Details
Brand
Brooks
Breathability
8/10
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• For balanced and efficient heel-to-toe transition, there is a Forefoot Cush Pod• Forefoot durability, flexibility, and responsiveness enhanced by a blown rubber outsole• Durable traction in the heel made possible by the HPR Plus System• Consistent under-foot feel improved by the Universal Sprung Platform• Environmentally friendly BioMoGo DNA for responsive cushioning
Upper
This shoe presents with synthetic overlays that make for a secure and snug fit. These no-sew synthetic overlays keep the foot comfortable and protection from irritation. Feet stay cooler with the air mesh upper. This mesh, combined with the overlay system, works to make the shoe flexible while still maintaining the lightweight. Occasionally a runner will report that their mesh upper tore apart a few months after purchase.
Midsole
The midsole is considered by some to be the most important part of the shoe. It’s the part that you notice the most while running. The midsole of the Brooks Launch 2 is comprised of a foam DNA called BioMoGo. This adaptable material provides both cushioning and responsiveness to your run. BioMoGo foam has the ability to adapt the level of cushioning based on the wearer’s needs. The softness and firmness of the foam change as the wearer walks, jogs, runs, or sprints. It also reacts to the wearer’s specific weight and style of running.
Outsole
The outsole is the bottom of the shoe. The outsole of the Brooks Launch 2 is constructed with blown rubber, which increases durability, responsiveness, and flexibility. To absorb shock and add additional cushioning, the Brooks Launch 2 also offers a segmented crash pad. This crash pad is made up of integrated shock-absorbers that maximize efficiency, improve heel-to-toe transition, and provide cushioning.
Breathability
A breathable shoe can be vitally important to a runner’s comfort. This is especially true when running in the spring and summer months. And, even more so here in Las Vegas where I live. The air mesh of the Brooks Launch 2 strategically increases breathability while you run, making this an ideal shoe for running in those warm months. Brooks also offers a whole line of breathable products to pair with these breathable running shoes.
Comfort
The Brooks Launch 2 features a Heel Segmented Crash Pad, improving heel-to-toe transition. This Crash Pad is made up of fully integrated shock absorbers that, not only improve the heel-to-toe transition but maximize cushioning as well. The full-length S-257 Cushole works to enhance cushioning and flexibility. There is an engaged sockliner that adds extra comfort underfoot.;The BioMoGo DNA is designed for responsive cushioning as well. One runner reported that the Brooks Launch 2 helped ease her discomfort related to bone spurs on the back of each foot. She reported that the pain had gotten so bad that she could no longer wear typical sneakers. However, these were so soft and cushiony that she was able to wear them to work out. Another runner reported that the Brooks Launch 2 eased her pain with plantar fasciitis.
Durability
The outsole of the Brooks Launch 2 is constructed with blown rubber, which increases durability. The HPR Plus System offers durable traction in the heel. One runner reported that the pinky-toe area in the shoe appeared to wear out faster than the rest of the shoe. When Brooks upgrade from the Launch 1 to the Launch 2, they added a hardened rubber in the mid-foot for improved durability as well.;Some runners report that this stiffer midsole provides better cushioning and protection. The midsoles seem to wear out around 300 miles, give or take depending on the runner. Check the soles of your shoes regularly and look for wear. You know it is time to replace them if sections are wearing thin. It is important to replace shoes regularly to avoid injury. When was the last time you checked your shoes?
Protection
The no-sew mesh upper of the Brooks Launch 2 helps to keep your feet, not only comfortable but also dry. Keeping your feet dry during your run is important to reduce blisters and bacterial build up. Why spend money on purchasing deodorizing sprays or powders for your traditional running shoes, when you can buy the incredibly breathable Brooks Launch 2?
Responsiveness
Runners want a responsive shoe that will give them that ‘pop’ during toe-off. With this energy-returning property, wearer’s can generally run longer, making this shoe perfect for those seeking high mileage. The outsole of the Brooks Launch 2 is constructed with blown rubber, which works to increase responsiveness. In addition, this shoe features a Universal Sprung Platform, increasing the consistency of the under-foot feel.
Support
This shoe is made for the neutral runner. Runners with a high arch report that these shoes work well for them as well. The design of the Brooks Launch 2 also appears to offer support to those with past knee problems. No-sew support is offered by synthetic overlay materials. Nurses are reporting not only wearing these for running but also for working their long shifts.
Terrain
Knowing what terrain you want to run on is important when purchasing a running shoe. Some shoes are designed for road or for trail. The Brooks Launch 2 appears to do especially well with road racing. However, secondarily, this shoe does well on track, treadmill, and groomed trails as well. This shoe is not designed for inclement weather or extreme temperatures.
Price
The price of the Brooks Launch has always been considered friendly. Generally, though, prices appear to be slightly elevated for popular sizes. However, now that the next models in the Launch line have been released, you can find the Launch 2 at discounted, or even clearance, prices.
Drop
The profile of the heel measures at 34.4mm, while the profile of the forefoot is 23.3. This accounts of an 11.1 heel-toe drop (also known as ’stack height’). This is considered a relatively high drop. A high drop is recommended for runners who experience plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial and/or Achilles tendonitis, or other heel pain.
Stability
For balanced and efficient heel-to-toe transition, the Brooks Launch 2 features a Forefoot Cush Pod Configuration. This shoe holds the foot snugly without any stride-altering control devices. It offers full ground contact with updated forefoot flex grooves and a decoupled heel, that aid in stabilizing the foot on the ground before beginning the next stride.
Flexibility
There has been a lot of attention placed on the flexibility of running shoes in recent years. The flexibility refers to how the shoe bends and aligns with the foot joint as it moves through the stride. The more flexible the shoe, the lighter and more comfortable it feels. Increased flexibility in the shoe is also thought to cut down the strain placed on the foot. The outsole of the Brooks Launch 2 is constructed with blown rubber, which increases flexibility. The full-length S-257 Cushole of this shoe also works to enhance cushioning as well as flexibility.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Launch 2 was introduced five years after the original after runners demanded the Launch’s return. The new updates provide Launch-lovers with the same great shoe but with the added bonus of enhanced comfort, flexibility, and responsiveness. Your feet absorb more force during a run than any other part of your body. So, why not treat them to a pair of Brooks Launch 2? This shoe is designed as a high-mileage trainer, but rewards wearer’s even when walking, working, or sprinting. You may also love this shoe for recovery runs due to its extreme cushiness.
