The Brooks Launch 10 is a lightweight, mostly minimal trainer. If you’ve followed the Launch for the last several years, you know originally Brooks discontinued it in the earlier days. It was so popular, they brought it back, and the Launch even dropped its price a few times. These days, in the modern age of super trainers and carbon plated footwear, it’s interesting that the Brooks Launch is still around. It’s cheapish with a firm ride and no frills.
Brooks Launch 10 Quick Facts:
- Weight:
- Heel to Toe Drop:
- Price: $110
Brooks Launch 10 Upper:
First, I love that the Brooks Launch 10 uses recycled content and Brooks lets us know exactly what it is. The upper uses 59% recycled materials and saves 5 water bottles from the landfill. Hoorah! I’m all about brands using recycled materials, if the upper still fits and feels good. I’ve come across a few running shoe uppers that use recycled materials but don’t breathe well. Luckily, the Brooks Launch 10 doesn’t have that issue.
Brooks is known for their step-in comfort and I see that in the Launch. Like many Brooks models, the moment I put it on my foot, it feels good. There are no hot spots or rubbing.
The brand new engineered Warp Knit upper has been redesigned and is softer and more breathable. The moment I put the Launch 10 on my foot, I was like wow they finally made this upper better. It was never “bad” but it was never the same quality as most of their other running shoes. It fits more closely to the Brooks Ghost now.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a women’s size 10 and 11. The Brooks Launch 10 fits perfectly in a size 11.
Brooks Launch 10 Ride:
The midsole of the Brooks Launch 10 uses BioMoGo DNA. This lightweight DNA cushioning is great for daily training and most speeds. You’re able to pick up the pace when needed with no major issues. It’s more firm than other Brooks models but not as firm as many other brands.
When people think of Brooks, they think of marshmellowly soft cushioning and that’s not the case with the Launch 10. People often choose the Launch 10 to save money, but you are also sacrificing cushioning. The upside with that, is that you are getting a more responsive shoe.
The Brooks Launch has usually been a lightweight and faster trainer for me. While some people have run a marathon in them, I generally prefer to run less than 10 miles. It’s a faster and lighter shoe so I tend to wear them on days I’m feeling faster but not as fast as say a workout or race.
Outsole:
As far as durability and traction, the Brooks Launch has come a long way. In early models, you couldn’t get more than 200 miles in the shoe without it feeling flat. Brooks has added what they call “Green Rubber”. Green Rubber is eco-friendly and designed to grip various terrains without additional weight. I’ve found that to be true and the Brooks Launch 10 has way better rubber than previous versions. I would say these days, the Brooks Launch 10 will likely last somewhere around 300 miles.
As far as traction, I’ve taken the Brooks Launch 10 out on rainy days as well as the sandy trails with no issues of sliding. Brooks has really stepped up the traction over the years in the Brooks Launch 10 and I’m glad to see it. As similar as the Brooks Launch 10 is to the Saucony Kinvara, the Launch lasts twice as long and you don’t have to worry about sliding around.
Brooks Launch 10 Conclusion:
The shoe is fine. It serves a purpose, and those who are looking for a lightweight trainer will appreciate the Launch 10. For me, there is nothing that really stands out about this shoe anymore. I appreciate how much Brooks has gotten into using eco-friendly materials but other than that, it’s one that just kind of blends in.
Who should buy the Brooks Launch 10? If you are looking for a shoe that uses environmentally friendly materials and is a good lightweight, daily trainer. Plus if you are looking to save money, it’s one of the cheaper options for running shoes,
Who should not buy the Brooks Launch 10? If you are someone who wants a fast shoe or a high cushioned Brooks shoe. Yes, this is cheaper, but you won’t get the same feel as the Brooks Glycerin or Brooks Ghost.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite running shoe?
Do you prefer lighter and faster or more cushion?
Actual traction is so underrated in running shoes! Glad to see Brooks stepped it up in the Launch because it never felt as solid as my Ghosts or Glycerins past or present. We all remember a few years back the few pairs of Nike distance shoes that felt like ice skates in the rain.
I’m not a huge fan of Brooks shoes, but the high heel drop (when rotated with my Hokas, which I actually like) does seem to help the plantar Fasciitis..
That would make sense Michael. PF can be aggravated when your calves are tight (which lower heal drops can cause tight calves) so alternating with a higher drop could help alleviate pain. 🙂