The Brooks Launch 11 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Launch 11 is a lightweight running shoe designed for speed, making it particularly suitable for runners seeking efficiency in their stride.

With its responsive DNA Flash midsole, the shoe provides a lively push during faster sessions, making it ideal for those who value quick turnover. However, lab testing revealed some trade-offs, including reduced flexibility and an overall heavier build compared to previous models.

The increase in price may detract from its former budget-friendly appeal, leading to questions about its long-term value. While improvements in technology are evident, the essence of the Launch series appears to be evolving.


Pros

  • Revamped nitrogen-injected midsole
  • Great upper breathability
  • Still fairly priced
  • Snug and secure fit
  • Improved for heel strikers
  • Agile and nimble ride
  • Works for daily miles and speed workouts
  • Improved stability

Cons

  • Price increase from v10
  • Low-volume toebox
  • Firm ride
  • Minor weight gain

Key Features

  • DNA FLASH Foam: The midsole incorporates nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH foam, providing excellent energy return and enhancing responsiveness during your run.
  • Breathable Upper: A mesh upper allows for proper ventilation, keeping your feet cool while ensuring a secure fit.
  • RoadTack Rubber Outsole: This updated outsole design maximizes traction and facilitates quick transitions, ideal for maintaining speed.
  • Lightweight Design: The shoe's construction emphasizes a light feel, which helps reduce fatigue over extended runs.
  • Responsive Cushioning: The DNA FLASH v2 in the forefoot further enhances agility, adapting to your unique stride.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Rubber
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up

Brooks Launch 11 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Launch 11 Nike Downshifter 13 Brooks Trace 3 Adidas Supernova Rise 2
Price $120 $75 $100 $140
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 8.4 oz / 237g 9.3 oz / 265g 9.1 oz / 257g 9.1 oz / 257g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 9.5 mm 10.1 mm 11.9 mm 9.5 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size Slightly small True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Small Small Small
Toebox durability Decent Decent Bad Decent
Heel padding durability Bad Good Good Good
Outsole durability Good Good Good Decent
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Wide
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Wide
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Flexible
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Heel lab Heel brand 33.5 mm 32.2 mm 34.1 mm 33.5 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 24.0 mm 22.1 mm 22.2 mm 24.0 mm
Widths available Normal Narrow Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 30% Bottom 10% Bottom 7% Top 9%
Popularity Top 29% Top 27% Top 42% Top 18%