The new Brooks Levitate is the first running shoe from the american brand featuring new flagship foam for midsole DNA AMP. Brooks follows trend from competitors where almost every manufacturer has released "disruptive material" with huge marketing campaigns to progressively introduced in its lineup, starting from more expensive ones: Adidas and Boost™, Asics and FlyteFoam™, New Balance and Fresh Foam™, Saucony and EVERUN™, etc. Regarding Levitate itself, it is located between premium Glycerin 15 and Ghost 10 although it is mandatory to wait for feedback from unbiased testers to verify real performance.
Upper from Levitate (named "Fit Knit") is quite similar to latest ones like FlyKnit from Nike or PrimeKnit from Adidas which become very successful because of improved ventilation plenty of holes and great adaptability, something that will expand it among other Brooks running shoes in the near future. Fused elements (3D Fit Print) provide snug fit while flat laces will accomodate custom pressure to secure every transition.
Impressive midsole is completely made of new DNA AMP material developed in collaboration with renowned chemical manufacturer BASF (already involved in Boost™ and EVERUN™ foams). Marketing speech from Brooks states that there is an "incredible energy return" although this is unlikely to happen in a pretty heavy running shoe like Levitate (11.2 ounces for US 9 size). Let's see, there is always room to improve and first editions are usually away from runner's expectations. Outsole also breaks with typical Brooks approach and arrow based configuration reminds to Saucony's TRIFLEX but more extreme, looking for quick transition due to increased flexibility.
