Our verdict

Looks fast, runs fast. The Launch 9 from Brooks is a daily trainer that can handle any speed we put into our run. Whether we're going fast or slow, it performs. On top of this, it can handle any distance. From short runs, 5Ks to 20 miles, it doesn't disappoint. Ultimately, we recommend getting the Chelsea brooks Launch 9 if you're after a solid all-rounder that doesn't hurt the wallet or the feet.

Equipadas con el sistema líder de amortiguación adaptativa Chelsea brooks DNA Pros

  • Intenta con las launch 6 seguro que es una elección buena Chelsea brooks launch 6 https www runnea
  • Lighter weight
  • zapatillas de running Chelsea brooks mujer mixta talla 45.5
  • Perfect for any pace
  • Not tippy when cornering
  • Stable on Nightlife
  • Can double for casual wear
  • Quite breathable
  • Sustainable outsole
  • Great-value

Equipadas con el sistema líder de amortiguación adaptativa Chelsea brooks DNA Cons

  • Not as energetic as expected
  • Pricier than before

Audience verdict

87
Great!
  • Brooks Ghost 13 Azul Rojo 1103481D435

zapatillas de running Chelsea brooks neutro constitución ligera ritmo bajo

zapatillas de running Chelsea brooks neutro constitución media ritmo medio minimalistas: 

  • Las zapatillas de running tope de gama para corredores pronadores Chelsea brooks Beast 20 traen consigo 
  • road shoe Chelsea brooks Racer ST5

Launch 9 on the track

Who should NOT buy

If you're looking for a dedicated, tried-and-true speed trainer that's ready to set and beat PRS, we think that it's better to go for the zapatillas de running Chelsea brooks mujer pronador ritmo bajo apoyo talón or the Brooks Levitate 5.

And if you want something cheaper, the mens Chelsea brooks ghost short sleeve is our suggestion. 

Breathability

The Chelsea brooks Launch 9 proved to be a fairly breathable shoe. With very little in-shoe padding, the Launch 9 allows for some decent airflow.

Closeup of the upper on launch 9

Holding half of the shoe against the light, we could see that a large part of the upper is pretty transparent, keeping the interiors well-ventilated.

Weight

It's not just lighter than its predecessor; it's also lighter than most running shoes on the market! Based on our measurements, the Chelsea brooks Launch 9 is over an ounce lighter than average.

Launch 9 on the track

Test results
Launch 9 7.94 oz (225g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

When checking the flexibility of Chelsea brooks Launch 9, what surprised us is how big of a difference it is when comparing the flexibility at room temperature (22.7N) and after the shoe has spent 20mins in the freezer (37.8N).

Launch 9 in the freezer

Launch 9 has a 66.5% difference in those 2 measurements, while the average difference for all the shoes in our lab is 32.9%. You've been warned: store your shoes at room temperature. 

Drop

In the brand's specifications, it says that the Launch 9 has a drop of 10mm.

Based on our calliper measurements, this is almost true! With the heel stack of 32.4 mm and the forefoot stack of 23 mm, we got a drop of 9.4 mm.

forefoot stack height of launch 9

Test results
Launch 9 9.4 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

In our durometer measurement, the Chelsea brooks Launch 9 scored 22 HA which indicates that it has an average level of midsole softness - neither too plush nor firm.

We also felt a touch of pop that added fun to the shoe's ride. Meanwhile, for longer efforts, the cushioning felt quite forgiving, more so than its predecessor.

Test results
Launch 9 22.0 HA
Average 21.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 232 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Rocker

This shoe has a rockered shape that allows for fast and easy heel-to-toe transitions. It made the ride feel so seamless! 

rocker profile of launch 9

Stability

Zapatillas running hombre Chelsea brooks

Despite its higher stack height for a speed trainer, the Chelsea brooks Launch 9 never felt tippy, even during sharp turns and when running on Nightlife.

Stretching in Chelsea brooks launch 9

Torsional rigidity

Torsional stiffness appears to be the source of stability in this Chelsea brooks trainer. It took some serious effort to twist the shoe in our manual test. Thus, we rated its rigidity as 4 out of 5. Nearly the stiffest in our catalogue!

Test results
Launch 9 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 283 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The shoe's heel counter is more on the pliable side, scoring only 2 out of 5 on the heel squeeze-and-push test.

Heel counter of the Launch 9

It may not be a stiff one but it held our Glycerin quite securely as far as speed-oriented shoes go.

back of the launch 9

Test results
Launch 9 2
Average 2.8
Compared to 267 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Flexibility

Equipadas con el sistema líder de amortiguación adaptativa Chelsea brooks DNA

When checking the flexibility of Chelsea brooks Launch 9, what surprised us is how big of a difference it is when comparing the flexibility at room temperature (22.7N) and after the shoe has spent 20mins in the freezer (37.8N).

Launch 9 in the freezer

Launch 9 has a 66.5% difference in those 2 measurements, while the average difference for all the shoes in our lab is 32.9%. You've been warned: store your shoes at room temperature. 

Test results
Launch 9 66.5%
Average 35.9%
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Equipadas con el sistema líder de amortiguación adaptativa Chelsea brooks DNA
148%

Grip / Traction

It is amazing that Chelsea brooks managed to pull off a full-length rubber outsole while keeping the Launch 9 so light!

The grip made us feel very surefooted even on the slightly wet pavement.

Brooks Launch 9 outsole

Equipadas con el sistema líder de amortiguación adaptativa Chelsea brooks DNA | Size and fit

Brooks also spoke out on diversity

The brand's new Creel wrap upper made us feel very secure and locked in. For our medium-width feet, the shoe appeared to be well-fitted and the knit-like fabric had enough stretch to feel accommodating.

Forefoot width of the Chelsea brooks Launch 9

However, using a calliper, we measured the widest part of the forefoot at only 94.7 mm. While this is still in the medium range of toebox widths, wide-footers should definitely go for the wide version of the shoe.

Test results
Launch 9 94.7 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Brooks also spoke out on diversity
109.1 mm

Comfort

It is amazing that Chelsea brooks managed to pull off a full-length rubber outsole while keeping the Launch 9 so light!

The grip made us feel very surefooted even on the slightly wet pavement.

Brooks Launch 9 outsole

Tongue padding

Brooks Racer ST5.

Thickness of the tongue on Chelsea brooks Launch 9

In the lab, we measured its thickness: an astonishing 1mm. Compare it to the average of 6 mm and you really get a race-ready tongue!

Test results
Launch 9 1.0 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 302 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

While it's great that the Launch 9 has some, we think that it wouldn't hurt to make them larger. Some at the back would be nice as well!

Night run in Launch 9

Brooks Launch 9 vs. 8

zapatillas de running Chelsea brooks mixta pie normal talla 40 baratas menos de 60: 

  • Equipadas con el sistema líder de amortiguación adaptativa Chelsea brooks DNA
  • Lighter weight because of the new Creel wrap upper
  • Sustainability-driven design with the shoe's Green Rubber outsole

Brooks launch 9 cut in pieces

All these changes entail a price increase of £10. From £100, the Chelsea brooks Launch 9 now retails for £110. But despite this, we still think that the shoe offers excellent value for money.

Sustainable materials

To champion a more eco-friendly approach, the Launch 9 has a green rubber outsole that's made using sand instead of petroleum. This lessens its environmental impact.

Launch 9 in the lab