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. Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer 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. Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist. (Also recommend the Naked belt)

Past the six-mile mark, I noticed some soreness in my forefoot, which I attribute to the thinner foam in that area. Another tester, who’s also a midfoot-striker, had the same experience. 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. 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. 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.

This is not exactly something new. A more classic example of options is winterized running shoes, with

Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup 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. In the Revel 6, Brooks has notably added 2 mm of cushioning in the heel, which is great news for heel strikers and improves the overall comfort levels. There’s more breathability in the upper than with previous iterations, too.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.