Brooks Launch: Inside Scoop for Shoe Geeks

July 9, 2009

Behind the Laces, Running Tips, Shoes & Gear

Summer racing season is in full swing … and so we welcome the Launch, a brand new neutral lightweight trainer that provides “just enough shoe” and cushioning. The Launch has one goal in mind: let you run fast and not lose any energy in the shoe. Lace these up for mile repeats or tempo runs, and know this shoe will help you hit your splits.

With a nice midfoot wrap, BioMoGo midsole, and carefully constructed forefoot – the Launch embodies the definitions of resiliency and effort-enabler. And the minimally constructed upper keeps you secure in the shoe, but avoids unnecessary weight or possible areas of irritation.  One early reviewer raves: “like running on a cloud…the miles feel effortless in the Launch.”

Added perk: Fans of the old Brooks Burn can finally clean out their closets!

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Joel

About Joel

I am a runner, cyclist and blogger in Seattle, Washington. When I'm not hard at work making the greatest shoes on earth at Brooks, I enjoy camping and running ultramarathon trail races.

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  • Chris H

    > Fans of the old Brooks Burn can finally clean out their closets!

    Thank god! LOL!

    Been running in the Launch since it was Launched. Very nice shoe. HUGE improvement in the forefoot fit relative to The Burn. Well Done!

  • sam

    Great shoe but what were you thinking when you went with red and orange.

    It reminds me of the Newton’s – Nasty!

    Come on guys.

  • Mike

    I am glad that there is finally a Burn replacement, but who picks these colors? Is it the same color blind person who picked that awful green for the Defyance?

  • Erik Larson

    Hi Guys – these things look hot and I love the colors!!!

    If you want to send me a test pair, I would love to give you some feedback.

    I wear a size 9.0

    Peace from Aspen, CO

    Erik

    PS – my mailing address is:

    1280 Ute Avenue, Suite 16
    Aspen, CO 81611

  • http://www.werunsanantonio.com Edgardo Gonzalez

    By far the best neutral running shoe out there right now. It’s got a soft ride, it’s responsive, and I am most impressed with it’s longevity. I’ll be racing in these at Hood to Coast this weekend!
    Run Happy from Texas:)

  • http://www.exit10.com eric

    These shoes are awesome. They give you a lot of support, almost as much as Asics Nimbus but much lighter. Oh, and I love the colors.

  • http://www.dunkid.com bryant

    seems lovely and Flying

  • Portland Runner

    I agree about the aweful colors. Please, the next color update needs to be base white with accent colors.

  • Albert

    I tried a pair on at our local running store and thought I was in 7th heaven, however, I just can’t spend the money on such a ugly shoe. PLEASE, PLEASE, update the color soon. I promise your sales improve 20% +.

    I can see how you wanted to make a statement and you feel that such a great show deserves to be seen by all, but red and hunters orange……

  • Craig Hadley (917 Torrey Street Golden, CO)

    I have not been able to wear these shoes, but I feel the same way that Erik Larson feels. I love the colors, and I can’t wait to try them on. I think the colors make them look fast. Feel free to send me a test pair as well :)

  • http://www.replicabagsmerchant.com/blackbalenciaga-first-motorcycle-replica-bags-084331-p-12385.html Balenciaga

    I’ve just found your site and i’ll be returning :) Great stuff!

  • Pingback: Brooks Running » The Launch vs the Ghost 2: What’s the difference? » Sweat365 » Fitness Community

  • http://www.christianlouboutinstores.com/ christian louboutin

    Just one question: how to add your blog into my rrs reader, thanks so much.

  • Gio Fabio

    I love the colors. Will go to try the shoe ASAP and if ok for sure it will be my next and favourite brooks :-)

  • http://www.abercrombiefitch.uk.com Abercrombie and Fitch

    Thank you!

  • Bill K.

    I love this shoe. Light weight and just the right amount of cushioning. I will be racing in this shoe this year. Don’t change anything. The colors are great too, please keep them.

  • http://www.kkyeestore.com Benjamin

    it is really nice, where can I get them in Asia? didnot see on the store..

  • B-dub

    Tried on the Launch and they felt great. Love the colors…I think. Great site, great gear.

  • Chris

    I’ve been running in the Launch since December and love them. Great for the road or trail. Love the color of them also, seems like people take more notice of me and get out of my way.

  • Suzi

    My daughter is a freshman and runs cross country and track. She runs the 3200 relay, 1600, 800, and 4×400. She has tried track spikes and DOES NOT LIKE them. She has been running on Brooks for two years now and loves them. Since she doesn’t wear the spikes, is this THE shoe to use? Thanks so much.
    Suzi

  • http://werunsanantonio.com Edgardo Gonzalez

    Hi Suzi, I wouldn’t recommend this shoe to race on the track in or to race XC in. This would be a great training shoe for your daughter (assuming she’s a neutral runner). Try the Brooks Mach series or the new Green Silence. Try the Mach series which has a spikeless version or the the new Green Silence.

  • Stacy Nelson

    Hey guys, I’m just curious as to how durable these shoes are in proportion to mileage. I average about 40 miles a week and am a neutral runner & currently run in the Glycerin. Considering converting to Launch if they have enough stability for training. If not, they look like great racers!

