Brooks Revel 7 vs Brooks Revel 8:
Which to Choose
Verdict
For a brand-new purchase, the Revel 8 is the clear choice: it's the lighter, firmer, more responsive and more stable evolution of the same shoe, with no real trade-off in the areas the Revel 7 did well. For an existing Revel 7 owner, it comes down to whether the old ride bothered you — if you're happy with the firm, somewhat flat feel, there's no urgent reason to switch, but if you ever wished for more energy underfoot and a little less weight, the Revel 8 delivers exactly that while keeping the same honest daily-trainer purpose.
Pace
3 of 6
Cushioning
3 of 6
Responsiveness
2 of 6
Stability
3 of 6
Drop
10 mm
Support
Neutral
Plate
None
Distances
5K10KHalf
Pace
3 of 6
Cushioning
3 of 6
Responsiveness
3 of 6
Stability
4 of 6
Drop
10 mm
Support
Neutral
Plate
None
Distances
5K10KHalf
At a Glance
Brooks Revel 7Brooks Revel 8
Who Should Choose Each Shoe
Choose
Brooks Revel 7
The Revel 7 still makes sense for a runner who already owns a pair, likes the firm, dependable BioMoGo DNA ride, and does almost all of their running at easy, conversational paces where the generational upgrades matter least. It's a fine neutral trainer for beginner and recreational heel-strikers logging 5K-to-half mileage who have no complaints with what they have and don't need the extra pop or the slightly lighter feel.
Choose
Brooks Revel 8
The Revel 8 is the better pick for newer or budget-conscious neutral runners buying fresh, and the more compelling upgrade for a Revel 7 owner who found the old ride a little lifeless. You get a lighter shoe (244g men's US 9), a firmer and more responsive DNA LOFT v2 midsole with a touch more energy return, and a more planted, stable platform — ideal for someone doing steady and moderate daily training with the 10K as the sweet spot, who wants a bit more liveliness without giving up the simple, grounded, plate-free character.
Head-to-Head
On paper these two share almost everything: a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, medium (3/6) cushioning, a neutral platform with no plate, and the same best-distance range of 5K, 10K, and the occasional half. The differences are in execution. The biggest is the midsole: the Revel 7 runs on Brooks' older BioMoGo DNA, a durable but dense foam tuned for protection over rebound, which is exactly why hard reps feel a little flat and dead. The Revel 8 swaps in DNA LOFT v2, an EVA-based foam that is firmer and noticeably more responsive — that shows up in the jump from a 2/6 responsiveness rating on the 7 to a 3/6 on the 8, so the new shoe gives back a touch more energy when you push the pace, even though both still run out of rebound if you really open up. The Revel 8 is also the lighter shoe, at 244g in a men's US 9 versus roughly 258g for the Revel 7, and it carries a marginally taller, more protective platform (33mm heel / 23mm forefoot against the 7's 32mm / 22mm) without the weight penalty, thanks in part to a smarter RoadTack outsole that uses rubber more efficiently. Stability improves too: the Revel 8's low, wide, grounded platform earns an above-average 4/6 for a neutral shoe, where the 7 sits at a moderate 3/6. The Revel 8's refreshed engineered mesh upper and extended heel collar round out a package that is lighter, a bit livelier, and a bit more planted than the shoe it replaces — while keeping the same honest, firm, do-everything personality.
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