Brooks Launch 2

If you're an avid runner Sneakerholic or Running Shoe Geek, you probably look forward to flipping through the pages of Runner's World Magazine or clicking the next button on Competitor.com site to see whats coming down the pike and immediately start adding "sneaks" to your wish list.  I don't maybe that's not you.  But, this is what I tell myself: "everyone is doing it so don't apologize for your obsession with running shoes".  My name is Derek and I am a Sneakerholic, there I said it.

It was love at first sight.  Pssst!! psst!! Derek you know you like me I'll be out soon please wait for me, so I did just that-I waited until it was released.  Now I'd be lying to you if I tell you I was faithful and didn't buy any shoes while waiting for the Brooks Launch 2 to land-I didn't.

To think a few years ago the Launch was on its death bed.  The folks at Brooks pulled the plug made funeral arrangements and announced its obituary online.  And now back by popular demand, the Launch 2 is back and creating a buzz in the streets.   

   

Damn!!! That's one sexy looking shoe!!!

The L2 is the kinda a shoe that brings bloggers out of retirement to blog about it,  Becki at The Middle Miles came out of hiding to weigh in on the L2-(her review here).  I ran the Cheshire Half Marathon last year in the Launch and it felt great, so when I saw the early pics I wanted to try the L2. 

Air mesh uppers keeps the air moving so your feet stay cool

Upper

• Air mesh upper keeps the air moving so your feet stay cooler
• Synthetic overlay materials add no-sew support

I really adore the fit of the upper on the new L2 especially how it greets and hugs my feet as they settle into the shoe.  The L2 offers a plush secure feeling atop my foot and along the heel counter. 

30% more cushioning that standard materials (gel or EVA)

Sole

• BioMoGo DNA is DNA technology blended with the BioMoGo midsole to provide   adaptive cushioning throughout the midsole vs. just in the heel and forefoot.
• BioMoGo DNA midsole includes an organic, non-toxic additive that biodegrades the midsole 50 times faster than traditional EVA when it comes into contact with   anaerobic landfill microbes (otherwise known as active, enclosed landfills).
• 30% more cushioning than standard midsole materials (gel or EVA)
• Twice as much energy return for more pep in your step
• Great performance no matter your weight or running pace
• Smoother transition from heel to toe

Details

DNA MIDSOLE

WHAT IS IT?

Brooks DNA is an innovative and uniquely adaptive cushioning system. By adapting to your specific weight, pace, gait and running surface, DNA offers customized cushioning and adds a spring to your step.  Traditional cushioning takes a one-size-fits-all approach, but we know that each runner is different. Brooks DNA was developed to continuously tailor the level of cushioning to your specific needs – even as they change during the run.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Brooks DNA is made up of a highly viscous non-Newtonian material or more simply put, a material that adapts to the specific force you apply to it. Part of the brilliance is that this compound was engineered to perform at the molecular level (picture millions of resilient 'nano springs').  If you looked at Brooks DNA through a microscope, you'd see that it's made up of individual molecules connected in strands. These strands (which form chains) react to the amount of force placed on the foot, dispersing pressure and providing resiliency. Bottom line of this physics lesson: You get tailored cushioning that reacts to your specific weight, pace, gait, movement and running environment – "made-for-me" cushioning vs. "one size fits all."  And, as with all good technology, we’ve taken it a step further (two steps actually):

Twice as much energy return for more pep in your step

If you liked the first iteration, chances are you'll love the L2.  The L2 is perfect for tempo recovery runs or a race day shoe.  Lighter than and more flexible than the Ghost 7, the L2 felt great during my single digit temperature runs in New England.  I look forward to logging many miles in them this marathon season.  Well done Brooks for listening to your loyal customers and producing an awesome update without a bombshell overall.  

RunR4Lyfe