Brooks Launch 11 Introduction
Budget running shoes are a mixed bag. Many times, you get what you pay for and notice that the quality is lacking. That said, there are some absolute gems out there. The Launch 11 from Brooks is one of those. Lightweight, low fuss and fun, it ticks a lot of boxes which are a must for runners whether new or experienced. Read on to find out how it has changed in its latest iteration. Could this be a great choice for you?
The Launch 11 upper is snug, locked down and sleek.
Andy: Straight out of the box, the Brooks Launch 11 looks sleek and streamlined. It has had a remodel from the previous version with this in mind. As a versatile shoe with an uptempo flair, it needs to look as well as act the part. For me, Brooks have been successful. There is no unnecessary bulk to the Launch 11 and this is shows in the weight.
Consequently, padding on the upper of the Launch 11 is limited. While there is not much of it, where it has been placed is key. Around the ankle and heel area, there is a pleasant rim of foam padding. This has the dual effect of protecting the foot from rubbing while also helping the excellent lockdown of the shoe. Due to the placement of the padding, I have had no issue with any rubbing or slippage in any of my runs. From longer efforts to faster blasts, it has held firm.
Moving towards the front of the shoe, we find a gusseted and modestly padded tongue. Once again, this helps with the lockdown of the shoe and enhances its credentials as a daily to uptempo runner. Whilst it doesn’t have plush padding, the tongue has enough substance to avoid any lace bite.
As most of my runs have been when the temperature is low, I can’t comment too much on the breathability of the Launch 11. However, I have had no problems with the shoe becoming waterlogged on the many wet runs I have taken in it so far. In fact, the majority of the 80km or so I have put through the shoe have been fairly damp. At no stage have I had issues with it retaining water.
Overall, the upper of the Launch 11 does exactly what you need. It holds the foot firm and in comfort while allowing water to drain away and not overheating the foot. However, there is one caveat to the upper, if you have a wide foot, you may want to try before you buy. It certainly has a snugger, more tapered fit than something like the Glycerin 22.
Ivan: The Brooks Launch 11 is a simple, budget-friendly running shoe, and that simplicity is reflected in the construction of its upper – in the best way possible. There’s no unnecessary bulk, with padding only where it’s truly needed. This minimalist approach still creates a secure and supportive fit that I really appreciate.
In a market saturated with overbuilt, wide models, it’s refreshing to slip into a classic, well-fitting running shoe. As Andy pointed out, the Launch 11 isn’t ideal for runners with wide feet. However, if your feet are average to narrow, you’ll likely enjoy the snug fit. While it doesn’t aim to be plush or comfort-focused, the narrow last and strategic padding provide excellent lockdown. This design not only enhances the fit but also helps keep the shoe lightweight and breathable. This is exactly what you want in a nimble, uptempo trainer.
Sizing is probably true to size for most runners, but if you have wide feet, you might want to look elsewhere. The tapered fit contributes to an agile, no-nonsense running experience. This makes it a great choice for those who value simplicity and performance.
The only aspect I’d critique is the design, which I find a bit bland. Of course, aesthetics are subjective, but a more exciting look could enhance its appeal.
The Launch 11 has been given a Flash of fun
Andy: Next, we move on to the section of the Launch 11 that has probably had the greatest update. Gone is the previous firmer DNA foam. Here it is replaced with a midsole which is mainly comprised of DNA Flash foam at a greater thickness than previous versions. Another key point to note is the puck of DNA Flash v2 which Brooks have snuck into the forefoot of the shoe. This, for me, is what makes the Launch.
Over the past few weeks, I have been alternating all my runs between the Launch 11 and the Glycerin 22. Two new shoes, both from the same company, one €60 more than the other. Each a shoe for a different foot strike. With the Glycerin 22, the good stuff of the DNA Tuned foam is found around the heel. A thick pad of the big cell foam cushions each landing. Meanwhile, the small cells of the forefoot create a firmer platform to push off. On the other hand, the Launch has the firmer DNA Flash foam in the heel. Whilst the puck of DNA Flash v2 under the forefoot adds energy return and bounce.
As a forefoot runner, the Launch 11 has been a revelation for me. With a similar feeling to something like the adidas Adios range, it is just a real joy to run in. It is comfortable for repeated landings at a plodding daily pace. Conversely, it manages to come alive when pushing the pace. The combination of forefoot foams with the superb lightness of the shoe make it very easy to enjoy. For me, it has the versatility to be a single shoe rotation for everything except those very long runs and maybe days when the legs want to sink into a giant marshmallow.
