Shoe of the Week: Brooks Launch 4
A longtime favorite with major upgrades to the upper and outsole.
Fans of the Launch will remain devotees to this neutral lightweight trainer, tempo shoe or cushioned racer, depending on the runner. Most of the revisions are in the 3D printed upper, which saves some weight while providing, stretch, structure, better breathability and almost seamlessness. The outsole was altered with blown rubber in the forefoot instead of harder carbon rubber, making for softer toe-off but with less durability. The other re-designs in the heel and midsole were minor enough that our testers felt they were princess-and-pea modifications—the shoe still feels like the lightweight slipper that delivers fairytale magic on the road.
This is the shoe for you if … you prefer a light and responsive ride that supports your natural stride with a little bit of bounce.
Price: $100
Weights: 9.0 oz.
Heel-toe offset: 10mm
Info: Brooksrunning.com