The Brooks Launch 7 is a super simple utility shoe that holds true to everything the Launch platform has stood for. It can go fast when you want it to, it has some bounce, a decent amount of cushion, and it is cheap. The Launch 7 sees pretty minimal updates, but something has shifted which is bothering us an if we are really honest there are elements that are starting to feel a little dated. Still a good shoe, but we have some concerns.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Weighs in at 9oz or 255g for a US Men’s 9
- Has a fairly aggressive 10mm heel/toe drop
- Retails at $100.00 USD!
- Comes in a ton of colors for Men and Women
Run Test
Before we get into the run, let’s set up the feeling overall around the Launch 7. It is a capable shoe, with a decent level of responsiveness, but it kind of has lost a little bit of that wow factor for us. It might be because the Brooks lineup is starting to shape up quite a bit and other shoes like the Ghost and the upcoming Hyperion Tempo are emerging as well which we’re getting more excited for, but it shouldn’t take away from the actual performance of the Launch platform in general.
Brooks Launch 7 2
The Launch 7 runs well, it feels good on the foot and has a decent level of responsiveness. You can literally run it on any day and it typically feels okay. Once big thing we noticed is how firm the midsole has become. It isn’t that nice, they are sort of firm and have a ton of bounce feeling, but more of a, I am running on bricks sensation. Shorter distances, maybe half marathon and under, probably won’t notice it dramatically, but over time we just found ourselves wishing we had a bit more comfort in there.
Bottom line is, the Launch 7 is still decent, but we are more excited about what is next from Brooks. This version just fell a little flat compared to everything else they have in the quiver right now.
Construction: Upper
The upper is a one-piece mesh and is virtually seamless. It feels great and has a bit of give, but more than anything it breathes really well. Durability over time is suspect and we wouldn’t expect more than 200 miles these if there is any width at all to your foot.
One piece upper material, durability is questionable 
Simple padded heel collar 
Brooks Launch 7 from the front 
Brooks Launch 7 from the rear
Construction: Midsole
The midsole uses Brooks’ BioMoGo DNA couple with a midfoot transition zone which helps with heel to toe roll during foot strike. However, as we said in the run test the Launch 7 feels super stiff and over the miles these things do not loosen up. They need to start evolving this compound and usage.
Midsole – lateral front 
Midsole – lateral rear 
Midsole – medial rear 
Midsole – medial front
Construction: Outsole
The outsole on here is just a lot of rubber which works fine honestly, it grips and tracks well and it has that flow design which should help in wetter conditions.
Outsole overhead
Style & Aesthetics
Styling is both awesome and problematic. The shoe looks like a very average runner, you could probably turn the shadow of it into a clip art for “running shoe” so profile wise it is simple. However, that one piece upper has let them do some awesome color variations and this makes them shine.
Overall Conclusion
The Brooks Launch 7 is a capable shoe, there is no question about that. We do think it lacks a little bit of wow factor, but for many runners looking to progress from something a little heavier and more cushioned who are running a bit slower, it is a nice step up. It’s also a good shoe for those runners who are at the higher end and want a non-race day shoe. The midsole is feeling very firm and starting to show its age, so we are really curious to see where it goes from here. It definitely isn’t a shoe we recommend wholeheartedly as we did before.
Learn more on the Skechers website
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
