Brooks Revel 6: Training at a Low Price Point
By Content Manager Bach Pham
Running often is described as relatively budget sporting activity. These days, however, with skyrocketing prices for everything from daily trainers to racing shoes, that has become less and less of a truth. The Brooks Revel series has amazingly remained a consistently priced, affordable option that performs above average for its cost. The Revel 6 continues the tradition by doubling down on fit through a new upper and adding a touch more cushion in the heel, helping runners feel comfortable both above and underfoot without hurting the bank.
Price: $100 at Running Warehouse
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Weight: 8.8 oz, 249 g (men's size 9), 8.1 oz, 229 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: Not provided
Drop: 10mm
Classification: Daily Trainer
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Brooks Revel 6 is a neutral daily trainer that, along with the Launch series, has long been a solid daily training budget option in the Brooks line at the $100 level. Featuring an "energizing," springy midsole, it is a shoe that performs nicely a daily efforts and has a little capacity to pick up the pace as well. Best for newer runners looking for a classic training option with no frills and a well-fitting upper, the Revel 6 remains a popular choice that's both easy on the wallet and easy to find.
SIMILAR SHOES: Asics Dynablast, Adidas SL20.3
FIT
"Nice" best sums up the fit of the Revel 6. For a standard shaped foot, there's just a solid amount of width and volume in the forefoot. The midfoot and heel fitted just so for me. I never had to lace lock the shoe to feel dialed in and didn't see a particular difference when I did lace lock. The laces do a fine job of keeping things dialed in. There is a moderately rigid heel counter that holds the foot in well. The new upper in this version of the Revel 6 (for sustainability nerds, now featuring 57% recycled materials, up from 51% in the Revel 5) does a nice job from day one of staying out of the way and keeping you secure. I found the shoe to breath well and enjoyed the insole.
One unique note: I did leave the shoe outdoors on my porch one evening, waking up to find that the insole felt a touch damp in the humid, foggy morning dew. It dried out relatively quickly, but was just something that was noticeable and something I had to let sit a bit before taking out to run which wasn't exactly the scheduled plan that day. Just don't leave it indoors, and if you had a wet run consider taking the insole out to air dry faster for the next day.
PERFORMANCE
If you are looking for a next generation shoe with lots of pop and cushioning, this is definitely not the pair for you. The Revel 6 is a very classic trainer focused on daily runs. The midsole is a bit different from the Launch series, featuring a less flexible design that really emphasizes springing (or "energizing" per Brooks) off the midsole. The midsole, BioMoGo DNA, is a standard slab of EVA midsole, but nicely refined for what it is. There is 2 more mm in the heel in this update, taking the drop up from the Revel's usual 8 to now 10mm in the heel. It does feel slightly more cushioned in the heel than prior which has been nice for walking with the shoe in particular. The midsole compresses enough that it does still feel closer to an 8mm drop overall.
The Revel 6 does a good job of helping you find a nice rhythm during the run. If you are used to more elaborate midsole foams and geometries, this will feel a bit underwhelming in comparison, but I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprise that it did pack a bit of responsiveness that felt nice on the run. There is a subtle heel bevel that also helps facilitate nice transitions despite not having much of a rocker. I found the Revel 6 to perform best at relaxed everyday paces under an hour. Over an hour for myself, I started wanting a little bit more underfoot.
The shoe can pick up the pace a little and feels solid when landing on the slightly wider forefoot, which also has a bit of sole flaring to help you feel a bit confident pushing things a bit. The "arrow" outsole is a smooth pattern underfoot that transitions really nicely in good conditions. It performs just okay at best on wet roads though due to the smoother pattern and wouldn't be my first choice on a rain day if I had other options. I have not seen any wear so far and expect fairly average to slightly above average mileage (250-350).
I also want to add that I walked and worked in the Brooks Revel 6 quite a bit during testing and found it to be very comfortable. It's mild-mannered looks went well with casual outfits on the go and served as a versatile shoe for daily tasks and transferring straight into runs.
STABILITY
The Brooks Revel 6 is a neutral trainer. The midsole, though less flexible throughout which helps slightly in providing some structure, does not have any real stability mechanic through the midfoot to help provide support for the runner. There is a generous amount of sole flare through the forefoot which feels nice in rhythm, adding a bit of confidence on your toes, but the rest of the shoe has relatively minimal sole flaring. The upper, however, is excellent at locking in the foot and has some supportive structure to it.
Culture Corner: Exploring the Benefits of Variety
By Bach Pham
One of the unique things Brooks has provided with the Revel and its sibling the Launch is offer two similar options with subtle differences for the runner to choose (Technically three, if you count the Trace which has a 12mm drop and shares some DNA with the Launch. We have not tested the model before and cannot comment). Those who want a less flexible, more springy approach will enjoy the Revel, while those who like a more natural, flexible ride has the Launch as a nice alternative.
