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Brooks Launch 13 Preview

Professional high-speed athletic action photography of the Brooks Launch 13 running shoe on a track with cinematic stadium lighting

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This page is a preview based on early news and info and will be updated with a full hands-on review upon launch.

Evolution: The history of the shoe line

Firstly, of course, you have the history factor. When you are looking at the past of the shoe line, the last thing you want to do is pick an old model that has flat foam to drag your pace down. The rumoured Brooks Launch thirteen means you step into a pair of running shoes that is spec'd out with modern tech that not only respects the past, but pushes the brand forward. That is an evolution that is clearer than anything else out there.

What are the press saying?

Secondly, naturally, there is the media hype factor. When you are reading the early leaks online for a long amount of time, the last thing you want to do is trust fake news that leads you to buy a bad shoe. The current press talk means you get a pair of running shoes that is dialled in with a snappy ride that not only hits a low price, but drops the weight to two hundred grams. That is a setup that is better than anything else out there.

What are the review sites saying?

Thirdly, as expected, you have the expert review factor. When you are waiting for the final test results on the road, the last thing you want to do is buy a shoe that fails to hold up to the hard miles. The early site chatter means you look at a pair of running shoes that is kitted out with firm foam that not only handles track days, but works well for a fast run. That is a verdict that is stronger than anything else we see.

Top 5 Features to look out for

  1. Firstly, you have the foam factor, which is a big change that means you get a firm ride that does not go flat on the road.
  2. Secondly, you have the drop factor, which is ten millimetres that means you get a classic stance that does not hurt your lower leg muscles.
  3. Thirdly, you have the weight factor, which is very light that means you get a fast shoe that does not hold your foot back at all.
  4. Fourthly, you have the grip factor, which is thick rubber that means you get a strong sole that does not slip when you run in rain.
  5. Fifthly, you have the upper factor, which is thin mesh that means you get a cool fit that does not trap heat inside the shoe.

Performance Expectations: What improvements are expected?

Next, of course, you have the pure speed factor. When you are pushing your pace on the track for a long time, the last thing you want to do is wear a heavy shoe that feels like a brick on your foot. The new bio foam means you lace up a pair of running shoes that is turnkey for speed that not only gives you a firm push, but keeps your legs fresh for the next day. That is a design that is faster than anything else out there.

Moody dramatic contrast shot of the unreleased Brooks Launch 13 running shoes showing sharp fine details and running motion blur

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Then, as expected, you have the short distance factor. When you are racing a fast five kilometre parkrun on the weekend, the last thing you want to do is wear a soft shoe that sinks right into the road. The firm foam bounce means you step into a pair of running shoes that is dialled in for speed that not only gives you a quick push, but keeps your stride rate very high. That is a pace that is quicker than anything else out there.

Special Features & Technical Specifications

Moving on, naturally, there is the stack height factor. When you are looking at the numbers on the spec sheet, the last thing you want to do is buy a shoe that has too much foam to let you feel the road. The rumoured thirty millimetre stack means you buy a pair of running shoes that is spec'd out for ground feel that not only keeps you stable, but gives you a ten millimetre drop. That is a spec that is cleaner than anything else right now.

Also, naturally, you have the running accessory factor. When you are out on the track for a long time, the last thing you want to do is wear heavy gear that makes you sweat too much in the heat. Adding lightweight vests and running caps means you get a turnkey kit that not only keeps the sun out of your eyes, but matches your budget speed shoes perfectly. That is a combination that is smarter than anything else available today.

Comfort & Fit

Next, as expected, you have the daily comfort factor. When you are putting your foot in the shoe for a long run, the last thing you want to do is feel a tight heel that rubs your skin to cause a blister. The new upper mesh means you wear a pair of running shoes that is dialled in for breathability that not only wraps your foot well, but leaves room for your toes to spread out. That is a fit that is nicer than anything else we know.

Realistic textures of the Brooks Launch 13 budget speed shoe under cinematic lighting during a fast 5K parkrun

Release Date & Pricing Information (UK/USA)

Finally, of course, you have the retail cost factor. When you are trying to save your hard earned cash, the last thing you want to do is spend two hundred pounds on a shoe that you only use for short runs. The budget price tag means you get a pair of running shoes that is spec'd out for value that not only costs around one hundred pounds, but ships early next year in the UK. That is a deal that is better than anything else out there.

10 alternative items to try

  1. Brooks Ghost 16 When you are looking for soft foam, the last thing you want to do is buy a stiff shoe that hurts your feet on a long run. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a daily trainer that not only absorbs the shock well, but lasts for a long amount of time. That is a shoe that is incredibly reliable for you.
  2. Nike Pegasus 41 When you are wanting a shoe for all paces, the last thing you want to do is pick a pair that feels dead and flat on the road. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you use a classic model that not only gives you a good bounce, but fits your foot extremely well. That is an option that is always a safe bet.
  3. Saucony Ride 17 When you are building up your weekly miles, the last thing you want to do is wear a heavy shoe that drags your legs down to the ground. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you find a smooth ride that not only rolls you forward, but keeps your toes cool in the heat. That is a shoe that works for every single day.
  4. Asics Novablast 4 When you are looking for a fun run, the last thing you want to do is use a boring shoe that does not give you any energy back. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a huge stack that not only protects your joints, but puts a spring right in your step. That is an option that makes the miles fly by.
  5. Hoka Mach 6 When you are doing a fast tempo run, the last thing you want to do is carry extra weight that stops you from hitting your top speed. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a light foam that not only cushions your foot, but pushes you to run a bit faster. That is a shoe that is perfect for race day.
  6. Puma Velocity Nitro 3 When you are running in the wet rain, the last thing you want to do is wear a shoe that slips and slides all over the pavement. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a strong grip that not only holds the road well, but gives you a very soft landing. That is an option that keeps you safe all winter.
  7. New Balance Rebel v4 When you are aiming for a new personal best, the last thing you want to do is use a clunky shoe that feels slow on the track. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a very snappy base that not only bends with your foot, but snaps back to push you. That is a shoe that is built for pure speed.
  8. Adidas Adizero SL When you are on a tight budget, the last thing you want to do is buy a cheap shoe that falls apart after just a few weeks. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a firm foam that not only saves you some cash, but handles fast paces very well indeed. That is an option that does not break the bank.
  9. Mizuno Wave Rider 28 When you are a fan of high heel drops, the last thing you want to do is switch to a flat shoe that strains your calf muscles. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a plastic plate that not only adds some structure, but guides your foot in a straight line. That is a shoe that is a true classic choice.
  10. On Cloudsurfer When you are walking or running on hard roads, the last thing you want to do is feel a harsh shock that travels up into your knees. Choosing this pair of running shoes means you get a unique sole that not only collapses to absorb the hit, but feels incredibly soft and plush. That is an option that is extremely gentle on you.

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