I recently made the switch from Brooks Ghost to Revel.
In the beginning, I did not think there would be a significant difference, but as it turns out, there are some huge differences.
Below I detail what makes them special, what I like about them, and compare them to several popular running shoes, including Brooks Ghost, Launch, Glycerin, Levitiate, Anthem and Adrenaline.
Full Brooks Revel Review
The Brooks Revel is one of the most popular street-running shoes on the market.
It comes in a broad price range depending on size, color, and whether there are any additional features. The images throughout are the actual photos of the shoes I purchased.
This guide reviews the basic shoe, so only parts included in all models of the Revel will be reviewed.
The Revel has a medium level of arch support, which means it should be comfortable for most runners. People with high levels of pronation or supination might not be as comfortable in these shoes as they would be in others, so it’s important to try one on before making your decision.

There is a small slope in these shoes, but it’s barely noticeable. The toe side is slightly lower than the heel, which could cause problems for people with high arches, but it’s unlikely.
There is plenty of room in the toe box for a regular amount of play, so people shouldn’t worry about their toes being crushed.
The rest of the Revel has an average width, made for people of most foot sizes.
Pro Tip- Be sure to pop over to Brooks, often times they have these on-sale which are sometimes priced cheaper than Amazon.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: For runners looking for a versatile shoe that’s springy on the run, stylish off the run, and comfortable for the long run. Styled to perform, the Revel 5 delivers a springy ride and all-day comfort. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to help protect you by deflecting impact away from your body.
- QUICK TRANSITIONS: The arrow-point pattern in the outsole lets your foot move from heel to toe quickly. Our Green Rubber outsole puts a spring in each step.
- FRESH LOOK: The updated Fit Knit upper provides versatility and style with a comfortably secure fit.
- REFRESHED UPPER: The Engineered Air Mesh and 3D Fit Print on the upper create the right blend of stretch and structure for supreme comfort and stability.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel 5
PROS
CONS
Overall, the Brooks Revel is a solid running shoe. Runners who go for light exercise, such as jogging or running a few days a week, will find the shoe comfortable and relatively long-lasting.
The extra padding I mentioned above in the Pros category helps prevent heel blisters.
Below is a photo showing the difference between my Brooks Ghost and Revel, specifically around the heel area. The Revel certainly has more padding, which means a more comfortable ride.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: For runners looking for a versatile shoe that’s springy on the run, stylish off the run, and comfortable for the long run. Styled to perform, the Revel 5 delivers a springy ride and all-day comfort. We recommend ordering Brooks running shoes 1/2 to one size larger than your dress shoe.
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA cushioning adapts to your stride, weight, and speed to help protect you by deflecting impact away from your body.
- QUICK TRANSITIONS: The arrow-point pattern in the outsole lets your foot move from heel to toe quickly. Our Green Rubber outsole puts a spring in each step.
- FRESH LOOK: The updated Fit Knit upper provides versatility and style with a comfortably secure fit.
- REFRESHED UPPER: The Engineered Air Mesh and 3D Fit Print on the upper create the right blend of stretch and structure for supreme comfort and stability.
I recommend the Brooks Revel to runners who are planning to run 50 miles or less per week, or those runners who are looking to try out Brooks and are not sure which pair is right for them.
There may be problems for people with high arches, but it’s unlikely. There is plenty of room in the toe box for a regular amount of space, so people shouldn’t worry about their toes being crushed.
The rest of the Revel additionally has an average width, made for people of most foot sizes.

Brooks Revel vs Ghost

The Brooks Ghost is similar to the Revel. It is slightly heavier than the ACSM recommends and has a slope of roughly 12 mm., which isn’t noticeable for most athletes.
It also has average arch support, so it should be comfortable for runners with medium arch sizes.
The Ghost was designed for daily running. It comes in a variety of colors and styles and has few additional features.
If you are looking for the aesthetically pleasing, the new Brooks Ghost 11 have eye-popping designs.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel vs Ghost?
PROS
CONS
Similar to the Revel, the Ghost was made for street running and should not be used cross country. It possesses many of the same features, including extra padding and a relatively minimalist design.
The main difference is that the Ghost has more arch support and can last longer while the Revel is more of a casual athlete shoe.
The Revel also has a roomier toe box, which can prevent squashed feet. However, both are roughly the same price, so you can try them on and see which you like better.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 13 is for runners looking for a reliable shoe that's soft and smooth. The Ghost 13 offers improved transitions for zero distractions so you can focus more on what matters most: your run. This Brooks Ghost 13 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 12
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever.
- SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE: No matter how your foot lands, our Segmented Crash Pad - an integrated system of shock absorbers - will cushion every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
- SOFT, SECURE, FIT: The newly engineered mesh and 3D Fit Print practically disappears on your foot with strategically placed stretch and structure.
Brooks Revel vs Launch

