Customer Reviews Brooks Levitate 4 Running Shoe

*I've been devoted to Brooks for the last decade for all my running shoes/needs. In the past, I've run in Ghosts, Gylcerins, and Ravennas. As a neutral running shoe, the Levitate 4s have less cushioning than the other Brooks models I'm used to, but they still provide a good amount of support. I really enjoy the wraparound collar. It helped with the heel slippage I sometimes get in other models. The cushioning (advertised as "energizing") is fairly springy, but as a heavier woman, I prefer a bit more cushion overall. The toe box is a bit more narrow than others, but I felt like there was still plenty of room for me. I typically wear a size 11 in running shoes, size 10 in regular shoes. The size 11s in the Levitate 4s felt true to fit overall.* *The shoe itself has a nice style. Not overly obtrusive, sleek design. I usually use my running shoes for running only, but these felt stylish for multiple uses. I felt comfortable wearing them on errands and general running around. I even wore them to the gym and felt like they did a great job during cross training workouts (I usually do workouts in Invo-8s).* *If I were training for a marathon or long race, I would use these for my midweek runs. They feel like they are made for shorter, speedier runs. I would want more support for my longer runs. I'll probably go back to Gylcerins after these, but the Levitate 4s will work for now.*

Sadly Brooks has lost the quality and comfort in the Levitate 4. I have been wearing the Levitate 2 until I could no longer find them on Zappos or other sites. The Levitate 3 has the comfort of 2 so thankfully these are still available. The 4 is thin, stiff, very difficult to get on with the tongue stiched so close to the opening. There is no padding around the opening and the shoe rubs on the back heel because it is cut lower. Everything in terms of comfort is missing. I also order the 3 and when I put it on if fit like a glove. Buy the 3's while they last and store them in your closet. Sigh. This happens with other brands a well. They could keep the structure and comfort of early models and change exterior colors if they want to create a new edition with each new year for marketing. But sadly they overhaul the entire shoe and lose the best qualities.

Brooks what did you do to the Levitate 4 shoe? I loved the Levitate 2. I actually bought several pairs. But there was no cushioning in the new style.

I loved the color and look of the shoe, but the width was too narrow compared to my other Brooks- Launch 6 and 7. I ended up returning them.

I was so excited for these shoes because I love Brooks and I love Levitates. Even after reading others reviews about the shoes not fitting well, I wanted to give them a try because I have never had an issue with brooks. I went for one run in them and realized many issues. They run small, the toe box is way smaller than previous levitates, there is a plastic piece in the back of the shoe that digs into you while you are running and the overall cushioning is sub par. I returned these immediately!

True to size, though more narrow than my other brooks. By far, the most uncomfortable shoe I’ve ever run in, I would NOT recommend.

Beautiful & comfortable sneakers...love my purchase

I’ve worn two versions of the Brooks Levitate and the 4 is different. It seems to be more narrow and stiff; also, the sole does not feel as cushioned. They look good ( better than the Brooks Glycerin 18!), but I’m leaving this brand for awhile. They’ve changed their shoes every year since 2008 ( at least that’s when I became a customer), and I can’t continue to just be a loyal customer - I used to love Brooks...now I’m moving “On” ( check out Cloudflyer).

If you have enjoyed other Levitate shoes 2 and 3 these are a very different feel. They are tight and I could not wear my orthotics in them like I could with the previous models. They also feel a big stiff and clunky. So sad...I had 3 pairs of the levitate 2 and was hoping these could be a replacement.

These are my all time favorite sneakers that I have ever owned. I have never found a shoe that I don’t subconsciously kick off at some point in the day around the house. I literally can wear these all day and never bother me. I also find these fitting accurately... I always wear an 8.5 and they fit perfectly! LOVE these!!! Will be ordering another pair just to have another color!

I have a narrow heel and wide toe box. These sneakers fit me great. Love the color as well.

I read the reviews & had concerns but they fit & look great. I usually wear a size 7.5 in Brooks but sized up to an 8 for these shoes due to the length (my toes were touching the front of the 7.5 shoe). The 8s have enough room in the toe box & the shoes fit with/without my orthotics. I have no issues with the attached “tongue” and get into & out of the shoe without an issue. I’m happy.

I love to sleek look of this shoe! They have breathable mesh and sock like fit. Unlacing the top hole gives your foot more room. The mesh material will stretch over time and could accommodate the top eyelet later. The shoes have good arch support and cushion, as well as traction. I wear them for work. To run in this size might be difficult for me until they stretch more.

The Levitate 4 overall is a comfortable shoe. There's plenty of cushion to it but it also feels stable and supports the foot well. With the insole removed the shoe is deep enough to accomodate my orthotics one with a medium heel lift. There's plenty to like about this show however the lack of a standard tongue and the odd lacing system makes it difficult to get your foot into the shoe. The tongue is not a typical tongue about 2/3's of what would be the tongue is just a continuation of the shoe upper. What would be the last 1/3 of a typical tongue is a short flap. This creates a very small opening to insert your foot into the shoe. With the flap being so short and with no tongue to speak of there is no way to expand the opening. If you do bend the flap back it requires fiddling with it to get it tucked back into the shoe to then tie it. It's not uncomfortable or painful to put the shoe on - rather it's a design annoyance to deal with. The heel cup seems sturdy but I suspect over time it will break down unless one uses a shoe horn when putting the shoe on. The shoe arrived with an odd lacing that also contributed to the problem of getting the shoe on. One can change the lacing but the lack of tongue required a different structure for lacing. Even with the design oddities I wasn't willing to knock off too many stars as once the shoe is on it's a very nice shoe.

LOve these!! They’re comfy, cushioned, stylish and look great!! Runs true to size.

I LOVE my Black & Gold Levitate 4 Brooks Running shoes from Zappos. I received them in 2 days! AMAZING!!! The fantastic rep, Lisa, at Zappos was truly amazing! I was having difficulties on both the Zappo app & website. She took the time to help me figure out the problem, then assisted me with the purchase over the phone. I was on the phone with her for 35 minutes and she was not only courteous, but a pleasure to converse with! Excellent Customer Service! Was the best customer service I have received in a long time from any company. Highly Recommend Zappos! Will purchase through Zappos again!