Brooks Men's Launch 8 Running Shoe

Product Information

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 The Launch 8 GTS (formerly the Ravenna) is the shoe that resembles the Launch 8 the most. After all, it’s got a near-identical design – if one excludes the Guiderails, that is. The Adrenaline GTS 23 offers a moderate amount of support and a soft, well-cushioned midsole, which makes it a great choice for easy runs and long distance efforts. Cushioned with DNA Loft v2 foam in the midsole, the Adrenaline serves up a highly cushioned heel and firm forefoot.

It remains a pace-friendly and versatile neutral trainer, except that it’s infused with a higher level of ride comfort. THE BROOKS LAUNCH 8 vs. 7 A much softer blown rubber, a lot of it, was used to create the outsole of the 8 which was definitely felt on the road. The configuration of the pads helped to improve flexibility and let me move cleanly through my stride.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 Please don’t take this as there is something wrong with the Launch 8 there is nothing wrong with the ride.

The Launch 8 is softer than any of the previous models, and that does a lot to broaden its mainstream appeal. And if you’re an existing Launch loyalist, there’s no reason for concern – the V8 retains all the signature elements that have made the series successful. While it may not be the shoe that adorns an Olympic hopeful or sub 3 marathoner the launch 8 is the kind of shoe that the sits on the foot of the high school cross country runner that has those aspirations, or the working parent that needs a good shoe for their daily running because that’s what their budget can support. 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. 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? Together, the DNA Flash foam and SkyVault create an energetic ride, and enough responsiveness to get a good feel for the ground underfoot, which can be helpful for navigating obstacles on technical trails. The upper comes with a toe cap for protection against trail debris, and it also features drainage holes to shed water, so your feet won’t slosh around in the shoe after a creek crossing. In RW testing, the Catamount 2 won praise for its excellent grip, even in wet and wintry conditions.EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a combined review due to the very minor differences between the Launch 8 and Launch GTS 8. For 2021, Brooks has changed the definition of GTS from ‘Go-To-Shoe’ to ‘GuideSole Support.’ In an effort to streamline its offerings, Brooks has eliminated its stability shoe line, opting to pair past models up with existing neutral trainers. Hence, we now have the Launch 8 (neutral trainer) and the Launch GTS 8 (formerly the Brooks Ravenna). For a diverse and enjoyable rotation, our three shoe recommendation would be the Endorphin Speed 2 and Type A9 along with the Launch 8. Brooks organizes its road shoes into three categories: “Cushion,” “Energize,” and “Speed.” (The brand’s trail shoes technically fall into their own separate category, but they use the same midsole foams as the “Cushion” and “Energize” shoes.)