The Brooks Launch 10 is designed as a lightweight, versatile shoe for runners who want a responsive and energetic ride. Here’s a detailed review:
Comfort and Fit:
The Launch 10 continues to offer a snug yet comfortable fit, making it a great choice for runners with a medium to narrow foot. The engineered mesh upper is breathable and adapts well to the shape of the foot, providing a secure feel without being too tight. The padded tongue and heel collar add to the overall comfort, reducing the risk of irritation during longer runs.
Cushioning and Midsole:
The midsole of the Launch 10 features Brooks' BioMoGo DNA cushioning, which strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. While it’s not as plush as some of Brooks' other models, like the Ghost series, it’s designed for runners who prefer a more connected feel to the ground. The cushioning is firm and responsive, making it ideal for faster-paced runs, tempo workouts, and even races.
Ride and Performance:
The Launch 10 is known for its energetic and lively ride. The shoe’s lightweight construction, combined with the responsive midsole, makes it feel fast and agile. The midfoot transition zone is shaped to go from heel to toe quickly, enhancing the shoe’s ability to deliver a smooth and speedy ride. This makes the Launch 10 an excellent choice for runners looking to pick up the pace during their workouts.
Outsole and Traction:
The outsole of the Launch 10 is durable, with a segmented design that provides good traction on a variety of surfaces. The rubber coverage in high-wear areas ensures longevity, while the flex grooves allow for natural foot movement, enhancing the shoe’s overall flexibility.
Weight and Flexibility:
One of the standout features of the Launch 10 is its lightweight feel. This makes it an excellent option for runners who prefer a more minimalist shoe without sacrificing cushioning. The shoe is also quite flexible, which complements its lightweight nature, allowing for a more natural and responsive running experience.
Durability:
While the Launch 10 is designed as a lightweight and performance-oriented shoe, it still offers good durability for its category. The outsole rubber and midsole materials hold up well over many miles, though heavy heel strikers might notice wear a bit sooner than in more cushioned, durable models like the Ghost or Glycerin series.
Style:
The Launch 10 comes in a variety of vibrant colorways, appealing to runners who like their shoes to stand out. The design is sleek and modern, aligning well with the shoe’s performance-oriented purpose.
Use Cases:
- Speed Work: The Launch 10 excels in tempo runs, intervals, and other speed-focused workouts due to its responsive midsole and lightweight construction.
- Daily Training: It can also be used for daily runs, particularly for runners who prefer a firmer, more connected feel.
- Races: The Launch 10 is versatile enough to be used for races, especially shorter distances like 5Ks and 10Ks, where speed is a priority.
Summary:
The Brooks Launch 10 is an excellent choice for runners seeking a lightweight, responsive, and versatile shoe. It offers a comfortable fit, a firm and energetic ride, and the durability to handle regular training sessions. While it might not be the best option for those who need a lot of cushioning or stability, it shines as a go-to shoe for speed work, tempo runs, and even racing. If you’re looking for a shoe that can keep up with your fast-paced workouts while still being comfortable enough for daily use, the Launch 10 is a solid pick.
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Launch 10 vs Launch 9
The Brooks Launch 10 and Launch 9 are both part of Brooks' lightweight, responsive running shoe line, designed for speed and versatility. However, there are some differences between the two models that reflect the updates and refinements Brooks made in the newer version. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Upper Design and Fit
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Launch 9: The Launch 9 features an engineered mesh upper that provides a good balance of breathability and support. The fit was generally comfortable but tended to be on the narrower side, which could feel a bit restrictive for some runners, particularly those with wider feet.
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Launch 10: In the Launch 10, Brooks updated the upper with a more refined engineered mesh that offers better breathability and a slightly more adaptive fit. The shoe feels a bit more secure and comfortable, especially in the midfoot, without being overly tight. This version also includes a slightly redesigned heel collar that enhances comfort and reduces the risk of irritation during longer runs.
Midsole and Cushioning
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Launch 9: The Launch 9 uses Brooks' BioMoGo DNA cushioning, which provides a responsive and somewhat firm ride. The focus of this model was on delivering a lightweight and fast feel, with cushioning that is adequate for daily training but not overly plush.
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Launch 10: The Launch 10 continues to use BioMoGo DNA cushioning, but Brooks made subtle tweaks to improve the overall ride quality. The midsole in the Launch 10 feels slightly more responsive and better tuned for both speed work and longer runs. While the cushioning remains firm, the ride feels a bit more balanced, making it a versatile option for a wider range of run types.
Outsole and Traction
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Launch 9: The Launch 9 has a durable rubber outsole with segmented sections to provide flexibility and traction. The traction was good on a variety of surfaces, but some runners found the outsole design to be somewhat basic, with limited flex grooves.
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Launch 10: The outsole in the Launch 10 received some updates for improved durability and flexibility. The redesigned rubber pattern offers better grip and enhances the shoe’s flexibility, contributing to a smoother ride. The flex grooves have been adjusted to promote a more natural foot movement, making the Launch 10 feel a bit more agile than its predecessor.
Weight
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Launch 9: The Launch 9 was already lightweight, making it a popular choice for runners looking for a fast and minimalistic shoe. It was one of the lighter shoes in Brooks' lineup, appealing to those who value speed.
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Launch 10: The Launch 10 maintains a similar lightweight profile, but with slight improvements in weight distribution. The shoe feels marginally lighter on the foot due to the refined upper and outsole, contributing to its overall responsive and fast feel.
Aesthetics and Style
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Launch 9: The Launch 9 had a more traditional design with various color options, but it didn’t stand out as much in terms of visual appeal compared to some other performance shoes.
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Launch 10: The Launch 10 comes with a more modern and sleek design. The updated aesthetic includes vibrant colorways and a streamlined look that enhances its appeal to runners who like their shoes to be both functional and stylish.
Overall Performance
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Launch 9: The Launch 9 was known for its reliable performance as a lightweight trainer, excelling in speed workouts and shorter races. It was well-loved for its firm and responsive ride, though it could feel a bit too firm for some runners over longer distances.
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Launch 10: The Launch 10 improves upon the Launch 9 by offering a slightly more balanced ride that’s still responsive and lightweight but with enhanced comfort and fit. It’s a more versatile shoe, capable of handling a wider range of paces and distances, making it a better all-around option for many runners.
Summary:
The Brooks Launch 10 builds on the strengths of the Launch 9 with a more refined upper, enhanced responsiveness in the midsole, and better flexibility in the outsole. These updates make the Launch 10 a more versatile and comfortable shoe, while still maintaining the lightweight and fast feel that the Launch series is known for. If you liked the Launch 9 but wanted a bit more comfort and a more adaptable fit, the Launch 10 is a worthwhile upgrade.