Brooks Men's Launch 8 Running Shoe

Product Information

In RW testing, the Hyperion Max proved itself to be a capable performer in a variety of scenarios: “I could wear this shoe for almost every aspect of training,” said one tester. Need one shoe that can keep up with a variety of workouts? The Hyperion Max should be at the top of your list.

I think the point I’m trying to make is that the ride is quite good it’s just not top of the class good and more old school if anything. Brooks Launch 8 Upper Unit Overall: B- (A great shoe for those who want a slightly snug uptempo trainer with a touch of stability in the rearfoot. Great for entry level runners or those who want a workout shoe coming from the Adrenaline at a budget price. ) ALDREN (GTS): The Launch GTS 8 brings a lightweight look to a stability trainer. Are you trying to not blow some cash on your new shoes? Do you need another pair of trainers to run in while your other ones are still drying off? Are you looking to Run Happy, or at least not sad? Well, the GTS 8 may work for you. The Good ALDREN (GTS): Anyone that’s a fan of the previous Ravenna 11 will likely be a fan of the Launch GTS 8. I mean it won’t blow you out of the park, but it will get the job done. This handled all my speed work sessions in the last few weeks. Isaac Newton is the 17th century English scientists that brought to us the laws of motion, universal gravitation and coincidentally is the name of a competing running shoe company.

Brooks has developed four main cushioning foams for its shoes. Each one is optimized for different traits, like soft cushioning or low weight, which play a large role in defining the distinct feeling of Brooks’ “Cushion,” “Speed,” and “Energize” experiences. According to Brooks, the Launch has been ‘famous – or infamous? – for bold colours and eye-catching styles’ over the years. In the current Launch 8 line-up, you will indeed find an interesting tie-dye design with a psychedelic flavour for both the lads and ladies and there are some bold neon colourways, too. But you’ll also find versions in more neutral colours and pretty pastels, so there really is something for everyone.

Even though the Brooks Launch 8 is a versatile daily trainer, the rest of the industry has upped their price-value game. New Balance Fuelcell Prism - Very mild stability offers runners a versatile option for a large range of distances This stability feature proved effective on our test runs. “From a pronation control standpoint,” said an overpronating heel striker, “[the Launch GTS] did a great job underfoot and I felt that it provided ample stability.” The moderately cushioned BioMoGo DNA midsole also provided a soft and supportive platform during push off. Traction was not an issue and the shoe had a nice consistent grip across a variety of terrain ranging from pavement, dirt roads, and gravel bridle paths.Stability: B- (Decent in heel and forefoot. Midfoot slightly unstable despite guiderails, which add subtle guidance.) The pricing is the only reason why the Launch’s scorecard gets a ‘good’ instead of a ‘great’ rating. Functionally speaking, the Launch 8 isn’t inferior to the 6 or 4, but it exists in a different context. As they say, the bar has been raised.

Loved the cushioning most of all!” said another tester. “I have recurring Achilles tendonitis that will get irritated if I run too much in low-profile shoes. These had lots of bounce in the heel, which really helps prevent injury for me.” I wish Brooks would have put the laces from the Catamount on the Launch 8, those are ideal for a shoe like this. Refreshing color choices Asics sells a similar product at the same price – the Dynablast 2. Just like the Launch, it’s a shoe that’s intended for higher-paced workouts while delivering a cushioned ride. Its 8 mm heel to forefoot gradient is nearly the same as the Launch. DNA is the brand’s most basic EVA foam. Its primary attribute is softness, which it brings to entry-level shoes across all three shoe categories. While DNA doesn’t have the pillowy feel or high energy return of Brooks’ more advanced foams, it’s a tried-and-true option that creates dependable cushioning. If you just need a basic trainer and don’t want to spend a lot of money, DNA will work well for you.

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The Nylon-plated Endorphin Speed combines the best of both worlds – the plate makes the ride snappy and fun, whereas the PEBA foam-based midsole adds lightweight comfort through its distance-friendly cushioning. IS THE BROOKS LAUNCH 8 DURABLE? In the end, if you are looking for a fast trainer, that’s stable and dependable, durable and light enough for race day, the Launch 8 accomplishes all that. I don’t love the midsole, but they feel nimble and they are a nice improvement from the 7. One last thing to comment on is if you are a winter runner, these shoes didn’t fare too well in our freezer test, with the shoe getting 102% stiffer when cold, which may deter some. In addition to its foams, Brooks has a key design feature called GuideRails for runners who need stability and support. GuideRails shoes have additional layers of firm, high-density foam on the medial and lateral sides of the midsole, which creates a bumper around your foot to keep it aligned in the shoe and counter overpronation. (When your foot rolls too far inward during your stride). Will Launch 8 wow you? The answer is no not really, but it will get a runner confidently through most workouts.

Brooks has been around for over 100 years, but its story as a running company began in 1974, when the brand released its first running shoe, the Villanova. The shoe was a revelation: It was the first to use ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam padding, which was lighter and softer than other midsole materials used at the time. The Villanova set a new standard for running shoes–EVA is still widely used in running midsoles today. The Hoka One One Mach 4 running shoes have a luxurious feel with lots of padding and ventilation holes. The Profly midsole feels both soft and springy, so you get a double whammy of cushioning and a firm toe-off, making the Mach 4 one of the most adaptable shoes around. This newest launch is nearly an ounce lighter with an enjoyable ride, a district improvement over the 7.AUSTIN: I’ve got nothing. Truly. No issues have emerged yet. Some runners may find the ride too soft, but compared to the Launch 7 it’s great. For a diverse and enjoyable rotation, our three shoe recommendation would be the Endorphin Speed 2 and Type A9 along with the Launch 8. I had to tie them up pretty tight to get the feel I wanted, and they felt a touch tight over the top of my foot because of it, which is why I appreciate they didn’t go too minimal on the tongue (4mm). Any less padding and I would have had some discomfort. Disappointing laces During a time where super shoes and high-performance trainers are the rage, with responsive foams and carbon plates its easy to overlook the blue collar shoes that have brought us to this point. The Launch 8 is a great case in point.