The Brooks Revel 5 running shoes have quickly become a popular choice among runners looking for a lightweight, responsive trainer that can handle both short and long distances.
With a host of updated features from previous Revel models, the Revel 5 aims to provide an adaptive fit, soft landings, and smooth transitions to keep you comfortable mile after mile.
But with so many running shoe options on the market, you may be wondering – are the Revel 5 actually good for running?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down who the Revel 5 are best for, their key features and technologies, overall performance and durability, sizing and fit, and how they compare to other popular running shoes like the Ghost and Adrenaline GTS models.
We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about the Revel 5 to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your training needs.
Who Are the Revel 5 Best For?
The Revel 5 is ideally suited for neutral runners looking for a durable daily trainer that can pick up the pace when needed. With a lightweight yet supportive feel, the Revel 5 excels at everything from easy jogs to tempo runs and works well for runners that land midfoot or forefoot.
Here are the key types of runners that will benefit most from the Revel 5:
- Neutral runners – The Revel 5 provides just enough stability for neutral gaits without added structure or corrections. The midsole is soft yet responsive to offer flexibility and natural movement.
- Runners seeking versatility – The updated midsole foam gives you the adaptability to comfortably run various distances and paces, from recovery days to speed work. The shoe is suitable for daily mileage yet light enough to turn up the tempo.
- Forefoot/midfoot strikers – The rockered outsole encourages smooth transitions and roll-off for those who land lightly towards the front of their foot. The forefoot feels particularly flexible.
- Runners needing lightweight cushioning – At 8.8oz for men and 7.3oz for women, the Revel 5 offers shock absorption without extra weight bogging you down, especially helpful over longer distances.
Key Features and Technologies
The Revel 5 comes loaded with Brooks’ latest performance technologies to give your feet a smooth, floating feel run after run. Here are some of the most notable features:
- DNA LOFT Cushioning – An evolution of standard EVA foam, the responsive DNA LOFT in the Revel 5 midsole provides soft landings without sacrificing energy return. Full-length from heel to toe, this cushy foam adapts to your stride and offers increased durability over standad EVA.
- Segmented Crash Pad – The Revel 5 incorporates strategically-placed pads that compress and flex individually to adapt to your landing and absorb more shock, especially in the heel and forefoot where impact occurs. This allows for smoother transitions as you progress through your gait cycle.
- Stable Progressive Diagonal Rollbar – Located near the arch, this structure aids light stability and guidance for subtle overpronation without controlling motion for neutral runners. It also enhances smooth transitions to toe-off.
- Air Mesh Upper – The newly designed laser-cut mesh upper provides targeted stretch and support where you need it most. The result is a secure fit that moves with your foot through the entire stride.
Performance and Durability
Testers widely praise the Revel 5’s versatility, supportive cushioning and smooth, fluid ride that floats over the pavement. The lightweight DNA LOFT foam delivers energetic toe-offs and plenty of forgiveness over longer mileage. Transitions feel seamless thanks to the multi-directional flex grooves and crash pad segments that allow your foot to move naturally.
The mesh upper offers dialed breathability and security around the midfoot, though some note it runs slightly warm in hot weather. Added reflectivity ups visibility for early morning and evening runs. Outsole rubber holds up well over time even at faster paces.
While maybe not as plush as max-cushion shoes, the Revel 5 gives you more responsive pep in your step. The pillowy DNA LOFT foam shows minimal packing out or flattening over extended use.
Most runners can expect around 300-500 miles before the outsole treads start to lose their grip. All in all, a versatile, smooth-riding trainer built to go the distance as a daily workhorse.
Sizing and Fit
The Revel 5 generally runs true to size for most foot shapes. The engineered mesh upper provides a dialed foot-hugging fit with ample room to splay your toes. The heel counter locks things down without irritating rubbing while an internal bootie construction gives you a slipper-like feel entering the shoe.
Here’s how the Revel 5 fits across the board:
- True to size – Suiting most foot volumes and shapes. Order your normal running shoe size.
