If you must know, I bought the Brooks Revel 4 because of the cheetah print. Maybe the print should be the review alone. It felt comfortable in the store, so I figured why not? I’ve already run in the Brooks Ghost 13 and the Brooks Glycerin 18, so the Brooks Revel 4 was the last of the cheetah.
At just $100, I could justify if I ran 50 miles and decided it to be more casual shoes. I’m actually pleasantly surprised by how much I like it.
The Brooks Revel 4 has never been as “popular” as many other shoes like the Brooks Launch or Brooks Ghost 13. Truthfully, I thought it was one of “Brooks lower quality shoe” or too similar to the Brooks Launch. Right now, I think the Brooks Revel 4 is what the Brooks Launch once was.
Brooks Revel 4 Quick Facts:
Weight: 7.9oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8mm
Brooks Revel 4 Fit:
I’ve never run in the Revel, so I wasn’t sure what to expect fit and feel wise. Typically Brooks shoes run true to size with a more heel and wider toe box. the Brooks Revel 4 fits exactly like that. The Brooks Revel 4 is a simple shoe. The upper is made up of a breathable engineered knit. There are thicker areas outside of the toebox as well as around the heel. I will say, knit uppers aren’t my favorite. I find they aren’t as breathable as a mesh upper. I haven’t run on hot weather or inclement weather day, but I would assume it would get hot or hold water easily.
The heel collar is padded but not overly padded. The tongue of the Brooks Revel 4 is plush and attached to the shoe. You don’t have to worry about it falling.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the size 10 of the Brooks Revel 4 to fit the best.
Brooks Revel 4 Ride:
The Brooks Revel 4 uses the standard Brooks BioMoGo. This is what most of their traditional shoes like the Brooks Ghost 13 and Brooks Launch 7 use. According to Brooks, the Revel 4 is categorized as “energized.” This means you won’t feel that soft plush feeling like the Ghost or Glycerin, but you will get a more responsive ride. I feel like I’m ready for a faster run in the Revel 4.
Most Brooks models typically have a lot of blown rubber and traction in more of an “arrow pattern.” The Revel is similar, and I trust the outsole in inclement weather where I fear I might be sliding around. (I’m not confident I trust the knit upper in bad weather).
I appreciate how I roll right through my gait, and I feel “energized” with a quicker heel to toe transition. I think the Revel is close to the original Brooks Launch, which SHOCKS me. The ride is soft but fast. Lately, the Brooks Launch has felt heavy and like a clunky version of the Brooks Ghost.
I’ve used the Revel in several runs, including long runs, easy runs, fast runs, and hilly runs. I prefer it for longer runs or runs that I might do a combination of trails and roads. (Specific, but I appreciate how lightweight it is on the trails).
Brooks Revel 4 Conclusion:
I’m actually very surprised with how much I like the Revel. For what I thought might become a casual shoe has turned into a solid shoe for the rotation. I bought it because it was comfortable and the cheetah print. I was 50/50 with the amount of mileage I would put on it, but it’s a good shoe. If you liked early versions of the Launch or are looking for something lighter than the Ghost, the Revel might be for you. Due to the knit upper, I worry about running in inclement weather. Other than that, it’s a great shoe. Maybe my most surprising of the fall.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: Brooks Revel 4, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Hoka Cavu 2
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Do you have any cheetah print shoes?
Have you tried the Brooks Revel 4?