Brooks Revel 6 - Women's Review

Released with an additional 2mm of heel cushion, the Revel 6 is a great companion for short distances or long walks. This version of the Revel offers great versatility but lacks some of the features that are becoming ubiquitous in the world of road running.

Performance Comparison

Cushioning and Landing Comfort

The Revel 6 feels comfortable right out of the box, thanks in part to its minimal yet functional stack of 29mm and 20mm. This neutral trainer lacks the internal structure that some runners may be looking for, so bear that in mind if you want a lot of arch support. The added cushioning makes it a suitable shoe for heel-strikers, though it is far from a plush ride. The DNA Loft midsole feels a bit minimal when compared to other shoes. Overall, the landing comfort and cushion are adequate, but they aren't exactly impressive when compared to other shoes on the market.

Responsiveness

The mid and outsole of the Revel 6 have a bit of pep, but the overall structure of the shoe doesn't provide a very impressive energy return. This isn't a shoe we would recommend for its responsiveness, but it has enough bounce to get the job done. If your high-intensity workouts tend to include sprints, the Revel's responsiveness is perfect. It lacks the rolling sensation of shoes made specifically for speed and bounce but has just enough pep to ensure you can get your heart rate sky-high.

Stability

The Revel falls short here, though it might not be a dealbreaker for some runners. It is worth noting that the heel cup does provide security, but not necessarily stability. The traction of the Revel is also worth mentioning since it is a bit bitier than the road shoe standard. The design of the Revel is centered around the fact that it has a lightweight upper and is a neutral shoe. These elements make the shoe unsuitable for runners who want even a bit of lateral stability. The Revel doesn't have any lateral structure beyond its engineered mesh, which is pretty lightweight. The toe box is a bit wide, which is often comfortable if the midfoot is supported. In this case, the lack of lateral stability and wide-ish toe box can make the Revel feel a bit sloppy and squirrely underfoot.

Upper Comfort

Though we have a bit of an issue with how the upper lacks support, it certainly does not lack comfort. The upper mesh of the Revel is light and super breathable, making this a great shoe for quick runs in soaring temperatures. The upper is just pliable enough to conform to your foot shape, which typically increases a shoe's comfort. The toe box is fairly spacious and suitable for wider feet, but Brooks does not manufacture a wide version of the Revel. The cushion of the heel collar is well-contoured and snug, so our testers never had any issues with rubbing or blisters. This is a good choice for those who will be walking a lot while traveling and some running while cross-training.

Weight

The updated Revel 6 lands smack in the middle for this metric. Each women's size 6.5 weighs 6.92 ounces, which is fairly predictable given its outsole material and build. The upper feels lightweight, so the bulk of the weight rides in the outsole. Overall, the weight is standard, comfortable, and predictable.

Should You Buy the Brooks Revel 6?

If a versatile, comfortable, and affordable shoe is what you're looking for, the Revel is a great choice. With a traditional and somewhat minimal fit, it can take you from long walks to workouts to the occasional run. But we don't recommend the Revel if you want a shoe that will protect your joints and provide cushion throughout a marathon training endeavor. We also have other recommendations that might hit the mark a bit better if you want an ultra-peppy shoe for quick mileage.

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