Mediocre shoe at best. I love my Ghost 15 shoes and was told "all Brooks are great." Simply not true, this shoe feels a little cheap. For example the sole feels like low quality Styrofoam. Also, the wide option seems to increase the length; which it shouldn't. Lastly, the collar and tongue clearly have a low cost design.I highly recommend the Ghost series; but, not the Launch series. I still wear them because the black on black colorway is great.

Feels a lot like the Launch 9 GTS. I'm keeping them.

In all honesty, I intended to order the Launch 9 GTS to replace my old Launch 9 GTS but after I discarded the packaging I realized that I had ordered the non-GTS version. Oops... my bad. They sat around for quite a while and I just ran a couple miles in them yesterday and again today. They do feel a bit different than the GTS version but not different enough to really know with only about 4 miles total. I'll keep them and just alternate with the GTS's for a few weeks and then retire the GTS's when the time is right. Anyway... absolutely nothing to complain about but also nothing to rave about (other than I just expect them to hold up to Brooks normal standards and there are no indications or warnings to suggest otherwise).

First "serious" running shoes

After a couple of years using some nice non descript Adidas running shoes I decided to try something new. OK, that and the fact that the soles had already got all the miles they could have on them.The Brooks came out nicely reviewed as a every day runner with a nice neutral stride. Have to agree with that assessment!After 3 weeks of running in them, mostly warm to hot weather and short runs between 5K and 10K, I am nothing but happy.There was no breaking in period at all. They also don't run hot even in this blistering weather and they are true to size.Another big improvement has been on how my joints feel after running. Huge difference there!I will definitely check what Brooks has going on next time I need to buy new trainers.

Healthcare worker

I spend long hours on my feet, so this isn't a running review. In the past, I have gone with more "cloudlike," fluffy soles such as Hokas and even other Brooks (which I still love for different activities) for my work shoes as I thought this would improve my daily foot pain during 12+ hour shifts. I took a risk getting the Launch 9's because I knew the cushion would be firmer, and I'm so glad that I did. These have a little more structure and "spring" while maintaining a more reasonable yet still comfortable amount of cushion. My foot pain, after multiple days on my feet, while not gone completely, has improved dramatically versus the soft support of other top competitors that feel great when you first put them on but not so much by the end of the shift. I have only ... MoreI spend long hours on my feet, so this isn't a running review. In the past, I have gone with more "cloudlike," fluffy soles such as Hokas and even other Brooks (which I still love for different activities) for my work shoes as I thought this would improve my daily foot pain during 12+ hour shifts. I took a risk getting the Launch 9's because I knew the cushion would be firmer, and I'm so glad that I did. These have a little more structure and "spring" while maintaining a more reasonable yet still comfortable amount of cushion. My foot pain, after multiple days on my feet, while not gone completely, has improved dramatically versus the soft support of other top competitors that feel great when you first put them on but not so much by the end of the shift. I have only decreased my rating by a star because I'm someone with wide feet who gets tired of companies not offering more appealing colorways in shoes that fit me well. Please fix this Brooks.

I miss the Ravennas! Wish I had bought a 50-year supply 5 years ago. :(

Cheaper quality and it shows in many ways;Ugly design on the side. Lack of colors.The worst feature is the paper-thin tongue that is too narrow so when it curls on the width it will irritate the top of your foot. I might have to cut it, but then I might feel the eyelets that the tongue was supposed to cover. Is anyone else noticing that the top of your arch is getting pinched with these Launch shoes? This did not happen with the much better RAVENNAs!! Are these shoes narrower than before, to save on material costs.Honestly, just sell me the Ravenna 6 or 7 in the colors and exact features and you can fire your design workers, and I would buy Ravenna 6 and 7s for the rest of my life!! If it works, leave it alone. I don't mind paying more for quality, but your last ... MoreCheaper quality and it shows in many ways;Ugly design on the side. Lack of colors.The worst feature is the paper-thin tongue that is too narrow so when it curls on the width it will irritate the top of your foot. I might have to cut it, but then I might feel the eyelets that the tongue was supposed to cover. Is anyone else noticing that the top of your arch is getting pinched with these Launch shoes? This did not happen with the much better RAVENNAs!! Are these shoes narrower than before, to save on material costs.Honestly, just sell me the Ravenna 6 or 7 in the colors and exact features and you can fire your design workers, and I would buy Ravenna 6 and 7s for the rest of my life!! If it works, leave it alone. I don't mind paying more for quality, but your last quality shoes were Ravennas!

