Brooks Launch GTS 9 Review
Lightweight Stability
Likes
- Stable
- Ground feel
- Stylish
- Gym-ready
- Value
Dislikes
- Firm underfoot
- Narrow
- Needs a foam upgrade
What's New
The Brooks Launch GTS 9 continues to be the stability iteration of the Launch. Brooks incorporates their GuideRail technology that creates bumper-like support, limiting side-to-side movement. On the midsole, Brooks packs in 2 more millimeters of foam for added comfort and extra protection. The outsole of the shoe is made of a sustainable Green Rubber that helps to lower the environmental impact of the shoes. The Launch 9 GTS is also lighter than previous models thanks to a Creel wrap upper design that saves weight while still providing adequate support and breathability. Altogether, the Launch GTS 9 is a lightweight stability shoe great for runners looking for slight-to-moderate stability in a lightweight and versatile package.
The Bottom Line
Our testers found the Brooks Launch GTS 9 similar to the previous model. The GuideRail support system provides adequate stability that does not inhibit natural movement or stride patterns. The testers noted that the midsole felt more cushioned but did not have the responsiveness that is becoming commonplace for shoes in this category. Regardless, the Launch series continues to have great value, and this update is a reliable option for beginner to advanced runners who want a shoe that can handle a little bit of everything and won't break the bank. Our testers enjoyed their runs in the Launch GTS 9 and recommend it for runners looking for a go-to trainer for uptempo running or a more minimal stability shoe.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium to narrow |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's 8.6 oz (Size 9) | Women's 7.5 (Size 8) |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (Heel), 26 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Kaleb: "The Launch 9 GTS is not a soft shoe, and is instead fairly firm underfoot with a nice connection to the ground. I personally would enjoy a softer footbed for longer efforts, but for short runs, fast track workouts, or the gym, the firmness was appreciated."
Matt: "The Brooks Launch line is known for being a value-oriented lightweight daily trainer. So the foam underfoot isn't anything special. It's a very traditional feel that is nice and protective but does not do anything extremely well. It's a very solid option for someone looking for a shoe that gets the job done without all the bells and whistles that are packed into shoes nowadays."
Ride/Energy Returni
Kaleb: "This is where the Launch could still improve, as the foam is not very responsive. It's firm and stable, but lacking pop. That said, higher quality foam comes with a higher price tag, and given the Launch's wallet-friendly value, I was happy with the underfoot experience. The firm foam and smooth flexibility made for a fairly versatile shoe that excelled when it was time to tear up the track."
Matt: "Brooks added an extra couple millimeters of foam to the Launch line, which gives the shoe some added bounce. But overall, this shoe is pretty average at everything. So for runners who want a basic shoe to tackle daily mileage, this is the shoe for you."
Underfoot Protectioni
Kaleb: "The Launch 9 is not the most protective shoe, mostly due to the firmness of the midsole, and I personally wouldn't consider the Launch for distances much further than 4 or 5 miles. It should be noted that I prefer softer shoes for longer road runs, but other runners may really enjoy the Launch for greater distances. I loved the Launch for track workouts, as the shoe felt similar to a flat on the track, and the firmness combined perfectly with the track's softer surface. The GuideRails offer a supportive and stable ride that was almost unnoticeable, and was appreciated when trying to power through workouts later in the week when my legs were lagging."
Matt: "With an extra 2 mm of foam in the BioMogo midsole, the Brooks Launch GTS 9 has more underfoot protection than past versions. This means that it has faded away from its lower profile, lightweight daily trainer roots, but that added protection allows this shoe to hold up longer, so it can take on way more mileage. 10+ miles in the Brooks Launch 9 GTS was no issue for me, and I was able to grab it the next day for a long run too."
Flexibilityi
Kaleb: "The Launch is very smooth, offering a fair amount of flexibility that rolls me through my gait efficiently. I wouldn't say it makes the Launch 'snap' at toe-off, but the flexibility of the shoe was definitely appreciated out on the run."
Matt: "The Launch GTS 9 has a nice neutral flex to it. It works with the foot nicely and offers a smooth ride."
Upper Supporti
Kaleb: "Forewarning to my wide-footed friends, the Launch is a bit snug and almost fits like a racing flat, with an uncharacteristically narrow toe box. I personally enjoyed the Launch's fit, and I always felt locked and loaded when laced up. It was not the most spacious throughout and I would need more space for longer distance efforts, but for speed days and the gym, the Launch provided the fit I was looking for."
Matt: "The upper of the Brooks Launch 9 GTS offers a nice lockdown from start to finish and can handle most foot types. It does fit slightly slimmer, but it should be adaptable to most."
Men's Brooks Launch GTS Running Shoes
Women's Brooks Trail
Individual Thoughts
The Launch has always been a hard shoe for me to review because I like it, but it isn't exactly my ideal "running" shoe. I tend to prefer softer, more forgiving midsoles for my road runs to help mitigate the impact of the roads. The Launch's firm underfoot feel just didn't give me what I was looking for over those distances. When it's a track day, the Launch 9 is the shoe I have been reaching for the most lately. The firm midsole with the soft energy-returning surface of the track was an awesome combination for repeats, tempos, and even plyometrics. Also, the Launch 9 is easily one of the most gym-ready trainers that I have tested. The firm midsole contributes to a very stable feel that can handle the weight room. Combine this with the shoe's sleek and sporty look and you've got a real winner. I haven't even mentioned the price point yet either, which comes in at under $210. So if you are a trickster, gym rat, or enjoy a firm, connected feel for uptempo runs, then the Launch is for you. The Launch 9 GTS, especially given its durability, is one of the best bang-for-buck shoes on the market at the moment.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I have been rocking the Launch GTS line since it was the Ravenna. I have always appreciated its lightweight design and subtle stability features. This shoe does feel different for long-time Launch fans since there is 2 mm of foam added to the midsole. The weight is slightly heavier and the ride feels more like a built-up trainer. Now, this does mean that there is an added protection benefit, and this shoe can absolutely last. Overall, I wish Brooks added some updated foam to the midsole rather than just simply adding more BioMogo. They could make the Launch line fun and bouncy again rather than just sticking with an outdated foam. I think that this shoe will work well for beginner runners who need some slight guidance and a durable platform for most runs during the week.