Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
7.4/10
Latest Version
no, Ravenna 8
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Diagonal Roll Bar that guides the body into a natural motion pattern• BioMoGo DNA Midsole Cushioning for customized, adaptable cushioning• Propulsion Pods help provide responsive cushioning with rapid energy return• Midfoot Transition Zone• Segmented Crash Pad• Omega Flex Grooves allow for good flexibility• Adjustable Saddle secures the midfoot area
Upper
The upper of the Brooks Ravenna 7 uses their new standard of seamless design, which is mostly made of mesh. This provides runners with top-notch comfort when they run and experience no skin irritation because nothing is there to rub against the foot. This is something that marathon runners consider a must do on a long-distance run. Runners also felt that this design is breathable and quite supportive due to well-placed overlays, which are welded onto the upper. Many runners have been more than pleased with the upper’s support thanks to its new adjustable midfoot saddle, a premium feature that can make all the difference in the world.;This saddle works in service of the runner by locking their feet into the shoe and giving them unparalleled security on runs that other running shoes simply can’t deliver. Runners have been surprised that the tongue of the upper is plush with cushioning but remained very breathable. Brooks’ signature shoelace guidance eyelet towards the top of the tongue ensures that it doesn’t move during long runs, a small detail that its user has come to enjoy from them. The upper’s design is further proof that Brooks goes the extra step to provide runners with one less thing to worry about during a run with the Ravenna 7.
Midsole
The midsole unit of this shoe features Brooks’ signature BioMoGo DNA foam cushioning those runners that have become familiar. Runners found that the updated material delivers a perfectly cushioned and smooth ride throughout long-distance runs while also being excellent for shorter everyday runs. The new Midfoot Transition Zone that Brooks has developed provides runners with a quicker step that helps move through heel-to-toe transitions quickly. Another new addition to the outsole is the redesigned Forefoot Energy Zone. Brooks’ claims this was done to improve overall responsiveness and keep runner’s feet feeling fresh throughout the run and runners have welcomed the upgrade from the previous model Ravenna 6’s. To further contrast the new and old, runners felt the changes to the undercarriage chassis of the Ravenna 7, taking note that it was much less rigid in the medial post, which offered support without overdoing it. Neutral runners also felt a quicker ride in the Ravenna 7 when compared to the 6: its firmness in the forefoot area is solid yet cushioned on the heel. Brooks did a great job bringing a newly aggressive feel to the mid while maintaining their signature supportive fit.
Outsole
Sticking to their ability to combine a solid use of materials throughout the construction of their shoes, Brooks placed Omni Grooves in the shoe’s blown rubber outsole. Runners felt that it gave the Ravenna 7 a uniform feeling that starts in the outsole and runs throughout the whole shoe during a run. This adds flexibility without reducing the cushioning impact control.;Delivering an effortless forefoot ride through the blending of technology and uniform construction, the outsole of the Brooks Ravenna 7 uses the HPR Plus rubber compound that marathon runners that wear Brooks trainers have come to count on to provide superior traction. These factors combined provide runners with flexibility, durability, and responsiveness.
Breathability
Brooks had taken into account runners that tend to run on a higher temperature due to marathon conditions and other environmental factors. The Ravenna 7 uses materials that runners felt allowed their moisture to escape through their seamless upper mesh. Runners have trusted the Ravenna line to keep enough breathability for longer runs that require the most out of their endurance levels. Brooks tests their shoe in all seasons to provide a highly breathable product, and it shows in the end product. Runners found the Ravenna 7 to be quite impressive in their ability to keep the feet cool and dry throughout a run. Brooks did an excellent job balancing their patented quality materials with a smarter layout to provide an extra amount of breathability.
Comfort
Every level of runner–from casual to marathoner–will be pleased to know that Brooks added layers of comfort to their new Ravenna 7 that outpaces its previous iteration. Starting with the Segmented Crash Pad, which runners found provided effective heel to toe transition, is accompanied by the light padding of the upper that helps secure the foot while preventing skin irritation. The adjustable saddle of the upper also significantly aids in finding customizable comfort for the runner, regardless of gait or strike pattern. Ultimately, the Brooks Ravenna 7 is a shoe that’s made to be worn for runs both long and short that provides comfort with every step.
Style
The Brooks Ravenna 7 has a professional running aesthetic that is signature of the Brooks brand. Looking every bit the racing shoe it is, the mesh upper is offered in a variety of color palettes ranging from neutral to bold, with its contrasting overlays serving as a reflective agent and as a pleasing contrasting color. There are over 6 different color laces available, and each color can have a different outline that matches the secondary color of the shoe. The inner fabric also shines with a stylish geometric pattern and sharp, color-coded lines. Sleek and made with a visual purpose in mind—the pursuit of running—the Ravenna 7 looks every bit the high-performance trainer it is.