The Brooks Launch are also road running shoes with average arch support and minimal slope. They have more padding on the bottom than other shoes from Brooks with only a 10 mm., the difference between the heel and toe box.
This particular brand of shoe has been discontinued, so they are becoming increasingly harder to find.
These shoes are some of the only Brooks models which follow the ACSM’s advice about weight, since they weigh between 8 and 9 lbs. per shoe.
They also have minimal features, excluding the extra padding on the bottom. They work as daily running shoes, but can be considered casual as well and will deteriorate faster than stronger models.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel vs Launch?
PROS
CONS
The main reason why people prefer the Revel to the Launch, and why the Launch was discontinued, is because the Launch simply feels too small and tight for a daily running shoe.
While many people found it comfortable once they selected a larger size than normal, many runners were unwilling to deal with it and preferred the Revel because of its comfort.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Launch 7 is perfect for runners who want a streamlined, race-ready shoe that still has enough cushioning for everyday training.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provideds lightweight, flexible and responsive cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Launch 6
- FAST CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning and rebounding rubber deliver comfort without adding extra weight - perfect for days when you’re working on your speed.
- LIGHTWEIGHT FIT: The one-piece mesh upper and internal bootie are so light and breezy, they feel like they’re not even there.
- QUICK TRANSITIONS: The Midfoot Transition Zone is shaped to go from heel to toe quickly.
Brooks Revel vs Glycerin

The Brooks Glycerin is yet another road running shoe with a bottom slope of 10 mm. It has average to low arch support, which can create problems for individuals with high arches.
The shoes are slightly heavier than the ACSM recommends, but are considered relatively durable for their price point.
The Glycerin has extra padding along the bottom to ensure maximum comfort for the runner.
They can be used for daily running, but some users began to see sole wear and tear after 70 miles, which was deemed unsatisfactory. In fact, the new Glycerin 16 have DNA LOFT cushioning which has made them even softer.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel vs Glycerin?
PROS
CONS
Similar to the Launch, the Glycerin model is a bit too small to be comfortable for most runners. While the Revel has plenty of room for toes, the Glycerin tends to be too small and cramped.
The design decision to make the front curve up can also cause discomfort.
In terms of price, the Revel is a better value than the Glycerin, which tends to be more expensive and has lots of padding.
While some athletes appreciate the extra cushioning, it ruins the minimalist design of other Brooks models and can cause more problems like unsteady ankles.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Glycerin 18 is perfect for runners who think there's no such thing as too much cushioning. The upper enhances comfort by perfectly balancing stretch and structure.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: Provides neutral support while offering the maximum amount of cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Glycerin 17.
- SUPER-SOFT CUSHIONING: Increased DNA LOFT super-soft cushioning allows for even more extreme softness, without losing responsiveness or durability, while the OrthoLite sockliner provides premium step-in comfort.
- PLUSH FIT: The plush feel of an internal stretch bootie surrounds your foot and moves and expands with your stride. The engineered mesh upper enhances the fit.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The plush transition zone makes every move from heel to toe feel incredibly soft and smooth.
Brooks Revel vs Anthem

The Brooks Anthem is actually considered one of the better models from Brooks because it was designed for competitions, has almost no slope along the bottom, and is extremely lightweight.
Many runners report feeling like they weren’t wearing anything at all because it was easy not to notice the shoes. The Anthem has neutral arch support and is relatively inexpensive.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel vs Anthem?
PROS
CONS
It’s hard to compare the Revel and Anthem because they were made for different events.
While the Revel works well for daily workouts, people who actively participate in competitions would benefit more from the Anthem.
The Revel is far more durable, but not as light. Both have comfortable toe boxes though, which is a plus for people who play.
Brooks Revel vs Levitate

