Brooks Launch 8 GTS Review
Ravenna Takes Launch
Likes
- Lightweight, breathable design
- High-level durability
- Accessible price point
Dislikes
- On the narrow side
- Firmer cushioning
What's New
One of the most significant updates to the Launch 8 GTS is its name. Previously known as the Ravenna, the Launch 8 GTS is the stability counterpart to the popular Launch series. Using Brooks' GuideRail Support system that gently guides the foot straight instead of using an intrusive medial post, the Launch 8 GTS promises to deliver fantastic stability to mild overpronators. The new Air Mesh upper design is also surprisingly lightweight and provides an enhanced fit that hugs the foot in all the right places. This simple daily trainer offers excellent performance, especially considering its accessible price point.
The Bottom Line
Brooks has evolved the Ravenna into the new Launch 8 GTS, which continues to provide runners with a lightweight and supportive on-foot experience that's perfect for picking up the pace during training runs. The GuideRail Support system delivers a good level of stability for both mild overpronators and more neutral runners who need a little extra guidance while running. The BioMoGo DNA Foam midsole is firm and relatively stiff, which contributes to the Launch's ability to handle faster paces. Although notably softer than previous versions, the Launch 8 GTS is not the shoe for runners who need a plush or cushioned underfoot feel. The updated Air Mesh is impressively lightweight and provides breathability that will keep feet cool no matter how hot the weather. Additionally, the upper fits comfortably snug through the midfoot and is surprisingly roomy in the forefoot, which will deliver comfort to runners with a variety of foot shapes. Given its very accessible price point, the Brooks Launch 8 GTS is an easy shoe to recommend for runners who prefer lightweight stability over plush cushioning.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium to low |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 8.9 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.0 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 26 mm (Heel), 16 mm (Forefoot) | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Minimum Stability | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The Brooks Launch 8 GTS is noticeably firm, making it best suited for picking up the pace during daily training runs. The BioMoGo DNA midsole offers a slightly more cushioned feel than found in the previous versions of the shoe, but runners may still desire a little more cushioning for longer runs. The Launch 8 GTS is best suited for shorter, faster-paced runs.
Erik: "This shoe is everything I love in daily training cushioning. It's slightly firm and light, which I prefer. I never felt like I was drowning in the cushioning when picking up the pace."
Matt: "The Launch GTS 8 is a firm shoe, one of the firmest I've tried in several years. This firmness will be nice for some, but for others, it can provide an unforgiving ride. After testing multiple new shoes with updated foam midsoles, I found the firmness to be outside the range that I enjoy for faster-paced or longer runs."
Ride/Energy Return i
Although BioMoGo DNA is not the most responsive foam on the market, these lightweight daily trainers certainly do offer runners a little bounce when picking up the pace. The GuideRail Support system provides extra support that is ideal for mild overpronators but will be appreciated by neutral runners with tired feet as well.
Erik: "The Launch 8 GTS has a peppy and fun feel that makes daily kilometres fun."
Matt: "The Launch GTS 8 is responsive when you want to pick up the pace, but in this day and age of new responsive foams, the BioMoGo midsole doesn't give me the performance I want out of a fast-day shoe."
Underfoot Protection i
Our testers placed the Launch 8 GTS roughly in the middle of the scale in regards to underfoot protection. With a 26mm heel stack (16mm in the forefoot), there is enough BioMoGo DNA foam to protect runners over a variety of distances. However, the Launch 8 GTS is still fairly firm underfoot, which may relegate the shoe to a lower mileage option for some.
Erik: "The cushion on the Launch 8 GTS has enough protection for my long runs but never feels bulky. This helps when I want to drop the pace down."
Matt: "There is enough cushioning underfoot to provide the protection needed for a fast or long run, but it still comes at a firmness that can make for a harsh ride."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Launch 8 GTS has a simple yet effective flex that helps runners through their gait cycle and promotes faster tempos. By design, the GuideRail Support System reduces the overall flexibility of the Launch 8 GTS, which is a necessary trade-off for extra stability. Our testers found the flex most suitable for runs in the 6-8 kilometre range.
Erik: "This shoe has some pretty traditional flexibility. The flex grooves helped it move with my foot."
Matt: "The GuideRails that add support to this trainer also hinder the flexibility during longer or faster runs. I found the Launch 8's stiffness leading to some foot discomfort on runs over 6-8 kilometres."
Upper Feel i
The Launch 8 GTS's new Air Mesh upper is lightweight and offers superb breathability that is ideal for combating hot running conditions. The adaptable fit balances snug and roomy, with a comfortable hold in the midfoot and a spacious forefoot. The simple construction is a sleek and stylish addition to any runner's kit.
Erik: "I love how this shoe has a more extended heel tab. It fans out, so it won't give any Achilles irritation. The shoe's upper is simple but it makes me feel completely locked in."
Matt: "A simple, no-frills upper locks my foot down as needed for a secure fit."
Individual Thoughts
I used to love the Ravennas, but now I love the Launch GTS. It is a simple shoe that is an ideal choice for a variety of runs. The cushion feels light and peppy, delivering a fast feel that is also protective. For runners who slightly overpronate like me, the GuideRails system offers excellent stability without being overbearing or distracting. Combine all these elements, and you get a low-risk buy that packs a lot of value.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
After running in the last three versions of the Launch and the last version of the Ravenna 11, I got a chance to check out the combination of the two, the Launch GTS 8. I found the Launch GTS 8 to be a simple, no-frills shoe that is perfect for runners searching for quality footwear with an accessible price tag. This shoe is well suited for faster runs and will provide the extra support needed for those who slightly overpronate. I did find that the Launch GTS 8 felt a bit firm and stiff, even for a support shoe, but it got the job done.