Durability
Brooks is well known for creating durable shoes with quality materials. Year after year, runners trust the Brooks name to log in hundreds and hundreds of miles with very little wear on their trainers at the end compared to their competitors. In fact, many runners have found that their Ravenna 6’s still had life left in them even after all this time.;The Omega Flex Grooves on the outsole does an amazing job of dealing with unforgiving pavement through tough, high-endurance runs. Runners reported that its lightweight construction holds up very well to even their most punishing outings. Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA Midsole doesn’t just provide dynamic cushioning and feedback to the runner, it also holds back against the weight and pressure of the runner. These are running shoes that are built to last.
Responsiveness
Starting from the ground up, Brooks set out to create a highly responsive marathon runner, and that is exactly what they accomplished with the Ravenna 7. Reviewers admired and highlighted the updated adjustable saddle as one of the better updates to the line, reporting that the saddle provides a firm wrap the midfoot in a secure fit.;The diagonal roll bar guides the body back into its natural movement pattern while the propulsion pods create a responsive energy return that is ideal for quick transitions. Runners that tested the Ravenna 7 on technical marathon courses noted that they transition quickly from flat surfaces to steep inclines and felt confident digging in with their strikes. Just lacing these sneakers on gives some idea of just how responsive a Brooks running shoe can feel—and after securing the foot with the saddle, great responsiveness is just one of the many highlights of the Ravenna 7.
Support
The Brooks Ravenna 7 feature a 10mm midsole drop and are ideal for flat to medium arches. Brooks worked with runners that frequently suffer from conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis to make changes to their adjustable midfoot saddle, the results of which have reviewers agreeing that this version of the running shoe has a much stronger support system than the last edition. Brooks also included a redesigned midfoot transition zone that provides runners with additional support from the moment of first heel strike to maximize the energy sent to the toe region. All the components of the Ravenna 7 work together to give the runner optimum support, giving the experience of running in a pair an overall holistic feel.
Terrain
These shoes are meant to be run in and they are meant to run hard. One look at the Segmented Crash Pad reveals that this shoe can handle all marathon terrain. The Ravenna 7 was tested for hundreds and hundreds of miles in the rain-soaked pavement and in all types of long distance marathons. Time and again they proved that terrain is one thing that a runner won’t have to worry about when taking the shoes out for a run. While they are not meant to be taken out on a rocky trail, the Ravenna 7 will be more than capable of handling anything that will be encountered on a typical 10K.
Price
The Ravenna 7 comes in at a great price point to offer runners a chance to own a technologically advanced, long-distance running shoe. Runners have reported that they have previously paid a significantly higher amount of money for other comparable running shoes as Brooks’ newest flagship model. Make no mistake: this is not buying an entry-level, “no-name” running shoe here. Instead, this is a top-of-the-line brand that most runners would be hard-pressed to find a better value for their money than in investing in a pair of Brooks Ravenna 7.
Drop
Featuring a standard drop of 10mm, the Brooks Ravenna 7 offers no surprises in its drop—one that most neutral runners will feel comfortable running.
Stability
There are some features of the Ravenna 7 that slightly address some stability problems, such as its Diagonal Roll Rar, which helps correct overpronation. The saddle on the upper that serves to lock the foot down in the sneaker also provides additional stability, but overall this is a trainer for neutral runners. Those needing specifically a stability shoe to correct pronation issues may need additional support with the Ravenna 7.
Flexibility
The midsole of the Ravenna 7 is made of an EVA compound that’s flexible and delivers a responsive ride. The Omni Grooves in the shoe’s midsole and outsole provides additional flexibility, which adds to the overall smooth, natural ride the Ravenna 7 survives.
Traction
The Ravenna 7 has HPR Plus on its outsole, a durable compound that provides excellent traction and is highly abrasion-resistant. Its blown rubber works with the deep Omni Grooves cut into the outsole for a flexible, responsive ride.
Bottom Line
The most recent update to the Ravenna running shoe was carefully engineered to give runners an overwhelming sense of comfort and performance. This is not Brooks experimenting with something unfamiliar but the evolution of their flagship model. The beloved Ravenna running shoe is back, and it’s back in a big way. Season runners report a stable ride and quick transitions that keep their tempo even on the longest of runs.;When you are running about eight to eleven miles, you need a well-cushioned and supportive shoe that you don’t have to think twice about. Most runners have been there: that point in the run where fatigue tends to settle in, and even the slightest give on your shoe can make your strides harder to follow up. These issues are a thing of the past with the Brooks Ravenna 7. Runners can finally take their mind off of their shoes and keep the focus on the run ahead.
