We tested the Revel 5 and would like to share our experience with the Brooks Revel 5 Review. Briefly, the Revel 5 is a springy neutral running shoe in the Brooks family. It has been designed to provide energy return and propel you forward, but somehow it turns out to be a do-it-all running shoe. The Brooks Revel 5 running shoe can do a bit of everything and a perfect pair for a beginner level runner. It is soft but not super soft (balanced cushioning), therefore not the best for long recovery runs. On the other hand, it touches soft enough and therefore not the best for really fast efforts or race day.
Simply saying, the Revel 5 has a little bit of everything, but not specific for goal oriented trainings such as speed works or long distance recovery runs.
Here is a chart we have put together to help you understand Brooks Revel 5’s design intention better:
| Review of # | Revel 5 |
|---|---|
| Our Score | 92/100 |
| Our Selection for | Best Brooks’ Do-it-All Running Shoe |
| Support | Neutral |
| Feel | Energize 1/3 & Balanced Cushioning (2/3) |
| Flexibility | Flexible (4/5) |
| Drop-mm (M/W) | 8 |
| Weight-gr (M/W) | 249/220 |
| Width Options | Normal |
| Deals & Discounts | Rates Men’s / Women’s |
For what purpose do we use Brooks Revel 5? We usually prefer Brooks Revel 5 for daily runs, gym workouts, crossfit day and on the treadmill.
Here are the links from Amazon that you can check the latest prices and the color options. If you purchase through them, it will not cost you extra:
Our Highlights for Brooks Revel 5 Review:
First of all, the Brooks Revel 5 is highly flexible. It is springy and Brooks designed it for energy return in every stride. However, it is not the best in its own category (Energized Running Shoes). Therefore, if you seek the best energy return, we would recommend checking out the Brooks Levitate. On the other hand, the Brooks Revel 5 offers a decent performance compared to its price level. It is a do-it-all running shoe and worth a look.
The Brooks Revel 5 is a budget shoe, but it offers a lot. Although it is in energized running shoes category of Brooks Running Shoes, it is not the best one out there. Long story short, it is a generalist – highly versatile running shoe. For specific goal trainings, we would recommend the following ones instead of Brooks Revel 5:
- If you are looking for extremely soft & protective and recovery shoe check out the Brooks Glycerin Review
- Softer landing daily trainer check out the Brooks Ghost Review
- Speed works, faster tempo check out the Brooks Launch Review
- Great Energy Return for Marathon or Ultra-Marathon races Brooks Levitate Review
The Revel 5 is true to size and it can easily accommodate different type of foot shapes, due to its stretchy Fit Knit upper. Although, the upper is stretchy, it locks the foot without any slippage.
The downside of the Revel 5 is the lacking of reflective elements. So, you should be careful while running at night.
Pros & Cons for Brooks Revel 5
Here is the list of what we liked the most and don’t like on the Brooks Revel 5 Running Shoe:
| What we liked the most on Brooks Revel 5 | |
| Versatility / Do-it-all-trainer | ✔ |
| Low Price Tag | ✔ |
| Balanced Cushioning & Comfortable | ✔ |
| True-to-size | ✔ |
| Stretchy Upper | ✔ |
| Gusseted Tongue – Great Lockdown | ✔ |
| Peppy Toe off | ✔ |
| What we dont like on Brooks Revel 5 | |
| Lacks Reflective Elements | ✗ |
| Fit a Bit Loose on Narrow Feet | ✗ |
| Not so Fast | ✗ |
Outsole Review
The outsole of Brooks Revel 5 is highly durable especially for road running. On the other hand, do not expect it to be as durable as the running shoes for the marathon races.
The traction capability is very good. Brooks made necessary changes on the outsole of Revel 5 and include more lug patter for a better grip performance. The outsole has tons of micro sipping; therefore, the grip on wet surface is as good as on the dry hard surface.
Midsole Review
The midsole of Brooks Revel 5 is updated to have more ample and plush cushioning. The BioMoGo DNA cushioning is combined with the Green Rubber outsole. This combination creates a springy feel in each step.
The BioMoGo DNA is a softer material than the DNA AMP foam which has been used in Brooks Levitate. Therefore, the Revel 5 offers less energy return compared to the Levitate.
Upper Unit Review
The Upper Unit of Brooks Revel 5 is Fit-Knit construction. Brooks updated the upper, although it is the same knit mesh engineering, the updated Fit Knit Upper offers a better secure and distraction-free fit. In addition, we found the new upper of Brooks Revel 5 has better breathability in the forefoot and the sides.
The Revel 5 is highly comfortable running shoe, and the main contributor of its comfort is its super flexible upper. Thanks to its flexible Fit Knit mesh upper, the Revel 5 can accommodate a wide range of different foot shapes. The lockdown works great without any slippage on Revel 5.
Brooks Revel 4 vs 5: Updates & Key Differences
Here is the full list of key difference of Brooks Revel 4 vs 5 comparison:
- Brooks made necessary changes on the outsole of Revel 5 and include more lug patter for a better grip performance.
- Revel 5 has more ample and plush cushioning compared to Revel 4.
- Although it is the same flat knit mesh engineering, the updated Fit Knit offers a better secure and distraction-free fit.
- The upper of Revel 5 offers better breathability in the forefoot and the sides.
Brooks Revel vs Ghost Comparison
The Revel 5 is springy, highly responsive & flexible neutral running shoe. It has balance cushioning and therefore people usually compare it with Brooks Ghost. Here is our article that compares Brooks Revel 5 vs Ghost 14.
Brooks Revel vs Levitate Comparison
The Brooks Revel 5 is a springy trainer, but its energize level is 1/3 in Brooks Energize Level Scale. For the best energy return we would recommend Brooks Levitate. Here is our article that compares Brooks Revel vs Levitate in many aspects.
Brooks Revel vs Adrenaline GTS
Brooks Revel is a neutral running shoe, whereas Adrenaline GTS is a stability oriented running shoe. We prepared a guide here that compares the Brooks Revel vs Adrenaline.
Bottom-line for Brooks Revel 5 Review:
Our Verdict for Brooks Revel 5 Review: We definitely recommend it to anyone looking for do-it-all running shoe. Although, it is categorized as Energize Running Shoe which should offer springy feel and energy return, we thought that it is so versatile that it can complete multiple tasks. It is not the best to complete specific trainings such as long distance recovery runs, or fast and tempo runs. It does not have extremely plush cushioning, but not stiff/rigid as well. Frankly, the Brooks Revel 5 stands out in the average; it has little bit of everything. Therefore, if you are a beginner level runner, the Revel 5 is the best go to shoe.
For what purpose do we use Brooks Revel 5? We usually prefer Brooks Revel 5 for daily runs, gym workouts, crossfit day and on the treadmill.
Related Article: Best Running Shoes for Men & Women