Verdict from 5 experts and 100+ user reviews
8 reasons to buy
- Ride: Just like the Ravenna 10, the Revel 4 is very bouncy, smooth, and energetic. It's almost as if the miles "just flew by."
- Upper comfort: This is owed to the soft upper, sufficient padding, and roomy toe box. Runners also report they have not experienced hotspots.
- Fit: Testers find the upper very effective in holding the foot in place.
- Durability: After 50 miles on country roads (gravel, hills, and a bit of mud), the midsole is still intact and is not packing out. The outsole, meanwhile, also has zero signs of wear.
- Traction: Even on loose gravel, the shoe delivers enough grip.
- Cushion: It's a "goldilocks midsole," meaning it's neither too soft nor too rigid. Just like the Skechers GoRun 7+ Hyper, it doesn't feel mushy.
- Light: All experts agree that, unlike traditional daily trainers, the Revel is not heavy at all.
- Lacing: It's got a good bite, so there's no need to worry about it coming loose mid-run.
2 reasons not to buy
- Warm: Experts warn that the Revel 4 is NOT a great summer shoe. There's just too much material on the upper, making the shoe feel hot especially in temperatures like 90-degree F and beyond.
- Long laces: There are those who find the laces too long, saying that they had to double knot to prevent them from flopping around.
Bottom line
The Brooks Revel 4 is not a "specific-run type" shoe. It's simple but it can handle pretty much anything. In short, it's a versatile daily trainer that can handle your slow or long runs and help you pick up the pace if you want to.
For a budget-friendly shoe, it sure does a lot, but it's not something that long-time runners consider as "top choice." But if you're looking for an affordable pair to add to your daily shoe rotation, the Revel is a great pick. And it's just as great for running newbies who are looking for a reliable entry shoe.
Tip: see the best running shoes.
Brooks Revel 4: Affordably fun
The Revel 4 continues the series' signature — do-it-all qualities, comfort, and affordability. Much like the Launch, it has a soft, snappy, and fun ride. It's also plusher and bouncier than other daily trainers, but it's not as soft as the Clifton. Add in its flexible toe-off which provides some mechanical lift to the knee and forward propulsion, a smooth and fast transition is created.
Versatile is the name of the game
The Brooks Revel 4 does exactly what a daily running shoe should do — handle a variety of runs. So whether it be short, mid, or long-distance runs, the Revel can deliver. And whether it's an easy, mid-pace, or tempo-pace run, you can rely on the Revel 4.
A warning: Runners have reported that when used in race-paced runs, the shoe requires more effort.
Brooks Revel 4 vs. 3: What's new?
There are only a few improvements introduced to the Brooks Revel 4. It is to ensure that although the new version displays an overhaul, runners are still equipped with the same form-fitting, featherlight, responsive design with a touch of street-style fashion to deliver versatile utility.
- Upgraded BioMoGo DNA midsole for shock absorption and responsiveness
- Green rubber outsole with an arrow-point pattern for grip and heel-to-toe transitions; works hand-in-hand with the midsole foam for better pop
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