    Thanks for your help!
    Stacy

  • http://www.brooksrunning.com Meredith

    Hi there-
    Few answers re: questions above:
    * Asia: suggest checking out the .jp site: http://www.runhappy.jp/?pid=18325453.
    * Colors: watch for new colors of the launch coming out this July!
    * Lifespan: We recommend these shoes for approximately 300-500 miles.
    Glad to see so many folks talking about the shoe!

  • hanna

    I am flat footed, pronate, and love running but i hate wearing heavy clunky shoes bc i am “supposed to”. i recent fell in love with the new balance 905 but realized that i didnt have enough support (my knees would hurt after running while in the inifinits which are much heavier, they wouldnt), so i am hoping that the brooks launch will also be another light weight training shoe for pavement distance running including half marathons. its hard to be motivated to run long distances when you feel like your shoes are weighing you down. plus, if you run on the shorter side w height, i think shoe weight makes a bigger impact on feeling clunky and clumsy. or maybe thats just me :)

  • DAVID

    GREAT. SO HOW ABOUT MAKING A LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE LIKE THIS IN 2E!!!!!! I AM 5 10 155 AND FAST. I AM ALSO A 2E. THIS IS WHY I STICK WITH THE NB 905

  • DAVID

    HANNA
    THE LAUNCH IS A NEUTRAL SHOE, SO IF YOU PRONATE YOU NEED A LIGHT WEIGHT SUPPORT SHOE. THE NB 905 IS A MILD SUPPORT SHOE BUT I RECOMMEND PUTTING LIGHTWEIGHT “SUPER FEET” INSERTS IN THE LAUNCH OR 905. THIS SHOULD GIVE YOU THE ARCH SUPPORT YOU NEED

  • http://tumpanglalu.blogspot.com/ izham

    Hi guys,

    I just bought this Launch 3 day ago. Even though the colors are quite flashing but never mind, it is really comfortable. Worth buy!

  • Mick

    Hi, Have been a BURN lover, and interested in trying on the LAUNCH, however none of the listed “distributors” even carry it. Wondering if it’s a 1/2 size or full size up from the street shoe size.

  • Dave

    Like Mick, I’m looking for a replacement for my Burns. I’m curious about sizing of Launch compared to the Burn.

  • http://www.koobashop.com/anya-hindmarch-handbags-c-364.html Anya Hindmarch

    I really love your blog,Thanks for sharing this!

  • http://www.brooksrunning.com Meredith

    Hi guys: I checked with one of our alpha runners who has gone through multiple pairs of this shoe. His advice: “I go true size, but it’s a snugger fit – mostly on width”. I run in the Launch some myself and also have the same size as my other Brooks shoes. Note that in general, Brooks advises people size up 1/2 to 1 size from their street shoe size when purchasing our shoes. You can call a dealer in your area and ask them to order a pair for you if they don’t have them in stock already. Alternatively, Brooksrunning.com has a 30 day no questions asked exchange policy if you want to order them online.

  • Alison

    I know the Launch is supposed to be for tempo runs and speedwork, but how about for longer training runs? I love the low-to-the-ground feel and snug fit, and find my Glycerins feel “clunky” now. I’m only 110lbs, so do you think these could be an everyday shoe for me? Or should I try the Ghost?

  • Dave

    Meredith, Thanks for the sizing info.

  • Mick

    Thanks for the info Meredith! I can’t wait to try these out. I think I will go 1/2 size up from my street shoe size.

  • Arthur Martineau

    I’ve been through 4 pairs of launch. Twice I’ve worn them for the 100 mile distance. I wear true to size (same as Defyance and Cascadia)

  • Ziran

    Hi, I’m thinking of trying the Launch. I train in the Defyance 2 but I’ve heard the toebox on the Launch is really roomy? I don’t like too much toebox room, should I size 0.5 down from my Defyance or keep true to size?

  • http://talk.brooksrunning.com Gerri Anne

    I loved the Brooks Burns (in hot pink). When the style retired I searched the internet for any pair I could find. I haven’t found a pair of running shoes I have loved since then. I’m excited about the new ‘replacement’ pair. I will go out and try some today. I love the colors, the crazier the better…marathoners are a little crazy anyway : )

  • Yair

    Did Brooks stop making the red Launch for men??
    I cant find them anywhere, including the Brooks site. The blacks are much less cooler. Can anyone send me a link where I can get red Brooks Launch size 10 (men)? I need them ASAP.. this is going to be my 5 or 6th pair

    Thanks,
    – Yair
    gr.yair@gmail.com

  • Stacey

    My daughter runs track and is looking at the Launch for this season, my concern is that she is just coming off of a sesamoid bone injury. Will this shoe have too much flexability in the fore foot for her at this time? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

  • Karl

    I have the Launch and love them but it’s time to get a new pair. I’ve got a bad knee (3 ACL surgeries) and don’t run more than 3 miles 2-3 times per week and an occasional Sprint Tri. I’m looking for good cushion in the heel. Should I stick with the Launch or try the Ghost?

  • Chad Daigle

    When are we getting 2E

  • http://www.brooksrunning.com Joel Ballezza, Brooks

    @979975fc81b4b606f6a770bfd16f81d4:disqus  Not all our racing flats are producing in all sizes and widths. Give customer service a call. We can help. http://bit.ly/brooksCS