Brooks Levitate GTS 6 Review: The Stability One
By Chief Editor Matthew Klein
The
Brooks Levitate is part of the "energize" series, supposedly a shoe
group with more responsive midsoles from a material called DNA Amp. The
Levitate GTS 6 is the stability version of the Levitate, one of the
three variations of this shoe line (including the normal Levitate and
the Stealthfit) that now includes the second version of the
aforementioned midsole material, now DNA Amp v2. The new line of
Levitate continues to be unique. While the foam does not feel overly
responsive, they are firmer than the majority of shoes on the market.
Although not quite what Brooks marketing was going for, this provides a
contrast from the increasingly tall and softer shoes being debuted
weekly. For those with true stability needs, the firmness adds to the
inherent guidance, along with the continued use of guiderails that may
help the foot stay centered.
Brooks Levitate GTS 6Price: $149.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.9 oz, 309 g (men's size 9), 9.9 oz, 281 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: Not Provided
Drop: 8 mm
Classification: Moderate Stability Daily Trainer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The
Brooks Levitate GTS 6 is a firmer, moderate stack height,
guiderail-based stability shoe. Featuring a new DNA Amp v2 midsole, the
shoe runs lighter than its listed weight, providing a unique combination
of cushioning and firmness. An engineered mesh sits up top, providing
an accommodating but slightly snug fit that secures the foot well. The
now classic guiderails provide a mild to moderate level of stability in
the heel and midfoot, while the geometry of the shoe keeps you moving
forward without being intrusive. Best for those who want a firmer,
traditional stack-height shoe that gets out of the way and guides you
forward gently, the Levitate GTS 6 provides subtle updates that won't
quite make you levitate, but will still keep you moving ahead.
SIMILAR SHOES: ASICS GT 2000 10
FIT
The
Brooks Levitate GTS fits me true to size with a half thumb's width
between my long toe (Hallux/1st Toe) and the end of the shoe in my
normal US men's size 10. The fit is slightly snug throughout the length
of the shoe. An engineered "creel" mesh travels the full length of the
upper, providing an adaptable fit that will work for those with narrow
fit, normal width feet and those with wider feet that want a snug fit.
The forefoot is slightly snug on the initial try-on but stretches easily
within a few minutes on the run. There is a significant toe guard up
front that adds a decent amount of structure at the toe box. It is
flexible but firm and is a major reason to wear socks with this shoe.
The midfoot features a non-gusseted tongue that is moderate in
thickness. The laces work with the Brooks logo overlays and make it easy
to tighten or loosen the normal width midfoot. The heel is normal to
slightly snug. There is a stiffer heel counter in the rearfoot that is
offset by a large amount of padding at the heel and heel collar. Those
with heel sensitivities should be cautious, while those who want a stiff
heel counter should do well here. The security overall has been decent
and I have not had to lace lock the shoe. I did have to tighten down the
laces at the midfoot slightly, but no more than any other shoe.
PERFORMANCE
The
Brooks Levitate GTS 6 is a firmer, moderate stack height daily training
shoe. Despite the "energize" category, the DNA Amp v2 is on the firmer
end. The midsole material is incredibly durable and provides a grounded
ride. It isn't bouncy, but does seem to make the ride feel lighter than
the 10.9 oz weight (men's size 9). The weight does feel significant when
walking but while walking it feels closer to 10 oz. The transitions are
a little stiff, particularly as the shoe breaks in. The heel features a
small posterior lateral bevel that makes for firmer and slightly abrupt
transitions. The heel midsole material does break in, so the transition
improves. The forefoot is also stiff but still transitions decently
thanks to the late forefoot rocker.
The purpose of the Levitate
GTS 6 is as a daily training shoe. While the foam becomes more
interesting as the pace picks up, the weight keeps this as a shoe best
for easy and longer miles. While we do not have stack height
measurements, the height of the sole is far more traditional and lower
than all the maximum stack height options out there. There is still an
8mm drop, which feels slightly lower due to the stiff forefoot.
What
further contributes to the firmer underfoot feel is the extensive
rubber outsole. I have 40 miles on my pair and have not been able to
make a dent in any of my normal spots. The outsole and midsole are both
quite durable and I expect a high number of miles far beyond average
from this shoe. Those that want a firmer, more traditional stack height
for daily training may want to check this shoe out.
STABILITY
The
Levitate GTS 6 is a stability shoe with a medial post and guiderails on
the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. I would place it in a mild to
moderate stability category that will work best for those with guidance
needs in the heel and midfoot. The midfoot post is immediately
noticeable right under my arch. I did not feel it pushing me in a
certain direction but did feel pressure under both arches. The ride
feels mild to moderately centered at landing thanks to the guiderails
present on both sides of the heel. The full ground contact and stiffness
of the shoe also add to the inherently stable underfoot feel. The sole
is slightly more narrow than most shoes in today's era, so those
sensitive to any type of sole flare will do well here. Most of the true
stability in this shoe comes from the medial post and guiderails, so
those that work well with those methods will do well with the Levitate
GTS 6.
