SCORE: 8/10
Weight: 249g/8.8 oz (M size 9), 229g/8.1oz, (W size 8)
Heel drop: 10mm
Shoe Type: Neutral daily trainer
Pace: Moderate
Running surface: Road
Pros
- Comfortable and reasonably breathable upper
- Beautiful design
- Snug-fitting and excellent lockdown
- Lightweight
- Roomy toe box
- Doubles as casual wear
- Durable
- Reliable daily trainer
- A variety of colors
Cons
- Lack stability features
- limited to short runs at a moderate pace
- It can be slippery on wet surfaces
Take Away
The Brooks Revel 6 is an exciting shoe. It is a budget-friendly neutral daily training shoe featuring a springy midsole, elevated heel drop, simple but beautiful upper, and remarkable all-around performance.
Introduction
With the challenging economic times, a budget-friendly running shoe that can perform above average is necessary, especially for beginner runners or someone wanting to add more rotation shoes. The Ravel line-up from Brooks fits this category of shoes and is priced at less than $100. I have run in the Brooks Ravel 5 and loved its simplicity and excellent performance, particularly pushing more mileage. I am glad Brooks released Ravel 6 before I exhausted my pair of Brooks Ravel 6.
What is New?
The new iteration has few but significant upper and midsole changes. For instance, the new upper features 57% of recycled crystal plastic water bottles, up from 51% in the previous version, the midsole has refined, somewhat soft BioMoGo DNA foam, and there is elevated heel drop. The neutral support remains unchanged.
Brooks Revel 6 Upper Design and Fitting
The upper features a knit material which Brooks refers to as Fit Knit. The material is reinforced with elements covering the ankle and toe box. The reinforcement gives this shoe structure. I also noticed that Brooks Revel 6 has a moderately wide width and voluminous forefoot. The heel and midfoot have a snug fitting. Thus doesn’t need lace locking to obtain the dial-in. Besides, the rigid counter is solid enough. Therefore, it locks down the heel pretty well. It is not highly breathable but sufficient to keep the feet cool. Most runners will agree that Revel 6 looks easy to the eye.
Brooks Revel 6 Midsole Design and Performance
The Brooks Revel 6’s midsole ticks all the boxes; it is springy with pops, has refined cushioning, and feels nice when running. The midsole exudes less flexibility, befitting an ideal daily training shoe. Hence there is an emphasis on rebound and energy return in this iteration.
The midsole of Brooks Revel 6 comprises the BioMoGo DNA, refined EVA foam, which feels slightly more cushioned than the previous version, especially in the heel but more firm than the DNA LOFT foam in Brooks Glycerin 20. There is an additional 2 mm heel drop up from an 8mm heel drop in the Revel 6. The extra heel drop could be the reason for improved cushioning in the heel. It has more compression than the 8 mm drop Revel 5. Interestingly, the extra 2mm feels like a subtle change, while the increased cushioning at the heel is more noticeable. Unfortunately, runners who preferred the lowered 8mm heel drop may feel disappointed.
How Brooks Revel 6 Performs on the Run
The wide and flaring sole platform, especially in the forefoot, and a lack of profound rocker geometry create an almost planted foot landing at a slow pace, but there is a stable and consistent foot strike. The rebound is noticeable and makes the run exciting, especially at a relaxed, moderate pace.
I have tried running variations and noticed that Brooks Revel 6 is compliant when picking up the pace. The ride is also firm at a slow pace. However, it makes a runner confident with every foot strike. I also have noticed that Revel 6 rides nicely at mid-range distances. The foot gets tired, and cushioning dwindles with prolonged running.
Overall the ride is peppy and moderate pace, with a balance of firmness and softness underfoot. It is also lightweight on foot.
Outsole Design and Traction
The outsole rubber comprises small and less aggressive rubber patterns. They cover almost the entire shoe and perform well in fairly critical conditions. There is an adequate grip that wet surfaces can only challenge. The channel in the heel area ensures that critical zones are protected and that there is an element of softness in the heel zone during landing.
Stability
As a neutral daily trainer, Brooks Revel 6 lacks any stability mechanism through the midfoot. Instead, the fairly firm midsole offers elements of stability but not actual stability. The reasonably firm midsole is complemented by a wide platform and a flaring sole all the way through the forefoot. Besides, the upper has a supportive structure, excellent heel lock, and mid-foot hold. Still, Brooks should have created more flaring from the midfoot through the heel to enhance stability.
Who Should Buy Brooks Revel 6?
Brooks Revel 6 is for a runner looking for a relatively firm and responsive daily training shoe at a budget-friendly price. It may not fit advanced runners who want to clock more mileage in the shortest time possible, but beginner runners will find Revel 6 exciting for casual running at a moderate pace. They can use it for clocking daily miles. Advanced runners can use it as a rotation shoe for less technical workouts.
Brooks Revel 6 also doubles as a walker. It has a casual-like design that matches several casual wear. It is also comfortable during an all-day walk.
Who Should Not Buy Brooks Revel 6?
It does not suit someone looking for stability. It is a neutral running shoe with no element of actual -stability. It is also slower and firm for long-distance running. Hence, get Brooks Glycerin 20 if you want a softer and more responsive daily trainer for high mileage everyday training.
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.
