Details
Brand
Brooks
Breathability
7.9/10
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• BioMoGo DNA midsole for cushioning• Universal 1/2 Sprung Platform to enhance fit and function• Forefoot Stable Pod Construction allows for improved balance during your stride• HPR Plus system increase durability and shoe life• Flextra Rubber Outsole maximizes support and flexibility• Diagonal Rollbar technology for stability• Rounded heel for dispersed weight during heel strike• Omega Flex Grooves work to give you optimal flexibility
Upper
The Brooks Ravenna 6 offers a new thinner upper, allowing the shoe to fit closer to the foot, and therefore keeping your foot cool and happy. The mesh upper has a moisture-managing component and offers protection from outside elements. This mesh upper does this while still maintaining a breathable in-shoe atmosphere. The upper also consists of a plush tongue and collar, and linings that help wick away moisture. In addition, the upper features stitchless and heat infused synthetic overlays. Some runners report that the upper fits very snuggly.
Midsole
Brooks continued use of their BioMoGo DNA technology in the Ravenna 6. This DNA technology is blended with the BioMoGo midsole, which provides adaptive cushioning, not only in the forefoot and heel but also throughout the midsole. The Brooks Ravenna 6 presents with a full-length S-257 Cushole midsole. This is a compound that increases cushioning and flexibility by utilizing an insole board. The majority of the midsole is single density soft foam, resulting in transitions that are smooth and unbroken.
Outsole
The Brooks Ravenna 6 features a Flextra rubber outsole piece that offers support of varying degrees. This piece corresponds with gender and weight for maximum flexibility. The soft-blown rubber of the outsole offers lightweight cushioning as well as supreme durability. For reduced wear and tear in the high wear areas of the outsole, the HPR Plus system delivers long-lasting durability.
Breathability
While the Brooks Ravenna 6 is known more its cushion and stability, this shoe also offers a breathability component. The mesh upper has a moisture-managing component and offers protection from outside elements. This mesh upper does this while still maintaining a breathable in-shoe atmosphere.
Comfort
Comfort in the Ravenna 6 is achieved through the BioMoGo DNA technology. This technology is gender friendly, allows for adaptive cushioning throughout the entire foot, and accounts for 30% more cushioning than the standard EVA or gel materials. The Ravenna 6 also features a full-length S-257 Cushole midsole that results in increased cushioning.;The under heel area is well padded and feels very cushiony. It’s nice because it is also centered for weight loading. A few runners with plantar fasciitis reports increased comfort while running in the Ravenna 6. Another runner reported that the Ravenna 6 presented with slightly less cushioning than the Ravenna 5. However, changes to the upper in the Ravenna 6, allow the shoe to better hug your foot and keep it in place.
Protection
The Brooks Ravenna 6 offers protection against bacteria growth inside the shoe, through use of elemental linings which are breathable and wick away moisture. Protection from bacterial growth is also achieved by removing the molded foam insole for cleaning. The mesh upper has a moisture-managing component but still offers protection from outside elements. It seems that this shoe is able to protect your feet from the outside elements without slowing you down.
Responsiveness
With the Brooks Ravenna 6, the BioMoGo DNA allows the runner to receive more pep in each step with twice as much energy return. The runner will have the opportunity for great performance no matter the running pace or the weight of the runner. The segmented heel and mid-foot crash pad, both help to promote smooth transitions. The BioMoGo DNA also allows for a smooth heel to toe transition.;There are some runners who feel that the BioMoGo does not live up to its expectation for responsive and that only seems to increase comfortability. The BioMoGo DNA in considered non-Newtonian, meaning it firms up when stress is applied while running. However, these runners report feeling that the foam remains soft, no matter if they are running or walking.
Support
Brooks was the first athletic company to invent running shoes that provided support for over-pronators. This was an orthopedic innovation! The Brooks Ravenna 6 was built for the mild over-pronator. Brooks utilizes their Diagonal Rollbar technology in this shoe to offer support throughout the gait cycle. This is a high-density post in the medial arch of the shoe, designed to create smooth transitions.;However, some runners report feeling that the support aspect of the Brooks Ravenna 6 does not kick in until midway through the gait cycle. This is likely due to the construction of the midsole, given that the medial embed is closer to the midfoot than the heel. Therefore, the density may change along the length.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for road racing. However, it appears many runners are using the Brooks Ravenna 6 on, track, gravel and groomed trails. This shoe is not appropriate for extreme temperatures.
Price
The Brooks Ravenna 6 was never an expensive shoe but fell in the moderate price range. However, now that the new models of the Brooks Ravenna are available, runners can find the Ravenna 6 at discounted and even clearance prices.
Drop
The heel to toe drop of the Ravenna 6 is 10mm, with a heel of 33mm and the toe at 23mm.
Stability
Brooks’ marketers often use the phrase, “Step into a whole new world of cushion and stability”. This appears to be true with the Ravenna 6. For an effective, balanced stride, the Forefoot Stable Pod Construction works from heel strike to toe-off. The rounded collar on the heel works to reduce internal stress on your body by aligning the force through the center of your ankle joint. The Brooks Ravenna 6 also offers a Universal 1/2 Sprung Platform which is designed to enhance fit and function. The density pads on each side of the foot, help to plant firmly, and therefore keep over-pronating at bay.
Flexibility
The Brooks Ravenna 6 features a Flextra rubber outsole piece that offers support of varying degrees. This piece corresponds with gender and weight for maximum flexibility. The Omega Flex grooves also work to increase the flexibility of this shoe. However, some feel that the Ravenna 5 was more flexible than the Ravenna 6.
Bottom Line
As with all shoes in the Brooks family, the Ravenna 6 is built with smart technologies, giving you, the runner, the opportunity to receive the right fit and function during each run. The Ravenna 6 is a well-balanced dose of cushioning and support. This shoe will be very popular with those runners looking for neutral-ness in their runs, as well as for smooth transitions.;Remember to purchase 1/2 to a full size larger than you would with your other running shoes. And, go try it on in the store if you can, even if ordering online. With Brooks Ravenna 6, you can Run Out Loud.
