Brooks Launch 6 Review

Do you want to speed up your running pace and but the same time you don’t want to buy running shoes that would feel heavy and last just for a few months? Or for a few weeks only? Well, if you are not a beginner and you take it with a new purchase of running shoes seriously, then, without a doubt, you should consider the new Brooks Launch 6. After having it tested for 70 miles under different conditions, with peace in my heart, I can say that Brooks Launch 6 perfectly does its job. 

First of all, it feels really splendid on long distances. The new midsole, cushioning BioMoGo DNA, is from Brooks one of the best that you can find on today’s market. More and more companies such as Adidas, Nike or Asics are trying to shift from the typical EVA substance and fill the shoes midsole with other, more responsive alternatives. Unsurprisingly, Brooks is doing exactly the same and in midsole of Brooks Launch 6, they put some Polyuretan substance. Thanks to that, the shoe got slightly higher, bouncier effect that will make you feel getting back the energy that you put into every step during the run.

They even say that you get up to 70 % of energy transition back from the shoe. Well, I would not quantify it but I would compare it to other running shoes. For instance, I tested some time ago Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 and those shoes had in my opinion with the gelly-EVA midsole better shock absorption. Specifically, they felt way much softer, better absorbing every impact that I had on the ground. But far less energy return. Also, I tested Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Turbo and in that case, the shoes are very identical. Almost on the same level, but still, I would prefer the energy return of midsole ZoomX by Nikes than of BioMoGo DNA by Brooks. Without a doubt, Nike definitely got some serious competition 😀 and it will be interesting to observe the future trend.  

Where it stands in comparison above another running model, is Brooks Ghost 12. I wanted to feel which of the two models offers better attributes and at this point, the advantages of Launch 6 really outstand Ghost 12. Both shoes belong to the group of high volume, training shoes that survive long kilometers and whose durability is high enough to support you for hundreds of miles on the road. Important to say, both models have even the same midsole compound, the BioMoGo DNA.

But!!! Particularly, Brooks Launch 6 has a different upper than Ghost 12. It is made from one piece, without seams and it is extremely thin so that it barely weighs something. And as this is a training shoe for long distances, every ounce matters!!! I had my men’s version of 9oz for size 9 and it was some 1.5oz lighter than those previously tested Brooks Ghost 12. Launch 6 weighs less because it is made of sleek, mesh upper while Ghost 12 compounds of perforated engineered mesh upper. That one is not just heavier but also less breathable, so that Brooks Launch 6 is more appropriate for warm weather. Comparable also to Nike Pegasus 35 or Nike Free 5.0. 

In the end, what I loved the most was the really cool design. From my view, it combines not too shiny but interesting patterns for most of the versions that you may see. Simply, it is definitely not a boring shoe and I can say, I loved testing it. For marathons, every day long-distance trainings Brooks Launch 6 is very good… it may well surprise everyone who requires comfort, cushioning and low weight on the road. Moreover, it looks simply awesome!