Brooks Men's Launch Gts 8 Running Shoe

Product Information

ROBBE: I only keep asking to test the Launch because I’m forever chasing the dragon of my first Launch experience. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to get the same buzz. Now, I will say that this version of the Launch is better than the last two, likely because of the slight addition of foam to the midsole. It’s ever-so-slightly more comfortable and less harsh. ROBBE: I don’t know what happened to Brooks sizing over the last five years, but I used to go a half-size up in all their models, now I have to go a half-size down. That’s a full-size swing.

Shannon (GTS): The upper on this model is relatively similar to that of the previous version. I loved it in that there are no uncomfortable seams or overlays. It wrapped the foot well and securely, but didn’t inhibit any motion of the foot. I did notice on this version, I did not have to utilize the second eyelet when lacing up to secure the heel, rather, the heel stayed snugly and securely put. The light and fast Launch GTS meets its cushioned sibling in Glycerin GTS, Brooks’ plush stability model, with Adrenaline GTS falling halfway in between as the best of both worlds: fast and supportive yet with softer LOFT cushion than Launch. Worth noting, sizing was the same as the previous model and I felt my size 8 fit just as it did previously. There is a bit more focus on the support of your foot in the upper of the GTS, as there is an added support band around the midfoot to give an even tighter and more stable fit. For the price being on the low end, the material felt very durable and long-lasting. After running close to 100 miles in these, there was minimal wear.

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JAYTON: The laces are crap. It really isn’t a big deal and proof that I don’t have many bad things to say about this shoe but it’s annoying because I’ll probably end up switching them out. The lightweight Green Rubber outsole is wonderful in ideal conditions but I found myself slipping in wet conditions, especially when it was both cold and wet. Additionally, the tongue of the shoe isn’t my favorite design because it can get folded under. Overall: B- (A great shoe for those who want a slightly snug uptempo trainer with a touch of stability in the rearfoot. Great for entry level runners or those who want a workout shoe coming from the Adrenaline at a budget price. ) The Launch 10 swaps in a revamped knit upper that creates a more secure fit around your foot—always important when going fast—and the collar is designed to pull away from your heel, so it won’t rub and cause irritation. The outsole has plenty of rubber, giving it excellent traction and durability.

In this special mini-podcast episode, our team breaks down the differences between the Launch 8 and Launch GTS. We also talk budget shoes and our favorites so far in 2021. The Launch GTS 9 surprised me. Opening the box I was intrigued by the light feel; visibly it was a different shoe from the Ravenna 11, which I ran in in 2020, particularly regarding the very thin tongue. This thin tongue is a change from the Launch GTS 8 as well. Brooks organizes its road shoes into three categories: “Cushion,” “Energize,” and “Speed.” (The brand’s trail shoes technically fall into their own separate category, but they use the same midsole foams as the “Cushion” and “Energize” shoes.) PUMA’s Foreverrun Nitro is a new shoe I tried this year that is also a great option for a smooth ride but a bit more underfoot.

Brooks Launch GTS 8 Intro

AUSTIN: I’ve got nothing. Truly. No issues have emerged yet. Some runners may find the ride too soft, but I’m inclined to think not based on how poorly the Launch 7 fared from a crushing ride standpoint. The ride is closer to smooth than snappy. I mean, it’s no Hyperion Tempo , but you get what you pay for. The full rubber outsole did not seem to add extra weight while providing a more durable speed based shoe. The BioMoGo midsole flexed with my foot very naturally and with the added GuideRails, this will suit any runner with a need for stability. In addition to its foams, Brooks has a key design feature called GuideRails for runners who need stability and support. GuideRails shoes have additional layers of firm, high-density foam on the medial and lateral sides of the midsole, which creates a bumper around your foot to keep it aligned in the shoe and counter overpronation. (When your foot rolls too far inward during your stride). Stability: B- (Decent in heel and forefoot. Midfoot slightly unstable despite guiderails, which add subtle guidance.) ALDREN: I ran into a few, but not many issues in the Launch GTS 8. There’s a plastic infusing around the eyelets that’s fairly hard. As my foot flexed, it dug into my foot. It didn’t hurt, but I noticed.

Launch GTS 9 weighs only 8 oz. in women’s size 9.5 which matches the weight of the ASICS Gel DS Trainer 26 and Magic Speed as well as the adidas Adizero Pro, all fast shoes I’ve appreciated in the past two years. Mike P (10.0): The Endo Speed also features a more modern, bouncy, and responsive foam, in addition to the Speedroll technology. The Brooks has a more “regular” running shoe feel, while the Saucony seems to both bounce and propel you forward. The Endo Speed is a great shoe across the entire pace range from very fast to long runs. You feel much higher and unstable with the Endo than the Brooks - something to get used to. I reserve my Endos for speed work, and I’d prefer the Brooks for daily miles. Both are highly durable. I really like both shoes.I’m a long-time fan of the Guide Rails for stability and applaud Brooks for continuing to use this concept.