- Roomier toe box – Allows natural toe splay with no squeeze or irritation up front.
- Secure midfoot wrap – Provides stabilized support under arch without restrictive squeezing.
- Accommodates higher insteps – Softer collar lining avoids pressure on those with higher instep or ankle bumps.
- Runs slightly long – Those with shorter feet may want to size down half a size.
If possible, try the Revel 5 on in-store to gauge best fit as personal preferences vary. Expect a balanced blend of cushioned softness and adaptive support for neutral runners.
How Do the Revel 5 Compare to Other Brooks Running Shoes?
As a newer model in Brooks diverse line-up of award-winning trainers, the Revel 5 shares some similarities yet stands apart from other popular neutral cushioned models like the Ghost and Adrenaline GTS. Here’s how the Revel 5 stacks up:
Brooks Ghost 14 – The Ghost remains Brooks’ undisputed daily trainer known for its pillowy DNA LOFT v3 foam and smooth heel-to-toe transitions. The Revel 5 has a very similar weight and cushioning feel but serves up more bounce and flexibility for faster paces.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 – Featuring GuideRails support for subtle stability, the Adrenaline caters to mild overpronators needing more correction than neutral models. The Revel 5 gives you a comparable secure upper but more underfoot flexibility without guidance elements.
Brooks Launch 8 – The versatile Launch 8 prioritizes low weight and snappy responsiveness perfect for speed training and race day. Compared to the Revel 5, the Launch feels lower to the ground and less shock absorbing, making it less suitable for recovery runs.
Brooks Revel 4 – Weighing over an ounce lighter, the Revel 5 gets a considerable midsole upgrade over its predecessor for even smoother transitions and more consistent energy return you can feel. Improved durability makes this Revel a better daily trainer option.
The Revel 5 essentially combine elements of Brooks’ flagship neutral models – the lightweight pep of the Launch with the easygoing cushioning of the Ghost in a durable, well-rounded package built for just about any neutral runner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about the Revel 5? Here we answer some commonly asked questions about Brooks’ versatile neutral trainer:
Are the Revel 5 good for walking or standing all day?
With ample cushioning and support, the Revel 5 can work for walking and light activity. However, the low-profile design isn’t ideal for extended periods of standing or all-day wear which demands more overall cushioning.
What type of runner should not wear the Revel 5?
Severe overpronators requiring control or stability features would do better in shoes like the Adrenaline GTS or Transcend. Maximal cushions like the Glycerin or Aurora-BL would suit those wanting very plush shock absorption for recovery days.
Is the Brooks Revel a stability shoe?
No, the Revel 5 suits neutral runners wanting cushioning without overcorrection. The lightweight Stable Progressive Diagonal Rollbar provides subtle midfoot guidance but no medial post or similar elements making it suitable for neutral gaits.
Is the Revel better than the Ghost?
There’s no definitively “better” option between the Revel 5 and Ghost 14. The Ghost offers ultra-soft cushioning for high mileage while the Revel brings extra spring and versatility mixing daily runs with uptempo strides. Choose the Ghost for more forgiveness or the Revel to pick up the pace.
Can I use the Revel 5 for CrossFit or HIIT training?
The Revel 5 isn’t specifically made for lateral movements and explosive gym workouts. The flexible cushioning softens landings but may feel unstable for aggressive side-to-side motions compared to flatter training shoes. You’ll get better WOD performance from shoes like the Revel Edge.
The Bottom Line
Packed with Brooks’ DNA LOFT cushioning, segmented crash pads and an adaptive mesh upper, the Revel 5 makes an excellent versatile neutral trainer ready to pick up the pace.
The lightweight yet responsive midsole offers plenty of forgiveness over long mileage while retaining a smooth, energetic ride that floats over the pavement. Durable construction ensures the Revel 5 will go the distance as a daily workhorse for neutral runners looking for cushioning that just feels fast.