I have taken it up to about 15km in one run so far and this is about the limit of the cushion for me. Around here, I was wishing for maybe a little bit more softness or perhaps a little bit more thickness. However, for daily running along with some road intervals it has been great.
To conclude, the performance of the Launch 11 far outweighs the price. The clever mix of foams work well together with the weight of the shoe. It doesn’t demand a particular foot strike or a certain style of running. Although, it does favour a forefoot strike. It can handle a wide range of runs. Conversely, it may not be the best choice as a marathon long run shoe for most runners, particularly heavier folk as the cushion does have its limits.
Ivan: I completely agree with Andy’s assessment of the Brooks Launch 11. As a midfoot striker rather than a forefoot striker, I’ve found the ride in this iteration to be smooth as well. It delivers a natural and comfortable running experience, even at slower paces. Unlike some of Brooks’ pricier daily trainers, which I often find too stiff or bulky, the Launch 11 stands out with its efficient and agile characteristics.
While I haven’t yet taken it on a long run due to recovering from an injury, I’m confident it could perform well for me over extended distances. However, as a lighter runner with a high cadence, I believe heavier runners or those requiring more support might find better-suited options for those runs.
This streamlined, non-plated model has been a welcome addition to my rotation. This sits in particular contrast to the bulkier trainers that often don’t work as well with my biomechanics. I also appreciate the flexibility and ground feel it offers. It really is a refreshing throwback to the simpler, more traditional running shoes of the past.
While there are other shoes on the market with a similar focus, they often overdo it, becoming too excessively bouncy and unstable. The Brooks Launch 11, by contrast, strikes a perfect middle ground: a straightforward yet well-executed trainer with just enough protection to meet the needs of runners seeking a light, versatile, no-nonsense trainer.
The outsole offers reliable grip in all conditions
Andy: Despite its far lower price, I think this is one place where the Launch 11 objectively out performs the Glycerin 22. While the comfort and performance of both depends more on foot shape and strike, the performance of the outsole has just been clearly stronger in the Launch 11 for me. Running on the same roads in the same conditions as the Glycerin 22, I have felt none of the skittishness on slimy corners.
A fully covered forefoot and heel bracket an expanse of exposed foam in the midfoot area. There are a couple of flex grooves cut into the forefoot rubber, not that the Launch 11 is a particularly stiff shoe. Furthermore, the rubber looks to be durable. If I cleaned the winter gunk out of the grooves, I could probably pass these off as brand new there is that little evidence of degradation.
Ivan: In contrast to Andy, I’ve noticed that the Brooks Launch 11 can occasionally struggle with grip. I have found this especially true on frosty Scandinavian sidewalks during early mornings at this time of year.
That said, the durability has been quite impressive for a shoe in this lightweight category and at this price point. The outsole provides excellent coverage and appears well-suited for long-term use.
Launch 11 Conclusion: A budget banger
Andy: For €120, the Brooks Launch 11 is a steal. Comfortable at a range of paces, incredibly light and fun, it is a very simple shoe to lace up and run in. As noted above, it is a shoe which feels free to run in, it doesn’t want to land or roll in a specific way. You can just lace up, head out and go. The feel is traditional yet has a little zesty zing when the paces are pushed.
Whether you are a beginner looking for something to get going in or a more experienced runner who wants something inexpensive and easy, this could very well be the shoe for you. Lighter, more forefoot based runners will probably be the most pleased with the shoe but aside from those very long runs, I can see it being a favourite for most people who try it on.
Ivan: I completely agree with Andy on this one. While the Brooks Launch 11 may lack some of the bells and whistles, it offers incredible value and is a sleek, efficient option, especially for lighter runners who don’t require a lot of support. The fit is on the snug side, providing a secure feel without being overly plush, and it offers excellent lockdown. The breathability is also top-notch, which helps keep things comfortable.
The ride itself is direct and snappy, never feeling intrusive or restrictive. It allows for a natural foot strike, which I really appreciate. While it doesn’t provide a lot of energy return, rocker geometry, or any fancy performance-enhancing features, it still manages to deliver a very enjoyable experience on every run. It’s a great everyday trainer that feels light and efficient, without being overly complicated or flashy – just a really solid, budget-friendly running shoe.