Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Review

Brooks Levitate 3 

Last year, the Brooks Levitate was one of the most anticipated running shoes of the year. All of the testing and technology along with plenty of runner trials made this shoe successful and popular with many runners. I really liked the original version, it was just heavier than what I typically run in.

for those who haven’t read the review of the original Brooks Levitate, the name is also interesting as the definition of levitating is to rise or cause to rise and hover in the air, especially by means of supernatural or magical power.

According to Brooks, the original Levitate went through “Nine rounds of development. Seven rounds of wear tests. Thousands of runner trials. Every feature is designed to give the most energy return of leading performance running shoes.”

The Brooks Levitate 3 is available in 3 color options for both men’s and women’s. The shoe retails for $150. You can usually get these on sale so I wouldn’t pay retail for these.

Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Verdict

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As excited I was for the Brooks Levitate 3, my verdict is very similar to the original Brooks Levitate. Again, I would say that I like the shoe, but am not blown away by it, mainly because of the weight of the shoe. The shoe is the same weight of the original version so if you liked the first version you will like this version.

The shoe continues to be comfortable, responsive, and the updated sock liner really makes this shoe feel great. If you prefer a responsive and comfortable shoe that is a little heavier, I would definitely check this shoe out.

One thing to note, the longest run in the Levitate 3 was 12 miles. The shoes felt better than the original version, mainly due to the redesigned upper, but were still heavier than I would prefer. Make sure you order a 1/2 size up if you go with this shoe.

Shop Brooks Levitate 3 »
Pros Cons
  • Supportive
  • Comfortable
  • Responsive
  • Expensive ($150)
  • Heavy
  • Sizing (order 1/2 size up)

Here are a few pictures of the Brooks Levitate 3 that I wore for this review.

Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Initial Thoughts

Ever since Brooks released the original Brooks Levitate, I was excited to give the latest version another try. The shoe was a big hit with many runners and was hoping that my original thoughts would be a little different with the newer version.

When I first opened the box, I immediately liked the color option that I selected. The other color options are solid as well, especially the chili colored version.

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 shoe has an 8mm drop, which is consistent with most of the Saucony shoes I have recently reviewed.

Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Specifications

  • Shoe Type/Category: Neutral
  • Weight: 11.6 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: Brooks Levitate 2

Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Overview

The Brooks Levitate 3 neutral running shoe is the updated Brooks Levitate shoe that provides a responsive sole, making it a great shoe for daily training runs.

The bouncy sole combined with a redesigned upper allows the shoe to provide an excellent fit. The main feature of the shoe is the energy return that comes with the sole, making it feel lighter than the actual weight. This shoe has the same sole as the original Brooks Levitate.

Both men’s and women’s have 3 color options. As mentioned the men’s shoe weighs in at 11.1oz (size 9D) and the women’s shoe weighs in at 9.7oz (size 9B). The weight of the shoe is similar to the original version of this shoe.

Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Sole

The Brooks Levitate 3 shoe sole continues to be one of the main things that differentiate this shoe. The sole of the shoe remains the same as the original version. The DNA AMP midsole improves responsiveness and durable.

The Brooks DNA AMP midsole continues to be 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 sole has an arrow-pointed outsole that can be seen in the pictures below. This improves flexibility, something that some of the Saucony EVERUN soles do.

Below are a few pictures of the Brooks Levitate 3 shoe sole and heel.

Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Upper

One of my favorite things about the Brooks Levitate 3 is the redesigned upper of the shoe. The FitKnit, for the most part, remains the same, but the new heel collar and internal bootie really improve the feel and fit of this shoe.

The heel 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 hope that Brooks continues to use the same FitKnit upper in some of their upcoming shoes.

Below are a few pictures of the Brooks Levitate 3 upper shoe area.

Buy the Brooks Levitate 3

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Other options: Amazon | Brooks Running | Jack Rabbit | Foot LockerRoad Runner Sports | REI.com | REI.com | Fleet Feet

Running and Fitness Discounts

Brooks Levitate 3 Shoe Ratings

  • 8.8/10
    Overall Rating - 8.75/10
  • 8.8/10
    Upper - 8.75/10
  • 8.8/10
    Sole - 8.75/10
8.8/10

Let me know what you think of the Brooks Levitate 3 running shoe! If you need help finding deals on this shoe, contact me.

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