This week I’ve been enjoying the new Brooks Levitate 5 running shoe.
Promising to be super springy and flexible, an ‘espresso shot for each run’, I was keen to see if the Levitate 5 delivered.
It’s in the fit
The Levitate 5 comes in two fits – the regular fit and brand new StealthFit. There are also neutral and support fit options.
The shoe itself is designed with ‘DNA AMP midsole technology’. This claims to ‘absorb the impact of every stride, releasing the energy straight back to the runner’. The outsole has an arrow-point pattern that ‘enables runners to move their foot quickly from heel to toe, enhancing that springy feel even more.’
Some Brooks love
I will begin by saying that I am already a fan of Brooks’ shoes. I usually run in a Brooks Revel 4. They offer the wide fit I need (something I’ve struggled to find outside of Vibram and the original Nike Free shoes) and feel comfortable for my toe striking running style.
As I like a minimal shoe and have been keen to try a shoe with knitted upper, I opted for the Stealth Fit, neutral option for the Levitate 5 shoe.
A stealthy shoe?
The Stealth Fit is Brooks’ brand new Fit Knit upper. It is designed to wrap the foot and adapt to the way runners move. It has an integrated tongue and is constructed to provide stretch and compression, offering a sleek and closer-to-foot fit. The shoe has a midsole drop of 8mm and weighs 244g for the women’s shoe (278g for the men’s).
I really loved the fit and the way it hugs my foot. As I mentioned above, I have really wide feet, and while the Levitate 5 doesn’t feel as wide as the Revel 4, the knitted upper prevents the cramping and pinching I’m used to with a narrower shoe. I noticed on Brooks own site that the reviews suggested that the stealth fit rubbed the back of the heel for a number of runners, but haven’t had this issue at all as yet (three runs in).
If you are uncertain about trying the stealth fit, there is a classic fit option as well. The company says:
At Brooks we want to empower runners to choose what suits them best…Runners who value comfort and consistency may prefer shoes with our classic fit that hugs the foot. Runners who value performance and innovation may prefer our shoes with StealthFit, designed to wrap the foot thanks to a combination of stretch and compression. With the Levitate 5 options in our Energize category, runners will find the shoe that they are looking for.
Final thoughts
I have to be honest and say that I didn’t feel especially ‘bouncy’ in the shoe. However, I wonder if this is because I run on my toes and the ‘levitate’ technology is in the mid sole and as such I’m not benefitting from it.
The Levitate 5 is a good looking and comfortable shoe and I’ve been really enjoying running in them so far.
The shoe is available now from Brooks Running and retails at £140.
About Brooks Running Company
Brooks Running Company sells its performance footwear, apparel, sports bras and accessories in more than 50 countries worldwide. Brooks’ purpose is to inspire everyone to run their path to a better self, creating innovative gear for runners, people who run and the running community. Founded 1914, Brooks is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and is headquartered in Seattle.
Find out more
Visit www.brooksrunning.co.uk or on Instagram @brooksrunninguk and Facebook
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