Brooks Launch SKU: #7554617

Dan C

from Santa Monica, California

Light, Cushy & Neutral - This shoe is very cushy. At first I thought it was too much so, but I started to like it. I recently changed my running technique from landing on my heel first to landing on the ball of my foot and I had a stress fracture on the ball of my foot years ago, so I feel like the cushioning will help prevent a recurrence. Trying to run landing heel-first in these didn't feel good, so I wouldn't recommend it if you heel-strike when you run. Otherwise it's a great shoe if you want something light and cushioned.

Brands I'd also recommend: Nike Free

Michael M

from Sterling, MA

This is a great new lightweight neutral trainer from Brooks. Ever since the Brooks Burn was discontinued I've been looking for a similar shoe and went through a series of Brooks products that were too heavy (Defyance) or too stiff (Ravenna). The Launch is the closest yet to the Burn - lightweight, low heel, very flexible out of the box, and not overly squishy like some neutral shoes. I can only hope they come out with new colors (who came up with neon orange on red?). All in all a great shoe.

Dean P

from Naperville, Illionois

Great light weight trainer and racing flat! I traditionally wear Mizunos because of my high arches, and was just looking for an alternative. The Brooks Launch is a great shoe that feels incredibly light and offer just enough forefoot cushioning where I can feel the road while getting a soft ride. I was concerned about the Launch’s durability, being a bigger runner 6’ 192 lbs, but I put over 100 miles on them in February and they feel new the forefoot is roomy so make certain you size them correctly. I normally wear an 11.5 and they were a loose with a thinner sock, I probably could go 1/2 size down next time... the problem being when I would snug up the laces I would feel a little too much road on the outside balls of my feet.

Brands I'd also recommend: Mizuno wave rider 13

Runningfox

I have run in Kayanos for two years and went to these to get something lighter but still with some support. I use my orthotics in them, without the brooks platform and absolutely love them. I did my first half in them last week and they held up superbly for that distance. I then did a 20 miler this week and loved them. So, I am planning to use them in my first Boston marathon this year. These are quickly becoming a popular shoe in the local runners that I am familiar with. Plus, my four year old thinks that they look fast!! Great shoes, cushioned but very responsive. My only concern is that when I opened the box Brooks said I was going green by purchasing these shoes. I'm not sure about that, I think I might be going red or orange but definitely not going green.

Anonymous

from Boston

I ordered a pair of Brooks launch running shoes online, after reading about it, to be used in the running of The Boston Marathon. I only had 2 weeks to break them in and put about 40 miles on them. Used them in the Marathon and was thrilled with the results. Very comfortable, lightweight yet provided good support, nice heel cushioning and zero friction points. In short the perfect shoe and of course, the bright red and overall aggressive design, makes you feel like you are running faster.

Anonymous

from Ventura, CA

I've put about 50 miles on these and am very satisfied. They are light and stable, but Brooks has to find better colors. I plan on running a marathon in them in the next month. I was a big fan of the Glyceryn, but these are a really nice, lighter alternative.

Lynn

from Convent Station, NJ

Husband loves them and just completed a half-marathon in these! I just bought my own pair. Super flashy though. I need to be confident to wear them, but he digs them.

Anonymous

So far these shoes have held up great! Make sure you try a local running store to make sure the model fits then you go after them online.

Brands I'd also recommend: saucony, new balance

Jim A

from Wylie, Texas

The Launch has become my go to shoe for just about all of my training. It is my favorite event shoe for 5k and 10k races as well. It is light, fast and transitions my foot strike through as cleanly and quietly as any shoe I have found. I had been running for three years with ankle soreness issues that I thought were from old age until I switched to this Brooks shoe. This shoe hold up to the miles and is wearing very well too.I bought this shoe a half size up to provide adequate toe room. With that, I no longer get bruised or blackened toe nails from my marathon distance training and events.

Brands I'd also recommend: Nike+ Air Pegasus, Asics Gel SD Lyte

Anonymous

from Washington DC

Great shoe, use it for training and recreational runs. Just enough foot protection to prevent injury but flexible enough for me to "feel" the trail. Brooks knows how to make a quality shoe. Plenty of room in the forefoot area. Good heel grab.

Kalani

from Haleiwa, HI

Ironically, it was because of the reviews below that I decided to take a shot in the dark and go ahead with the Launch. I really had no idea what I would end up with, nor had I any clue if this shoe would fulfill my desire of transitioning into a more minimalist type of shoe. However, after about 25-30 miles or so running in these babies, which include both an 8k & 10k race, I couldn't be any happier with a pair of great, and I mean "great" pair of running shoes! The Launch is an amazing shoe which gives you the feel of a racing flat, but with more than enough support to be used as a daily trainer. I would definitely recommend this shoe to anyone looking for light and responsive shoe that really helps with mid-to-forefoot striking.

Eli W

from Atlanta, GA

I bought these shoes based on others' reviews. I previously used the Mizuno Wave Rider 11's but they're no longer made (the replacement is the Wave Rider 13). I wanted to try something different and these fit the bill. I am a neutral runner and the brooks give me the right level of support. I would recommend these to any neutral runner. The only thing odd is that the colors are a little flashy, but since I only wear them when running or working out, I don't mind so much.

Brands I'd also recommend: Mizuno

Tim

from Texas

Heard so many good reviews about this shoe and I was looking for a light weight neutral shoe that I could race and run shorter distances in. Went to all my local shops, but they were all sold out. Found them here on Zappos with free shipping and free returns if size was not right. I have never bought shoes online and don’t like the idea of having to pay for returns so that right there made me pick Zappos over other stores. Item arrived very quickly and just as advertised. Shoe size ran true to all my other run shoes (I wear 11.5 in Asics and is the size of these). I’ve never had Brooks shoes before, but love these. Super light and fit well. Buying from Zappos was an easy experience and would buy from them again.

Brands I'd also recommend: These are my race shoes, but Asics Nimbus are my everyday training shoe.

Anonymous

from amber waves of grain

I love Zappos. I love these running shoes. I love Brooks. I run about 25-30 miles a week and year after year, shoe after shoe Brooks shoes hold up.