Sponsored by Zappos Running. All opinions are my own.
Although running can sometimes leave us feeling depleted, it has the somewhat magical power of making us feel energized at the same time. If you are into running, like me, then you know how addicting the process is—working on improving performance through strict planning and dedication. We strive for that feeling of effortless miles at our goal paces. It’s fun to see and read about others in the running community setting new records in races or weekly mileage, but unless you are runner, you fail to see the hard work—blood, sweat and tears, that go into the process. Good thing we have tools around us that can help us stay motivated and feel our best during the grind.
One of these tools is running shoes. Runners are a bit obsessed over the newest gear and updated technology. Every year we see running shoes coming out with new ways of getting lighter, springier, and more supportive. I’ve been a fan of the Brooks Levitate series for the last couple of years. I’ve had the pleasure of running many miles with the Levitate 2 and 3, which both made running feel easier. My newest addition is the Brooks Levitate 4 from Zappos, where I get almost all of my running gear. I’m a rewards member so I get the best benefits like free expedited shipping, exceptional customer service, and free returns for an entire year! I always find everything I am looking for!
Take Flight
In a nutshell, the Brooks Levitate 4 make me feel like I’m gliding through the air. It’s no wonder why they named this style “Levitate”. I was excited when I read one of the updates was a weight reduction by a whopping 20%. I really wanted to see what the shoe can do for my training, since it consists of mostly longer runs. I always take out new pairs for a short run before trying them out for anything too intense. My first impression was how comfortable the more compressive-like fit is, which I noticed just by walking around. I thought they would end up feeling tight after a few miles, since my feet normally swell during runs. I had zero complaints after my 40-minute session, as the materials ended up being stretchy so pretty much conformed to my feet and left me without swelling!
For my longer run test, I went for 70 minutes in my Levitate 4. This is when I felt the light, springy update that made me feel that “flying” sensation. I kept it easy for the most part, except for a handful of 20 to 30 second pickups after the halfway point to see how the shoes responded to the faster paces. Since I was already used to the previous version’s ability to quickly react to a speedier cadence, I anticipated the same from these, and they did the job well! I’ve mentioned before about my excessive heel strike pattern and how firm shoes don’t work for me since I need an extra smooth transition from heel to toe. Thankfully this pair is flexible enough to make this happen.
A Shoe with Multiple Hats
Once the Brooks Levitate 4 passed the easy run and mini stride test, I took them out for next level trials—a tempo run. For me, this workout consists of easy running for 30 minutes, straight into 30 minutes at a hard effort, then back into easy running for 30 minutes. This session made the updates even more obvious, as the lighter weight makes sustaining faster paces easier. The only drawback I believe some runners will have is the narrow fit, which is more evident the longer you run. This was not necessarily an issue for me since the compressive knit that creates the upper part of the shoe helps me with controlling swelling and makes my foot feel a bit more supported than most other speed shoes. So, in my opinion, the “narrow” is there for a reason!
Given the 2020 circumstances, most of us have had to change our goals. Once I realized I probably won’t get to race this year, I chose to use this time to improve my running form, along with my endurance. Including Brooks running shoes into my rotation has been a game changer for both my mechanics and foot health. The addition of the new and improved Levitate 4 will help take my running to the next level throughout the rest of the summer, when it’s hardest to train. Zappos has several color choices for this style, so I’m looking forward to getting my hands on another pair soon!