Brooks Men's Revel 6 Sneaker

Product Information

Together, the DNA Flash foam and SkyVault create an energetic ride, and enough responsiveness to get a good feel for the ground underfoot, which can be helpful for navigating obstacles on technical trails. The upper comes with a toe cap for protection against trail debris, and it also features drainage holes to shed water, so your feet won’t slosh around in the shoe after a creek crossing. In RW testing, the Catamount 2 won praise for its excellent grip, even in wet and wintry conditions. In the Revel, one is not restricted to either running close to the ground or to lifting the feet high up. The Revel is happy to facilitate either running style. Reasonably-priced shoe DNA is the brand’s most basic EVA foam. Its primary attribute is softness, which it brings to entry-level shoes across all three shoe categories. While DNA doesn’t have the pillowy feel or high energy return of Brooks’ more advanced foams, it’s a tried-and-true option that creates dependable cushioning. If you just need a basic trainer and don’t want to spend a lot of money, DNA will work well for you.

The grip was good on dry hard surfaces. There’s a ton of micro siping on the outsole so it should do fine in wet conditions as well but I was not able to test in the rain. Throughout my test runs, there’s no evidence of wear on the outsole or midsole creasing at all. No issues on dry surface It isn’t the most plush shoe on the market, and its high drop may feel uncomfortable for some runners. But the Ghost does a great job of absorbing impact forces, and the footbed feels supportive—ideal for a day-to-day training shoe. Its upper is made with a breathable engineered mesh for good temperature regulation, and the shoe has a great overall fit: The midfoot is relatively wide, so it won’t constrict your feet. The padding around the collar creates a comfortable feel. Testers reported no issues with hot spots or rubbing. Overall, the Ghost 15 is an approachable, capable shoe that works well for a wide range of runners. Cushion shoes, as the name implies, are designed to create a soft, pillowy feel underfoot. The Glycerin 20 is the flagship shoe in this category and Brooks’ most cushioned trainer. If you like plush, maximalist shoes that provide plenty of padding for your feet, this is where to start. The Revel weighs in at 8.7 (247g) ounces, which for a budget shoe is really impressive. This is a whopping 1.4oz lighter than the Ghost 14 (10.1oz/287g), a massive difference.

Our Verdict

The Launch 10 swaps in a revamped knit upper that creates a more secure fit around your foot—always important when going fast—and the collar is designed to pull away from your heel, so it won’t rub and cause irritation. The outsole has plenty of rubber, giving it excellent traction and durability. If that sounds helpful, look for Brooks models with a “GTS” in the name, which stands for “Go-to Support.” Brooks makes GTS versions of many of its shoes, including the Glycerin and Launch. The Ghost has been a favorite in the Brooks lineup for years, and the latest design is one of our favorite shoes of 2023. This versatile cushioned trainer is a go-to for everyone, from beginner runners to experienced marathoners looking for a reliable workhorse shoe. In RW testing, the Ghost 15’s DNA Loft v2 cushion served up a firm feel underfoot, or “an excellent ride with firm yet spongy cushioning,” as one tester described it.

The Revel has a flat knit upper which is styled in the latest urban-suburban “work and play” look trend. It’s a style that draws comments and compliments if you like that sort of thing. Secure, comfortable fit There’s quite decent forefoot flexibility due to four pronounced flex grooves, and the Revel has enough stability to meet the needs of mild to moderate pronators. While the shoe facilitates the midfoot striking runner, the heel drop is large enough for heel strikers. In RW testing, the Hyperion Max proved itself to be a capable performer in a variety of scenarios: “I could wear this shoe for almost every aspect of training,” said one tester. Need one shoe that can keep up with a variety of workouts? The Hyperion Max should be at the top of your list. I don’t love most of the Brooks lineup. Their midsole foam is dull underfoot and the shoes tend to be slightly overweight and overpriced based on how they perform in my opinion.DNA Flash, like DNA Loft v3, is nitrogen-infused EVA foam, but it’s optimized for low weight and high energy return. It also offers some softness to absorb impacts. It’s Brooks’ lightest cushioning material, giving shoes like the Hyperion Tempo their propulsive, energetic ride. It’s the foam you want under your feet if you’re focused on speed training or racing.