Brooks Running Spring 2018 Previews: Transcend 5, Adrenaline GTS 18, Launch 5, Ravenna 9, Caldera 2, Mazama 2

Brooks emphasized extensive deconstruction of 2018 shoe uppers, fewer sewn overlays and more use of 3D Fit Print overlays. Generally underfoot platforms are staying the same and weights dropping slightly. 

The light stability Transcend 5 ($160) features a new engineered mesh upper and an updated Guide Rail support system which is somewhat taller than the Transcend 4. The Transcend 5 will come in at 10.8 oz/306 g (M9), 9.1 oz./258 g (W8.5) so no change in weight or price. Available January 2018.

Brooks Running Transcend 5

The outsole is divided into what Brooks calls IDEAL pressure zones to disperse shock, minimize joint stress, and improve how the foot works during the gait cycle.

Brooks Running Transcend 5

The Adrenaline GTS is Brooks' top selling shoe and is a posted stability shoe. Adrenaline GTS 18 keeps the same last and underfoot feel but completely revamps the upper, completely doing away with conventional overlays by using an engineered heathered mesh and 3D Fit Print resulting in not only a new stylish, modern look but a 1 oz. weight drop. The 12mm drop shoe will come in at a light, for a support shoe, 10 oz./283 g (M9), 8.6 oz./244 g (W8.5).  It will be available November 2017, $120.

Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 18

Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 18

Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 18

Brooks Running Adrenaline GTS 18

Brooks presents the Adrenaline GTS 18 to RoadTrailRun on our YouTube channel below

Launch 5
The Launch has been our favorite Brooks shoe and with each version we have run starting with the 3 has improved upper and ride (RTR Launch 4 review).  It follows 2018 Brooks trend set by the Adrenaline by keeping the same underfoot platform but getting a new engineered mesh upper, this time a single piece mesh with internal bootie. The Launch 5 should be another great performance trainer. With the new upper we suspect it may be a bit more flexible. It will stay about the same in weight coming in at 9 oz./ 255 g (M9), 7.5 oz./213 g (W8.5).  Available January 2018 at a very fair $100.

Brooks Running Launch 5

Ravenna 9

The Ravenna a stable daily trainer for moderate pronation support drops a significant 0.7 oz to 9.5 oz./269 g (M9) , 8.1 oz./230 g. $110. Available February 2018

Brooks Running Ravenna 9

Caldera 2

The Caldera 1 (RTR review) was one of our favorite new trail shoes of 2016. Lighter, faster and more forgiving than the legendary Cascadia according to our review,  it combines light weight with a 4mm drop near maximal cushion 28mm heel/24mm forefoot. With Caldera 2 it gets a tougher Cordura top cloth air mesh and sticky rubber and high surface area lugs. Weight 9.9 oz./283 g M9, 9 oz. /255 g (W8.5). $140. Available December 2017.

Brooks Running Caldera 2

Brooks Running Caldera 2

Mazama 2
The Mazama  was another 2016 favorite (RTR review), Jeff's #1 race ready shoe of the year.  For the Mazama 2 Brooks manages to drop the weight 0.2 oz for the Caldera's speed  cousin to 9.3 oz./264 g, (M9) 7.9 oz./ 224 g (W8.5). The upper and toe bumper are streamlined and fast drainage is called out. It retains the rock protection, firm midsole, and sticky rubber of version 1. $140. Available December 2017.

Brooks Running Mazama 2

Comments and Questions Welcome Below!

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