Brooks Launch 5 Shoe Review

The fifth iteration of the Brooks Launch continues to satisfy fans with its few updates. Just like its predecessor, the Brooks Launch 5 provides a good balance of performance, durability, and comfort.

Summary

Score: 90/100

Pros:

● Extremely breathable

● Responsive cushioning

● Fast and lightweight

● Internal bootie construction provides impressive all-day comfort

● Affordable

● Durable

Cons:

● Less traction on wet surfaces

Brooks Launch 4 vs. Brooks Launch 5

The upper of the Brooks Launch 5 has been redesigned. The light and breezy Air Mesh upper from the Brooks Launch 4 has been replaced by a one-piece engineered mesh that’s designed to offer a more breathable coverage. Also, the shoe now has an internal bootie construction designed for all-day comfort.

Aside from giving the foot a cozy environment, the engineered mesh material also provides a sleeker look and an enhanced fit.

Upper

The Brooks Launch 5 features a new engineered mesh upper. The single-piece mesh provides the foot with a breathable and comfortable coverage. It also stretches and molds to the shape of the foot for a more favorable fit. The mesh works perfectly with the internal bootie construction, which gives a sock-like feel and an unmatched comfort for all-day wear.

The Brooks Launch 5 has a padded tongue and collar, which provides an enhanced fit and comfort. The lacing system also secures the middle section of the foot.

Midsole

The Brooks Launch 5 features the BioMoGo DNA midsole technology. It delivers plush cushioning for neutral runners. This single-density midsole material, distributed from the heel to toe, is light, responsive, and dynamically adapts to the natural movement of the foot providing for a more efficient running experience.

In addition, the Midfoot Transition Zone offers a smooth and fast foot transition. It also utilizes the BioMoGo foam sock liner for added cushioning and an enhanced fit.

Outsole

Just like its predecessor, the Brooks Launch 5 utilizes both HPR Plus and blown rubber on its outsole unit. The soft blown rubber material covers the forefoot area, providing durability, responsiveness, and added flexibility.

The heel and toe areas of the shoe utilizes the HPR Plus material, which is an abrasion-resistant rubber designed to give the sole unit the maximum durability needed for road running.

The outsole configuration of the Brooks Launch 5 remains the same as that of the Brooks Launch 4. Both versions of the shoe have the same flex grooves and treads. The outsole remains durable, and it provides decent traction on the road.

Comfort and Breathability

Comfort is one of the best features of the Brooks Launch 5. The internal bootie construction allows it to give a comfortable in-shoe environment. Additionally, its capacity to adapt to the natural shape of the foot enables a more secure fit.

Aside from the shoe’s bootie construction, the engineered mesh upper also aims for comfort and breathability. It keeps the foot cool and dry on both short and long-distance runs.

The collar and the tongue have an adequate amount of padding. The foam and the fabric are soft enough to enhance the overall comfort.

Fit

The shoe fits true to size. It offers a snug fit from the heel to the forefoot area, yet it has a roomy toe box. The stretchable upper conforms to the natural shape of the foot. The lace-up closure also provides security to the midfoot.

The tongue has a moderate amount of padding that allows users to tighten the laces without putting pressure on the skin. The padded collar secures the heel comfortably and prevents it from wobbling inside the foot-chamber.

Traction

The Brooks Launch 5 provides decent traction on dry, paved surfaces like roads and tracks. It also grants excellent grip during uphill and downhill traversals. However, the blown rubber loses its grip on slightly wet surfaces. The tread is less aggressive and does not hold up well during wet weather conditions.

Durability

The Brooks Launch 5 is made from high-quality materials. The light mesh upper is sturdy enough to withstand the damaging elements of the road. The outsole also shows no signs of wear because of the sturdy blown rubber and the HPR Plus compound.

Similar neutral road running shoes

The Brooks Launch 5 is a reliable road running shoe when it comes to cushioning, fit, and durability. Some of the similar shoes are the Brooks Ghost 10 , Nike Air Zoom Winflo 4, and Saucony Breakthru 3.

Brooks Ghost 10

The Ghost 10 is another Brooks neutral shoe that is meant for road running. It features a 12mm heel-to-toe drop and a lightweight design. It makes use of the BioMoGo DNA foam which delivers reliable and responsive cushioning. It also utilizes a breathable engineered mesh that is breezy and lightweight. Just like the Brooks Launch 5, the Brooks Ghost 10 has HPR Plus and blown rubber materials in its outsole. With its aesthetically-appealing design, the Brooks Ghost 10 delivers a good balance of performance, durability, and comfort.

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 4

The Nike Air Zoom Winflo 4 is a well-cushioned and lightweight road running shoe for neutral runners. It uses an engineered upper mesh for a breathable and flexible foot coverage. The Nike Air Zoom unit, coupled with the Cushlon Crash Rail, also provides responsiveness and a smooth transition through the gait cycle. The Winflo 4 utilizes a rubber outsole that has a waffle-tread configuration and provides durable traction. With a 10m heel-to-toe drop, this shoe affords impressive performance for those who desire more heel cushioning.

Saucony Breakthru 3

The Saucony Breakthru 3 is a road running shoe that’s designed for races and tempo runs. It offers a blend of performance, comfort, and durability. Notable technologies are added to provide a genuinely satisfying running experience, namely the Full-Length EVERUN Topsole for durable cushioning and responsive ride, the IBR+ material that provides traction and added cushioning, and the TRI-FLEX technology that delivers flexibility and enhanced ground contact.

Conclusion

With its lightweight design, the Brooks Launch 5 offers a fast feel and responsive cushioning. Weighing 258 grams for men’s and 227 grams for women’s, it is a good option for neutral runners who are looking for an affordable, performance-driven running shoe.

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Done in partnership with RunRepeat.com, written by Theresa Norman.