Runner's World Best Debut Dec '09

Men's Launch

$90.00
Style # 110065
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Houston, we have an honor! Runner's World has awarded the Launch "Best Debut" in the Winter 2010 Shoe Guide in its December 2009 issue, on newsstands Nov. 4, 2009.


With an incredibly flexible outsole and seamless transition, this lightweight neutral trainer will get you from start to finish, whether for a tempo run or in a race. Add to that the lower-profile midsole and minimal upper, and it's 3, 2, 1 . . . blast off!


> See the Women's Launch

Product Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Launch
 
4.8

(based on 58 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (49)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (7)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (51)
  • Lightweight (51)
  • Cushions impact (44)
  • Responsive (41)
  • Durable (15)

Cons

  • Wears quickly (5)
  • COLOR (3)

Best Uses

  • Dry conditions (25)
  • Distance / endurance (17)
  • Road running (12)
  • Training (11)
  • Distance running (9)
    • Sizing:
    • Feels full size too small

       

      Feels half size too small

       

      Feels true to size

       

      91% 

      (52 reviews)

      Feels half size too big

       

      Feels full size too big

       
    • Width:
    • Feels too narrow

       

      Feels true to width

       

      98% 

      (56 reviews)

      Feels too wide

       
    • Arch Type:
    • Average arch (30), High arch (13), Low arch (12)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Enthusiast (33), Competitive athlete (16), Gym rat (5), Casual/ recreational (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (14)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

All that I had hoped for and then some.

I have had this shoe for a good month now and use it for my everyday running and even on long runs (13 miles). This shoe is incredibly comfortable even though you can definitely...Read complete review

I have had this shoe for a good month now and use it for my everyday running and even on long runs (13 miles). This shoe is incredibly comfortable even though you can definitely feel the road beneath you. They certainly still have the right amount of cushioning to give you a comfortable feeling when running.
My feet do not shift in the shoe, which is important, especially when taking turns.
I will be using these shoes for my next 10K and Half Marathon.
Did I mention that they also "look" fast which for some people's psyche is important. :)
As for the durability and how long they will last? I suppose that time will tell.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Great shoes, but I won't buy them again

I thought this shoe would be the one. The mesh upper is amazingly comfortable, and the sole seems to have the perfect amount of cushion and flex. Unfortunately, I wore through the lining ...Read complete review

I thought this shoe would be the one. The mesh upper is amazingly comfortable, and the sole seems to have the perfect amount of cushion and flex. Unfortunately, I wore through the lining on the heel of the right shoe in the first 100 miles, which led to a huge blister as the heel counter rubbed my foot raw. The store that sold me the shoes was extremely helpful and quickly replaced the shoes under warranty. Unfortunately, after 120 miles the exact same hole has developed in the replacement pair. I've never heard anyone else complain about this (and my wife has put more than 200 miles on hers with no problem), so it's very possible the problem is with my heel and not with the shoe. Then again, I've never had this happen with any other shoes. It looks like two strikes and out--I won't be buying the Launch again. Which is too bad, because these might be my favorite running shoes ever. I wish I could ignore the durability issue.

Reviewed by 58 customers

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

3rd pair and will buy again.

By fbbbrown

from Greensburg, PA

About Me Professional Athlete

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Cushions Impact
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Responsive

Cons

  • No Cons

Best Uses

  • Distance Running
  • Over 25 mi/week
  • Road Running
  • Speed Work
  • Tempo Running
  • Track Running

Comments about Launch:

After owning too many shoes mainly Brooks(Ghost, Glycerin, PureConnect). My search is over and I'm on my third pair. I'm a 40+ mile per week runner and found these to be my best shoe for track work, tempo runs and long distant. I have worn these shoes in 5k races to Half-Marathon with no problems. I like the light weight with the amount cushioning that this shoe provides. This shoe is very similar to the Ghost, with a few less ounces and a bit more responsive. The upper very lightweight and is snug but not constrictive.
People have mentioned traction problems, I have not experienced this as a problem, I have run 5k races in the rain and also a 10 Mile race Feb 2012 with snowy conditions. Given the conditions of the two previous race, the traction was above-average.
I got ~500 miles out the Launch, before needing replacing.
If i have one Con, the laces could be 2-4 inches longer, so I can use the last eyelet and can create the loop to draw the shoe tight.

-Brian.

PR's
5k 18:36 2012
10k 39:47 2011
10mile 1:06:36 2012
Half 1:28:37 2011

  • Sizing:
  • Feels true to size
  • Width:
  • Feels true to width
  • Arch Type:
  • Average Arch
  • Height/Weight:
  • 5'7
  • Was this a gift?:
  • No
 
5.0

Launched a 2nd time.

By h2focus

from Rochester Hills, MI

About Me Avid Athlete

Brooks Fanatics - Sponsored Athletes

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Cushions Impact
  • Responsive

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Over 25 mi/week
    • Road Running
    • Track Running

    Comments about Launch:

    This is my 2nd time ordering this shoe and I love it. I have gotten great mileage out of it and stayed comfortable until the end.

    • Sizing:
    • Feels true to size
    • Width:
    • Feels true to width
    • Arch Type:
    • Average Arch
    • Height/Weight:
    • Male - 6'3" - 168lbs
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    I am a big fan !

    By Tim

    from Glenview, IL

    About Me Avid Athlete

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Lightweight
    • Responsive

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Distance Running
      • Road Running
      • Tempo Running

      Comments about Launch:

      I have been running in your Launch shoe since you introduced it. My times in my races the last few years has a lot to do with finding a shoe like the Launch that I like to run in.

      I enjoy running races from 5K to full marathons and it's a great shoe for me. It's lightweight, comfortable and responsive. I have tried a few times training in a heavier shoe but I kept going back to this shoe for training, and racing. It works for both for me.

