Brooks Launch 8
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Overview
The Brooks Launch 8 is a running shoe designed for speed and daily comfort. This model is known for its lightweight and responsive ride.
Key Features:
- Engineered Air Mesh Upper: Provides a breathable and secure fit.
- BioMoGo DNA Midsole: Delivers a balance of softness and firmness for a responsive ride.
- Blown Rubber Outsole: Offers durability and grip, with added rubber for extra speed.
The Brooks Launch 8 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a lightweight feel and responsive cushioning for daily running. Its breathable upper and smooth transitions make it suitable for a variety of paces. Part of the Brooks Launch family, it stands as a versatile option within the Brooks lineup.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 84%. This puts it in the highest rated 40% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 20% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Brooks Launch 8
The Brooks Launch 8 has been well-received for its comfortable and versatile ride quality, efficient transitions, and soft upper. The shoe's engineered mesh is softer and breathes better than previous models, and the heel cup's slight Achilles 'lip' increases fit comfort without sacrificing grip. While the cushioning is softer than earlier versions, making it more appealing to a broader audience, the shoe retains its pace-friendly nature. The full rubber outsole contributes to smooth transitions and efficient loading during runs. However, the shoe's responsiveness is limited due to its EVA midsole, which instead provides ample ground feedback. The Launch 8's midsole, a single-density EVA foam stack, is straightforward and predictable in its performance. The shoe's true-to-size fit and soft upper offer satisfactory levels of security, and the spacer mesh keeps the foot well-ventilated. Although the Launch 8 is a solid choice for daily training, it faces stiff competition in its price category from other brands offering advanced cushioning technologies. Nonetheless, the Brooks Launch 8's blend of comfort and speed at a reasonable price point makes it a strong contender in the running shoe market.
Updates to Brooks Launch 8
The Brooks Launch 8 introduces several updates from its predecessor, the Brooks Launch 7. These include a softer midsole for increased comfort, a redesigned upper for better breathability and fit, and additional blown rubber on the outsole for improved transition and speed. As part of the Brooks Launch family, the Launch 8 continues to offer a balance of lightness and responsiveness, making it a compelling choice for runners who enjoyed the previous models.
Comparable Shoes
The Brooks Ghost 14 is a plusher version of the Launch, offering a thicker midsole and softer ride for added comfort during long-distance runs. While both shoes are versatile trainers, the Ghost 14 is better suited for runners who prioritize cushioning over speed.
The adidas SL 20 is a comparable shoe to the Brooks Launch 8, with a similar fit and ride character. It's a cushioned trainer that's also great for speed runs, with an identical heel-to-toe offset and comparable weight.
The ASICS Dynablast 2 is another shoe that matches the Brooks Launch 8 in terms of intended use for higher-paced workouts while delivering a cushioned ride. Its slightly lower heel-to-forefoot gradient offers a similar running experience.
The Saucony Kinvara 12, with its 4 mm heel-to-toe drop, is an excellent do-it-all shoe in a lightweight package. It provides a peppy ride while being comfortable enough for distance runs, making it a strong alternative to the Brooks Launch 8 for those who prefer a lower drop.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo, also known as the unofficial Zante, is in the same price and performance class as the Brooks Launch 8. It's a low-profile cushioned trainer that's speed-friendly and offers a comparable ride.
Special versions of Brooks Launch 8
The Brooks Launch GTS 8 is the stability counterpart to the Brooks Launch 8, featuring added 'Guiderails' for increased support. While sharing many of the same design elements, the GTS version is tailored for runners who require additional stability during their runs. The presence of the Guiderails makes it a suitable option for those with overpronation tendencies.
6 Brooks Launch 8 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Brooks Launch 8 features an engineered Air Mesh upper that is both breathable and secure, adapting well to the foot's shape. The upper's design, including a flared Achilles lip and seamless exteriors, ensures a smooth fit without pressure spots. The toe-box is spacious, providing a comfortable fit for a variety of foot shapes. This design contributes to the shoe's overall breathability, making it a suitable choice for warm-weather runs.
Midsole
At the heart of the Brooks Launch 8 is the BioMoGo DNA midsole, which offers a balance of softness and firmness. This cushioning system, present in the previous model, ensures shock absorption and a responsive ride. The midsole's single-density EVA foam construction contributes to the shoe's predictable behavior and smooth transitions, appealing to runners who enjoy a medium-soft ride.
Outsole
The outsole of the Brooks Launch 8 is constructed with durable rubber, providing a reliable grip on various surfaces. The heel features harder rubber for longevity, while the forefoot's softer blown rubber enhances the shoe's flexibility and transition. This combination of materials ensures that the Launch 8 can handle both daily training and faster-paced workouts effectively.
