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Runner's World Best Debut Dec '09

Women's Launch

This product is out of stock

  • features
  • specs
  • Brooks' guarantee

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
 
4.8

(based on 144 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (126)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (12)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (68)
  • Comfortable (56)
  • Durable (54)
  • Easy to use (29)
  • Responsive (22)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Distance / endurance (85)
    • General fitness (33)
    • Outdoors (31)
    • Sports training (25)
    • Strength training (14)
      • 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 (66), Competitive athlete (51), Gym rat (13), Casual/ recreational (10)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (117)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    great for marathons

    I used my bright blue Launch shoes for marathon training going into the San Antonio Marathon. The shoes were lightweight but had just enough cushioning to support me during long runs. Seems that with ...Read complete review

    I used my bright blue Launch shoes for marathon training going into the San Antonio Marathon. The shoes were lightweight but had just enough cushioning to support me during long runs. Seems that with other shoes, you have to sacrifice support for lightweight, I didn't feel that at all with these shoes. When I first started using them, the tongue did bunch up on me around mile 10 and would put pressure on the top of my foot. This happened twice, but relacing my shoes by looping through the top two laces (apparently, there is a *right* way to tie your laces for marathons) and this pulled the shoe around my foot better and kept the tongue from scrunching up. The shoes have lasted since October (it's currently the middle of January), while I have racked up long long long runs, including the November San Antonio marathon. I don't feel like they've broken down yet and am actually hoping they take me through spring training and into my next race. Additionally, tying up my shoes and seeing the shoelaces remind me to "Dig Deep" always puts a smile on my face!

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Don't trust their perfect sizing option

    Brooks sizing option failed me. I entered my current Brook shoe information and was told that the same size would be a perfect fit. I felt like Cinderella's step-sister putting on the glass slipper ...Read complete review

    Brooks sizing option failed me. I entered my current Brook shoe information and was told that the same size would be a perfect fit. I felt like Cinderella's step-sister putting on the glass slipper when I tried them on. I required a full size larger. Love the shoe, but I had to buy it locally. Not happy that I had to pay to return the shoes.

    Reviewed by 144 customers

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    5.0

    Perfect Shoe for neutral foot

    By DesignJunkie

    from Pittsburgh, PA

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Pros

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • General Fitness
        • Running
        • Walking

        Comments about Launch:

        So unbelievably sad this shoe has been discontinued. Why do companies do this??? I have a neutral foot with medium arch, and considering all the 5-star reviews, and conversations I've had with other runners at a running store down the street from me, looks like I'm not the only person for whom this shoe was a godsend. I want to give it one star for being discontinued, but that seemed counterproductive -- BRING IT BACK! I don't run as much as I used to, but I walk many miles per day and this is a perfect shoe for that. Bonus is that during those long walks, sometimes we run for stretches here and there, and it's just ideal.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Love this shoe!

        By Neece

        from Waynesboro, PA

        About Me Avid Athlete

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use

        Cons

        • Not Available In My Size

        Best Uses

        • Endurance Training
        • General Fitness
        • Strength Training

        Comments about Launch:

        I used the Launch to train for and run my first half marathon. I absolutely loved the shoe. I was so disappointed when Brooks discontinued the line. I tried the Pure series, but they did not compare to the Launch. I was so excited when I saw Brooks had decided to bring it back. Yet again, I was disappointed when they sold out before I could get another pair. PLEASE, Brooks, put some more on the market!!! They are obviously a popular shoe.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        5.0

        LaunchLove

        By FromLAtoMA

        from Boston, MA

        About Me Competitive Athlete

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Knee Support
        • Sturdy

        Cons

        • Available Colors

        Best Uses

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

        Comments about Launch:

        I love this shoe SO much.. I am going on my third pair but I wish they made them in other colors.. so glad they opted to keep this shoe!!

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        5.0

        Cushion for the long haul

        By KT

        from Bloomington, IN

        About Me Gym Rat

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Comfortable
        • Cushion
        • Sturdy

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Endurance Training
          • Outdoors

          Comments about Launch:

          These provide great cushion in the neutral but lightweight shoe. I run an average of 20 miles a week and these fit my running stride and pattern perfectly.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Best running shoe EVER

          By kim

          from london, uk

          About Me Competitive Athlete

          Pros

          • 5k To Marathon
          • Cushioned
          • Good For Supinators
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Endurance Training

            Comments about Launch:

            My feet were made for these shoes. I adore them. Please bring them back. They are light enough to train and race anything from a 5K to a marathon. I'm on my 7th pair and am trying to drag them out for as long as possible until my size is available again.

            I naturally strike with my forefoot and tend to supinate, so good cushioning is imperative for me to prevent stress fractures. These shoes are cushy and allow me to run in my natural style, unlike the Pureflow 2s which force me to strike with my mid-foot, which I find unnatural and uncomfortable.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

             
            2.0

            Blah

            By BT

            from VA

            About Me Gym Rat

            Pros

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Launch:

                  Got these to cycle in with my K2's. While the footbed feels good in terms of toe space and arch (meaning just enough but not too much), they're just blah. Too mushy (and I do like my cushioning). Maybe I was already too used to the Ks - I don't think so. But these very quickly transitioned to my walk around town shoe (since they are a relatively neutral color). Interested in trying the Pureflow, but thinking maybe Brooks just ain't for me.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  My FAVORITE long distance shoe!

                  By monnierunnerrish

                  from Texas

                  About Me Avid Athlete

                  Pros

                  • Comfortable
                  • Long lasting
                  • Sturdy

                  Cons

                  • Ugly Colors

                  Best Uses

                  • Endurance Training
                  • General Fitness
                  • Sports Training
                  • Strength Training

                  Comments about Launch:

                  Don't know what people are talking about with size issues, I'm always a 9, and I was a 9 in this shoe. This shoe gets me lots more wear than most others, hitting 500+ miles in the during training. Never got an injury while wearing these shoes either. The red/yellow colors are hideous but I'm willing to sacrifice it because they are really great shoes.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  (0 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  1.0

                  Sizing is grossly wrong.

                  By Athlete

                  from San Diego, CA

                  About Me Competitive Athlete

                  Pros

                  • Compact
                  • Multifunctional

                  Cons

                  • Not Effective

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Launch:

                    I followed directions and ordered a size up. Needed TWO sizes up in Brooks. This is ridiculous.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No
                     
                    5.0

                    Don't Discontinue Launch!

                    By Peaches

                    from Atlanta, GA

                    About Me Avid Athlete

                    Pros

                    • Compact
                    • Easy To Use
                    • Good cushioning
                    • Great Support
                    • Lightweight
                    • Multifunctional
                    • Sturdy

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Distance running
                      • Endurance Training

                      Comments about Launch:

                      This is a great neutral shoe that has good cushioning even for marathons!

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No
                       
                      5.0

                      Awesome Shoes

                      By Jen the Runner

                      from Michigan

                      About Me Gym Rat

                      Pros

                      • Compact
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Sturdy

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

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

                        Comments about Launch:

                        I use my shoes for running. They are so comfortable! My feet would always hurt when i worked out but not anymore! Love my new shoes !!!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

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