Runner's World Best Debut Dec '09

Women's Launch

$90.00
Style # 120060
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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 Men's Launch

Product Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Launch
 
4.9

(based on 85 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (74)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (10)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (50)
  • Comfortable (41)
  • Durable (35)
  • Responsive (21)
  • Cushions impact (16)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Distance / endurance (48)
    • Outdoors (17)
    • Sports training (15)
    • General fitness (14)
    • Dry conditions (11)
      • Sizing:
      • Feels full size too small

         

        Feels half size too small

         

        Feels true to size

         

        78% 

        (18 reviews)

        Feels half size too big

         

        Feels full size too big

         
      • Width:
      • Feels too narrow

         

        Feels true to width

         

        100% 

        (23 reviews)

        Feels too wide

         
      • Arch Type:
      • Average arch (9), High arch (8), Low arch (4)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Enthusiast (36), Competitive athlete (33), Gym rat (7), Casual/ recreational (6)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (63)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Excellent shoe

    I bought this shoe as guesswork. My theory was that because I'm a neutral, midfoot striker, and because I tend to have slower turnover in my Defyances than my frees, and because I ...Read complete review

    I bought this shoe as guesswork. My theory was that because I'm a neutral, midfoot striker, and because I tend to have slower turnover in my Defyances than my frees, and because I kept getting injured in places that are only aggravated when I overstride, maybe if I switched to a lightweight neutral without a huge heel I would stop overstriding and run both more efficiently and more healthily. If you didn't follow that, don't feel bad.

    I debuted these shoes for a tempo run. It was on the dreadmill, but it was the first run I was able to hit my old LT pace, which I hadn't hit since before my stress fracture.

    They were light. Comfortable. Definitely more flexible than my old shoes. The most notable difference in feeling is on the toe-off, where it feels a lot more natural, more like my racing flats than my old shoes. But unlike my flats (T6 racers) they don't make my lower legs hurt after runs (probably because the T6s are barely a shoe). So it is DEFINITELY a good step in between a racing flat and a heavy trainer.

    I took them out again for an easy five yesterday, and then a 7.5 mile long run today. This run was on very difficult terrain, lots of roots and constant hills, and my shins still didn't hurt for any of it. The thing that made me happiest is that we do cadence checks during our long runs, and both times I checked I was hitting exactly 180 steps per minute. In my Defyances I usually hit 140-160.

    If you're looking for something in between a clunky, heavy shoe and flat, and you wear a neutral, I'd definitely say the Launch is worth it.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Not a fan...

    Bought these with the idea of doing a half in them...they are great trainers..but after one 10 miler I can tell, these are not the distance shoes for me. They are...Read complete review

    Bought these with the idea of doing a half in them...they are great trainers..but after one 10 miler I can tell, these are not the distance shoes for me. They are going back.

    Reviewed by 85 customers

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    5.0

    Great shoe

    By Laura

    from MA

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Multifunctional
    • Sturdy

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Endurance Training
      • Outdoors

      Comments about Launch:

      Only had these for a few days (and therefore only for a few runs), but so far they have been great. No spots where they rubbed or blistered on my feet, even on my first run. They're working for me both on and off-road. Very comfortable ride, and ligther weight than my last pair of running shoes (which I am really liking so far) without compromising comfort or stability. I haven't taken them on anything over 6 miles yet, but I couldn't be happier with their performance so far!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No
       
      5.0

      Love these shoes!

      By RAR

      from Chicago, IL

      About Me Competitive Athlete

      Pros

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Endurance Training

          Comments about Launch:

          These shoes are great - best running shoes I've ever purchased. I'm on my second pair and know there will be more to come!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          4.0

          love the look/ not great for trail

          By motherrunner

          from Chicago

          About Me Avid Athlete

          Pros

          • Lightweight

          Cons

          • Not great on trail

          Best Uses

          • Endurance Training
          • Outdoors

          Comments about Launch:

          I love the look, and these are super light -- I feel I definitely notice how light these are -- great for road running; less stable for trail run (for me). I'll wear my Ravena 2 for trails!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          5.0

          All time favorite!!

