Article by Michael Ellenberger
Brooks Revel 7 ($100)
Introduction
Okay! In my annual (often solo) review, I’m back with my thoughts on this year’s Brooks Revel offering… I’ve worn versions 3, 4 (didn’t join the review), 5, 6, and now 7 - so there’s lots of shared history here. To be honest… there isn’t a ton of change, though (especially in the last couple go-rounds). My takeaway? They’re lightweight and versatile for everyday use, but aren't exactly pushing any boundaries in innovation - another solid offering from Brooks, but a shoe that has plateaued since the fifth generation. Still worth your attention? Let’s see.
Pros:
Still just $100 - a massive win, in this day and age: Michael/Renee
The upper remains solid (and markedly less ugly in other colors)
10mm drop at ~9 oz. - not far off a “lightweight trainer”
Cons:
Milquetoast ride and getting duller by comparison: Michael/Renee
Let’s face it - if an exciting shoe is getting you out of bed in the morning, this isn’t it: Michael/Renee
Moat comparable shoes
Comparable shoes: Atreyu Daily Trainer, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost
Stats
(weigh your sample on a digital scale before running if you have one in grams and convert to oz, weigh both shoes noting significant differences if any )
Spec Weight: 9.1 men's oz / 258g
Sample Weight: men’s 8.5 at 8.8 oz / g US8.5 (Prior Version Weight: 8.65 men’s US8.5) women’s 7.83 oz / 223g US8
Midsole Only Stack Height: men’s 22 mm heel / 12 mm forefoot , 10mm drop
$100 available now.
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Starting with the upper, the Revel 7 sports a refreshed knit upper that molds nicely to your foot, providing a snug but comfortable (non-constrictive) fit. This material is breathable, which is a huge plus during hot runs (this summer has been rough, eh?!).
I can’t say I could tell a difference - design aside - between the knit materials on v5, v6, nor v7 of this shoe. Brooks calls it “updated,” (and visually it is), but it’s not materially better. Not to say it’s bad. Especially at this price, I think the upper punches above its weight, and is one of the standout features of the shoe, certainly coming across more premium that you’d expect at this price level.
Besides keeping your feet cool and dry, making those insufferable long runs more bearable, I appreciated the snug fit heel-to-toe, with no hot spots or other issues. My gray color is (in my opinion) quite ugly, but some of the other options on Brooks’s website look better, and hey - I am far from a fashion expert. In fact, I’ve seen Brooks press stuff advertising this as a “running and lifestyle” shoe, so it may just be me who is off-base. The white version certainly looks cool. Anyway…
Midsole & Platform
The midsole is where the magic happens (or lack thereof) happens. Brooks has once again come back with the DNA cushioning, which they allege adapts to your stride and weight. It’s responsive enough, giving a bit of extra spring in your step, and definitely does not read as mushy or “too soft.” I’m certainly not trying to be dismissive of DNA, which is a decent enough midsole composition, and (as before) is at or above (err, below? Better than) par, relative to what you’d expect to get at this price.
But I won’t beat around the bush - as a big fan of the Revel 5, and a supporter (if more tempered) of the Revel 6, the Revel 7 does not do enough to get me excited here. It’s not a bad ride - this whole review should make clear that there’s a definite audience for this shoe, and Brooks is still putting some decent materials into this iteration - but if you’re a shoe nerd reading shoe reviews, it’s probably not for you as midsole foams including from Brooks (DNA Loft v2 and v3) have moved on to better, lighter, more energetic.
Outsole
I’m not one to get excited about an outsole (and certainly won’t do so here), but I feel comfortable saying that - relative to the other elements of the shoe described here - the outsole is the best part of this shoe. I believe the Revel 7 uses Brooks’s Green Rubber, which is both durable and environmentally friendly, but regardless of the technical name - the grip here is rock solid, even on wet surfaces, and the outsole is more flexible than it looks. Functionally, this means you’ll experience a fluid ride from heel strike to toe-off, enhancing your overall running efficiency. Durability-wise, the outsole holds up well, showing minimal wear even after many miles on varied terrains. I’m a fan.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Look, there are some really, really fun shoes to review, and some shoes that make me shake my head and question why some choices were made.
For the Revel… it’s neither. It’s business as usual; it’s Brooks making it a reliable choice, at a very fair price, for different types of runs. It’s a used Toyota Prius. Everything works - you’re even getting some premium stuff - but there’s no getting around the fact that there are “fancier” options out there (this coming from a loving Prius owner).
In summary, the Brooks Revel 7 is a solid daily trainer that combines style, comfort, and performance. If you’re a new runner, a high school runner, a casual (office fitness center, or twice-a-weeker) looking for a reliable, everyday running shoe that won’t let you down, the Revel 7 is worth considering. You’re not going to be swooning over this shoe, but it also won’t let you down. It’s fine. It’s cheap. It’s just a little… boring.
Michael’s Score: 8.6/10
Michael’s Smiles Score: 😊😊.5
5 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Brooks Revel 6 (RTR Review)
Michael: At time of writing, Brooks is selling the Revel 6 on their website for $80 (compared to $100 for the 7). I would unequivocally support getting the previous version; you’re really not losing out on anything, and at $80, it’s actually a very compelling choice. Take v6.
Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 (RTR Review) and Base Model 3 (RTR Review)
Michael: Atreyu’s Daily Trainer 1.2 has crept up from its bargain-basement pricing to a (slightly) more mid-market $115. The Base Model remains at $90. In both cases, I prefer the Atreyu, but my recommendation here isn’t outright. For anyone with cash to splash, I’d take the Daily Trainer over the Revel. Full stop. It’s livelier, more cushioned, more fun.
The Base Model is a more stripped-down trainer which I personally love, but I know isn’t for everyone, and I’ve been told newer or heavier runners often shy away from its more minimalist (relatively speaking) profile. If you want a light, bare-bones shoe, I do love the Base Model - but the Revel’s more traditional platform should appeal to many.
Nike Pegasus 41 (RTR Review)
Michael: This year’s Pegasus isn’t perfect, but I like the direction Nike is taking, and I’m a fan of the 41. I’d prefer it over the Revel 7 in basically all cases (even though, truthfully, I think the Brooks’s upper feels at least as nice, if not nicer). But with a bouncier midsole and an equally competent outsole, I prefer the Nike even if it is $40 more than the Brooks.
Brooks Ghost 16 (RTR Review)
Michael: Something about these mainline Brooks lately, eh? For a brand that makes some really great shoes (Hyperion Max 2, Hyperion Tempo - even the Ghost Max!), I have been recently disappointed in the Ghost series. That said, the Ghost 16 is a better, more comfortable, and more exciting shoe than the Revel. Full stop. Plus, I can see here that Brooks is selling the outgoing Ghost (15) for $100, at time of writing - that seems like a great compromise.
Tester Profiles
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:21:19 marathon PR at the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
BROOKS RUNNING
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1 comment:
I had the 5, and agree with you that it's a great daily trainer - the $100 price was just bonus. And I agree with you that the outsole was the best part. So durable it was, I'd often take it on trail and it held up quite well.
What I don't like about the 6 and 7 is the increase in drop/heel. Why? The forefoot is a little on the minimal side, so why push you more towards it?
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