Thoughts as a DPT: Midsole Firmness and Proprioception
By Matthew Klein PT DPT PhD(c) OCS GCS FAAOMPT
Although the Brooks Levitate GTS is not as "bouncy" or "responsive" as advertised, it still has a place among stability shoes. We have discussed proprioception frequently, which again is the body's ability to sense its own position and movements. This ability comes from a variety of mechanosensory receptors throughout the tendons, muscles, joints and other tissues in your body. These receptors generally respond to distortion or pressure of some kind, although this pathway has also been found to still be active even when the limb or body part is no longer present (Proske & Guandevia, 2012). For those to really be stimulated normally, pressure is needed, which can be easily generated with impact forces.
The Brooks Levitate GTS features full-length PU foam. While responsive, they tend to run firmer, are denser and often heavier. The trade-off is that they are quite durable and don't seem to break down as fast. While "softness" seems to be in, having a firmer shoe in a rotation is not a bad thing. Some evidence has found that even though the perception of more cushioning is more protective, runners often land harder, increasing variables sometimes associated with impact forces inside the joint(Chan et al., 2018; Pollard et al., 2018). Firmer surfaces also provide a little more impact and proprioceptive input, which in some runners causes them to adapt and land lighter.
In a stability shoe, having a slightly firmer midsole may be a good thing for some people. Some people who have poor body sense may benefit from a firmer shoe that gives them more input into their system, which may help them react faster. This can often be challenging at the foot, where increased cushioning can reduce work at the smaller ligaments and muscles that often provide a large amount of the proprioceptive information in that area. The other thing a stiffer/firmer shoe does is increased mechanical work by the musculoskeletal system (Malixous et al., 2022). Researchers tested soft vs stiffer shoes and found that similar to previous research, impact forces internally were less in the stiffer/firmer shoe. However, the amount of work by the muscles greatly increased in the stiffer shoe AND there was more joint motion front to back (sagittal plane). This is in line with previous research that demonstrated that people tend to land with stiffer mechanics in softer shoes.
Therefore, one could argue that firmer midsoles may facilitate better muscular work, improved proprioception and improved joint motion in certain individuals. In some people that may be a great intervention to force them to shock absorb better and improve their awareness of their body. This will depend on the person, as those not able to tolerate the muscular work required may be at risk for muscle overuse. While the Levitate GTS 6 may not be the responsive shoe advertised, it may serve a different purpose as an intervention/training tool to offset some of the stiffening and other adaptations common with the increasingly soft midsoles in the current age of footwear.
Sources:
RECOMMENDATIONS
The
Levitate GTS 6 has worked best for me as a walking and jogging shoe. I
was disappointed that a "energize" shoe would run heavier and firmer. I
personally would like to see this shoe with a lighter weight and more
responsive/truly energetic midsole material. I would encourage Brooks to
consider using an expanded version of this foam. The group that will
work well in this shoe is those who want a firmer ride that still gives
them some proprioceptive input. A taller and softer shoe is not better
for everyone. Some people need a little impact and ability to feel the
ground to help them activate their muscles appropriately and improve
their body awareness. So for those seeking that, it still exists.
However, I would like to see Brooks at least remove a significant amount
of weight as I feel the Adrenaline GTS series is far more "energized"
than this shoe.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The
Brooks Levitate GTS 6 is for someone who wants a highly durable
moderate stability shoe with a firmer ride and a snug but accommodating
upper. The upper fits slightly snug, but still has some stretch in the
forefoot making it a solid option for those with normal and narrow feet.
The DNA Amp v2 midsole is firmer and moderate in height, making for a
firmer shoe with a stiff ride that provides a more grounded feel than
other common shoes. The guidance is traditional for Brooks with a medial
post that feels most prominent under the midfoot and guiderails on the
medial and lateral sides of the heel and midfoot. The weight feels
lighter than listed, but the ride is still best for someone who wants to
run tons of easy miles in a shoe that will last an extremely long
time.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: A- (Comfortable snug upper with solid lockdown and stretchiness that molds to your feet. Works better for normal to narrow feet)
Performance: B (Firmer and stiffer ride. Has mild bounce to midsole but best for easy miles)
Stability: B+ [Moderate Stability] (Medial post, sidewalls and firmer ride make this a guided and true stability shoe)
DPT/Footwear Science: B (Midsole
too firm to be part of an "energize" category. However, it does provide
a rare firmer shoe/stability shoe in today's maximal stack height,
super soft soled normalcy. This will provide better proprioception for
people that need more input for them to stabilize their own body)
Personal: B (Upper
is great, but midsole is average/not what I prefer, although it is
plenty durable to handle my mechanics Will work great for those that
want a firmer ride).
Overall: B/B+
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Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
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