Brooks Ricochet Shoe Review

The Ricochet is the latest neutral road running shoe from Brooks that’s designed to deliver an energized running experience. It features a performance-oriented design, and it uses the innovative DNA AMP, a new midsole cushioning which is also found in the Levitate model.

Here’s the detailed review of the Brooks Ricochet:

Adaptable and breathable upper

The Ricochet makes use of the Fit Knit upper to wrap the foot comfortably. The 3D circular knit is lightweight and stretchable enough to follow the shape of the foot, giving medium and narrow-footed runners a plush fit. The shoe holds the foot securely, and it flexes as the foot moves during the run.

The Fit Knit material’s capacity to breathe is average; it offered a sweat-free environment even on warm running conditions. However, it felt rough underneath. If you want to run sockless in this shoe, you might experience irritation or blisters.

Responsive and energized cushioning

In the midsole of the Brooks Ricochet are the BioMoGo DNA and DNA AMP technologies. These two cushioning units are meant to give runners with a reactive and energized underfoot experience. The BioMoGo DNA is a lightweight, eco-friendly foam designed for a fully personalized, responsive ride; the DNA AMP aims to provide a high energy return.

True to its promise, the Ricochet delivered responsiveness and energy return, especially on quick-paced runs. The cushioning was not firm and not too soft either. It all gave consistent underfoot protection during the landing and push-off phases.

Flexible and durable outer sole

Flexibility and durability are two things runners can expect from the Brooks Ricochet. The outsole is mostly made up of a durable rubber material. It has an arrow-point pattern with shallow flex grooves for a smoother and quicker heel-to-toe transition.

The rubber offered reliable traction on varied paved surfaces and even on slightly slippery roads. It was also strategically placed to give maximum durability without affecting flexibility. However, it also caused the shoe to have more weight, resulting in a much more encumbered feel than expected.

A secure fit, but a tight toe box

The Brooks Ricochet has a secure midfoot and heel fit. The sock-like heel collar hugged the foot without any pressure. The semi-elastic flat laces helped in keeping the foot in place.

The shoe has a medium fit in the heel and forefoot area, and the toe-box is slightly narrow. It felt too tight, and it left no wiggle room for the toes. Wearing thick socks also worsened the constricting and uncomfortable coverage.

Impressively durable construction of the Brooks Ricochet

The shoe has an impressively durable design – from the upper to the outer sole. The Fit Knit material and the rubber outsole were very tough, and they looked like new even after wearing the shoe for several miles. Though there were some visible glue remnants on the side and outsole, the shoe remained intact.

Brooks Ricochet compared to other road running shoes

Brooks Levitate 2

Just like the Brooks Ricochet, the Levitate 2 was designed to give runners with a more responsive, energized ride. Both shoes make use of the Fit Knit upper material, DNA AMP cushioning, and a rubber outsole with an arrow-point pattern.

Performance-wise, both the Ricochet and Levitate 2, are impressively responsive and bouncy. However, though the Levitate 2 also has a heavier weight, it is considerably more breathable and comfortable than the Ricochet.

Nike Free RN 2018

The Free RN 2018 is an affordable road running shoe from Nike. The shoe has a lightweight design, a breathable upper, a responsive midsole, and a flexible outsole. Though made for short runs, the Free RN 2018 is as responsive and flexible as the Brooks Ricochet.

The upper makes use of a circular-knit fabric for breathability and comfortable foot wrap. The injected Phylon in the midsole provides springy and durable underfoot cushioning while the Tri-Star pattern on the outsole is built for flexibility.

Adidas Solar Boost

The Adidas Solar Boost features a few innovative technologies and reliable materials for a more satisfying performance. It has a neoprene upper with Tech Fit overlays and Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) for midfoot security and the enhancement of the overall fit. It also makes use of the popular Boost technology and the Solar Propulsion Rail element for responsiveness and stability. For durability and traction, the shoe employs the Continental Rubber Outsole.

Aside from the fact that both shoes are designed to deliver a responsive and energized cushioning, the Brooks Ricochet is better in so many ways. The Solar Boost has a tight fit in both the midfoot and forefoot sections, and it is also less freeing and less breathable. Also, the Ricochet is more responsive and capable of offering a significant amount of energy return.

Summary

Score: 90/100

Pros:

• Durable construction, from top to bottom

• Cushioning is responsive and flexible

• Offers comfortable underfoot protection even on long runs

• Outsole delivers a right amount of traction on the roads

• Fit Knit upper wraps the foot comfortably

Cons:

• Feels heavier than expected

• Toe-box has no wiggle room

Conclusion

The Ricochet is another successful release from Brooks. It is not as light as the other road shoes available on the market today, but it is impressively durable. The cushioning is not too firm, and it offers enough bounce and responsiveness. The shoe also gives reliable traction on varied surfaces. There might be issues with the toe-box, but this model stood up admirably amidst long and tempo runs.

Done in partnership with RunRepeat.com