ActiveRunningBrooks Launch 8 review: Reliable performance for a great priceThe Brooks Launch 8 has had a much-needed update, and the comfier midsole might surprise youWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)T3 VerdictThe Brooks Launch 8 is a highly breathable, reliable shoe with improved cushioning that still manages to feel fast and lightweight. It offers a firm ride, so those who prefer uber-bouncy trainers might not like it. It’s a solid trainer at a reasonable price for beginners and slower runners who want to feel quicker.Reasons to buy+Firm yet cushioned midsole+Great for fast footwork+Reliable shoe at a decent price+Highly breathableReasons to avoid-Not enough grip on wet surfacesWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveRunningBrooks Launch 8 review: Reliable performance for a great priceThe Brooks Launch 8 has had a much-needed update, and the comfier midsole might surprise youWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)T3 VerdictThe Brooks Launch 8 is a highly breathable, reliable shoe with improved cushioning that still manages to feel fast and lightweight. It offers a firm ride, so those who prefer uber-bouncy trainers might not like it. It’s a solid trainer at a reasonable price for beginners and slower runners who want to feel quicker.Reasons to buy+Firm yet cushioned midsole+Great for fast footwork+Reliable shoe at a decent price+Highly breathableReasons to avoid-Not enough grip on wet surfacesWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The Brooks Launch 8 has had a much-needed update, and the comfier midsole might surprise you
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)T3 VerdictThe Brooks Launch 8 is a highly breathable, reliable shoe with improved cushioning that still manages to feel fast and lightweight. It offers a firm ride, so those who prefer uber-bouncy trainers might not like it. It’s a solid trainer at a reasonable price for beginners and slower runners who want to feel quicker.Reasons to buy+Firm yet cushioned midsole+Great for fast footwork+Reliable shoe at a decent price+Highly breathableReasons to avoid-Not enough grip on wet surfaces
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
T3 VerdictThe Brooks Launch 8 is a highly breathable, reliable shoe with improved cushioning that still manages to feel fast and lightweight. It offers a firm ride, so those who prefer uber-bouncy trainers might not like it. It’s a solid trainer at a reasonable price for beginners and slower runners who want to feel quicker.Reasons to buy+Firm yet cushioned midsole+Great for fast footwork+Reliable shoe at a decent price+Highly breathableReasons to avoid-Not enough grip on wet surfaces
T3 VerdictThe Brooks Launch 8 is a highly breathable, reliable shoe with improved cushioning that still manages to feel fast and lightweight. It offers a firm ride, so those who prefer uber-bouncy trainers might not like it. It’s a solid trainer at a reasonable price for beginners and slower runners who want to feel quicker.
T3 Verdict
The Brooks Launch 8 is a highly breathable, reliable shoe with improved cushioning that still manages to feel fast and lightweight. It offers a firm ride, so those who prefer uber-bouncy trainers might not like it. It’s a solid trainer at a reasonable price for beginners and slower runners who want to feel quicker.
Reasons to buy+Firm yet cushioned midsole+Great for fast footwork+Reliable shoe at a decent price+Highly breathableReasons to avoid-Not enough grip on wet surfaces
Reasons to buy+Firm yet cushioned midsole+Great for fast footwork+Reliable shoe at a decent price+Highly breathable
Firm yet cushioned midsole
Great for fast footwork
Reliable shoe at a decent price
Highly breathable
Reasons to avoid-Not enough grip on wet surfaces
Not enough grip on wet surfaces
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
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If you’re new to running and looking for a simple yet reliable shoe that will see you through your first 5 and 10k races without breaking the bank, the Brooks Launch 8 could be the trainer for you.
First introduced in 2009 as a lightweight, neutral shoe that offered a firm ride without sacrificing on softness or durability, the Brooks Launch experienced a brief hiatus between 2012-2014 until popular demand from fans saw it reinstated in the form of the Launch 2 in 2015.
Since then, various iterations have hit the mark with runners who like to move fast and stay light on their feet, although there have been a few misses, including the Launch 7 which received criticism for being too firm.
So, is the Launch 8 definitely “new and improved”?
We think so. It might not make it onto our list of thebest running shoesor even thebest Brooks running shoes, but it’s a great shoe for beginners, slower runners and anyone looking to introduce a durable everyday trainer to their running shoe rotation for a reasonable price. Read on to find out why.
Brooks Launch 8 review: Price and availability
The Brooks Launch 8 is available now for a recommended retail price of £100 / $100 / AU$199.95. It is available in male- and female-specific fits and comes in a variety of colourways that differ across genders. The Brooks Launch 8 can be purchased directly fromBrooks UK/Brooks US/Brooks Australiaand selected third party retailers.
Brooks Launch 8 review: The tech
If you crave comfort over speed and have previously avoided the Brooks Launch shoe due to its firm ride, you should consider checking out the Launch 8. Unsurprisingly, given that the Launch 7 received criticism for being too firm, the Launch 8 sees the introduction of new, lighter cushioning in the midsole which is said to offer “a fast, fun ride without sacrificing softness or durability.”
