Brooks Launch 3 Review

I’ve been running in the new Brooks Launch 3 for a while now and I feel that I’ve put enough miles (40+) on them to write about my experiences so far. Now I won’t tease you all about my conclusion so I’ll say it here up front – I love them!

Launch v3

I hoped I would, especially after the love affair I had with the previous version 2 of these shoes. You see, I wasn’t one of the original Launch wearers who cried in unison when their beloved original Launch were discontinued out of the blue a few years back. That is what got me into the Launch in the first place (twice over). When Brooks announced they were bringing back the Launch, I had to jump in and see what the hype was all about. Boy am I glad that I did.

Launch v2

I was worried because when I first put them on they felt a bit snug in the forefoot unlike the previous version which were more accommodating for my wide ass feet. Yeah, I said it. I went for a quick 3 mile run in them – nothing too crazy – to see how they felt on and I was a bit bummed that they were not the same comfy fit as before.

A friend suggested a different lacing technique and after some research, I found a site here which recommends alternative lacing methods for specific issues you may be having. Hallelujah! After lacing up using this new method, I began to feel that old Launch feeling again.

Alternative Lacing Technique

Enough about lacing, let’s get on to how the shoe performs. Brooks uses a DNA in their midsole which can act as a cushioned ride or as a more firm, springy ride if you wanna run fast. What they changed in the upper this time around was the mesh material surrounding the toe. Last year it was on the outside and now it’s underneath a very thin microlayer. It’s still very breathable though.  

They look and feel fast.

The shoe is light. It feels lighter. At 9.8 oz, it sort of disappears on your feet like a more speedier racing flat should. The 10mm drop helps here. I have absolutely no problem racing in these and am thinking of running a full marathon in them in a couple months. They’re that good. What doesn’t help is that Brooks keeps coming out with special edition colorways like the Tokyo Dragon and Kaleidoscopes. It says something when only their most popular shoes get the special edition treatment. 

Carpe Runem

This post is not sponsored by Brooks. The shoes were purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Have you tried the Launch’s yet? If so, let me know if you what you think.