Generally it may be tough to mix enticing design with performance, however the Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6 has obtained all of it. A street runner that might simply be worn as a vogue shoe; it’s glossy, comfy but additionally sensible.
In contrast to Brook Glycerin 20, which is extremely cushioned however relatively clunky and ugly, the Stealthfit is one thing you would fortunately pair with cropped denims or a summer time gown. But it is usually a powerful performer on the street or monitor due to its comparatively gentle, maximal springy cushioning and stretchy, supportive higher.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6
RRP: $149.95/£150
Drop: 8mm
Weight: 258g girls’s, 280.7g males’s
Terrain: Street
Assist: Impartial
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6 (Black) at Amazon for $149.95
The agency however bouncy base is good for switching between lengthy endurance runs and brief, intense velocity work. As an all spherical coaching shoe it’s extremely versatile, particularly for runners preferring a responsive trip relatively than the tremendous cushioned sinking feeling of the Glycerin or Ghost.
Understandably, it lacks a number of the pep and propulsion of a carbon plated operating shoe, however as a dependable pair to coach in earlier than switching to carbons on race day, it’s the superb companion.
That being mentioned, the comfortable higher, which stretches over the foot and across the ankles, might not swimsuit each runner, and barely longer socks are preferable to keep away from rubbing behind the heel.
This mannequin has a supposedly wider mid-foot than the earlier 5s, however the toe field isn’t significantly forgiving and it might not be appropriate for these with huge toes. However one factor is for positive, you’ll all the time get flattering feedback when carrying these footwear, as a result of individuals can not help commenting on their funky design.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: How we examined
We examined the shoe on lengthy simple street runs as much as 25km, throughout Fartlek coaching classes, on interval reps and at 5k parkruns. We additionally paired them up with informal day put on and wore them when assembly associates for lunch or taking part in with the children on the park.Â
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: Construct and cushioning
Once you first slip on the footwear they’ll really feel somewhat exhausting underfoot, however the midsole really has lots of spring-back when you get operating. The DNA AMP v2 foam is 10% lighter than earlier than, however Brooks have managed to pack extra in, which means the power returns are larger making for a springier expertise.
Mid-foot, impartial runners will respect the non-fussy match, with no guiderails or extreme cushioning. As an alternative your foot is just held in place by the breathable one-piece higher. There isn’t a thick tongue to fiddle into the appropriate place and the stretchy materials makes your ankles really feel effectively supported, though for some heavier runners it could really feel somewhat tight.
Weight-wise, the shoe may be very gentle on high, though because of this the midsole feels somewhat leaden by comparability.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: Design and higher
That is the place the shoe actually comes into its personal. The designs are putting, together with a leopard pores and skin possibility, and a retro black and white colour sample.
The glossy Match Knit higher is produced from 55% recycled supplies and delivers comfy stretch and compression that adapts to your motion. Sure it is a bit more difficult to get your shoe on, however as soon as in place the foot is absolutely supported. It might really feel a bit tight across the ankles, so it is essential to mix with the appropriate sort of socks. In sizzling climate the higher was gentle and breathable but additionally fast drying within the rain.
The broader mid-foot is appropriate for these with common width toes, because it permits for foot swelling on longer runs, however the toe field might not be huge sufficient for these with larger toe splaying.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: Outsole
The arrow level sample on the outsole is designed to let the foot transfer shortly from heel to toe and it definitely does seem to reinforce the springy really feel when operating. After 100 miles, there was no noticeable put on and tear and the sturdy sole nonetheless had loads of oomph.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: Efficiency
If you’re used to carrying Brooks’ extra cushioned street footwear, then the Stealthfit will take just a few runs to regulate. The most important distinction is the grip across the ankle from the one-piece higher, which might trigger heel rubbing in case your socks should not lengthy sufficient. However as soon as you might be off and operating, the Stealthfit footwear actually do match like comfy socks and are nice for transitioning between quick and gradual efforts.
In case you want an easier shoe with much less lumps and bumps to help arches, overpronation and ankles, then that is the proper non-fussy coaching shoe.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: must you purchase?
If you’re in search of a comfortable, responsive, enticing street shoe for quite a lot of coaching classes then you definitely actually cannot go improper with the Stealthfit 6. However these with wider toes, or who like extra help or cushioning might discover they aren’t the appropriate match.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: Person opinions
Out of the 120 scores on Brooks’ web site, the typical rating is a wholesome 4.4, with 72% of customers scoring it the highest 5 stars. While just a few individuals mentioned the footwear weren’t huge sufficient and lacked arch help, many of the opinions had been glowing with enthusiasm.
One consumer wrote: “Love this shoe! It’s a comfortable match, which I like, and it nearly feels prefer it was made for my foot. Very comfy and sort of springy for my fast paced runs. It feels nearly prefer it’s a part of my foot and I neglect I’ve it on. One in every of my new favorites. It is extremely light-weight, too.”
While one other Brooks web site reviewer confirmed that individuals cannot resist the urge to touch upon the design. She mentioned: “I used to be out operating one morning when a passing runner shouted out ‘I really like your footwear’. That has by no means occurred to me earlier than.”
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: Options
If you’d like a street shoe with tremendous cushioning to cowl infinite comfortable miles then Brooks Glycerin 20, is the peak of operating luxurious. Sink into these pillowy footwear on your lengthy simple runs.
In the meantime Nike Air Zoom Construction 24 are a flexible pair that are comfy straight out of the field. With a supportive huge, secure midsole they’re higher suited to these with wider toes or in search of extra help.
Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6: Worth Comparability