          By GR Runner

          from Grand Rapids, MI

          About Me Avid Athlete

          Pros

          • Cushion without bulk
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Endurance Training
            • Running

            Comments about Launch:

            The Launch has been my go-to shoe for the past year and a half. I'm on my 3rd pair and don't plan on switching anytime soon! They are the perfect balance of lightweight and cushion.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Love...love...this shoe

            By Teenie

            from Austin, TX

            About Me Avid Athlete

            Pros

            • Comfortable
            • Good quality
            • Lightweight
            • Perfect cushion

            Cons

            • Limited colors

            Best Uses

            • Endurance Training
            • General Fitness
            • Outdoors
            • Sports Training
            • Strength Training
            • Weight Loss

            Comments about Launch:

            I had never worn Brooks before but thought I'd give them a try. I researched running shoes for about a month before I bought these shoes. I ordered a half size up and they were a perfect size. I love the these shoes. I am very active run about 15-25 mi/week and have had these shoes for a year now and are still in great condition. Most of my running has been outdoors on the pavement and on trails. Highly recommend for someone looking for a lightweight, cushioned quality shoe. If this tells you anything... this is the first review I have ever written but felt obligated to share my new love for Brooks shoes. I will never buy a different brand of running shoe again.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            5.0

            Lighweight beauties

            By rungirl 52

            from Justice, IL

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Sturdy

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Endurance Training
              • Outdoors
              • Weight Loss

              Comments about Launch:

              I had to replace my Brooks Adrenaline with another. Read the reviews and decided on the Launch. They are an extremely close fit to my Adrenalines, actually slightly lighter, which i like for running! Sizing was also right on with the on line size/comparison chart.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
               
              4.0

              Awesome training shoes, and so vibrant!

              By Runner for Life

              from Greenwich, CT

              About Me Avid Athlete

              Pros

              • Bright
              • Great for training
              • Light
              • Sturdy

              Cons

              • A little too cushy

              Best Uses

              • Endurance Training
              • General Fitness
              • Outdoors

              Comments about Launch:

              I run 30 miles a week. The Launch will be my training shoes for the NYC marathon this fall. They're light and they have just the right amount of cushioning in the arch and sole, which is where I strike the heaviest.

              I also love the colors - I got them in red with neon yellow laces. The laces say "DIG DEEP" on the ends, which inspires me every time I lace them, and I just FEEL fast in those colors!

              The reason this shoe didn't get 5 stars from me is that I feel a little ITBS returning that I haven't had in a long time, and I'm not sure yet if it has something to do with the design of the shoes not being ideal for my feet. Also, I've only run about 20 miles in them. We shall see, but I'll never wear any other than Brooks to run!

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
               
              5.0

              Are you ready to PR?!!!

              By Running Mom

              from Arkansas

              About Me Competitive Athlete

              Pros

              • Comfortable
              • Lightweight
              • Supportive

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Endurance Training

                Comments about Launch:

                I wear the Launch and the Pure Flow for all my runs. I actually prefer the Launch and wore it recently in my recent 10K. I ran my best time and my shoes felt great!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No
                 
                5.0

                Love at first sight

                By Perna

                from Umeå, Sweden

                About Me Competitive Athlete

                Pros

                • Comfortable
                • Good cushioning
                • Good sizefit
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Anytime
                  • Endurance Training
                  • Race

                  Comments about Launch:

                  Love these shoes. Had problems with my akilles tendon, but these shoes made my running possible with a slightly bigger drop than my usual 4mm trainers. Roomy toebox, perfect cushioning for my strike (mid-forefoot) and somewhat lightweight. Ran a half marathon with the launch out of the box with no blisters. Buying my second pair:)

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No
                   
                  5.0

                  Great cushioning

                  By mctriathlete

                  from Ann Arbor, MI

                  About Me Competitive Athlete

                  Pros

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Sports Training

                      Comments about Launch:

                      love the shoes

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

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