If you have been following along for a while, you know how much I love the Brooks Launch. I have been wearing the Launches for a couple of years now, and while there are other shoes I like, these are my go-to for everything: easy runs, tempo workouts, track days, etc. I love how versatile they are, how well they fit my foot, and they are the perfect amount of shoe for me–not too much and too bulky, but not so little that it feels like I’m running in a ballet flat.
Here are a few quick stats on the shoes.
Brooks Launch
Weight: 7.5oz.
Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
Support: Neutral
Generations: currently on the 4th edition, the 5th edition is slated to come out next year, and I’ve heard it is a good one!
I’ve owned the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation and love them all. Each edition has had updates done to it, but I haven’t noticed that much of a difference between the generations.
Pros:
- Good if you have a wider foot. (The Launch does not come in a wide, but it is great for my foot that is wider but not a true wide.)
- Lightweight, less shoe, ability to “feel the ground more”
- Reasonable price-point for a really good running shoe at $100
- Responsive yet not too cushioned that I don’t feel like my energy is being wasted in the shoe
- Fun colors
- Snug heel cup (I often don’t like a particular shoe because of the heel cup, but this is so snug on my heel, and is the perfect fit for me.)
Cons:
- Since it is a lighter weight shoe, it won’t have as much cushion as say the Brooks Ghost or Brooks Glycerin
- The one complaint I’ve heard from two friends is that the heel cup dug into their heel funny and caused them to get blisters. I’ve personally never had this problem, but I did think it was odd that two friends (my coach, Nichole, and my friend, Teri from A Foodie Stays Fit) both said the same thing happen to them.
- Lifespan is only about 300-400 miles. Since this is a lighter weight shoe, it will break down more quickly.
You can say I’ve become a little bit of a shoe snob since working at a running store, but it has been nice because I am able to try on a ton of different running shoes and dial in what works for me!
If you are interested in trying a pair of the Brooks Launch for yourself, they are on sale right now for $75 + free shipping! There are a lot of color options and still a full size run in everything! Be cautioned that the Launches are a neutral shoe, so if you pronate when you run, this shoe may not provide enough support for your foot.
Happy running!!
