Our verdict
Pros
- Stable for overpronators
- Not overbearing for neutral runners
- A bit lighter than Launch GTS 8
- Lively and smooth ride
- Mutes out impact
- Supportive fit during fast runs
- Secure heel hold
- Sustainable
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Not as fast as other speed trainers
- Pricier than its predecessors
- Laces too short for the runner's knot
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Who should buy the Brooks Launch GTS 9
The Brooks Launch GTS 9 is a must-have for runners who want to purchase a:
- supportive shoe for overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) that's also suitable for neutral runners
- short to long-distance running shoe for easy or fast days on the road
- budget stability shoe perfect for beginners
Who should NOT buy it
If speed is your topmost priority, buy the Brooks Hyperion Tempo instead. It's not a stability shoe, but it excels in speed training. But if it's an easy-day shoe you're after, take the supportive Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 instead.
Brooks Launch GTS 9 vs. 8
The primary thing we observed is that comfort and protection are maximised in the Brooks Launch GTS 9 while waste is minimised. We learned that to do so, it meets the following fine-tuning:
- Having a cushier ride with less ground feel and more impact protection, it has 2mm more cushion.
- It features a lighter upper that trims down its weight (from 8.8 oz (250g) to 8.7 oz (246g) in US M 9).
- Using a Green Rubber outsole, the Launch GTS 9 is more sustainable by using sand instead of petroleum.
Stability is the name of the game
Signifying support, the GTS in the Brooks Launch GTS 9 literally means "Go To Support." And true to its promise, we witnessed that it delivers a highly stable ride even for the testers among us who suffer from overpronation. It does so by keeping our foot centred, the knees aligned, and eliminating excess motions.
What's also great about it is, we found that neutral runners can enjoy it just as much as overpronators. It doesn't overcorrect, meaning it's not too firm, making the ride forgiving and enjoyable.
Ride is A-OK
Although it lags behind in speed compared to other dedicated tempo shoes, we attested that the Brooks Launch GTS 9 still remains responsive, so if you want to pick up the pace or slow it down, your runs will be just as peppy and fun.
On top of this, we felt that the heel-to-toe transitions were seamless; we found it easy to get from one step to the next.
No more achy feet with the Brooks Launch GTS 9
Thanks to the shoe's added cushion, Launch GTS 9 from Brooks feels more protective than its precursor. Even when we are on our feet for long periods, we can attest to this.
Doesn't tip the scales
On average, stability shoes weigh in at 10.5 oz (298g) in US M 9. However, the Brooks Launch GTS 9 only weighs in at 8.7 oz (246g).
It's not only light on paper; it's also light on the run. So much so, that we noticed that it's unlike any other stability shoes we've tried, which are traditionally bulky.
Fits like a dream
From the heel to the midfoot, we can describe the fit as supportive. The overlays keep everything snug, but not too tight. It's secure even when we are picking up the pace.
And in the toebox, we discovered that there's ample room for foot swelling and comfortable foot splay.
A hike in price
From £110, the Brooks Launch GTS 9 climbs to a £120 retail price.
Laces could be a tad longer
We found that our testers with slim heels gripe about the Launch GTS 9's laces being too short. We noticed that they don't help in cinching down the rear fit because they're not long enough for heel locking.