Overall still a good (and my favorite) running shoe

I've read some relatively critical reviews of the Launch 9, so I was a bit concerned about getting my first pair to replace my Launch 8s (I banked several pairs of those for that reason). Overall, I have been pleased with the shoe. It feels a bit lighter than pervious models. It has the typical comfort and quick transition of the Launch series, and I feel it remains a good training shoe as well as a good race shoe for 5ks to half marathons. While it is not a major problem, I feel the 9s do not snug up as easily or securely as previous versions. It's not a major difference but they never feel as snug as my Launch 8s did.

Passable, but disappointing

I've owned every iteration of Launch going back at least 5 years. The 9 is largely disappointing. As some other reviewers have noted, the 9 feels generally cheaper and less substantial than earlier versions. The cushioning inside the shoe around the top and sides of the foot are thinner and harder, the upper has less mesh to accommodate foot movements and oddities that many of us have, the tongue has a very odd (short and thin) design, and the shoe just generally feels flimsy. I have more minor pain now after runs than with past Launch shoes. overall a letdown from Brooks. I hope it's just an anomaly and not the direction of travel for the Launch series.

Uneven on 3 pairs. No gait issues. No issues with other shoes.

I'm curious to see these reviews 6 months later. I am talking with Brooks but after multiple Brooks we now have 3 pairs of Launch 9 in my house that are unbearable. My wife and I both have Launch 9 where our feet are practically sliding off to the inside. We don't have gait issues and we have 20 other sneakers for comparisons. Some much older and no issues. The rear soles of these shoes are pressed in unevenly. The inside heel sole is just over half an inch more squished than the outside. Again, no other shoes do this. But to have 3 pairs of Launch 9 do this. So badly that players on my team noticed it at practice "is your shoe broke coach". It's bad.

Wider toe box than Launch7?

I ordered two pairs of Launch 9s after have a few pairs of Launch 7s that I LOVED. The Launch 9s seem to have a wider toe box or maybe are just made of thinner material, which makes them feel loose and floppy. This makes me unsure of my footing on runs and during workouts. I’m really disappointed, especially after having 2 pairs of Launch 7s that were perfect. I really don’t understand why the brand insists on “upgrading” its shoe designs, which actually make the shoes not fit properly for loyal customers. I’m bummed.

Will make your joints hurt and cannot compare to the launch 8 GTS

2nd review, 350 miles in. I'm looking for another shoe, maybe even another brand. I previously reviewed when I initially received the shoe and the laces were the biggest improvement from the 8. Well, that still stands and everything else is worse. I went through 3 Launch 8 GTS, mileage was 510, 612 and I will pull out my last ones which are at 642. I have 320 miles on launch 9 and my joints hurt, my knees hurt; I feel like I've had more injuries/pain from the new redesign and it is not comparable to the launch 8. My running goal is to avg 100 miles/month and ever since using these, my running stamina has decreased. My shoes are out of warranty now and I'm planning to look at other models and if needed other brands. The 9 is unimpressive, unresponsive and lacks 95% ... More2nd review, 350 miles in. I'm looking for another shoe, maybe even another brand. I previously reviewed when I initially received the shoe and the laces were the biggest improvement from the 8. Well, that still stands and everything else is worse. I went through 3 Launch 8 GTS, mileage was 510, 612 and I will pull out my last ones which are at 642. I have 320 miles on launch 9 and my joints hurt, my knees hurt; I feel like I've had more injuries/pain from the new redesign and it is not comparable to the launch 8. My running goal is to avg 100 miles/month and ever since using these, my running stamina has decreased. My shoes are out of warranty now and I'm planning to look at other models and if needed other brands. The 9 is unimpressive, unresponsive and lacks 95% of what the 8 was. I'm not sure what technology Brooks thought they improved, but IMO they definitely went backwards. I am a 38 year old runner that runs for fun and to stay in shape. If brooks wants to reach out to me, my email is mountainsmith09@ gmail. com; I have not reason to respond to a review response. I'm not looking for anything, but wanted to post an honest review of how my legs feel after a 4-5 mile run in comparison to the what I would call the Magnificent Launch 8 GTS.Disclaimer notice: I realize this is a more budget shoe however the launch is normally rated for speed, then comfort which fits my style. I hope this helps anyone looking, I would strongly look to a different shoe.Cheers,Justin