Brooks Levitate 4 Review
The Things You Must Know
Weighs 10.3 oz. (292g) For a USM9.0/ 9.2oz. (392g) for US M9.0/ 9.2oz. (260g).
Fit Knit foot wraps like a too-touchy aunt, breaking all COVID rules
DNAAMP’s midsole has been made lighter but still offers a solid ride as a day trainer.
You came here looking for Panic! You’re at The Disco.
AUSTIN: Levitate. The Levitate is an amazing brick. The Levitate was the original version I tested in 2017, and it is still my favorite. That classic Brooks step-in comfort that hugs the feet like a long lost relative who likes to hug your feet. My high expectations were not met by the weight or bold claims about DNA AMP’s superior energy return. But, it’s 2020. But it’s 2020. Surely the ounces dropped and the energy return soared like Panic! Brendon, The Disco frontman scaling a Los Angeles skyscraper Hope rises, friends.
ROBBE Apparently Austin is stronger than me. Let’s move on to Brooks Levitate 4. A neutral trainer that can be worn every day with a DNA AMP midsole (which Brooks claims is 20% lighter) and a Fit Knit upper.
Brooks Levitate 4 Conclusion
AUSTIN – I am investing more. I frequently hear this phrase about stocks/bonds/mutual money: Past performance is not a guarantee of future success. A recent investment might not have performed as well, but it could be poised to perform better in the future. According to shoe terminology, though the Levitate 1 fell, the Levitate 4 will rise.
ROBBE: Overall, if you’re a fan of the Levitate line, this should suit your needs, but be forewarned of its firmness. Although this shoe isn’t going to revolutionize running, it will get the job done. Honestly, you should pick up the Brooks Hyperion Tempo if you can find it right now, cause it’s lighter, faster, and provides about the same amount of cushion but with way more energy return. It’s a shoe that can be worn daily, even though it’s more casual than the Levitate. For those who prefer a comfortable underfoot trainer for everyday use, you can choose to go with either the Ghost 13 (or the ASICS GEL Cumulus 22). Brooks Levitate 4 will give you a stiffer ride, with more energy return. It’s available at Running Warehouse for $150.
Robbe is the Senior Editor/Review Manager for BITR. While he doesn’t train for MAF, Robbe is a Baltimore resident with his wife and their two young sons. When not running, he runs with Faster Bastards. He loves the marathon, and he doesn’t like Blue Moon beer.
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Introduction Jeff: Brooks Levitate. One of the cornerstones of the weirder side of Brooks (including the Pure series, Green Silence, etc.. vs the tried-and-true Adrenaline/Ravenna/Transcend or Ghost/Glycerin/Launch), the previous versions of the Levitate were incredibly heavy and brought what Sam coined as a “pneumatic feel” as you ran in them due to their polyurethane midsole construction. The Lev4 plays with the formula some, introducing a new variant of their DNA Amp midsole that is 20% lighter than the previous material. With this new formulation they were able to reduce the overall weight by about 1.5 oz/42g. They also simplified their knit top. Do you think this could make Levitate the mainstream brand? For others, it might be. But for me, the four seems like a backward step.
Derek: Derek I was not able to get miles on the Levitate in its earlier versions. Version 1 was available in stores, and although there was some springiness to the foam it didn’t feel as lovely as I expected for a shoe of that weight. The Levitate was loved by a friend. He even raced in full marathons with them. His weight is about 155lbs, so he’s sub-3. To see if the Levitate 4 would help me lose weight, I signed-up for it. This version has a modified midsole, which drops weight and an updated outsole design. Does it work? Learn more.
Jamie: From the first version to the 4th, the Levitate has made quite a few changes over the years, but what has clearly stayed the same, lots of cushion. I assumed that the Levitate would provide a durable shoe for everyday training and be light enough to go on all kinds of runs. The weight of the shoe never appealed to me in prior versions, so when I found out that the Levitate 4 dramatically reduced its weight, I was eager to test it out. Right out of the box, the new Levitate 4 looked good, and felt good, but running it was quite the different story.
Sam: The Levitate 4 was a great shoe. It dropped 1.3 oz, retained the pneumatic DNA AMP midsole foam, and topped it off with a sleek, elegant knit upper.
Any Negative Points
Mo says: The only concern which I have experienced is the level of cushioning in comparison to the previous models. The Levitate 4 may not provide enough cushioning for all runners but just enough for me as I have used them for mainly 5k to 10k distances.
For runners, it would be a good idea to go up half a size.
Reka: I have one concern. They are too small. If you go up half a size, it should be a great fit.
Mo and Reka both independently test the shoe. Before submitting reviews, they have run the shoe for at least 4 weeks. Their running experience, style of running and training are the main factors in determining how they rate the shoe. Brooks gave the shoes as a gift, but Brooks made no contribution to this review. All views expressed here are solely those of the test subjects.
Brooks Levitate Review
Tech Summary Pros Cons Brooks’ marketing pitch: The most energy return for runners looking for a springy, responsive ride.
Upper: Engineered-mesh inner sleeve.
Midsole – Full-length DNAAMP Polyurethane polyurethane foam. 8 mm heel to toe offset.
Outsole: Multiple pieces of soft rubber.
The Half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 9/EUR 42.5/CM 7 / 317.5 gms/ 11.2 Oz
The Levitate is Brooks’ new neutral trainer with a firm, responsive ride and a snug-fitting knit upper. While the shoe isn’t perfect, the DNA AMP platform has plenty of potential.
How is The Brooks Levitate Useful?
The Brooks Levitate’s latest version is an excellent everyday shoe for runners looking for a responsive, smooth trainer. I like the firm feel of this shoe for both my training sessions and recovery, as well my long runs. A reviewer also said it was a very comfortable shoe for walking. Aug 2, 2021
Brooks Levitate is a good choice for running?
Running with the Levitate 4 is a breeze. Brooks’ best responsive cushioning, DNAAMP throughout the middlesole, is what this shoe offers. This cushioning propels you forward– making it a springy road-running shoe. These shoes are great for anyone who is looking to run long distances or for more mileage.
Is Brooks Levitate 4 Good For Flat Feet?
It fits Levitate 4. This is not a major complaint. I’d have no problem running a road ultra with this. Even though the arch support works well for me, I don’t think it will work for someone flat-footed.
Are Brooks Levitate 4 True To Size?
THE LEVIATE 4 FITS, FEELS, AND RIDE Exactly as size, the Levitate 4 is also a snug fit, from heel to tip. While the tongue may not be gusseted but its sleek fabric and smooth interior lining make it snug around the foot. Aug 18, 2020
.Brooks Levitate 4 Review