      I really appreciate that you haven't changed the features on this model.

      I have been running times that I use to run 15 years ago, so I am not planning on running in anything else except a Launch shoe.

      Favorite Launch color so far is the red followed by the black.

      Thanks Brooks !

      Tim

      1:27 half last year, and
      will run Boston, Chicago & NY this year

      • Sizing:
      • Feels true to size
      • Width:
      • Feels true to width
      • Arch Type:
      • Low Arch
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No
       
      5.0

      Impressed is the word.

      By Squirrel

      from Birmingham, AL

      About Me Gym Rat

      Pros

      • Breathable
      • Comfortable
      • Cushions Impact
      • Good Arch Support
      • Lightweight
      • Responsive

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Hardpack trail
        • Over 25 mi/week
        • Road Running

        Comments about Launch:

        This was the first time that i've used Brooks shoes and I was amazed! The first run in these bad boys was a nice little 10k and they where super comfortable. I was hesitant on steering away from my NIKE peagasus, but i'm glad I did. I know that when this pair wears down I will be purchasing a new pair.

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels true to width
        • Arch Type:
        • Average Arch
        • Height/Weight:
        • 165, 5'10
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        4.0

        Sweet shoes

        By BenRon

        from Florida

        About Me Avid Athlete

        Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) Member

        Pros

        • Cushions Impact
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Distance Running
          • Over 25 mi/week
          • Road Running
          • Tempo Running

          Comments about Launch:

          this is a solid pair of Brooks running shoes. I definitely like the Blue design more than the Black ones, but they're both great lightweight stylish running shoes. probably some of the most comfortable pair yet that I've found.

          • Sizing:
          • Feels true to size
          • Width:
          • Feels true to width
          • Arch Type:
          • Average Arch
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          5.0

          Versatile comfortable awesome

          By RunningManz

          from Cary, NC

          About Me Avid Athlete

          Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) Member

          Pros

          • Comfortable
          • Cushions Impact
          • Lightweight
          • Quick
          • Responsive

          Cons

          • Poor Traction

          Best Uses

          • Distance Running
          • Over 25 mi/week
          • Road Running
          • Speed Work
          • Tempo Running
          • Trail Running

          Comments about Launch:

          This was the very first Brooks shoe I owned. I now have four pairs and I love them as much today as I did on run number one. Early on I used the Launch only for tempo runs and longer races (10k+) but I have come to enjoy it as a much more versatile shoe. It's lighter than most every day trainers and doesn't have a lot of pronation control stuff but it still has a good deal of cushioning. I have run up to 28 miles on hilly trails in it and it's held up remarkably well (and my feet felt great afterward)! I've used it on roads, tracks, trails, in rain, in basically any conditions. The traction on slick surfaces when it's wet out is the only thing that is a little questionable, otherwise this shoe is darn near perfect

          • Sizing:
          • Feels true to size
          • Width:
          • Feels true to width
          • Arch Type:
          • Average Arch
          • Height/Weight:
          • 148lbs, 5'9"
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          5.0

          Favorite Shoe

          By Azsurfer2

          from Phoenix, Az

          About Me Avid Athlete

          Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) Member

          Pros

          • Breathable
          • Comfortable
          • Lightweight
          • Responsive

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Distance Running
            • Road Running
            • Tempo Running

            Comments about Launch:

            This is my favorite shoe right now. It is a perfect balance of lightweight and cushion. Light enough to make you feel fast but enough cushion that you don't feel like you are killing your legs. You could pretty much use this shoe for any use; daily training, racing, tempo work. It is very well rounded and just an all around great shoe.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width
            • Arch Type:
            • Average Arch
            • Height/Weight:
            • 5'10" 140 lbs
             
            4.0

            Light and comfy

            By Coach

            from Clermont,FL

            About Me Avid Athlete

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Comfortable
            • Cushions Impact
            • Lightweight

            Cons

            • Wears Quickly

            Best Uses

            • Distance races
            • Road Running
            • Speed Work
            • Tempo Running
            • Track Running

            Comments about Launch:

            I use this shoe for most of my runs. I will use them for my brick workouts. After bike 110 miles I will jump off and slip them on and they feel light and comfy. I plan to use them in my Ironman race for the marathon portion of the race.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width
            • Arch Type:
            • Average Arch
            • Height/Weight:
            • Male 155 lbs
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            5.0

            Best Long Distance Light Weight Shoe

            By TJrunr

            from San Diego

            About Me Avid Athlete

            Brooks Fanatics - Sponsored Athletes

            Pros

            • Breathable
            • Cushions Impact
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Distance Running
              • Over 25 mi/week

              Comments about Launch:

              I rotate between 3 pairs of Launch, since day 1 I knew this was my go to shoe. Use it for training and it's light enough for racing.
              It just simply feels right in every aspect.

              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels true to width
              • Arch Type:
              • Average Arch
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              My favorite - Great for Ultra's

              By Wade

              from Birmingham, AL

              About Me Avid Athlete

              Brooks Fanatics - Sponsored Athletes

              Pros

              • Breathable
              • Comfortable
              • Cushions Impact
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Wears Quickly

              Best Uses

              • Distance Running

              Comments about Launch:

              I use the Launches as my trainers or actual race shoe depending on the distance. For marathons I use the Green Silences and train in my Launches and for ultramarathons on road or grass trails I use these.

              Lightweight but can handle the pressure when you are on your feet for four hours or more. This is my favorite shoe and always have two in circulation.

              Great shoe for those coming down from a mild support shoe (I was in the Ravenna's prior to these) and wanting a lighter feel.

              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels true to width
              • Arch Type:
              • Average Arch

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