The Brooks Levitate are daily road running shoes.
They have average arch support, a reasonable slope, and feature extra padding around the heels and toes, which can either be comfortable or bothersome for the individual wearing the shoes.
A typical pair is more expensive than other Brooks models.
These shoes are heavier than the ACSM recommends but otherwise meets the standards for a reasonable running shoe.
Many people enjoyed the comfort but did not like how much the footwear weighed.
These shoes are heavier than the ACSM recommends but otherwise meets the standards for a reasonable running shoe.
Many people enjoyed the comfort but did not like how much the footwear weighed.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel vs Levitate?
PROS
CONS
Compared to the Revel, the Levitate is slightly heavier and generally more uncomfortable.
While some people appreciated the extra padding, the majority of wearers agree it might not be worth the extra money when the Revel is cheaper.
The Levitate did have one thing going for it, which was that it was more durable and likely to survive daily runs compared to the Revel.
- SHOE SIZE: "D" = Medium width
- FOOT SUPPORT: Ideal for runners with a medium to high arch looking for neutral support.
- ENERGIZED FEEL: Delivers a responsive and springy ride to add extra lift to your stride without compromising support or speed.
- ENERGIZED CUSHIONING: With the most energy return of leading performance running shoes, the DNA AMP midsole technology in Levitate 2 gives you back more of the effort you put in.
- INTUITIVE FIT, INCOGNITO COMFORT: The inside of the highly adaptable Fit Knit upper holds a host of comfort features to keep you running at your best.
Brooks Revel vs Adrenaline

The Brooks Adrenaline is a discontinued model designed for daily road running.
Unlike a lot of the manufacturer’s shoes, the Adrenaline has high heels and toes with a moderate slope designed to provide extra support.
This can be comfortable or uncomfortable depending on the size of the wearer’s arch.
The Adrenaline features extra arch support and weighs slightly more than a good running shoe should.
Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel vs Adrenaline?
PROS
CONS
Compared to the Revel, the Adrenaline is stronger and designed to provide extra support to the wearer.
The main difference is that the Revel is a more casual shoe and has a better fit for people with average fit.
The Adrenaline works well for runners with narrow feet, but can be uncomfortable for other people.
What Makes A Good Running Shoe?
Believe it or not, not all shoes are made equal.
Even athletic shoes are susceptible to variation, as some are better for sprinting while others are excellent for long distance running, and vice versa.
Still more might be acceptable for sports like tennis but can’t keep up with the hectic life of a runner.
When it comes to picking a good running shoe, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has some of the best guidelines. The venerable institution recommends that an individual check three factors: slope, minimal features, and overall shoe weight.
Slope
Slope refers to how much of an angle exists between the height of the shoe’s heel and toe box.
The toe box is the section which encompasses a person’s toes and usually ends around the balls of the feet.
The ACSM recommends that individuals find a shoe which has almost no slope. This is because the angle can put excessive strain on the joints and lead to injuries like sprained ankles.
Minimal Features
This characteristic is exactly what it sounds like.
A good running shoe is one that lacks unnecessary bells and whistles and instead focuses on helping the foot achieve its maximum potential as an appendage meant to propel runners from one place to another.
This means that a decent running shoe does not have extra padding, lights, support, zippers, and other unnecessary details.
The ACSM suggests that running shoes should weigh no more than 8-10 oz. since footwear over that amount can hold people back and potentially cause injuries from excess tension and pressure.
People should additionally find a shoe that fits their foot shape and type.Weight
The biggest change in feet comes from the kind of arch an individual has.
The arch in the foot is the curve people can see. This curve controls where people might feel pressure or pain when they move.
The easiest way to determine what kind of arches you have is to take a wet test.A website called Heel That Pain explains this test in greater detail, but the general idea is to wet your foot and then press it to a sheet of paper.
The more of the foot that appears on the paper, the flatter your feet.
Flat feet or high arches can cause problems like pronation, supination, or just general injuries.
The Sports Injury Clinic recommends against pronating too much – or rolling your ankles inward – because you are more likely to get sprains or muscle tears.
Similar results occur from supination, which is when your ankles roll outward.
A good running shoe will help you avoid these problems. With that being said, we’re now left to wonder “Does the Brooks Revel qualify as a good running shoe?”
Conclusion
Overall, the Brooks Revel is a good shoe and can be comfortable for most wearers. In general, it can be used for regular running but can wear out quickly for people who exercise every day and need something more durable.
Is it recommended? Yes.
But be sure to try out several different models to find running shoes that truly feel great.
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Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API