Brooks Launch
	Full Name: Brooks Launch
	Category: Cushioning
	Weight: 9.1 oz. (255 gr.)
	Suggested Price: 90 $
	Recommended For: Neutral runners in search of a real lightweight trainer.

• Brooks Launch General Info:

The Launch is Brooks’ award-winning lightweight neutral trainer. It is the heir of the deceased Brooks Burn and fills the void in the Brooks marketing lineup for a daily fast shoe. The low 9.1 oz weight (in a size 9) of the shoe gives it more pep than a standard Brooks trainer, such as the Brooks Glycerin or Ghost.

• Brooks Launch Sole Unit:

The sole of the Brooks Launch is where the shoe finds its identity. Its BioMoGo midsole (decomposes relatively quickly in a landfill to reduce environmental waste) provides a somewhat softly cushioned platform for the shoe. The midsole does not have any noteworthy roll bars, wedges, posting, bridges, or any other fancy features to tell the foot what to do. The shoe simply dampens impact, connects well with the ground over a flat rubber outsole, and springs off at the toe. The shoe does not attempt to alter the runner’s gait during transition.

The rearfoot includes abrasion-resistant rubber to increase the shoe’s lifetime on paved or rough surfaces. The forefoot sole includes thick rubber to provide miles worth of wear at fast paces. The heel sole rubber is not as thick as the rubber placed in the forefoot, which means heel strikers are likely to wear the shoe out faster than forefoot strikers. Additionally, the soft midsole might compress faster in general for heavy or high-impact runners, which often correlates with heel striking. The abrasion-resistant rubber in the heel is well-placed for neutral heel strikers and will do its job, but it will start to disappear before even 100 miles. Heel strikers primarily running on pavement may find out that the sole wears significantly by 300 miles. Forefoot/midfoot strikers, on the other hand, will find that the forefoot rubber can last until it wears down to the level of the white rubber flex grooves, which is unlikely to happen until over 300 miles.

• Brooks Launch Upper:

The Launch has an open mesh upper to let the foot breathe. It does so through light mesh layers that hold the foot in the shoe. Synthetic overlays cover important spots where the mesh would otherwise be vulnerable, such as the toe area and sides of the foot. The upper retains its form in the lacing area thanks to a firm rimmed lining that keeps the tongue comfortably in place beneath the laces. This allows the shoe to retain its shape on the foot without pressure on the tongue.

Brooks Launch - Front

The shoe last is built on Brooks’ Universal Platform to accommodate most foot types. The Launch fits true to size compared with most brands. The comfortable upper and absence of built-up medial “support” means it can accommodate a variety of arches.

The Launch has always been a highly visible shoe, as it was originally released in bright red and orange. Its newest colorway includes a black mesh with reflective silver overlays and neon lining.

• Brooks Launch Opinion:

The Brooks Launch is a versatile shoe and unique in a few ways. First, its weight puts it between a trainer and a flat. Second, its midsole lets the foot do its thing. Third, the sprung toe forefoot is loaded with rubber cushion and rubber sole to make the shoe comfortable pushing off quickly at the forefoot. These are qualities that put the shoe somewhat in the middle of a spectrum that has minimalism and maximalism at its respective extremes. It is somewhere between an aerodynamic trainer and a cushioned racer.

Almost any neutral runner can stick a pair of these in the closet confident that it is the appropriate shoe for some types of runs. The Launch’s reduced weight enables a faster turnover and comes with a softer ride. Runners moving towards lighter shoes can use it as a daily trainer. Marathoners are likely to find it provides great cushioning without excessive weight or unnecessary features. Runners unaccustomed to flats can even do a 5k in the Launch and yield some benefit. The shoe is clearly capable of doing a lot. A variety of runners can enjoy putting these features to use in a flashy shoe with a modest price tag.

It’s like the Nike LunarFly, but without added medial stability. It’s a similar cost and competitor to the New Balance 759, but provides a softer ride at a lower weight. It serves a purpose similar to the Mizuno Wave Precision, but without the plastic Wave technology that can sometimes be felt in the midsole. (Non-neutral runners looking for similar performance with added stability should try the Brooks Ravenna.)

Review by Joe Dowgiallo

• Brooks Launch Price Comparison:

Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!