This post is sponsored by Zappos, all opinions are my own.

Who wants to plunk down cash on a shoe that you’re unsure about. Especially if like me you tend to buy online because stores don’t carry your size or they happen to not have the model you’re curious about.

Enter Zappos.

Not only do they tend to have more comprehensive information on shoes than you’ll often find on the brand website, but fast, free-shipping and 365 return policy just makes it easy.

Running is hard, ordering fun gear should be easy.Brooks running gearNo joke, I ordered my new Brooks running gear on Wednesday afternoon and it was here Thursday morning. My kind of gratification. Especially when you’re so ready for spring you can’t take it!!!

I decided to test out a couple of new tanks, the Distance tank and Ritual Tank (love the bright colors), along with the Fastforward Crossback sports bra and these comfy Revival shorts for chilling with a book. And most importantly because I get that it’s not quite done being cool, this great Brooks Dash hoodie! So cute for both running or just casual wear. brooks running shoesConfession: I never know how gear is going to fit me, so I actual got tanks in two different sizes because I know how easy Zappos makes returns. Once I figured out what didn’t fit, I just went to my account, selected the order and it allowed me to print out a return label!

They make it so easy and free to exchange or return!

Brooks Levitate Review (Replacement Options)

It doesn’t happen often but sometimes our favorite running shoes are discontinued. Unfortunately, this is what recently happened to the Brooks Levitate. If you’re a Brooks fan the Brooks Glycerin GTS is being considered the “new” version of the Levitate.

The GTS added to a shoe name just means that it’s a shoe designed for stability and support. It is going to have a GuideRails support system that helps keep the body aligned and reduces excess movement while running.

If you’re not sold on the Glycerin GTS, don’t worry because we’ve come up with a few alternatives that are currently some of our tester’s favorites.

Each shoe is going to be a little different based on what the brand is known for. But the one thing they’ll have in common is that they’re all going to be lightweight, responsive and supportive shoes similar to the Levitate’s.

👉 Saucony Kinvara 15

The Saucony Kinvara15  is an excellent choice for runners who are looking for a lightweight and responsive shoe that provides enough cushioning and support for longer runs. The shoe is also suitable for runners who prefer a more natural running experience.

Saucony Kinvara 15 Stack Height

The shoe’s upper is made from a breathable mesh material that allows for maximum airflow and helps to keep feet cool and dry. This one has a bootie style fit, meaning that the tongue is attached. I LOVE this because it means it’s not going to be moving all over while I run.

👉 HOKA Mach 6

This shoe is best for runners who are looking for a fast and responsive shoe to take on long-distance races or interval training. BUT that’s not to say this isn’t just a great daily trainer. It is not a carbon plate type speed shoe.

The Mach features a lightweight foam midsole that provides a quick, lively feel, while the meta-rocker design helps to encourage a more natural gait.

hoka mach 6 review
Hoka Mach 6

While many shoes promote something like a meta-rocker to help propel you from heel to forefoot, I will say I did actually notice it a bit in the Mach. That’s super unusual, normally I’m wondering what on Earth they mean.

👉 Asics Novablast 5

The Novablast has been a winning max cushion shoe from Asics since it first launched and they have continued to increase the amount of cushion in the shoe, while working to drop the weight. It’s not going to be the plush shoe like the Asics Gel Nimbus, but it’s a great amount of cushion in a weight that’s going to translate to a lot of miles for the average runner from training even to race day.

The 5 has a completely new full length midsole with their FF Blast Max  foam. Again, I like that this shoe is a more responsive cushion and you don’t sink in to it so much.

Novablast 5 Heel drop

While this is a neutral shoe, with no guiderails or anything for stability, it absolutely has some of that built in to the design. The width of the platform from toe to heel reduces pronation and provides a really good ride.

  • Weight: 7.9 oz women’s, 9.1 oz men’s
  • Heel toe drop: 8mm
  • 9 colors
  • Not available in wide
  • Available from Asics.com for $160

Why Are Running Shoes so Different?

Every shoe manufacturer is slightly different in what they create, which may seem odd because how can you really make running shoes so different?!

It comes down to a few things, which I learned from helping to build out a testing platform for one of the nations biggest brands:

  • Last: This is the actual mold of a foot used to create the shoe. Every company has many of them and they’re all different from competitors. It’s why you think some shoes run wider and others narrower.
  • Womens: Having women specific shoe lasts is something that only started recently!
  • Technology: They spend an insane amount innovating with each new shoe to make it better, to respond to your feedback and of course to beat the competition
  • Testing: Every company has their own form of testing, but it’s super impressive to see just how far they go with consumer feedback before releasing a shoe.

Brooks running shoes review

Brooks Levitate Specs

Let’s dive in with some of the top line info that we all need to know about a shoe before deciding! Here are the Brooks Levitate basics:

  • Weight: 10 oz
  • Heel drop: 8mm
  • Considered a neutral cushioned shoe
  • Road shoe, not a ton of grip to take on trails or slick winter runs
  • FitKnit upper to move with your foot

The arrows you see aren’t just about design. They also have a function: the arrow-point pattern that helps you move from heel to toe quickly without ever losing energy.

More info on the technology to follow.

Brooks Levitate LE Review

All of that said, here’s you’re Brooks Levitate (limited edition) review to showcase what makes this shoe different and whether it’s a good fit for you or not.

This shoe is inspired by the original Brooks Levitate, but they wanted to do something extra for us runners. Create a shoe that would actually do double duty as our trainer and our casual shoe. Because who among us doesn’t wear our running shoes to the airport, to the grocery store, ok everywhere.

Now you just look more stylish doing it, while feeling all smug about the comfort.

“We love the performance and design of the Levitate but wanted to modernize how we delivered it and really up the ante on aesthetics for this limited-edition project,” said Brice Newton, senior manager of global footwear merchandising. “With new color and material updates, the Levitate LE is all about high performance and high fashion.”

Brooks levitate review

Brooks DNA AMP this is the technology in the midsole that provides cushion. According to Brooks DNA AMP is a polyurethane foam, wrapped in a TPU skin, that “captures the energy created by each foot strike and gives it no place to go but up – straight back to you.” I like the sound of anything that is going to give me more energy!

Arrows are another feature you’ll see all over this shoe. Especially on the sole where the flexible arrow-point pattern is designed to move you from heel to toe quickly without ever losing energy.

I’ve only had a chance to head out a few runs, but the shoes feel good so far. They aren’t as soft as some shoes because they actually have a bit more support to them, though their listed as a neutral shoe.

I would say these also run a bit smaller than some other brands, but my normal size is comfortable with my thinner socks. I assume some of why they feel tighter is the heavily cushioned heel. I also found the toebox to be a little stiffer than in some other recent shoes I’ve tested.

Any other running shoes you’re dying to know about?

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