Brooks Levitate Review
Brooks Levitate Shoe Review
Disclaimer: I received a pair of Brooks Levitates to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
After finishing the Coastal Delaware Marathon and the Broad Street Run, I was in desperate need of a new pair of running shoes. I was definitely excited to test a new pair of Brooks Levitate shoes since they sponsor all of my favorite Rock 'n' Roll races, and I'd never tried them out before. I may not be putting in as many miles as I was during training earlier this year, but these shoes have been perfect for rebuilding my base post-marathon.
Specs
Support
Neutral
Drop
8mm
Weight
11.2oz
Arch
Medium/High
DNA AMP Technology
From the website:
"DNA AMP is a brand new polyurethane (PU)-based cushioning system strategically engineered to provide unparalleled energy return. The foundation of DNA AMP is a PU foam that naturally expands, returning energy as force is applied. To deliver an amplified experience, Brooks encased the foam in a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) skin that resists horizontal expansion to deliver energy directly back to the runner"
The Brooks Levitate shoes are the first shoe from Brooks that feature their new DNA AMP technology and I can say from experience that you can definitely notice a difference. It's not going to magically lead to a new PR, but you can feel a noticeable springiness with every step. I could see these shoes being especially helpful on some more difficult speed workouts launching you forward with every step.
The Cushion
Along with the DNA AMP technology, these shoes have a lot more sole than I'm used to. More sole has meant more cushion and a softer landing. This is probably the greatest benefit I've noticed, especially while my legs continue to recover from my marathon. It's been tough that recovery is taking this long but the Brook Levitates have made the journey a lot easier and quicker. These are likely to become my primary training shoes heading into the fall race season.
The Fit
The Brooks Levitate shoes fit like a glove in the best way. Lacing them up, it's almost as if they mold to your feet without feeling constricting at all. The knit uppers form to the contours of your feet but have enough flex to move with you as you run. The heel collar of the shoe is also noticeably thicker than shoes I'm used to but that adds to the cushioned feel for your feet.
The Soles
Similar to the incorporation of the DNA AMP technology, the soles of the Brooks Levitates are designed for maximum energy return in your stride. Even the pattern on the sole is designed to support the forward motion of your foot from heel to toe. These shoes have a nice grip to them running outside but I would say to be careful on slick surfaces. I almost ate it hard coming in from a rainy run and stepping on the tile in our apartment.
The Weight
Lastly, the Brooks Levitates are just slightly heavier than shoes that I'm used to but that extra weight comes in the form of additional support and cushioning. The shoes I've been running in are only 2oz lighter so the difference is not really noticeable, and the energy return from the DNA AMP technology more than compensates for the extra weight in my opinion.
TL;DR
Having never run in Brooks before testing the Levitates, these shoes were a simple and comfortable introduction. They have a bit more cushion and support than I'm used to but I've definitely appreciated it on my recovery runs over the last several weeks. The focus on energy return leads to a noticeable spring in every step and I can definitely see these becoming my go-to training shoes leading into the fall training season.