Right now, Brooks is the top brand in run specialty. Since they only make running and walking shoes, they do a good job. The Brooks Ricochet shoe is new from Brooks. Similar to the Brooks Levitate 2, it uses DNA AMP Cushion. It’s much more responsive than both the Brooks Ghost or Brooks Glycerin.
Just because you like the softer Ghost or Glycerin, doesn’t mean you’ll like the firmer Brooks Ricochet or Levitate. In fact, most people prefer one or the other. Either you are team DNA amp or DNA Biomogo (firm shoe or soft shoe…I kid…somewhat).
The Brooks Ricochet is lighter with less cushion than the Levitate 2, but still a lot of cushioning. Personally, I’ve thought the Levirate 2 feels like a bulky shoe. Generally, I like bulkier shoes, but the Levitate 2 has always just felt like a brick. I was excited to hear Brooks made a lighter version of the Levitate.
Brooks Ricochet Fit:
The fit of the Brooks Ricochet is interesting. It has a fit knit upper and fits similar to the Levitate. The almost sock-like fit that comes up higher than a traditional shoe. The ultra-soft heel tab comes up but doesn’t compress or restrict the Achilles. The fit knit upper is seamless and has plenty of space for those (like me!) with a wider and roomy toe box. The Brooks Ricochet fits true to size, I typically wear between a size 10-11 wide, and the 10.5 fits fine.
Diving more into the upper, the higher sock-like fit and heel wrap was created to keep “the foot more secure” as well as not allowing dirt in. I’m not a fan of it in any shoe or brand that does this (unless it’s a trail boot) and would prefer a traditional upper. It does take time to get used too. The knit upper is seamless and doesn’t rub, so that is a plus. Do I feel more secure with the higher upper? No.
Brooks Ricochet Ride:
The Brooks Ricochet is different than most of the Brooks line. Like the Levitate, the Amp is designed for energized cushioning. This is a shoe Brooks wants you to feel fast in (whether you are doing long runs or races). It has a layer of DNA Amp midsole technology to provide the maximum of amount of energy return. There is also a layer of DNA foam to cut down on weight (Which is why the Levitate is so heavy).
As Brooks says, this design is supposed to provide flexibility between the two layers of dna and dna amp cushion while also being responsive.
While running, I could feel how responsive the ride of the shoe was. I appreciate how firm and responsive the shoe is without being overly heavy or bulky. While I don’t think it would be the best speed work shoe, I think it’s a much “faster” shoe than most of their neutral shoes. The heel to toe quickly responds to transitions.
Something to note, which I’ve been finding more and more with several models across brands, is the lack is traction. Even with the flexible arrow point pattern on the outsole, the Richochet does not grip the found like many other shoes. I save them for dry days or the treadmill.
Brooks Ricochet Conclusion:
I think the Brooks Ricochet is a good shoe from Brooks for someone looking for a firmer and more responsive shoe from the Glycerin or Ghost. It’s also a good shoe for someone who likes the Levitate but wants a lighter shoe. Would I personally choose it over the Ghost or Glycerin? No, but I prefer a softer shoe. Dna Amp energized cushioning is for those who like a more responsive ride.
From Brooks, I’m team DNA Biomogo forever. I think the Brooks Ricochet could use tune-ups from the upper to just the overall weight, but typically most new shoes need some help. I’ll continue to use the shoe for workouts and occasionally for daily runs, but I still prefer the softness of Glycerin or Ghost.
Shoe Rotation:
Daily Runs: Brooks Glycerin, Hoka Cavu, New Balance 1080v9, Saucony Triumph
Workouts: Nike Fly, Brooks Richochet
Races: Nike Streak LT, Nike Fly
Questions for you:
What is your current favorite shoe?
Do you prefer a heavy or light shoe?
I’ve been looking into picking up a pair of the Ricochet for marathon-build long runs, and your review answered all the questions I had. Thanks Hollie!
Let me know if you do Chelsie! I would love to hear your thoughts on them.
Great review. I was wondering about this shoe when I heard of it. I like the Ghost (just discovered it last fall). Generally I prefer a light shoe and the Ghost is about as heavy as I go. Also, I agree with you on the lack of traction. My adidas shoes seem to be good, but my Nikes are notoriously bad with regards to that.
Not every Nike is bad with traction but most of the social media shoes like 4% or the fly are. 😞