Brooks Revel Review + Comparisons

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.

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.

Pros and Cons of the Brooks Revel 5

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

Weight

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.