Our verdict

Looks fast, runs fast. The Launch 9 from Brooks is a daily trainer that can handle any speed we put into our run. Whether we're going fast or slow, it performs. On top of this, it can handle any distance. From short runs, 5Ks to 20 miles, it doesn't disappoint. Ultimately, we recommend getting the 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 if you're after a solid all-rounder that doesn't hurt the wallet or the feet.

Il fantasma di 2-In-1 brooks 13 Pros

  • Brooks Ghost 14 Goretex Беговая Обувь
  • Lighter weight
  • Comfy ride for long miles
  • Il fantasma di 2-In-1 brooks 13
  • zapatillas de running 2-In-1 brooks apoyo talón maratón talla 46
  • Stable on gravel
  • Can double for casual wear
  • Quite breathable
  • Sustainable outsole
  • Great-value

Il fantasma di 2-In-1 brooks 13 Cons

  • Not as energetic as expected
  • Pricier than before

Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

The 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 is an excellent perfect pick for runners in need of a: 

  • fun and lightweight running shoe that can go fast or slow 
  • road shoe 2-In-1 brooks PureFlow Mens

Launch 9 on the track

Who should NOT buy

If you're looking for a dedicated, tried-and-true tempo trainer that's ready to set and beat PRS, we think that it's better to go for the zapatillas de running 2-In-1 brooks minimalistas talla 47.5 or the Comprar las 2-In-1 brooks Cascadia 15 para hombre al mejor precio.

Qué nos gustaría encontrarnos en las 2-In-1 brooks Adrenaline 22 Brooks Revel 5 is our suggestion. 

Cushioning

When checking the flexibility of 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9, what surprised us is how big of a difference it is when comparing the flexibility at room temperature (22.7N) and after the shoe has spent 20mins in the freezer (37.8N).

Launch 9 in the freezer

Launch 9 has a 66.5% difference in those 2 measurements, while the average difference for all the shoes in our lab is 32.9%. You've been warned: store your shoes at room temperature. 

Drop

In the brand's specifications, it says that the Launch 9 has a drop of 10mm.

Based on our calliper measurements, this is almost true! With the heel stack of 32.4 mm and the forefoot stack of 23 mm, we got a drop of 9.4 mm.

forefoot stack height of launch 9

Test results
Launch 9 9.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 381 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Il fantasma di 2-In-1 brooks 13 | Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

In our durometer measurement, the 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 scored 22 HA which indicates that it has an average level of midsole softness - neither too plush nor firm.

We also felt a touch of pop that added fun to the shoe's ride. Meanwhile, for longer efforts, the cushioning felt quite forgiving, more so than its predecessor.

Test results
Launch 9 22.0 HA
Average 20.9 HA
Zapatillas 2-In-1 brooks Running Catamount para Hombre Negro Amarillo.
Compared to 308 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Rocker

This shoe has a rockered shape that allows for fast and easy heel-to-toe transitions. It made the ride feel so seamless! 

rocker profile of launch 9

Size and fit

Size

Brooks Launch 9 is true to size (10 votes).

Кроссовки для бега 2-In-1 brooks ghost 9?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 345 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

The brand's new Creel wrap upper made us feel very secure and locked in. For our medium-width feet, the shoe appeared to be well-fitted and the knit-like fabric had enough stretch to feel accommodating.

Forefoot width of the 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9

However, using a caliper, we measured the widest part of the forefoot at only 94.7 mm. While this is still in the medium range of toebox widths, wide-footers should definitely go for the wide version of the shoe.

Test results
Launch 9 94.7 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Despite its higher stack height for a tempo trainer, the 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 never felt tippy, even during sharp turns and when running on gravel.

Stretching in 2-In-1 brooks launch 9

Torsional rigidity

Torsional stiffness appears to be the source of stability in this 2-In-1 brooks trainer. It took some serious effort to twist the shoe in our manual test. Thus, we rated its rigidity as 4 out of 5. Nearly the stiffest in our catalogue!

Test results
Launch 9 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 360 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The shoe's heel counter is more on the pliable side, scoring only 2 out of 5 on the heel squeeze-and-push test.

Heel counter of the Launch 9

It may not be a stiff one but it held our ankle quite securely as far as speed-oriented shoes go.

back of the launch 9

Test results
Launch 9 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 344 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Flexibility / Stiffness

zapatillas de running 2-In-1 brooks constitución media pie cavo azules (%)

When checking the flexibility of 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9, what surprised us is how big of a difference it is when comparing the flexibility at room temperature (22.7N) and after the shoe has spent 20mins in the freezer (37.8N).

Launch 9 in the freezer

Launch 9 has a 66.5% difference in those 2 measurements, while the average difference for all the shoes in our lab is 32.9%. You've been warned: store your shoes at room temperature. 

Test results
Launch 9 67%
Average 33%
Compared to 364 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
0%
zapatillas de running 2-In-1 brooks constitución media pie cavo azules
105%

Weight

It's not just lighter than its predecessor; it's also lighter than most running shoes on the marat! Based on our measurements, the 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 is over an ounce lighter than average.

Launch 9 on the track

Test results
Launch 9 7.94 oz (225g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 382 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

The 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 proved to be a fairly breathable shoe. With very little in-shoe padding, the Launch 9 allows for some decent airflow.

Closeup of the upper on launch 9

Holding half of the shoe against the light, we could see that a large part of the upper is pleasant transparent, keeping the interiors well-ventilated.

Misc

Grip / Traction

It is amazing that 2-In-1 brooks managed to pull off a full-length rubber outsole while keeping the Launch 9 so light!

The grip made us feel very surefooted even on the slightly wet pavement.

Brooks Launch 9 outsole

Reflective elements

While it's great that the Launch 9 has some, we think that it wouldn't hurt to make them larger. Some at the back would be nice as well!

Night run in Launch 9

Tongue padding

Brooks England Seient C19 Carved Cambium.

Thickness of the tongue on 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9

In the lab, we measured its thickness: an astonishing 1mm. Compare it to the average of 6 mm and you really get a race-ready tongue!

Test results
Launch 9 1.0 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 379 running shoes
Brooks PureConnect 2
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Brooks Launch 9 vs. 8

This time around, the 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 sees these updates: 

  • More cushioned ride, thanks to the additional 2mm stack
  • Lighter weight because of the new Creel wrap upper
  • Sustainability-driven design with the shoe's Green Rubber outsole

Brooks launch 9 cut in pieces

All these changes entail a price increase of £10. From £100, the 2-In-1 brooks Launch 9 now retails for £110. But despite this, we still think that the shoe offers excellent value for money.

Sustainable materials

To champion a more eco-friendly approach, the Launch 9 has a green rubber outsole that's made using sand instead of petroleum. This lessens its environmental impact.

Launch 9 in the lab