Brooks Launch 8 Shoe Review
Updated Performance, Same Great Value
Likes
- Responsive ride
- Structured feel
- Flexible forefoot
- Good value
Dislikes
- Poor protection for longer runs
- Lacks bounciness
What's New
The Launch line receives more than just a facelift with the new Brooks Launch 8. This shoe has been updated with a new Air Mesh upper that feels light on foot and is great for runs in the heat. Additionally, Brooks has outfitted the Launch 8 with more blown rubber on the outsole to increase softness. This combines with the BioMoGo DNA Foam midsole to create a softer and more comfortable running experience compared to the Launch 7. One of the few things that has not changed is the great value of the Launch 8.
The Bottom Line
The Brooks Launch 8 is a welcome improvement on the Launch 7. These lightweight trainers are still on the firmer side and perform best on short, up-tempo runs, but the new mesh upper design is comfortable, lightweight, and offers an adaptable step-in feel right out of the box. Additionally, the BioMoGo DNA foam midsole and new blown rubber outsole are noticeably softer and get the job done when picking up the pace. The Launch 8 can make a great introductory option for beginner runners who are looking to add a firmer and more responsive shoe into their rotation for faster training runs. Taking the value price point into account, the Launch 8 is an easy shoe to recommend.
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: 8.6 oz (size 9 ) | Women's: 7.7 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 26 mm (Heel), 16 mm (Forefoot) | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The Launch 8 has a soft step-in feel, but starts to feel firmer once you get them out on the road. The additional blown rubber on the outsole contributes to a more cushioned feel than the Launch 7, but those who enjoy a more plush running experience should seek another everyday option. Our testers found that the Launch 8 delivered sufficient comfort and protection for shorter, quicker efforts.
Ben: "These shoes are definitely on the firm side, but not enough to be uncomfortable. However, they are not the type of shoes that I like to wear around all day or on recovery runs."
Kaitlin: "Softness is not the main attraction of this shoe. It is not going to feel plush or bouncy. The Launch 8 is a very basic trainer with a light layer of cushioning for comfort and protection; beyond that cushioning, it's a firmer and more responsive shoe. I do think it feels a bit softer than the Launch 7, but that could be due to the slightly more flexible feel."
Kaleb: "The shoes felt pretty firm to me, and I felt the impact when using them for longer runs on pavement. That said, I also used these shoes for fartlek training on the track and was very satisfied with their performance. The softer surface and faster pace felt great in the Launch 8."
Ride/Energy Return i
Our testers were impressed with the improved ride of the Launch 8 in comparison to the Launch 7. This update is noticeably bouncier than previous models and is better equipped to take on faster paces. The Brooks Launch 8s could still use some design tweaks to truly elevate them to the next level, but they deliver on what they were designed for and have a tantalising price tag.
Ben: "The Brooks Launch 8 has a smooth ride with a noticeable bounce. At paces around six minutes (per mile), I noticed that I had an easier time sustaining that pace than in some other lightweight everyday training shoes."
Kaitlin: "I feel like there was a slight improvement in the energy return in version 8 of the Launch. It has a more fluid feel that makes it easier to keep my cadence up. In addition, the shoe is lightweight and has a responsive midsole, making it a great choice for light mileage without anything holding you back."
Kaleb: "I felt like I got a moderate energy return from these shoes. The midsole foam is not super bouncy, but it was responsive enough to meet the needs of a lightweight daily training shoe. I did find that I enjoyed the ride more on shorter, faster runs as opposed to longer distances."
Underfoot Protection i
Underfoot protection is not a strong point of the Brooks Launch 8, but our testers agreed that there was a noticeable improvement from the Launch 7. Designed to be a lightweight everyday option, the Launch 8 could use more underfoot protection for longer efforts. However, runners looking to bring a little more pep to their next 5K or 10K run should enjoy the Launch 8.
Ben: "I wore the Brooks Launch 7 and thought it did not have an adequate level of cushioning for most of my needs. However, the Brooks Launch 8 has significantly more cushioning, and I had no problem running up to 10K on the road."
Kaitlin: "The underfoot protection is pretty minimal in this shoe, and while it's considered a daily trainer, I think it excels more during runs where you are trying to push the tempo. It is not going to give you a lot of extra comfort for high mileage, and it's not a good option if you are more susceptible to impact-related injuries."
Kaleb: "I could definitely feel the road under my feet, and I experienced sore arches after longer runs. This might be a result of my feet being more familiar with a heavily protected shoe such as the HOKA Clifton. Regardless, I wanted more protection for my longer road runs."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Our testers scored the Launch 8 on the more elastic side of our scale and noted that the flexibility in the forefoot helped promote faster tempos. The improved flexibility delivers a smooth heel-to-toe transition and provides an overall pleasant running experience when used for the recommended shorter distances.
Ben: "I found that the Launch's forefoot was more flexible than other daily trainers. This flexibility made it easier to run at faster paces because my feet were not restricted."
Kaitlin: "Version 8 feels like it bends and moves with my foot. The slight changes to the upper and midsole have made this shoe feel more malleable."
Kaleb: "The forefoot had good flexibility to help smooth out the heel-toe transition. That being said, this shoe was not quite as flexible as other similar everyday trainers I have tested."
Upper Feel i
The Launch 8 comes with a fantastic new upper. It is lightweight and breathable, making it a great option for runs in warmer weather. The Launch 8 is both well-structured and surprisingly accommodating for different foot shapes. The sleek and stylish design is just a bonus for runners who plan on lacing these shoes up.
Ben: "The upper is well-structured, especially in the heel area and toe box. Despite being structured, it is still flexible and comfortable on foot. I found that the upper was slightly wider than the Launch 7."
Kaitlin: "The Launch 8's upper is adaptable and makes for a more fluid ride. The curved design of the heel collar prevented any irritation and maintained a good hold."
Kaleb: "The air mesh upper felt very light on my feet, and I appreciated its breathability as well. The fit felt secure, and I did not have any complaints with the upper."
Men's Brooks Launch Running Shoes
Women's Brooks Launch Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
The Brooks Launch 8 is a good option for the runner looking to do a fast 5K or a 10K road run. These shoes provide an adequate level of cushioning, as well as a flexible forefoot. The Launch 8s also have a particularly smooth, fast ride at quicker paces due to their responsive midsole.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I enjoyed running in the Launch 8, far more than the 7, which felt stiff in the upper and firmer underfoot. However, I do not think this iteration will be too different for anyone who was happy with the previous version. This shoe fit true to size for me, and I will continue to take it on uptempo runs after finishing this review. It's a nimble, low-profile shoe that feels best when you are pushing your cadence. It was not a great high-mileage shoe for me. The longest run I completed in this shoe was 13 kilometres, and my shins felt a little tender afterward. In addition, the interior eyelet structure ended up rubbing my second metatarsal to the point of breaking the skin. It could be a unique issue with my feet, but it continued to hit in the same spot, so I kept the shoe to 5 to 6 kilometre runs where I didn't experience any issues.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I thought the Brooks Launch 8 was a simple yet solid training shoe. They had a nice step-in feel and looked sleek on foot. While running, they felt very light and breathable. I tested these shoes on the pavement and the track and had two very different experiences. As mentioned, I had sore arches after long runs (8K to 10K) on the pavement and found the shoes to be firm. At a faster pace and with the softer surface of the track, I enjoyed the ride much more. Bottom line, I think the Launch 8 is a functional daily trainer that performs well at faster paces on softer surfaces, but ultimately, it was not the shoe for me. That said, given their price point, I really don't think runners can go wrong if they want to give the Brooks Launch 8 a try.