.1 oz. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Even with an extra 2mm in this version, the Levitate 6 original and StealthFit are definitely among the lower-stack daily trainers, which is a nice change for some considering most of the newer daily trainers have max height. We use mens and womens in this article to align with how products are sold on retail sites, but that does not mean you need to stick to one or the other. It looks like were not able to display products on this page right now. I don't know if it was the new technology or the fact that I was distracted, thinking a lot about it and how the shoe felt on my foot, but the three miles flew by, and I did actually feel like I could have gone even farther. Choose the product with the fit, style, and features that work best for you. The 108-year-old brand continues. Offer only good for first-time subscribers. The latest sneaker from veteran shoe maker Brooks Running is called Levitate, and its designed for enthusiasts and beginning runners, rather than top-level athletes. The famed Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila is perhaps a prime example. Believe X Tracksmith Trackhouse Sweatshirt (Unisex), Shop Brooks Levitate 6 Stealthfit Women. I've had some great training runs where the weather has been on my side, my body feels good, and the miles just fly by. Considered a neutral cushioned shoe. Whether it's a marathon, ultra-marathon, or tempo sessions, this shoe paced us! Levitate: Springy running shoes with maximum energy return Energize your run in the Levitate 6. With soft cushioning, neutral support, and a plush fit, the Ghost 14 provides enough comfort and support for both road running and cross-training. Product gender Men Women Unisex Apparel type Capri Long sleeve top Pant Shorts Run bras Tights Shoes size Shoe Size 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.0 11.5 12.0 12.5 CHAD: To summarize my thoughts like the reference I made earlier, the Levitate 6 Stealthfit just got back the results from its OWL exams. (258 g.) for a US W7.5, Is it the 99th version of the Levitate? This shoe debuted last summer as a high-cushioned neutral addition to the Brooks product line with some funky new tech. With 206 miles on them, my Levitates feel like they are just now getting into the groove. Before that time, I would actively avoid running at all costs. Compare the popularity of another shoe to Brooks Levitate. With the Levitate 3, the heel cup was a little loose and the back of the shoe caused blisters in my Achilles tendon. All rights reserved. Dietary fat has a bad reputation, but fat isnt necessarily a bad thing. After six-plus miles, my legs get a bit tired and because I have relatively flat feet and overpronate a bit, I tend to need more cushioning underneath my feet to log longer mileage. For the non-Harry Potter fans, I think this is a fine shoe. Learn More. You can run shorter recovery runs and long run efforts in it. Two-and-a-half years of development and seven rounds of vigorous wear testing went into what they're calling the DNA AMP midsole. All in all, I really enjoyed running short distances in the Levitate. He went from his first 5k in 2015 to running the Paris Marathon in 2016. This article lists the 9 best. I was pleasantly surprised by the lively yet supremely cushioned feel of the Brooks Levitate. A sluggish start usually signals a lackluster middle and end, but an energetic kick-off can carry you blissfully through grueling training sessions. My long term goal is to run into old age, remaining injury-free, which comes in part by being equipped with the best shoes out there! A reliable, consistently firm ride for runners who don't want the slightest bit of faff. CHAD: Let me briefly introduce myself as Im the new guy at Believe in the Run, and this is my first shoe review. The new Brooks distance running shoes have been released and one of the most requested gear updates on MultiSport Mojo is for a Brooks Levitate 2 review, Brooks updated distance racing shoe specifically engineered for marathon and half-marathon race day. A nice idea but this was more of a visual conceit than an actual functioning technology, as a clunky feel and slight stiffness through the midfoot area rendered this ineffective. It did the work and passed each class and could move on to take its NEWT exams, but it didnt do anything to amaze the professors. Some Brooks enthusiasts called the Levitate a great substitute for the Adrenaline, praising the shoe for its energy return. What is great about the outsole? If my Physics is still good, when energy is transferred into the shoe, it will either need to absorb or deflect the energy to another form. That being said, I wouldnt say that the shoe excelled in any of these categories but landed closer to good enough in all of them. But because it was my first time running in them, I decided to cut myself off at three. If you are an avid runner and running 20 miles a week, that equates to 46 months of use. When shes not running or fixing eyeballs, you can find her exploring with her dog, Iris, or grabbing a beer with friends. Basically, Ill provide insight on how shoes and gear work for people with what I politely refer to as a non-traditional runners build (aka bigger and taller). One of my complaints about the shoe is it's less breathable than