Options like that within brands have become more and more rare. Brooks does a nice job of having a variety of shoes at different price points for runners to choose from. We know that comfort is key, and having more choices helps provide runners the ability to find the exact fit that suits their needs.
This is not exactly something new. A more classic example of options is winterized running shoes, with companies like Saucony providing Runshield for wet/snowy weather, or trainers receiving a GTX option for the winter slush.
We are now seeing, however, even more nuanced options slowly creeping into the market. Another company recently who has done something similar to Brooks is the newcomer Zen Running, who has provided two versions of their ZR training model: the ZR-01 which has no heel counter, and the ZR-S which features a slightly rigid heel counter. This is a great choice for people who may or may not have sensitivity to heel counters due to either personal preference or if the runner has something like Haglund's deformity which tends to be irritated by stiffer heel counters.
The power of option is an important thing to have, and it's nice to see companies like Brooks and Zen Running embracing the idea of making subtle differences to accommodate runners. It would be fun to see companies play with this idea further to help explore how much customization we can get into to make sure we get the optimal shoe for our own needs from the brand we want to run in.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Brooks Revel 6 accomplishes a lot for its price point. To the shoe itself, I would love a little more sole flaring through the midfoot and rearfoot to add just a touch more stableness to the shoe. I'd also love to see the Revel receive Brooks latest midsole upgrade - the DNA Loft v3 - seen in shoes like the new Glycerin to help give the shoe even more pep. I do love that Brooks has the Launch and Revel, offering runners something similar with a subtle preference difference. I hope to see Brooks keeps that variety in mind.
Speaking of variety, while there is the Launch GTS model, Brooks doesn't really have stability options outside of their GuideRail system. I think the Revel is an excellent base to explore stability in a different capacity through the form of geometry. Similar to the Nimbus Lite from ASICS, a much wider, heavily sole flared stability version of the Revel would be an interesting addition to the Brooks line-up, especially in the $100-120 price range to offer runners who enjoy the brand a slightly different stability option if GuideRails doesn't match their needs.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The Brooks Revel 6 is a no-frills daily trainer for those looking for a less flexible, but responsive running shoe at a solid price point. Newer runners will find a lot to like in the Revel 6 as it can tackle every day runs well and some smaller workouts.
One valuable thing about the Revel 6 is that it is relatively easy to find in most chain stores in the US, making it a solid option to try on foot, even when you don't have a broad range of options in store. It may be one of the better options in a large market sporting goods store that's certainly worth slipping on to try.
We talk about affordability on occasion, and there's a fair consideration to be had with the Revel 6. In our Guide to Affordable Footwear, we often share a lot of great shoes from the prior year under $100. It can be hard to decide whether you should look into a prior year model versus a shoe like the Brooks Revel 6. Something important is if you are thinking long term, the Revel 6 can come in at an even greater value in the $65-75 range after time, which can be all the difference. Those who fit in Brooks discount program for medical and military program can also pick the Revel up for a fantastic deal. If cost is a big factor in your decision, the Revel for what it offers may be a good fit under the right conditions.
For veteran runners used to higher price point midsole materials, the Revel 6 will definitely feel like a step back foam-wise. A shoe like the Ghost 15 or Glycerin, or Ride series over at Saucony may be the better bet just because they offer a little bit more versatility and responsiveness in the neutral trainer category. There's also the excellent Hyperion Tempo in the Brooks wheelhouse if you want the combination of lightweight and extra explosiveness underfoot.
GRADING
Bach
Fit: A- (A simple, well-fitting upper that should accommodate many runners)
Performance: B/B+ (A no-frills trainer that logs daily miles well and does minor workouts fine. Not a standout, but solid)
Stability: B- [Neutral] (A neutral shoe with only minor stability elements)
DPT/Footwear Science: B (The Revel's combination of solid performance and decent amount of recycled materials is good for the price)
Personal: B+ (I've enjoyed grabbing this on the go, whether running or errands. It's comfortable and efficient, without the flash, which during offseason has been more than fine for me)
Overall: B/B+ (For newer runners and people looking for a more classic feeling shoe for walking, this is a quality option. More experienced runners will have to weigh if the Revel fits their rotation)
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Price: $100 at Running Warehouse
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Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
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FURTHER READING: $100 Trainers this Year
Asics GT-1000 11 [Stability Trainer] - The most affordable stability shoe in the market
Brooks Divide 3 [Neutral Trail Runner] - A surprisingly solid trail runner at $100
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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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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