Size/fit
The Brooks Launch 8 offers a true-to-size fit with a comfortable and accommodating toe-box. The upper's construction, including the soft engineered mesh and foam-padded tongue and heel collar, ensures a secure grip without being overly restrictive. This fit makes the shoe suitable for runners with medium toe boxes and those who prefer a snug, yet breathable fit.
Comfort
Runners have praised the Brooks Launch 8 for its comfortable ride quality. The updated upper and softer midsole contribute to an improved step-in feel, while the full rubber outsole and padded heel collar enhance the overall comfort during runs. This makes the Launch 8 a good option for runners seeking a shoe that balances performance with comfort.
Cushioning
The cushioning of the Brooks Launch 8 is designed to be both soft and responsive, making it suitable for a variety of running activities. The BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsole provides a good level of cushioning without compromising the shoe's responsiveness, ideal for runners who want a cushioned yet energetic ride.
Breathability
The Brooks Launch 8's engineered Air Mesh upper ensures excellent ventilation, keeping the feet cool and dry even on warmer days. The breathable design of the upper, combined with the shoe's overall lightweight construction, contributes to a comfortable running experience in various conditions.
Stability
While the Brooks Launch 8 is primarily designed as a neutral running shoe, it offers a stable ride thanks to its well-engineered outsole and midsole geometry. The shoe's design ensures a balanced and secure feel during runs, making it a reliable choice for runners with neutral pronation.
Durability
Durability is a key strength of the Brooks Launch 8, with its robust outsole and reinforced high-wear zones. The shoe is built to withstand the rigors of daily training, making it a durable option for runners who put in a lot of miles.
Grip
The Brooks Launch 8's outsole provides a strong grip on a variety of surfaces, from pavement to dirt roads. The combination of harder carbon rubber under the heel and softer blown rubber under the forefoot ensures reliable traction during runs.
Flex
The Brooks Launch 8 is noted for its flexibility, particularly in the forefoot area. This flexibility allows for natural foot movement and efficient energy transfer during toe-off, contributing to the shoe's overall performance.
Who should buy the Brooks Launch 8?
The Brooks Launch 8 is well-suited for runners seeking a lightweight and responsive shoe for their daily training and speed workouts. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate a shoe that offers a balance of comfort and speed, without the need for advanced cushioning technologies. The Launch 8 is also ideal for runners who value durability and a breathable fit in their running footwear.
Who should not buy the Brooks Launch 8?
Runners looking for a shoe with maximum cushioning for long-distance runs or those who require significant stability features may not find the Brooks Launch 8 to be the best fit.
Brooks Launch 8: What's it good for?
The Brooks Launch 8 is good for runners who need a versatile shoe that can handle both everyday training and speed work. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it suitable for speed workouts, while the durable construction allows it to withstand the demands of daily running. The shoe's breathability and comfortable fit also make it a strong contender for warmer weather runs.
4 Brooks Launch 8 FAQs
What updates does the Brooks Launch 8 have compared to the Launch 7?
The Brooks Launch 8 features a softer midsole for increased comfort, a redesigned upper for improved breathability and fit, and additional blown rubber on the outsole for smoother transitions and speed.
Is the Brooks Launch 8 suitable for runners with wide feet?
The Brooks Launch 8 offers a comfortable fit with a spacious toe-box, making it suitable for runners with medium-width feet. For those with wider feet, it's recommended to try the shoe for fit or consider models specifically designed with a wide toe box.
Can the Brooks Launch 8 handle long-distance runs?
While the Brooks Launch 8 is capable of handling various running activities, it may not provide enough cushioning for some runners on longer distances. It's best suited for daily training and speed work.
How does the breathability of the Brooks Launch 8 compare to other running shoes?
The Brooks Launch 8's engineered Air Mesh upper ensures excellent ventilation, making it one of the more breathable options available, especially suitable for warm-weather runs.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | ||
| released | ReleasedJan 2021 | Jun 2024 | Jun 2024 | Jun 2024 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 249 g W: 230 g | M: 269 g W: 218 g | M: 266 g W: 241 g | M: 241 g W: 207 g | M: 215 g W: 184 g | |
| Forefoot | Forefoot16 mm | 22 mm | 36 mm | 30 mm | ||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel26 mm | 32 mm | 44 mm | 35 mm | ||
| Usages | UsagesDaily runningSpeed training | Speed training | Daily running | Daily running | RacingSpeed training | Daily runningSpeed training |
| Brand | BrandBrooks | New Balance | New Balance | Nike | ASICS | ASICS |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweight | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | Comfortable | LightweightMaximalist | ComfortableLightweight |
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Techs | Techs | New Balance FuelCell | New Balance Fresh Foam | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
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