Brooks Levitate 5
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Overview
The Brooks Levitate 5 is a running shoe that combines a classic feel with modern technology. It's part of the Brooks Levitate family, known for its responsive and energized ride.
Key Features:
- DNA AMP midsole: This technology delivers high energy return and cushioning, providing a springy and responsive feel.
- Updated Upper: The shoe offers two upper styles, a traditional mesh and a sleeker knit version called StealthFit, catering to different fit preferences.
- Arrow-point Outsole Pattern: Designed for quick heel-to-toe transitions, promoting a more propulsive toe-off.
The Brooks Levitate 5 is an ideal choice for runners who value a shoe that encourages an efficient stride and provides a firm, responsive ride. Its DNA AMP midsole offers a unique balance of cushioning and energy return, making it suitable for a variety of workouts and distances.
With an average review score of 81%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 20% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Brooks Levitate 5
The Brooks Levitate 5 stands out for its DNA AMP midsole, which offers a firm yet responsive ride, ideal for runners who prefer a shoe that feels lively underfoot. It's a solid choice for those who enjoy a classic running shoe feel with modern updates. The shoe's updated upper provides two options, catering to different fit preferences, and the arrow-point outsole pattern promotes quick transitions. However, it may not be the best option for runners seeking a plush, soft ride or those who frequently run on wet surfaces. The Brooks Levitate 5 is a versatile shoe that can handle various paces and distances, but it shines best during energetic runs.
Updates to Brooks Levitate 5
The Brooks Levitate 5 maintains the essence of its predecessors with its DNA AMP midsole, while introducing an updated upper for improved fit and breathability. Compared to the Brooks Levitate 4, the Levitate 5 offers a more breathable and supportive engineered circular knit upper, with the option of a more structured or sleeker fit.
Comparable Shoes
The Brooks Hyperion Tempo is a lighter, quicker shoe with a similar design to the Brooks Levitate 5. It's a modern tempo shoe that may appeal to runners looking for a lower stack and a more contemporary feel.
The Brooks Glycerin 19 offers a plush, recovery-day option compared to the firmer Brooks Levitate 5. It's better suited for runners seeking a softer ride for longer distances.
The Brooks Ghost 14 provides better traction on wet surfaces than the Brooks Levitate 5, making it a preferable choice for runners who live in wet environments or require more grip during their runs.
Special versions of Brooks Levitate 5
The Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 5 differs from the standard Levitate 5 with its one-piece knit upper that provides a more compressive and snug fit. It's designed for runners who prefer a sleeker fit with stretch and compression.
The Brooks Levitate GTS 5 is the stability counterpart to the Levitate 5, offering additional support for runners who need it. It shares the same responsive DNA AMP midsole but includes features that cater to those requiring more stability in their running shoes.
6 Brooks Levitate 5 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Brooks Levitate 5 offers two upper options: a traditional mesh and the StealthFit knit. The mesh upper provides a structured fit, while the StealthFit version offers a more compressive and snug feel. Both are designed to accommodate different foot shapes and personal preferences in fit.
Midsole
The DNA AMP midsole technology in the Brooks Levitate 5 delivers a responsive and springy ride. This midsole is crafted to provide high energy return, which is particularly noticeable during faster-paced runs.
Outsole
Featuring an arrow-point pattern, the outsole of the Brooks Levitate 5 is engineered for quick heel-to-toe transitions. This design aids in achieving a more propulsive toe-off, enhancing the shoe's overall responsiveness.
Size/fit
The Brooks Levitate 5 fits true to size but runs slightly narrow, especially in the toe box. Runners with wider feet may need to consider a different model or try the shoe on before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit.
Comfort
While the Brooks Levitate 5 is not the most plush shoe on the market, it offers a comfortable fit with a well-padded upper. The shoe's comfort is more pronounced during faster runs where the responsive midsole shines.
Cushioning
The cushioning in the Brooks Levitate 5 is firm and responsive, making it better suited for runners who prefer a harder ride. It may not be the best choice for those looking for a soft, plush feel during slower runs.
Breathability
The engineered circular knit upper of the Brooks Levitate 5 provides breathability and an adaptable fit. However, the fully-gusseted tongue may reduce overall breathability slightly.
Stability
As a neutral running shoe, the Brooks Levitate 5 offers adequate stability for runners with neutral pronation. It's designed to support a natural stride without additional corrective features.
Durability
The Brooks Levitate 5 is built to last, with a stiff and dense midsole and outsole that promise long-term durability. It's likely that the shoe will outlast the runner's legs on long distances.
Grip
The grip on the Brooks Levitate 5 is reliable on dry surfaces, but the shoe may not perform as well on wet roads. Runners should be cautious when running in wet conditions.
Who should buy the Brooks Levitate 5?
The Brooks Levitate 5 is well-suited for runners who appreciate a firm and responsive ride during their daily running. It's ideal for those who enjoy a shoe that provides a springy feel and encourages an efficient stride. Runners who prefer a classic running shoe experience with modern updates will find value in this model.
Who should not buy the Brooks Levitate 5?
Runners seeking a plush, soft ride for recovery days or long runs may want to look elsewhere, such as the Brooks Glycerin 19. Additionally, those with wider feet might find the fit too snug and should consider models with a wide toe box. If you frequently run in wet conditions, a shoe with better traction on wet surfaces, like the Brooks Ghost 14, might be a better fit.
Brooks Levitate 5: What's it good for?
The Brooks Levitate 5 is good for runners looking for a shoe that can handle a mix of paces. It's particularly effective for tempo runs and shorter distances where its responsive cushioning can be fully appreciated.
4 Brooks Levitate 5 FAQs
Is the Brooks Levitate 5 suitable for runners with wide feet?
The Brooks Levitate 5 runs slightly narrow, especially in the toe box. Runners with wide feet may need to consider a different model or the Levitate 5 with a more traditional mesh upper for a roomier fit.
How does the Brooks Levitate 5 perform on wet surfaces?
The Brooks Levitate 5 may not provide optimal grip on wet surfaces. Runners should exercise caution when running in wet conditions with this shoe.
What is the main difference between the Brooks Levitate 5 and the StealthFit version?
The main difference lies in the upper. The Brooks Levitate 5 features a traditional mesh upper, while the StealthFit version offers a one-piece knit upper for a more compressive and snug fit.
What type of runs is the Brooks Levitate 5 best suited for?
The Brooks Levitate 5 is best suited for tempo runs and shorter distances where its responsive cushioning can be fully utilized. It's also suitable for daily training for runners who prefer a firmer ride.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | ||
| released | ReleasedAug 2021 | Feb 2018 | Feb 2018 | |||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 312 g W: 266 g | M: 312 g W: 278 g | M: 346 g W: 295 g | M: 238 g W: 196 g | M: 238 g W: 198 g | |
| Forefoot | Forefoot21 mm | M: 21 mm W: 20 mm | M: 24 mm W: 23 mm | 18 mm | 13 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 12 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | |
| Heel | Heel29 mm | M: 33 mm W: 32 mm | M: 34 mm W: 33 mm | 28 mm | 21 mm | |
| Usages | UsagesDaily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily runningSpeed training | Daily running |
| Brand | BrandBrooks | Vivobarefoot | PUMA | adidas | Nike | Nike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeBreathableMaximalist | BarefootLow dropMinimalistZero drop | Maximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | BreathableLightweight | BreathableLightweight |
| Adidas | Adidas | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | Techs | 4Dadidas 4D | Nike FlyknitNike React | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | SustainableVegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh archBreathable |
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