Brooks Launch 7 Review
No-Frills Versatility
Likes
- Responsive cushioning
- Durable design
- Casual look
- Good price
Dislikes
- Narrow
- Cushioning is not soft
What's New
The Brooks Launch series is known for responsive cushioning that makes it versatile enough to work as both a racing shoe and a daily trainer. Utilizing the same tooling as the previous version, the new Brooks Launch 7 features the brand's BioMoGo DNA midsole and blown rubber outsole; because of this, the shoe maintains the same underfoot feel and smooth ride that made it popular in the first place. The major update in the Brooks Launch 7 is the sleek new upper. The single-piece mesh gives the shoe an almost seamless fit and a lightweight and breathable feel.
The Bottom Line
With a brand new upper, the Brooks Launch 7 gets a stylish look that translates well from running to casual wear. Our testers found that the BioMoGo DNA midsole provided just enough cushioning for daily training while maintaining a responsive ride. They agreed that the midsole had a firm feel that gave the shoe a snappy ride, and although our testers enjoyed the fast turnover it provided, they wished it felt a bit plusher for longer runs. Regardless, those that want a simple shoe for both uptempo workouts and standard training will appreciate the durability, versatility, and fit of the Brooks Launch 7.
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 (Women's: Medium to narrow) | Height: Medium to low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Men's: Medium to low | Women's: Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Men's: Medium to low | Women's: Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.6 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.9 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 26 mm (Heel), 16 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The BioMoGO DNA midsole has a firm feel that prioritizes performance over plushness. Our testers felt that the responsive cushioning was great for short or uptempo runs but lacked comfort over long distances.
Kaitlin: "The Launch 7 has enough cushioning to make you feel protected from the impact of the ground, but not enough for it to feel soft."
Ben: "This shoe is not very soft. I would not use it for long runs as I prefer to run in shoes with more cushioning."
Ride/Energy Return i
Although the ride of the Launch 7 wasn't particularly bouncy, our testers felt that its responsiveness provided plenty of energy return for uptempo workouts as well as race day.
Kaitlin: "The midsole doesn't feel especially springy, but it provides enough energy return to keep you moving forward."
Ben: "For an everyday trainer, the Launch 7 provides a fair amount of energy return. I did a 7-mile tempo run and did not notice any dead weight. I would consider racing a 5k in these."
Underfoot Protection i
The Launch 7 provides performance-oriented cushioning that works well for both uptempo workouts and everyday runs. Despite this, our testers agreed that it was too lightly cushioned for long runs and recovery days.
Kaitlin: "The cushioning leans on the firm side. It provides just enough protection to feel comfortable during everyday runs."
Ben: "The Brooks Launch is for tempo days and conversational-paced runs. Due to its cushioning level, it is not for recovery days or long, slow runs."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Considering its low stack height, the Brooks Lauch 7 features a relatively stiff midsole design. This gives the shoe its snappy ride and creates a quick transition through the stride.
Kaitlin: "This shoe feels rigid with only a slight flexing of the midsole while running."
Ben: "The Brooks Launch 7 felt like a typical trainer. The flex grooves allowed my feet to go through the full range of motion without any restraint during my tempo run."
Upper Feel i
The new knit upper gives the Launch 7 a fresh, sleek look. The single-layer mesh is built over an internal bootie to create a secure wrap of the foot while minimizing restrictive overlays.
Kaitlin: "The upper wraps my foot well and creates a contoured fit. It makes the shoe feel like an extension of my foot. Not having to worry about slipping or extraneous movement was nice, as it made it easier for me to focus on my run."
Ben: "The updated upper is well structured, especially in the heel area and toe box. Despite being structured, it is still flexible and comfortable on foot. That being said, the upper may be a little narrow for someone with wider feet."
Women's Brooks Launch Running Shoes
Men's Brooks Launch Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
I think the Brooks Launch is a reliable tempo shoe. Its cushioning is responsive enough to handle picking up the pace. I personally prefer a softer, more cushioned shoe for longer outings, but the Launch 7 felt fine on shorter runs.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
This is a pretty basic, no-frills shoe. I found the ride to be "just okay." It does not add much to the running experience. It's neither well-cushioned nor super responsive. However, it does provide enough shock absorption for comfort during everyday running, and the seamless upper ensures a comfortable, irritation-free fit.
The fit is true to size, but the new upper is pretty close to the skin with little give to the material. This change allows the shoe to feel more secure, but it's not very accommodating to a variety of foot shapes.
This Launch 7 update is not a game-changer. If you like the 6, you will be happy with this version. I preferred the Launch 5, as I remember it being slightly softer with a wider forefoot.