Brooks Adrenaline vs Levitate
- The Brooks Adrenaline is a “light” Stability running shoe. Featuring guide rails on the sides of the shoes to help prevent loss in form due to fatigue.
- While the Brooks Levitate is a neutral style running shoe. A neutral running shoe is a great choice for most runners. Especially new runners.
- The Levitate is a slightly heavier shoe at 10.4oz. With the Adrenalines weighing 10.2oz.
- The Adrenaline’s have a large 12mm drop. Compared to an 8mm drop on the Levitate.
- Brooks classifies the Adrenaline as a “more cushioned” runner. This is the second highest rating of cushioning the brand offers.
- The Levitate is considered an “energized” shoe. With Brooks saying there is “max spring in the Levitate”. The highest level in any shoe they make.
Brooks Adrenaline Specs
MSRP Price: $140
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 10.2oz / 289.2g
Weight Woman’s: 9.1oz / 258.0g
Stability: Holistic Support
Drop/Offset Men’s: 12mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 12mm
Cushion: More Cushion
Brooks Levitate Specs
MSRP Price: $150
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 10.4oz / 294.8g
Weight Women: 9.6oz / 272.2g
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Mens: 8mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 8mm
Cushion: Responsive
Performance Summary
Founded in 1914 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brooks has been crafting quality running shoes for over 100 years. There are compelling reasons to explore these two particular models, each offering unique features to the brand’s line. Let’s delve into a closer examination of each model and compare images.
Brooks Adrenaline
The Brooks Adrenaline stands as an immensely popular road running shoe, with a production history spanning over 20 years. Positioned as a stability shoe, it’s important to note that these are not classified as “corrective” stability shoes but rather stability runners suitable for neutral runners who cover long distances. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners looking to build leg strength.
During the try-on phase, the Adrenaline feels true to size, but those with wider feet or planning ultra-runs exceeding 50 miles might consider going up by half a size. The arch support is relatively low, making them well-suited for individuals with low arches or flat feet.
Running in the Brooks Adrenaline imparts a sense of speed, notably due to the 12mm drop, urging a push, especially on downhill grades. Personally, I prefer a lower drop for longer and slower training runs. However, it’s worth noting that the Adrenalines displayed wear faster than expected, and reaching 300 miles of wear might be challenging.
Brooks Levitate
After reading reviews of the Brooks Levitate, I ordered two pairs—one in my size and one a half-size up. This precaution proved valuable as the Levitates run a bit narrow. If there’s any doubt about sizing, going up by half a size is recommended, and those with wider feet might even opt for a full size up.
Once the right size is secured, the Levitate feels fantastic on the feet, providing ample arch support for those with mid to high arches. The 8mm drop strikes a comfortable yet quick balance, and you can distinctly feel the added spring or rebound that the shoes offer. Adjusting to this springy sensation may take some time.
Running in the Levitate was a genuinely enjoyable experience, with the cushioning complementing the added spring, resulting in a comfortable yet energized feeling. Despite this, the sizing proved to be a challenge. While I typically wear size 10, I had to switch to 10.5 in the Levitate, and even then, the feel wasn’t as natural on my feet as with other brands that run true to size. Hopefully, Brooks addresses this issue in future models (after the 5s).
Image Comparison
Brooks Adrenaline Profile
Brooks Levitate Profile
The overall shape of the two shoes look very similar. But you can notice the how narrow the Levitate is in the mid and heal sections of the shoe.
Adrenaline Top View
Levitate Top View
Here it’s even more clear how narrow the Levitate is compared to the Adrenaline in the center of the shoe.
Brooks Adrenaline Soles
Brooks Levitate Soles
Conclusion – Brooks Adrenaline vs Levitate
The Adrenaline, a staple in the Brooks running shoe lineup, has been in production for over 20 years. Then there’s the newer Levitate, a model that still feels like it’s growing into the shoe we all hope it can be one day. But which road runner is right for you?
Which road running shoe to buy?
In comparing numerous shoes, I often find that different models are designed for distinct purposes, better suited for specific terrains or types of runners. However, when comparing the Brooks Adrenaline vs. Levitate, this isn’t the case. I discovered a clear winner.
Even though it’s categorized as a support running shoe, whether you’re a neutral runner or in need of support, I believe the Brooks Adrenaline is clearly the superior shoe of the two. The overall design and comfort are spot-on, indicating years of effort to perfect the design.
On the other hand, the Levitate requires some polishing, and the sizing issue (running small) is something the brand needs to address in future models, especially considering the consistent displeasure expressed in many reviews.
So, if you’re trying to decide between the two, my recommendation is to go with the Brooks Adrenaline and thank me later!