If you are a Brooks fan then you are probably familiar with the Brooks Ravenna. The Ravenna has been a part of the Brooks lineup for over a decade but it is going to be replaced for 2021. The good news is that the Launch GTS 8 is the replacement for the Ravenna and It will feature all of the same great technology that you saw in the Ravenna but it will now be marketed as the “stability” version of the regular Launch. The reason for the name change is so that when you look at the brooks lineup of shoes you will be able to quickly identify which shoes are “stability” shoes based on the GTS designation which stands for “go to support”. This way, If you are familiar with the regular Launch then you will know that the Launch GTS is the same shoe but with guide rails. Brooks is moving towards this system with most of their shoes over the next couple of years. The Levitate will now be the Glycerin GTS and the Adrenaline will be the Ghost GTS.
So now that we understand the new name Let’s talk about what this shoe is good for and who should consider adding it to their closet of shoes. The Launch GTS 8 is designed to be a lightweight, breathable and responsive shoe that won’t break the bank. The midsole features the BioMoGo DNA cushioning which is quite a bit firmer than the DNA Loft you would find in a shoe like the Ghost or Adrenaline. The outsole is completely covered in Blown Rubber to increase the durability of the shoe and It features an Air Mesh upper for maximum breathability and ventilation. Of course it also has the Guide Rail Stability system that you know from the Adrenaline or Ravenna because it is the GTS Model. Weighing in at just 8.8oz for a mens size 9 the Launch GTS would be an excellent option for someone looking for a lightweight speedy shoe that still offers a bit of support for excessive pronation. The Launch has always been a staple among high school and Collegiate athletes because of its lightweight, responsive feel and low price point. It’s a great option if you want to get out and couch a track workout or tempo run without busting out your heavier, high cushion trainer. The shoe has actually come down in price since last year’s Ravenna and now costs just $100. If you would like to see the video version of this blog post, you can watch it below. If you have any questions about the shoe or anything running related you can contact us directly here at our store or you can ask in the comments section of the YouTube Video. I hope you are all staying happy and healthy through out these crazy times! Happy Running!
Blown Rubber Outsole
Air Mesh Upper
Brooks Guiderail System
View of the shoes medial side