The new Levitate 5 has been on the market for a little over a month, and in those weeks I can say that I have tested it in every way: long slow runs, repeats, 10k merry, aperitif.
As is now evident, Brooks has launched not just one shoe but a system of four shoes based on the same sole and midsole. What’s different? Just the upper, which seems little but is so much.
Levitate system
Levitate 5 is the base model, joined by its sister model Levitate GTS 5, which adds GuideRails® holistic support, providing greater foot support and carefully indulging the runner’s stride. Both shoes have classic type uppers (Universal Fit), which are joined by their respective cousins with StealthFit uppers. Sit down I’ll explain it better now.
The things we have in common
Levitate has always been synonymous with maximum responsiveness: the patented cushioning system DNA AMP indeed wants to offer as much energy return as possible; the arrowhead pattern sole allows for a quick transition during the roll even though in my opinion it suffers a bit in changes of direction and is at its best on the straight. All variants have a generous 8-mm drop that allows anyone to run with it worry-free.
Levitate 5 – Universal Fit
She is the real 2021 novelty, she is the illegitimate daughter: a very classic shoe in both appearance and form. It weighs 295 g, but the truth is that you feel it much lighter on the foot than it might seem holding it in your hands. I am (never have been) a big fan of what I call the “fat upper” that is, the upper that has a very padded tongue, as well as the back that protects the Achilles tendon. But as with the weight issue, I admit that in this case the feeling in the foot betrays visual expectations, in a positive sense: you feel protected but not at all restricted in your movements, not at all weighed down.
But how is it going? I do not feel that it is the all-making shoe, nor, moreover, does it want to be. Certainly the more you keep the pace up, the more fun you will have. Personally, I have found it to be great for classic fast, quality workouts, repeats, and pushing a ten-miler. If we lengthen the distance my sole of my foot comes out slightly fatigued: go easy for a fast half marathon but I would advise you to go alongside a second pair of softer, more cushioned shoes if you plan to do any long runs worthy of the name.
Levitate 5 – StealthFit
It is for all intents and purposes the rightful heir to the Levitate 4, with its wrap-around fabric upper. I do not think I am exaggerating by saying that this is a totally different shoe from the previous one. But how, didn’t it have the same upper and midsole as the other one? Sure, but the Fiat 500 and Jeep Renegade also share the same platform, however, the differences are definitely more than the similarities.
The upper of the StealthFit is made of FitKnit fabric, a kind of ultra-comfortable compression sock with an integrated tongue, which wraps around the foot, making it one with the shoe in part because of its special elasticity. It is designed for athletes who prefer aerodynamics and foot sensitivity, but to use it properly, it is important to have excellent running mechanics and even footing. For while we have the comfort of a sock, the downside of a “nonexistent” upper is that stability is greatly reduced as soon as you leave your straight.
Even I who am fortunate enough to be light and have a good athletic gesture found it limiting in many situations. Finally-due to its structural characteristic-it is necessary for it to fit you snugly, but this may create some discomfort at the toe for those with a particularly bulky big toe. At 278 g, it is perfect for short repeats and long aperitifs.
Brooks’ plan is ambitious: to expand the new shared midsole and different upper system to as many models as possible. Personally, I still see it as a little bit immature, but investing in research and development also means taking small steps like this and having a much longer horizon than next season.
Find all models on the Brooks website at a list price of 170€.