My mileage is between miles, mainly run commuting and long run on a weekend. The shoe is significantly lighter and contributes to its firmer and smoother running profile. Running shoes are not created equal – we’re the first to agree with that! But if you’ve been running in shoes from another brand, and want to try Brooks, it’s helpful to know where to start. Brooks’s most recent stability tech, the Guide Rails system, is the brand’s holistic approach in preventing erratic movement caused by running fatigue, which can lead to injury.
The upper as you can see is now constructed of knit material on the Levitate 4 and is obvious from the picture. While the knit upper conforms to the foot better, I didn’t find that it had any additional benefit. So, a softer midsole will soak up the energy while the stiffer midsole will return some of the energy. The shoe’s midsole is comprised of Brooks’ DNA AMP, and its structure is designed differently than the Levitate 3. With the new construction, I could tell the shoe provides energy back in each step.
I’m definitely really excited about reviewing all the new products coming out and giving you my opinion. Semi firm going through the gait cycle, the DNA AMP Midsole is now a lot lighter but this isn’t necessarily a good thing. The shoes offer multi purposes after running 50+ miles in them, I have managed anything from tempo/ faster workouts to recovery run.
Shipping and waste are also among the many other facets of production the brand plans to tackle during its climate-conscious mission over the next two decades. In 2017, Brooks introduced its DNA Amp midsole, a polyurethane foam encased in thermoplastic polyurethane . Trailing DNA Amp was DNA Loft, the brand’s plushest midsole foam, which disperses impact without sacrificing rebound.
As with the speed workouts, I’ve experienced the same forefoot slap when running downhill. I attribute this to the same outsole issue from the track. While the shoe is suitable for speed work, don’t expect it to feel light and fast.
The result of the forefoot’s lack of flexibility was my mile splits becoming slower. But, the data that I collected have shown that I was still running the same pace I do in my other shoes. The Brooks Levitate 4 is a good all-around do under armour shoes run small training shoe and could be used for daily training and marathons. We think you’ll love our products because thousands of other runners already do. If you’ve ever wanted your socks to be shoes, this is your moment.
Our Fit Knit upper provides a unique, huggy feeling that blends seamless structure and breathability. Runners who value a close-to-foot feel and sleek aesthetic may prefer this style. The only concern which I have experienced is the level of cushioning in comparison to the previous models. There is enough cushioning and a boost of energy, although not especially agile and fast, the ride is reliably consistent and smooth.
The Levitate features a snappy, responsive ride that promotes quick transitions and smooth turnovers. While the Levitate is a neutral shoe, Brooks also offers a Levitate GTS—“Go-To-Support”—option for those who overpronate or feel more comfortable in a stability shoe. I don’t know if the outsole is the biggest change, but with its one-piece design combined with the new midsole, the shoe is changed to something new.
You should be warned that leaning too far forward in this shoe might land you on your face. This is a bit of an over-exaggeration, but there is some serious return on energy with every step. The laces lace-up and hold tightly and they didn’t loosen during my first run. The heel cup fits perfectly and I didn’t have any issues with it digging into my Achilles tendon. The shoe is very comfortable that I always look forward to my next run.