I recently had the chance to test an entire new outfit from Brooks Running, and – spoiler alert – I am loving it! Switching to new shoes is always a little bit scary for me, especially since in the past I have had some heel injuries caused by shoes that didn’t work for me. The Brooks Levitate shoes, with neutral support and an 8mm heel to toe drop, do not cause me any such problems. Putting them on for the first time, they fit like a glove and don’t have any trouble spots that cause me blisters or pain during longer wear. They appear a little bit tighter in the toe box than my Brooks Glycerin, but as long as I wear my thinner running socks it works out well. My heels (that are still temperamental even years after recovering from injuries) are happy both underneath and along the Achilles’ tendon. The only minor problem I had was running on wet, mossy sidewalks where I didn’t get as much grip from the sole as I would have wanted, but going into the dryer season of the year, that won’t be an issue anymore.
The second piece in the ensemble are the Circuit 3″ 2-in-1 shorts. I really like the look and feel of split shorts, but most of them have an inseam that is too short for me. These 2-in-1 shorts have built in 3″ tight shorts offering both modesty and protection from chafing. The shorts are tight enough that they don’t ride up, and there is a hidden side pocket on the thigh in addition to the zippered pocket at the center back. Both pockets are big enough to hold my smartphone, so between the two of them I can carry phone, keys, money and ID to a run or race without need for additional bags or pockets.
Rounding out the outfit is the super light-weight Ghost Racerback. The thin, sheer fabric is great for warm weather running, the flowy fabric providing shade and coverage while still staying airy and cool. This shirt fits me snugly around the ribs and shoulders, and continues a little more loosely (but still slightly fitted) over the waist and hips. The length is great to where it doesn’t ride up and never feels too short. Be aware that this fabric is see-through (especially in lighter colors), but it’s a lovely option for those of us who don’t want to go entirely shirtless in the summer heat.
Company: Brooks
Products:
- Women’s Levitate, black ($150)
- The most energy return of leading performance running shoes, for runners looking for a springy, responsive ride.
- Ghost Racerback, black ($24-40)
- Featherweight fabric designed to keep you cool with just-right coverage and athletic styling.
- Circuit 2 in 1 Short, pink ($55)
- Move freely in any and all directions, with flattering coverage throughout your training.
Thank you to Brooks for providing us with samples. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
