Calling the Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes a suitable upgrade is an understatement. This neutral shoe reignited many runners’ desires for the long-standing series. They welcomed its appealing looks, its agreeable construction, and its comfortable underfoot experience. A few consumers had complaints about its width and arch, but that didn’t diminish the overall positive response.

The Brooks Launch 5 is a neutral running shoe that’s designed for the roads. It features a more vibrant design compared to its immediate predecessor, the Launch 4, which had a subdued look. Open pores can now be seen in the new version, acting as ventilation ports for in-shoe air circulation. The printed overlays are thinner than the ones in the previous iteration, but they still aim to assist the rest of the upper in providing a secure fit.

The midsole unit makes use of the regular components that are present in most of the brand’s stable of footwear. It has a full-length platform that’s made out of recycled materials, as well as an embedded insole for more cushioning and suppleness. Two types of rubber are placed in the outsole, and they work together to provide surface traction and protection against wear and tear. Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes Reasons To Buy

• The design of the Brooks Launch 5 was appreciated for being appealing to the eyes.
• Several consumers welcomed its suitably lightweight nature.
• The cushioning system received positive feedback for being responsive and agreeable.
• According to some testers, the softness of the midsole foam evoked a feeling of running on clouds.
• Many runners considered this running shoe to be one of the most comfortable road companions.
• A lot of people lauded the spacious toe box; it allowed their toes to spread nicely with each step.
• Some runners felt that it didn’t need a break-in period; it was accommodating right from the start.
• Wearing this running shoe for the entire day didn’t cause any discomfort or fatigue.
• The sizing scheme followed the usual preferences of consumers.

Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes Reasons Not To Buy

• The arch of this shoe was apparently too high for some testers.
• A few runners felt that the width was a bit narrow.

Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

Brooks Launch 5 size and fit – The Brooks Launch 5 is true to size. It accommodates the preferences of testers when it comes to length. The available width for men is D – Medium; for women, it’s B – Medium. It welcomes those who have regular foot-dimensions. Its semi-curved shape mimics the natural curvature of the human foot.

Outsole –  The outsole unit of the Brooks Launch 5 features the HPR Plus, which is a rubber compound that’s highly resistant to abrasion. It shields the foam platform from the abrasive nature of the asphalt. It also provides traction for surface control. Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

Blown rubber is placed in the forefoot section. Aside from rendering traction and shielding, it also ensures springy toe-offs through its responsive properties.

Flex grooves are patterned all over the outsole. They make the platform more flexible, thus helping the inherent capacity of the foot to move through the gait cycle. Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

Midsole –  BioMoGo DNA is the primary foam unit of the Brooks Launch 5. It’s made from recycled materials. Its purpose is to provide responsive cushioning and shock attenuation. It also molds itself to the shape of the underfoot, thereby affording some support to the arch and other curves.

S-257 Cushsole is a full-length material that’s placed on top of the thicker foam unit. It adds a bit more cushioning and responsive performance for the foot of the runner.

The Midfoot Transition Zone is a slightly narrowed design in the middle area of the platform that allows the foot to move through the gait cycle with ease and comfort.

A Segmented Crash Pad configuration allows the sole unit to isolate the impact shock to the specific areas of contact, letting the force travel in conjunction with the gait of the foot. This design further heightens the flexibility of the midsole. Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

The Engage Sockliner offers additional cushioning for the underside of the foot. Its presence doesn’t hinder the platform’s suppleness.

Upper – The upper unit of the Brooks Launch 5 features Air Mesh, a fabric-like material that wraps around the foot like a sock. It has open pores which allow environmental air to enter the foot-chamber and keep the foot well-ventilated.

Thin overlays are printed onto the mesh. They outline the façade with lines and highlights. They also help in providing a secure yet uncomplicated coverage. Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes

The padded tongue and collar give cushioning to the top parts of the foot. They are also responsible for the prevention of in-shoe wobbling and accidental shoe-removals. A smooth textile lines the interior of the Launch 5. It prevents discomfort or irritation to the skin.