BrooksLaunch 12
Powered by DNA FLASH cushioning and a fast, lightweight build, the Launch 12 delivers snappy responsiveness for everyday miles and tempo efforts alike. Versatile, breathable, and effortlessly quick, it’s the go-to trainer for runners who like their mileage fun and fast.
Details
The Brooks Launch 12 is built for runners who want lightweight versatility without overthinking their shoe choice—equally comfortable cruising easy miles, holding steady paces, or turning up the tempo. Staying true to its fast-and-fun identity, the midsole continues to feature DNA FLASH, Brooks’ nitrogen-infused foam that delivers a responsive, energetic feel with quick turnover. In the forefoot, DNA FLASH v2 adds a softer, lighter touch with enhanced energy return, creating smoother transitions and a noticeable pop at toe-off when the pace picks up.
Underfoot, the RoadTack rubber outsole, infused with recycled silica, provides durable traction and confident grip across a variety of road conditions. Up top, an updated breathable mesh upper offers a comfortable, easygoing fit that stays light and well-ventilated through daily training. Simple, speedy, and reliably smooth, the Launch 12 remains a go-to choice for runners who want one lightweight trainer that can handle it all.
MIDSOLE
- DNA FLASH is supercritical nitrogen-infused foam for featherlight responsiveness.
- DNA FLASH v2 in the forefoot is softer, lighter, and more energetic than DNA FLASH for an extra pop during push off.
OUTSOLE
- RoadTack rubber blends in recycled silica and delivers durable traction on variable road surfaces.
UPPER
- Airy mesh helps eliminate distractions with a secure, breathable fit.
Researched and compiled by Mark Shannon
Specifications may be manufacturer-reported. Learn how Cadence verifies shoe data.
Specifications
Cadence Database Analysis
How the Brooks Launch 12 compares with 67 current Trainers / Daily shoes tracked by Cadence.
Comparisons use listed specifications tracked by Cadence. Manufacturer reference sizes and measurement methods can vary. Learn about our data methodology.
Where It Fits
- Cushioning
- Medium
- Listed weight
- Notably light for category
- Stack
- Notably low for category
- Price
- Lower-priced for category
- Drop
- Typical for category
- Plate
- None
- Group
- Trainers / Daily
Compared With Trainers / Daily
| Metric | Launch 12 | Group median | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed weight | 8.9oz | 9.6oz | Lighter (19th percentile) |
| Heel stack | 35mm | 38mm | Lower (6th percentile) |
| Forefoot stack | 27mm | 31mm | Lower (12th percentile) |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm | Typical (55th percentile) |
| Price | $120 | $160 | Lower range (2nd percentile) |
What Stands Out
- At $120, its price sits $40 below the median of the 67 current Trainers / Daily shoes in the Cadence database ($160).
- Its 27mm forefoot stack is 4.0mm below the current Trainers / Daily median of 31mm (n=67).
- Its 35mm heel stack is 3.0mm below the current Trainers / Daily median of 38mm (n=67).
