Brooks Bedlam Shoe Review

Brooks Bedlam Shoe Review

In 2017 Brooks launched the neutral Levitate running shoe, followed by the Levitate 2 earlier this year. This shoe came equipped with a new midsole featuring their DNA AMP technology built to improve energy return. This fall Brooks has introduced the stability version of the Levitate. The all-new Brooks Bedlam is a stability running shoe that has a knit upper similar to the Levitate 2.

The Brooks Bedlam has new Brooks GuideRails that improve stability and support. GuideRails will be explained in more detail later in the review.

Brooks has already introduced another shoe similar to the Levitate that has knit upper with a DNA AMP sole. The new shoe is the Brooks Ricochet. The all new Ricochet is over an ounce lighter than the Levitate 2.

RunningWarehouse.com describes the Bedlam as “Blending stability with plush comfort and a bouncy ride, the Brooks Bedlam is a daily training dream come true for the moderate to severe overpronator.”

The Brooks Bedlam is available in 2 color options for both men’s and women’s. The shoe retails for $150, which is more than I usually like to pay. If you look hard enough, you can find discounts on these. Check out the deals at the bottom of the review.

Here are a few pictures of the Brooks Bedlam that I wore for this review.

Brooks Bedlam Shoe Initial Thoughts

Ever since Brooks released the original Brooks Levitate, I was hoping that Brooks would make a similar shoe for runners who need additional support and stability. When I heard about the Brooks Bedlam, I immediately had to get a pair.

When I first opened the box, I immediately noticed the tongue. It seemed longer than some of the other Brooks shoe. I was impressed with the color option and attention to detail that the knit upper contained. The color worn for this review was the white/silver color. The other men’s color is a black/orange color combination that I wasn’t a fan of.

The shoe continues to be a bit heavier (11.1oz) than most of the shoes I currently run in. The majority of the weight seemed to be the sole of the shoe.

The Brooks Bedlam has an 8mm drop, which is consistent with most of the other running shoes I have recently reviewed.

Brooks Bedlam Shoe Specifications

• Shoe Type/Category: Stability
  
• Weight: 11.2 oz (Men’s size 9D)
• Shoe drop: 8mm
• Shoe Height: 26mm (Heel), 18mm (Forefoot)
• Sizing: Order 1/2 size up
• Heel: Medium width
• Forefoot: Medium width
• Previous model: first version

Brooks Bedlam Shoe Overview

The Brooks Bedlam is a stability running shoe with a DNA AMP sole providing an increased energy return and plenty of stability making it a great shoe for daily training runs.

The bouncy sole combined and knit upper provides an excellent fit with ample support. The main feature of the shoe is the energy return that comes with the DNA AMP sole, making the shoe feel lighter than it actually is. This shoe has the same sole as the original Brooks Bedlam.

As mentioned above, both men’s and women’s have 2 color options. The men’s shoe weighs in at 11.2 oz (men’s size 9D).

Brooks Bedlam Shoe Sole

The Brooks Bedlam shoe sole continues to be one of the main selling points for some of the newer Brooks running shoes. The sole of the shoe is similar to the Levitate and Levitate 2, which is the DNA AMP midsole providing plenty of responsiveness and durability. When you first look at the sole of the shoe, it is unique and different than some of the other shoes I have recently worn.

The Brooks DNA AMP midsole is one of the most advanced midsole compounds on the market. It combines polyurethane foam with an encased TPU skin to provide one of the most responsive running shoe soles. The only other sole that I think is similar is the Saucony EVERUN sole.

The thing that makes this shoe unique is the GuideRails that are part of the Bedlam sole. These GuideRails provide plenty of stability and reduce heel and shin rotation while running.

The sole has an arrow-pointed outsole that can be seen in the pictures below. The sole design improves flexibility, something you will notice when running in these shoes.

Below are a few pictures of the Brooks Bedlam shoe sole and heel. Notice the profile of the sole and how different this looks compared to other running shoes.

Brooks Bedlam Shoe Upper

One of my favorite things about the Brooks Bedlam is the knit upper of the shoe. The FitKnit, for the most part, and the comfortable ankle collar and internal bootie really improve the feel and fit of this shoe.

The inside of the ankle collar has a suede-like material that reduces friction and eliminates your heel from slipping. This felt great and was really the first time I have seen something like this in a running shoe.

The FitKnit expanded to fit my feet, which made me appreciate the design of the shoe. I was happy to see that Brooks continued to use the same FitKnit upper as the did with the Levitate 2. The only change I would make to this part of the shoe is to shorten the tongue. Definitely seems too long in my opinion.

Below are a few pictures of the Brooks Bedlam upper shoe area.

Let me know what you think of the Brooks Bedlam running shoe!

If you need help finding deals on this shoe, contact me.

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