Brooks Revel Max Review: A Comfortable All-Rounder at a Tricky Price

Introduction

The Brooks Revel Max is the first shoe in a new Revel series, positioned as a cost-effective option for everyday runs and general training with a focus on maximum support. It costs £110 or $120, weighs 288 g (10.2 oz) for men in a size 8, and has a 6 mm drop.

On paper it reads like a sensible, no-nonsense daily shoe. After a first run of around 12 km at an easy pace, the picture is consistent: very comfortable, stable, and durable, but built on older technology rather than modern foam.

Who This Shoe Is For

Brooks positions the Revel Max as a catch-all shoe: entry-level runners, people who want a bit of support, and anyone after a general daily shoe that also works for walking, gym sessions, or wearing around town. The name “Max” refers to maximum stability rather than maximum stack height.

It effectively fills the gap left by the Ghost, which has become more expensive and moved to newer foam. If you remember the older Ghost 14 or Ghost 15 as comfortable, stable workhorses, the Revel Max delivers a very similar experience.

Main Strengths

The DNA Loft V2 midsole is aimed at a balance of softness and responsiveness, and Brooks says the foam adapts to your stride. In practice the ride feels firm and old school: stable and dependable, but with no bounce or plush compression.

The shoe also uses a Glide Roll rocker geometry, built to assist forward motion and promote smooth heel-to-toe transitions. It is not an aggressive or obvious rocker, but the ride stays consistent and smooth, partly because the firm foam gives the geometry room to do the work.

The upper is a genuine highlight. The flexible warp knit construction is comfortable, breathable, and locks the foot down well, with generous padding around the ankle collar and a nicely padded tongue. The outsole carries a thick layer of rubber, offering among the best durability and grip tested recently, so the shoe should last a long time for the money.

Fit and Sizing

The test pair ran true to a UK size 8, with a little room for the big toe but not excessive. A spacious forefoot gives the upper a roomy feel up front, while the midfoot is fairly average in width.

Runners with wider feet will likely struggle in this shoe. If you prefer extra toe space, going up half a size is worth considering; otherwise staying at your usual size should work well.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The firm, dated midsole is the defining trade-off. There is no modern bounce, no soft cushioning, and nothing that surprises on the run. A 12 km easy run felt comfortable throughout, but the shoe does not actively add much to the experience.

At £110 / $120, the price is the bigger issue. At around £90 this would be a solid daily shoe, but at this price it brushes up against stronger performance options, such as the Adidas Evo SL for about £20 more. Because the Revel Max uses technology from a couple of years ago, older versions of the Ghost 16 or Glycerin may be available for the same money or less.

Buying Advice

If you are a beginner or a general runner who wants one comfortable, stable shoe for easy runs, walking the dog, and everyday wear, the Revel Max does that job well and should prove durable.

If you want a modern-feeling shoe, look elsewhere or wait for a price drop. If it falls well under £100 in a few months, it becomes a much easier recommendation, especially since the added stability is a genuine benefit for runners who value support.

Conclusion

The Brooks Revel Max is exactly what it appears to be: a comfortable, stable, well-built entry-level trainer with old-school foam and excellent outsole durability. The upper is pleasant, the fit is sensible, and it handles easy running and daily wear without complaint. Its only real problem is pricing, since the same money can buy newer or better-performing alternatives. Buy it for comfort, stability, and longevity, not for excitement.