Brooks Men's Levitate Gts 5 Running Shoe

Product Information

I run neutral shoes and yes the Guide Rails are noticed here too but unlike the Launch 8 GTS far less so as there seems to be a better match between their firmness and the main midsole. The GTS here provides me more of a platform for initiating transitions and a bounce effect forward that is noticeable and effective. This extra “support” goes a long way to making the shoe flow more decisively through my gait cycle even at slower paces. Most importantly for me, the very stiff extended center of the toe bumper along with stiff side wings that extended over the toes of the Levitate 4 is dramatically and correctly toned down. Not quite the hold up front but no longer nearly unbearable as before. Overall the knit upper of the StealthFit is far softer and stretchier with less of the unpleasant rigid feel of the similar appearing Levitate 4’s. Sam : As Joost says “stable, predictable, and controlled” and Bryan says a “thin forefoot and dull-sh” ride. I agree. The Levitate comes to life when pushing the pace, not something the weight of the normal upper non GTS version is that much fun to do in, but which becomes a far better experience in the lighter GTS with Stealth Fit.

For any kind of faster running, the Stealth Fit has a more secure hold despite being a stretch knit but still as with all knits is a bit on the loose side. And it delivers a weight below 10 oz without GTS and in my GTS version is 0.6 oz less than the circular knit version without GTS’s extra midsole pieces. Bryan: Looks wise, the Levitate StealthFit wins hands down over the clunky Nimbus 23. The Nimbus is probably as traditional that a modern trainer can achieve looks wise, but it offers a very plush and protective ride - perfect for slower paces but capable of going the distance. The ride is smooth and feels natural with a bit of ground feel. From a performance and functionality point of view, the Nimbus wins hands down. I’d be more receptive to this shoe and how it feels if it was 6-7 ounces, but at nearly 11 ounces it needs to come with more benefits. More durable than your legs Sally: TTS W8 in both. The NImbus 23 has a loyal following for a reason: a traditional looking shoe that can do it all for the everyday runner. I would actually choose the Nimbus over the Levitate for the smoother and easier on the legs ride.

Speed

Each upper type will be available in underfoot platforms of “regular/neutral” and GTS (Go-To-Support) light stability. All models are good choices for heavier weight runners, especially slower beginner runners who tend to heel strike due to the excellent rear vibration dampening and stability (in either version). DNA AMP is a midsole foam that comes alive and delivers when greater or increasing forces/weights are applied. That became apparent in my testing as while ambling along at slower paces just fine, always slower than I expected, at faster paces I ended up faster than expected if not always with much character to the ride beyond the noted deliberate and dense pneumatic rebound with the GTS clearly having more pop. And as said in Ride it’s time for Brooks to move on from DNA AMP to DNA Loft v3 and even the trail focused DNA Loft v2 and I expect they will. The upper is fully mesh and fairly breathable, where this shoe goes wrong is the fully-gusseted tongue.

GTS stands for Go-To-Support. Brooks uses Guiderail “Holistic” support that allow the body’s hips, knees, and joints to move more naturally. You can simply get the standard Levitate, or go with the Levitate GTS. I decided to go with that Go-To-Support to see what that would look and feel like. I am a neutral style runner, and the thinking (for me at least), is that I didn’t need the support to help with pronation that some other models offer up. This is really more of an added support for my neutral form. And to be honest, I have noticed a slight change with my feet the last 5 years as they are starting to flatten out with age (and use, I suppose). I do agree with Jeremy, this shoe likes to slide on the pavement. The chevron traction works best in dry conditions for sure. The new StealthFit upper, while just as smashing looking as the Levitate 4's, clearly resolves the rough and very low and stiff over the center toe fit of the Levitate 4 ( RTR Review ) with a softer, thinner, more stretchable knit. The upper now includes an integral knit tongue instead of the 4’s more conventional one and softer rear collars. Finally, some people regret the athleisure take of Brooks on the Levitate instead of turning it into a full-fledged performance running shoe. Conclusion MERCER: Brooks is finally getting around to updating their foams in shoes like the Ghost, Glycerin , and the Aurora-BL . But the traditional DNA AMP is here to stay for this iteration.The Levitate Stealthfit 5 isn’t as forgiving as I’d like a long-run shoe to be. DNA Amp has made some strides, but it’s still very far behind the foams of other industry leaders. The outsoles are the same on all models and identical to the Levitate 4’s with firm continuous coverage. The toe box could use some extra space too. I can appreciate a dialed-in fit, but it gets to an extent when I’m seriously considering I have the feet of a 75-year-old geezer with peripheral neuropathy. The Levitate 5 features a flexible yet structured upper, with a detached tongue and extra eyelets that let you lace your shoes for a more personalized fit. Fleet Feet reviewers noted how the extra eyelets made it easier to adjust the fit of the shoe. The new engineered circular knit material provides extra breathability and an adaptable fit.