Home / Road running shoes / Brooks Launch 8

Brooks Launch 8 Review Analysis (2022)

Brooks Launch 8

Last update: [wpdts-month-name] [wpdts-year]

The Brooks Launch 8 is a lightweight daily trainer that offers great value. Also available in GTS (stability).

The Consensus

Technologies

Outsole

  • The outsole of the Brooks Launch 8 usesย sturdy rubberย to give maximum durability and effective traction at all times.
  • Blown rubberย is a softer compound that allows good flexibility to follow the movement of the foot while running. This feature is especially helpful at the toe off phase of the gait cycle.
Brooks Launch 8 rubber outsole

Midsole

  • The midsole features the flagship foam from Brooks:ย BioMoGo DNA. It’s resilient, soft, and made using recycled materials. This technology equips the entire length of the platform.
  • Also, on the GTS (for Go To Support), theย GuideRailsย stability feature translates into a firm piece whose goal is to guide your foot’s movement to reduce overpronation.

Upper

  • The upper of the Brooks Launch 8 isย Air Mesh, a lightweight, protective and well-ventilated engineered mesh that gives fitted and comfy foot support.

Facts

Technical Specs

TerrainRoad
Pronation typeNeutral
Drop10 mm
Heel stack height26 mm
Forefoot stack height16 mm
FeaturesRecycled materials, Vegan
Weight (men)244 g/8.6 oz
Weight (women)224 g/7.9 oz
FitWide feet
Release year2021

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)2 โ€“ Firm
Bounce (1-5)2 โ€“ Low

Technologies

OutsoleSturdy rubber, blown rubber
MidsoleBioMoGo DNA, GuideRails
UpperAir Mesh

Use

SpeedModerate
DistanceShort, mid, 5k, 10k, half marathon
WorkoutDaily runs

Reference: Brooks Running

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Brooks Launch 8 fit true to size?

Yes, runners who tested the shoe confirmed that it fits as expected. However, the fit is a bit ample, so runners with narrow feet may prefer to size down in some cases. Overall, you can order your regular size for running shoes.

Is this shoe adapted for overpronators?

Yes, this model should be suitable for everyone. Indeed, it’s available in two versions: regular (neutral) and GTS (support for overpronation). There’s no scientific proof that stability shoes are better than neutral shoes when it comes to injury, but you may want to give them a try if that’s what you are used to (or if all neutral shoes you have tried so far were not to your liking).

I weigh more than 187 lbs/85 kg. Is the Brooks Launch 8 good for me?

Yes, this model should normally be suitable even if you’re a heavyweight runner. Indeed, although its stack height is moderate (26 mm under the heel), it should be supportive enough for most runners. According to science, only minimalist shoes can be an issue if you’re a heavyweight runner.

Is this shoe a good choice to run a marathon?

Yes, if these shoes are comfortable during your long workouts, then there’s no reason not to use them for your marathon! However, do note that the cushioning is a bit firm, which may not be to everyone’s liking over long distances.

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.

Leave a Comment