Brook Launch GTS 8 Shoe Review
The Brooks Launch has been one of the most popular Brooks neutral running shoes for years. They are relatively cheap ($100), have great color options, and perform well for daily training and long runs.
With the popularity of the Brooks Launch, Brooks decided to retire the Brooks Ravenna shoe earlier this year and making the new Brooks Launch GTS 8 the Ravenna replacement. If you are wondering what GTS stands for, it means Go to Support. Many of some of the popular Brooks neutral shoes are now offering a stability option, like the Brooks Launch GTS 8.
At the time of this review, the Brooks Launch GTS 8 has 2 available color options. I expect more color options to become available, but this is what is available at the moment.
Like many other Brooks shoes, I have ordered a 1/2 size up from Adidas and Saucony. If you were a Ravenna shoe fan, then you can expect the fit, feel, and cushion to be very similar.
Similar to the Brooks Launch, this is a versatile running shoe, all for under $100.
Buy Now »Below are a few pictures of the Brooks Launch GTS 8 worn for this review.
Below are pros and cons of the updated Brooks Launch GTS 8 shoe.
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Brooks Launch GTS 8 Shoe Verdict
If you were a Brooks Ravenna running shoe fan and now need a stability, look no further. The Brooks Launch GTS 8 shoe will now be your favorite. Built on the popular Launch shoe, this version adds a bit of stability, making it perfect for those who need some additional support/stability.
This is a lightweight option built on the Launch platform with GuideRails to provide a touch of support and stability.
This is a lightweight shoe that looks fast, feels fast, and is a great daily trainer for all types of runs.
Brooks Launch GTS 8 Initial Thoughts
My wife has been a huge fan of the Brooks Launch running shoe for at least 5 years. When I heard that the Brooks Ravenna was going to be retired I figured I would like the Brooks Launch GTS 8 because of the popularity and love for the shoe by fellow runners.
When I opened the box, I immediately was impressed with how bright the shoes were as well as how light they felt. I haven’t worn many Brooks shoes lately and was excited to give Brooks another try with their newest stability shoe.
The first run in these shoes was 6 miles. The shoes felt great, light, but a bit firmer than some of the other shoes I have recently reviewed, such as the Saucony Hurricane 23 or Saucony Endorphin Shift.
Brooks Launch GTS 8 Shoe Specifications
- Shoe Weight: 8.9 oz (Men’s 9D)
- Shoe Category: Stability
- Pronation: Moderate to Severe
- Sole Height: 10mm
- Heel Stack Height: 26mm
- Forefoot Stack Height: 16mm
- Cushioning: BioMoGo DNA
- Surface: Road (can be worn on soft trails as well)
- Previous Version: First Version
Brooks Launch GTS 8 Shoe Overview
The Brooks Launch GTS 8 is a stability running shoe, which replaces the Brooks Ravenna shoe. If you overpronate and need a lightweight stability shoe, it is worth checking out. To get a daily trainer for around $100 is really hard to find these days. Most newer shoes range from $130-$200.
The GuideRails technology provides a touch of stability and support, which is also used in some of the other Brooks stability running shoes. The mesh upper is lightweight and breathes well.
The Brooks Launch GTS 8 shoe is super light and something you will notice the first time you put these on. As I mentioned, the sole is a bit firmer than some of the other shoes that I have recently reviewed. This shoe is a value priced shoe at only $100. If you use the links below, you should be able to save at least 25% off the Launch GTS 8.
Buy Now »Brooks Launch GTS 8 Shoe Sole
The sole of the Brooks Launch GTS 8 is the same as the Brooks Launch. The latest version of this shoe has an increased amount of blown rubber in the forefoot, which improves the durability of this shoe.
The BioMoGo midsole combined with DNA cushioning, offer a supportive and cushioned run. While this shoe isn’t a max stability or max support shoe, it offers plenty of stability at the $100 price point.
Below are a few pictures of the Brooks Launch GTS 8 sole.
Brooks Launch GTS 8 Shoe Upper
The Brooks Launch GTS 8 upper is a mesh upper that is breathable and lightweight. You can see from the pictures below with how it looks. Some runners have said that the upper of this shoe is a bit narrow, but I had no problems with it. I did order a 1/2 size up so that could be why they worked better for me.
The heel collar was comfortable and worked well for me, but have heard that it has slipped for some. The tongue was lightweight and thinner than I wanted, but still really comfortable.
Below are pictures of the upper shoe of the Brooks Launch GTS 8.
Buy the Brooks Launch GTS 8
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Brooks Launch GTS 8 Shoe Ratings
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