its predecessor. I'm a runner who's been running for 38 years. Maybe, We never say no to more foam a full 2 mm this time, This one is a little better than the standard issue. On SQD runs, I felt like I was getting more spring in each step. The key to energy return in a sneaker is the midsole, which is the cushioning sandwiched between the insole and the outer layer of material that surrounds the shoe. But over the past few years, sneaker engineers at Brooks had noticed that EVA could only get them so far when it came to energy return. For example, The silence and stealth of a hungry cat. Much like the hungry stray cat youve been feeding, Brooks is back. I had to try it. But with my insoles, I felt comfortable in them from the first steps. In this video we're looking at the Brooks Levitate 6, a daily trainer that Brooks say provides a lively, energetic ride for the everyday and uptempo miles. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a good option for road running thanks to its medium cushioning and support. Some attributes of a shoe are obvious: Spikes to enhance grip, insole cushioning for comfort and arch support, and lightweight materials that wont weigh down your feet. I've had mornings where I wish I could get in more than five miles, but I just didn't have the extra energy to push farther. Hotchkiss says, Running shoes usually provide support, stability, cushion, and comfort that make them great for walking or just casual day-to-day use. However, its important to find the level of stability and support that feels most comfortable to you. Its a completely different ride than the old segmented outsole of the Levitate 3. Strictly mid to long easy runs, and thats all she wrote (literally). Here are some factors to consider when shopping for your next pair: Dr. Adam Hotchkiss, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, adds that its best to try shoes on at the end of the day because this is when your foot has the most swelling due to moving around all day. The women's Levitate 5 has an improved fit and increased breathability to go with the super springy feel. Aside from that though, the shoes provide a spacious toe-box, ample arch support, and firm-but-comfortable heel support. In both races, I set personal records: 1:03:03 in the Dallas Running Club 15k and a Boston Qualifying 3:12:41 in the Phoenix Marathon. On average, every 100 grams of added mass per shoe increases the metabolic cost of running by 1 percent. The first few minutes of a run set the pace for the rest. Surprisingly, I didnt notice a difference between the two shoes, since my original assessment had been that the Levitate 4 was worse. Stay in the loop on all things running, walking, and fitness. Since 2014, my feet have seen as much Adrenaline as a professional roller coaster tester, not to mention several pairs of Ravenna, a few pairs of Launch, and even a pair of Bedlam (a precursor to the Levitate 5 GTS Stealthfit). I was excited when I discovered that the first shoe I would review for BITR was the Brooks Levitate 6 Stealthfit. Based on their reputation for durability, quality, and making shoes that satisfy the majority of runners, I ended up in a pair of Brooks. LINDSAY: According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, *sips tea with pinky up*, stealth is defined as a movement that is quiet and careful in order not to be seen or heard. The lacing system also presented some issues for me. For the right person, this could be a solid option as a do-it-all daily trainer. is the Science Editor at Popular Science. In addition to a shoes weight, we measure sole thickness (everything that sits between your foot and the road), how well the foam cushions your stride, and the flexibility of the forefoot. The Levitate is more of a neutral running shoe, and because I overpronate and have a bit of a flatter foot, I had to change the insoles with a pair designed specially to fit the needs of my feet. My next run in the Levitate was another three miles, and I had the same experience. The responsiveness in this shoe makes you feel like you can run hard with confidence, or run easy and smooth, said a tester. What an exceptional shoe! An attorney by day, Chad lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife and three kids. Best for Springy ride Training Road running Treadmill Features Super springy feel First, the print on the knit upper looks even splashier than the original Levitate, with wild colors resembling a pixelated fire-red sunset and blue dawn (theres also a steel gray-black combo for runners who want to make a quieter entrance when they toe the starting line). Plus, one side of the tongue is attached to the inside of the shoe to keep the tongue from sliding around. Last medically reviewed on November 8, 2022. Brooks has trimmed down its weight, but it's still not a track shoe. The grooves are not pronounced or spaced far apart, which may cause some to doubt the shoes traction. The new Levitate boasts of infinite energy return through its DNA AMP midsole technology. Additionally, as a bigger runner, I felt a bit of instability when I was doing my speedwork in a neighborhood and cornering at intersections. The Brooks Levitate 3 are a neutral road shoe for up to half-marathon distances Just another comfortable, well-designed and responsive offering from Brooks.