Article by Michael Ellenberger
Brooks Launch 11 ($120)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
enjoyable ride (Michael);
punches well above its price point (Michael);
aesthetically fun shoe (Michael);
- $120 bargain (Michael)
Cons:
Stiff heel and somewhat long toebox create an odd fit (Michael)
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 8 oz / 227g US9
Prior Version Weight: men’s 8.2 oz / 232g
Sample Weight: men’s 7.8 oz / 221 g US8.5
Stack Height: men’s 35.5 mm heel / 27.5mm forefoot (8mm drop spec)
Prior Stack Height: 34mm heel / 24mm forefoot (10mm drop spec)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Michael: The Brooks Launch 11 makes a strong first impression as a lightweight, versatile trainer (and for some, a racer) - I think it’s really handsome in blue, and all the color options on the Brooks website are sharp in my book. The upper features engineered mesh for breathability, with a clean design that balances functionality and aesthetics.
However, I found the fit somewhat unconventional. The heel feels overly stiff and creates a snug sensation, while the forefoot has a slightly extended length, creating a weird sensation where it feels both too big and too small (when, in reality, I think it’s neither - I would not change from my true-to-size 8.5). This dichotomy might feel awkward initially (and, even after coming back to them after a few days), but the overall fit still does work, and once I’m running, I haven’t had an issue. The lockdown is secure, and the shoe holds the foot well during runs - just making a note that some runners may take time to adjust to the unique fit.
Midsole & Platform
Michael: The standout feature of the Brooks Launch 11 is its platform, which feels reminiscent of the outgoing Brooks Hyperion Tempo - a shoe I was lukewarm on at first, then really came to love (especially since those who follow my Strava know I love my “medium paced” runs - and this type of shoe really checks that box).
The lightweight DNA Flash foam cushioning with upfront an insert of Flash v2 (same foam as in Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 racer) strikes an ideal balance between responsiveness and comfort.
In version 11 we get 1.5mm more heel stack height to come in at 35.5 mm heel / 27.5mm forefoot while the forefoot increases 2.5mm so in addition to more cushion we also move from a 10mm drop shoe to 8mm.
It's firm but not hard, and absolutely propulsive enough for workouts. In fact, the midsole provides a springy underfoot sensation that excels during tempo runs and faster workouts - I actually haven’t noticed any decrease in enjoyment on cold days, either, which is something I suspect was the case with old concoctions of DNA Flash.
Despite the weight and relatively middling stack, I think the Launch midsole offers enough cushioning here to keep it comfortable for longer runs - I’ve done 13 in it, and wouldn’t hesitate to do 20. This is a runner’s shoe (as I really want to stress) and I’m extremely pleased with the cooking they’ve baked into what’s ostensibly a budget trainer.
Outsole
Michael: The outsole of the Launch 11 is equipped with a durable rubber - they call it RoadTack Rubber - and an updated tread pattern that grips exceptionally well, even in challenging conditions (late fall when I tested is, in my book, the best season to test running shoe outsoles because you get dry pavement, wet pavement, leaves, dirt, snow - all of it!).
Traction on wet surfaces—including the aforementioned rain-soaked roads and slippery leaves—is outstanding, offering confidence for runs in less-than-ideal weather. No issues on the treadmill, either.
After about 50 miles, I’m going to say that the outsole is high-mileage-ready; I would not be surprised if this was a 500-mile shoe.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Michael: I’m really surprised - and really happy - with the Brooks Launch 11. The springy midsole and responsive platform make it a joy to run in, whether you’re hammering the back half of a workout, or just cruising easy miles.
Brooks has some standout options - the Glycerin Max is an obvious fun one - but some of their mainline shoes have felt so middling to me lately, especially the Ghost and the Revel (which I didn’t even put enough miles on to review).
The Launch is a return to form, and genuinely my favorite Brooks shoe in the last year. While the fit might not suit every runner quite perfectly, the performance aspects of this shoe are undeniable - and like I said, this is a runner’s shoe and one priced very well at $120. If you’re looking for a shoe to slog winter miles or prep for Boston ’25, the Launch 11 is an easy recommendation from me.
Michael’s Score: 9.7/10
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4 Comparisons
Brooks Hyperion Tempo (RTR Review)
Michael: My most obvious comparison; I prefer the upper on the Tempo (very racer-esque) and do think that makeup of DNA flash was softer, but I like the ride here a little more, actually - it feels a little less aggressive, and thus better suited to “do it all.”
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Review)
Michael: The Pegasus Plus was my shoe of the year; the Launch 11 isn’t as good - but for the price..$60 less than the Peg, it’s probably good enough. I really like the upper (Turbo-esque!) on the Plus, and that’s a definite win in the Pegasus Plus camp, but the ride isn’t that different - the Nike is softer and less aggressive, but your legs will definitely feel better after 20 in the Nike than the Brooks. Even so, if I was setting out to run mile repeats, I’d take the Brooks!
Brooks Ghost 15 (RTR Review)
Michael: I didn’t test the Ghost 16, but I did wear version 15, and strongly prefer the Launch! It’s springier, lighter, just less… dull? And the upper, imperfect as it is, is an improvement - snugger, lighter, more breathable. Take the Launch.
Brooks Revel 7 (RTR Review)
Michael: I tested the Revel 7 so here it is - what was once a darling of the Brooks lineup has gone a bit dull; some of the earlier offerings in the Revel line had real spunk that made them feel like hidden gems. I didn’t find that fun in the Revel 7 - although I did like the upper, and thought it fit quite well (plus, a reflective stripe on the tongue is a nice tough). For only $20 more, the update to the Launch is a no-brainer, though.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:21:19 marathon PR at the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
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Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:21:19 marathon PR at the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
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