| MagnumRunner |
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I've heard so many different opinions of the Brooks Launch. My main concern is that I hear it is too soft. Some people say it is definitely too soft, others say it is on the softer side, but not bad. Some say that after 50 miles the over-softness goes away. So I figure I'm getting these opinions from all speeds of runners. How does the shoe feel at say 5:40-6:30 mile pace? How about at easier paces of 7+ mile pace? I can wear flats for faster workouts and most tempos, but even on normal runs I'll pick up the pace sometimes, and I am looking for a shoe that I am going to do most of my miles in, including long runs. Opinions? Other shoe suggestions. For me, I think a 12mm drop is a little too high. 9-10mm is about perfect. I know there isn't that much of a difference and am willing to get a traditional 12mm drop, but a 9-10oz shoe with an 8-10mm drop is about perfect for me. I tried the NB890's but found the toe box too be way too low for my comfort, even though my feet are relatively slender. |
| actual launch wearer |
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With all of the different shoe choices, people are just looking for things to complain about on their quest for the "perfect shoe." The Launch is a great shoe. I've worn the Launch since it came out in mid-2009. It's lightweight, well-cushioned, flexible, and very simple. Like a lot of running shoes, they feel almost overly cushioned when you first start wearing them, but over time they break in. (In fact, I'd be wary of any shoe that felt perfect right out of the box; odds are they won't feel perfect after 100-200 miles.) I've worn them for everything from 200 meter repeats on the track to slow, shuffling morning runs, so everything from 4:00 min./m pace up to 9:00 min./m. I have no complaints, and they are great shoes whether I'm up on my toes sprinting or slamming my heels into the ground while shuffling. On 90% of my runs I strike with my midfoot, roll back onto my heel, then push off with my forefoot, and the best thing I can say about the Launch is that they don't get in the way and at the end of my run my legs feel fresh. I tried the whole running in flats thing, but my legs just felt sore and dead all the time. That's not the case with the Launch. Don't worry about things like heel height (have you actually looked at a ruler and seen how small 2 mm is? 12 mm drop vs. 10 mm drop is basically the same thing). If the Launch fits your foot, is comfortable, and feels good while running, wear it. It might be the only shoe that has been on the market for three years with no changes (aside from color, of course), so from my perspective Brooks got it right the first time. |
| Like the Launch |
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I run tempos in the 5:40 -5:50 range, and everyday mileage between 6:30 to 7. I use the Launch for both, and they're fine. I prefer a lower, less cushioned shoe like the adios for intervals or track work. The Launch feels too soft and cumbersome when I'm really trying to move. |
| MagnumRunner |
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Thanks. Both of you sound like you have had good experiences with the Launch at decent paces. Your tempo pace and regular day running pace sounds very similar to mine when I am in decent shape. Glad to hear you like the Launch for it. And yeah, if I do any intervals/track workouts, I would definitely use a more racing flat type shoe or spikes. And I could still use a racing flat occasionally for tempo runs. Looks like I'll be giving the Launch a try! |