While the Launch 8 is much springier than the Launch 7, with a heel that’s 10mm taller than the forefoot (great for people who land with their feet first, like me), it still feels firm, especially when compared to some of the more technologically advanced, uber-bouncy running shoes now on the market, such as theAdidas 4DFWD.
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
However, while the women’s Launch 8 weighs in at 224g and the men’s shoe comes in at 243.8g, it’s not Brook’s lightest or fastest shoe. If that’s what you’re looking for, and you’re serious about your race times, you should check out our review on theBrooks Hyperion Tempoinstead. It might cost a whole £40 more than the Launch 8 but you do get what you pay for.
That said, the Launch 8 still has plenty to offer those looking for a comfy, pace-friendly trainer that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The new upper is made from a softer, engineered spacer mesh which is described as ‘extra breathable’, and trust me, that’s an understatement. On windy days, you can literally feel a gale blowing through wide mesh holes over the toes. In hot, humid weather, I imagine this ‘built-in breeze’, as Brooks calls it, would feel amazing, but you do end up with particularly soggy feet on rainy days.
In fact, I wouldn’t recommend these shoes for rainy runs at all as the outsole isn’t great on slick surfaces. But the traction is perfectly good on dry days, and the reconfigured outsole geometry with air-injected rubber at the front grips the surface and helps propel you forwards while keeping landings light.
Brooks Launch 8 review: The ergonomics
For me, the fit of the Launch 8 is the star of the show, making it one of the comfiest running shoes I’ve worn in a long time - if I didn’t wear them for running, I’d certainly use them as my everyday shoe for running errands. Of course, everyone’s feet are different, but if I’m honest, I have struggled with the seemingly narrower fit of some of Brook’s different launches over the last year, and I certainly don’t have wide feet.
Keeping in mind that Brooks shoes seem to be getting tighter (in my opinion), this might explain why some runners have complained that the Launch 8 is roomier than other models while others say it’s super comfortable and their new favourite Brooks shoe. Of course, Brooks has a Run Happy Promise in place which allows you to test run your shoes for 90-days and return them if they don’t work for you, so you can take a punt on a new design without wasting a ton of money if they’re not the perfect fit.
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
I ordered a half size up as I always do with running shoes but soon started to wonder if I should have ordered a full-size up considering my recent Brooks shoe experiences. Thankfully, the Launch 8 gave me a thumb’s worth of space at the top of my toes and great wiggle room in the slightly flared toe box.
The mesh upper provides a snug, secure fit with a tiny bit of stretch for pliability and softness, and I found the updated shape of the padded heel to be a real stand out of the design: the tall elf collar keeps the heel firmly in place and feeling supported without any rubbing, and it also makes it really easy to slide your feet into the shoes.
Indeed, these shoes didn’t need the slightest bit of breaking in, which is always a bonus, and my only issue was with the tongue, which is a bit on the thin side and slid down the side of my foot from time to time.
Brooks Launch 8 review: The aesthetics
According to Brooks, the Launch has been ‘famous – or infamous? – for bold colours and eye-catching styles’ over the years. In the current Launch 8 line-up, you will indeed find an interesting tie-dye design with a psychedelic flavour for both the lads and ladies and there are some bold neon colourways, too. But you’ll also find versions in more neutral colours and pretty pastels, so there really is something for everyone.
Other than that, there’s not much else to say. It won’t win you any style awards, but it’s not exactly a style crime either. It might not have any ‘wow’ factor, but I quite liked its simple, streamlined style, actually.
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
(Image credit: Jo Ebsworth)
Brooks Launch 8 review: The verdict
The Brooks Launch 8 is a big improvement on its predecessor, providing much more cushioning for a softer ride while still retaining the firmness the Launch is known for. If you hated it before, you might just find you really like it now.
Lightweight, durable and reliable, it’s a simple yet versatile shoe with a quick, nimble feel that will help beginners and slower runners feel fast and comfortable during speed runs and on race day, but only up to a half-marathon distance.
Ultimately, it’s a good shoe at a good price. But more experienced runners will probably want to pay a bit more and look elsewhere.
Brooks Launch 8 review: Also consider
TheHoka One One Mach 4running shoes have a luxurious feel with lots of padding and ventilation holes. The Profly midsole feels both soft and springy, so you get a double whammy of cushioning and a firm toe-off, making the Mach 4 one of the most adaptable shoes around.
Apart from looking pretty fly, running in theNike React Infinity Runwill also significantly reduce the possibility of injuring yourself. The all-new Flyknit upper funnels and holds your feet in the right position, while the extra foam under feet guarantees a comfortable and fast riding experience.
Brooks Launch 8: Price Comparison
$99.95View$99.96View$109.99View$110ViewLow Stock$179.94$144.98View
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Low Stock$179.94$144.98View
Low Stock
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$179.94$144.98View
$179.94$144.98View
$179.94$144.98
$144.98
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