SCORE: 9/10

   Shoe Type: Daily Trainer

   Heel Drop:  8mm

   Pace: Moderate to fast pace

  Terrain: Road

    Pros

•         Excellent comfort
•         Neutral and narrow fit options
•         Versatile
•         Supportive structure
•         True-to-size fitting
•         Firm bouncy ride with easy toe-off
•         Stable ride

 Cons

•         Lacks soft underfoot ride
•         It’s somewhat heavy

Take Away

The Brooks Levitate 6 is a running shoe designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit while providing superior performance on the trails. The classic silhouette and lightweight construction make it an ideal choice for a wide range of runners seeking reliable and stylish shoes.

 Introduction

The following behind Brooks is not loud, but the silent followers have untamed fandom for this shoe. For those who love Brooks love them in their entirety, and those who had disappointing experiences with them have reservations about trying them out. For Brooks, behind the simple design are comfort and high performance. Besides, Brooks running shoes have improved over a period and have one of the best stability, max-cushioned, and daily training shoes. For instance, Brooks has consistently improved the Brooks Levitate series, a neutral everyday training shoe. The Levitate model is one of the Brooks fans’ favorite running shoes, and the newest iteration, the Levitate 6, has met the runner’s expectations.

The Brooks Levitate 6 Upper Design and Fitting

The Leviate 6's upper comprises a one-piece and stretchy creel mesh exuding a glass slipper-like feel. It is slightly thick and wraps the foot snugly. The upper has a neutral width and fits true to size with enough foothold. Note that Levitate has two upper variations: StealthFit and Classic. My pair has the stretchy StealthFit with an average width compared to the classic fit, which has the traditional slightly elastic mesh upper with a narrow platform. Derrick, my training partner, has one with a Classic fit and loves the comfort and fitting. He is a narrow-footed runner.

The fit is well-dialed and fits true to size. The collar is generously padded. The somewhat flexible heel counter does the job well. It keeps the heel locked. The lacing system is well thought out. The flat laces combine well with the relatively thick non-gusseted tongue to enhance fitting without causing bites on top of the foot.

Overall, Brooks Leviate 6 has comfortable upper  and fits true to size.

A Look at Brooks Leviate 6 Midsole Design and Performance

Brooks Levitate 6 midsole features the refined lightweight DNA AMP v2 foam and 2mm more stacked foam to add comfort to the ride while keeping the weight down. There is a considerable amount of give-in. Thus, it has a somewhat squishy ride, especially on the road or tarmac. There's also a substantial amount of support, but even with the added stack, it doesn’t feel as bulky as the Brooks Ghost 15.

Considering that Brooks utilized the firm DNA AMP v2 foam and not the soft Loft midsole form, Brooks Levitate 6 rides relatively firm but with a significant bounce to it. The heel-to-toe transition is smooth due to the mild beveled heel, a gradual toe spring, and flex in the forefoot.

Therefore, the Leviate 6 doesn’t have an aggressively exaggerated rocker geometry that takes over the control of the running rhythm. Instead, I have to apply my mechanics when transitioning from heel to toe. I also noticed that the midsole takes about 10 miles to break in, but a firm, responsive ride doesn’t go away. It can be on the heavy side when weighing with your hands but feels lightweight when running, particularly at moderate and easy paces.

Despite the significant energy turnover, Brooks Levitate 6 doesn’t suit marathon racing due to the weight and firm ride. Still, it remains an excellent daily training since it can take anything thrown at it, including tempo runs, easy paces, running on a treadmill, and light trails.

Brooks upgraded the outsole. The near-full rubber coverage makes it grippier than Brooks Levitate 5. It performs excellently across terrains, including wet roads. The flex grooves in the forefoot ensure a smooth, bouncy, and stable toe-off. Hence, there is an experience of softness because of the soft flex in the forefoot.

While the Brooks Levitate 6 is not the fastest daily training shoe, it still has a decent turnover. Also, it has a unique ride, firm and bouncy, with a substantial ground feel.

There is nothing to dislike about Levitate 6 since it is excellent in every aspect as a daily training shoe. It is well-cushioned and offers an energetic ride.

Who should buy Brooks Levitate 6?

The Levitate 6 fits a runner who wants a daily trainer with a firm and bouncy ride for moderate to high-pace runs. However, it is not an up-tempo daily trainer. You may consider the Skechers Racer Excess 2 or the Saucony Tempus.

It also fits runners who want stability though not the actual stability. The firm midsole and expansive outsole base offer the needed stability.

Brooks Levitate 6 is a versatile daily trainer like an all-in-one shoe, especially for those who love firm, snappy rides. It is also suitable for gym-goers.

Who Should Not Buy Brooks Levitate 6?

The DNA AMP v2 foam is known to be firm. Hence, this shoe does not suit a runner looking for a shoe with a soft underfoot ride. Besides being firm, the Levitate 6 ensures a runner puts in the effort, and this can be an issue for a runner who wants an effortless gait cycle. New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4 is a good option. It has maximum cushioning and is bouncy, except for lack of versatility.

It also doesn’t suit someone preferring lightweight daily trainers. My Levitate 6 men size 9 weighs 10.9oz/309g against the 9.9oz/281g average weight. According to Nike, a running shoe should be 8oz/227g to be considered lightweight. Hence, the Saucony Tempus is a better option.

It is not suitable for someone who wants true stability. While the upper is secure, Levitate 6 doesn’t have sidewalls. Hence, it remains a neutral daily trainer rather than a stability training shoe.

Verdict

The Levitate 6 is an excellent daily trainer that is secure and comfortable. It offers superior performance on various terrains.

Brooks Revel 6 Reviewed By:

Robert Holding, who is a regular runner living in Boston. He has thousands of miles under his foot. Robert is also a lover of Brooks and has a taste for excellent running shoes.