Any thoughts on the Brooks ‘Launch’?

[Frizzbomb67]

I need new running shoes and the Brooks Launch 9 are on sale. I’ve had Cascadia trail shoes which were great. I now run on roads and have Ghost GTXs which I don’t want again. They are waterproof which is great in the wet but they don’t expand like regular cloth shoes and they bruise my toes on longer distance runs. I have those toes that rise up when running and they are bashing into the unrelenting waterproof layer (I think 🤔) So the Launch look like a reasonable replacement. I run twice a week and only up up 10k on a regular basis although I do work up to 10 miles now and again. I run on roads and am a neutral gait. Anyone have any experience of these shoes to share before I buy?

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

I don't know that particular model, but it's a good price, and I know I like Brooks generally, I've had several over the years!

One thing you should check, when I got my last pair the chap in the shop said Brooks have a "run happy" guarantee - if you're not happy with them you have 3 months to return them, so find out if that applies to these, then there's no risk.

I've not had much luck with sale shoes, I have to say, they are usually dolly sizes or for people with feet as long as skis!!

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks for your thoughts. I’ve always run in Brooks but not this model. I am a dolly size 4 😂 so I do quite well in shoe sales but I don’t want to buy something that’s not suitable just because it’s cheap. Price per wear is my mantra 😂

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

Actually, I've just Googled, and found them in all sizes at £55 at Start Fitness. I might get a pair and just use them for walking f I don't like running in them...startfitness.co.uk/collecti...

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Those are the GTS version (so more of a stability shoe for over-pronation) aren't they Curlygurly2 ?

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Yes, I think so.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Yes, I think so. x

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

Just as well they'd not work for me then, as I do not need any more shoes, especially for roads! xx

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Curlygurly2]

FORDYRUNS discount code for Start Fitness CurlyGurly. Think it’s 10% off? Could be 15, can’t remember off the top of my head.

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Thank you xx

[Cmoi Marathon]

Not tried Launch  Frizzbomb67 , but have Ghost 14s (not the GTX, the ordinary version) for roads, Divide 2s for mixed road and easier trails, and Cascadia 16s for serious trails.

Reviews suggest the Launch is lighter and less cushioned than the Ghosts, and good for shorter runs. But as I say, I've not tried them.

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks for your thoughts. My concern is they won’t be cushioned enough. My Ghosts batter my toes but I like the level of cushioning. It’s a dilemma 🤔

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon in reply to Frizzbomb67]

If you need cushioning, I didnt wouldn't reccomend them. I've commented further down, they felt too light for me and no cushioning, so didnt suit me at all.

[TailChaser Marathon]

Hello Frizz. Launches were my first proper running shoes and I loved them. They got me through C25k. I think they were Launch 4s so that was a few iterations ago. The Launch 6 was a bit iffy apparently so I branched out to different shoes. The only problem I had with them was at the start and I got blisters on my heels, but then I discovered the runners lock and they were fine after that. They’re supposed to be speedier ones but I didn’t know any different at the time. I’d be quite happy to back to them now. £66 is a bargain!

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks for the feedback. This makes me think I should try them. I do run longer distances on occasion but most of my running is between 5 and 10k. I’ll go and have another look at the specs 🤔

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Is that on the Brooks website Frizz? If so, you could always try them and send them back if you didn’t like them, they offer that trial period which would be really useful in your case.

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles in reply to TailChaser]

It is thanks. Yeah could be useful

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles]

Thanks for your comments. I still haven’t made up my mind 😂 but I now have more info to go on 👍🏻

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

Hiya, to be honest, I ordered them recently and didnt get on with them at all. I found them to be a very narrow fit and they really really light, so I tried them on and they were sent straight back. Sorry, but not impressed with them at all😒

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles in reply to Hedgehogs123]

All feedback welcome. Thanks for responding

[Lavender1962 Half Marathon]

I have a pair of the GTX. They are very light. I find them comfortable for short runs - 5k etc. I don’t think that I would run more than 10 with them. The man at the running store stated that they were light stability - between a neutral and a stability. I tend to like Brooks shoes in general.

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles in reply to Lavender1962]

Thanks. That’s useful. I think I’ve decided to give them a miss despite the great sale price. I love everything about my Ghost 14s except that they bruise my big toes on longer runs, which I think is due to the restrictive gortex fabric. I’m not planning on doing any runs longer than 10k until next Spring as work starts again soon and the evenings will be darker, so I won’t have the time ☹️. So I think I will ask for a new pair of Ghosts for Christmas 🎅 which will take me to 10 miles, and hopefully HM, in the Spring 🏃‍♀️

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon]

I think you were right to give them a miss... my GTS version arrived yesterday, and it's awful! Really stiff and clunky. They'll be going back...

[Frizzbomb67 10 Miles in reply to Curlygurly2]

Oh good to know, not good for you tho ☹️. Waterproof sounds good but I think I’d rather have wet feet with room to move. Hope you find the right pair soon 👟

[Curlygurly2 Half Marathon in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Actually, I might change my mind...I'm only going to use them for everyday wear/walking etc, they feel better today. I've got enough running shoes for the moment!