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 Also with this launch, we see a big change from Brooks with the emergence of GTS or “ Go To Support”. This is not strictly limited to the Launch but many other shoes soon to be released. We have discussed frequently that pronation is not bad, as it describes a normal motion and many times can actually be protective against impact related injuries (Barnes et al., 2008). However, like any motion, poor strength and control combined with overtraining can certainly be a risk factor for several foot/ankle injuries (See our post on Excessive Pronation as a Movement Impairment). Much of the evidence was mixed on this until a decently done article came out recently in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. Willems et al. (2021) analyzed several Randomized Control Trials (some of the best types of research studies) and found that motion control type shoes can reduce the risk of PRONATION-RELATED PATHOLOGIES, but not pathologies associated with anything else, ie specifically related to Achilles Tendinopathy, stress on the medial structures of the foot (posterior tibialis, etc) and potentially the plantar fascia (Willems et al., 2021). The calf-Achilles complex does assist with inversion and supination of the foot, which makes sense that uncontrolled pronation may stress that tissue if an individual overtrains and overstresses it without allowing appropriate time for recovery or possessing poor stress. The posterior tibialis and other invertors of the foot attempt to provide control during the phases of gait where pronation occurs. If weak or overworked, these certainly are at risk. The plantar fascia is a passive structure that supports the arch, so excessive stress in the area with allowing time for adaptation or recovery could certainly cause injury here. The GTS version is simply a stability version of the same shoe. In this case, the 8 GTS looks identical to the 8 with the only difference being the addition of a mid-foot support band. This creative new concept eliminates the need to have two different shoes, and simply makes one model and platform with or without stability elements like guide rails.

If you want to invest in a more speedy shoe, what does the Launch 8 offer? It's nearly 2oz lighter than the Glycerin and feels a lot faster. The Launch also features GTS and GuideRails for stability, so this shoe is going to suit runners who need support. The midsole is different to the Glycerin, with a BioMoGo DNA foam that feels firmer, and gives more energy return, so you'll feel the shoe is much more springy. The Launch also feels flexible under your forefoot, making toe-off feel easy. Brooks Glycerin 19 vs Brooks Launch 8 – Performance 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. Launched in 2008, BioMoGo is the material found in virtually all Brooks midsoles. Due to its formulation, BioMoGo is completely bio-degradable. While a standard EVA foam will take approximately 1,000 years to fully degrade in a landfill, BioMoGo can biodegrade in roughly 20 years when placed in the same environment.What makes this technology incredible to me is that Brooks decided not to patent it, but to offer it as a “open source” innovation for any other shoe producer to use. Way to go! Brooks DNA

ALDREN (GTS): The Launch GTS 8 brings a lightweight look to a stability trainer. Are you trying to not blow some cash on your new shoes? Do you need another pair of trainers to run in while your other ones are still drying off? Are you looking to Run Happy, or at least not sad? Well, the GTS 8 may work for you. The Good As your foot strikes the ground, the segments work together to customize your individual lay down to provide the right amount of cushion and seamless heel-to-toe transition for you – making the most of all that effort you put into each stride. Guide Rails For a diverse and enjoyable rotation, our three shoe recommendation would be the Endorphin Speed 2 and Type A9 along with the Launch 8. 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.

The Bad

Stability: B- (Decent in heel and forefoot. Midfoot slightly unstable despite guiderails, which add subtle guidance.) The cushioning firmness of the Launch’s EVA midsole was ideal for faster runs, yet didn’t have the punishing ride character of racing flats. In short, the Launch was the perfect middle ground between bulked-up neutral running shoes (like the Ghost) and road racers. Like the Ghost, it has a high drop, which may feel a bit clunky to runners used to lower-drop shoes. Even so, the plush heel cushioning softens impacts, and the thinner forefoot has good flexibility for snappy toe-offs. The air mesh upper breathes well and features lots of padding around the collar for comfy fit, and the high-coverage rubber outsole is grippy and tough enough to withstand high-mileage training routines. If you’ve previously steered clear of the Brooks Launch due to its firm ride, then it’s worth giving the Launch 8 a re-try. Loved the cushioning most of all!” said another tester. “I have recurring Achilles tendonitis that will get irritated if I run too much in low-profile shoes. These had lots of bounce in the heel, which really helps prevent injury for me.”