The Brooks Launch 12 review sums up a quick, light daily trainer at about $120 at full price. It uses a supercritical EVA midsole with Brooks' DNA Flash and weighs 8.8 oz in the men's. Reviewers call it fun, reactive and excellent value. The fit is narrow and tapered, which does not suit every foot, so check width and fit first. Best for: runners who want a lightweight daily or tempo shoe at a fair price.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Brooks Launch 12 Review (2026): Worth $120?
4/5
our rating
our rating
$120Full price on Brooks’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Runners who want a lightweight daily or tempo shoe at a fair price.
Skip it if: You have a wide forefoot or want plush recovery cushion.
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What we like
- Light at 8.8 oz / 249 g men's
- Excellent value at about $120
- Reactive forefoot and a breathable upper
- Secure fit with a flexible, natural geometry
- Wide offered in men's
Watch out for
- Narrow, tapered fit
- Stiff heel counter can irritate Achilles
- Slightly heavier than the Launch 11
On this page
Fit and sizing
RunRepeat's 11 owner votes call the Launch 12 true to size, but the lab found a shorter internal length than average and a narrow, tapered fit. Brooks offers Normal and Wide in men's; the women's comes in Normal only per RunRepeat. The heel counter is stiff, which can bother Achilles tendons. Compare widths in the running shoe finder.
Cushioning and ride
Brooks lists a 35 mm heel and 27 mm forefoot stack with an 8 mm drop. Most of the midsole is DNA Flash v1 supercritical EVA, with a small DNA Flash v2 puck in the forefoot for a reactive toe-off. The geometry is flexible and natural.
How it performs for tempo and daily runs
Reviewers say it works across daily miles and tempo workouts, and that it is stable for a neutral shoe. It is not a plush recovery option. If you want more cushion for long days, look at the Brooks Ghost 18.
Price and value
At about $120 at full price it is one of the better values here, with Brooks' 90-day Run Happy trial as a safety net.
Alternatives
The Brooks Revel 8 is cheaper, the HOKA Mach 7 is similar with more rocker, and the Adidas Adizero EVO SL is lighter and pricier. See all Brooks reviews.
Who should skip it
Skip the Launch 12 if you need a wide toebox, a plush landing or a stability platform.
Specs
| For | Men & women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Extended fits | Wide widths |
| Weight | 249 g (8.8 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 35 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 27 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced |
| Support | Neutral |
| Widths | Regular, Wide |
| Plate | None |
| Midsole foam | Supercritical EVA (DNA Flash) |
| Surface | Road |
| Best use | Daily |
| Good for | Running, Speed work |
The verdict
A light, lively and affordable daily or tempo trainer. If your foot fits its narrow shape, it is a smart buy at about $120. Skip it if you have a wide forefoot or want plush recovery cushion. Ratings here are editorial estimates, not our own testing.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brooks Launch 12 good for daily running?
Reviewers say it is a lightweight daily trainer that can also handle tempo runs. Fit is personal, so try it on with your usual socks if you can, and buy from a retailer with an easy return policy. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
Does the Launch 12 come in wide?
Men's comes in Normal and Wide; the women's is Normal only per RunRepeat. Availability can differ by colorway, store and country, so check the width selector before you order and keep the return window in mind. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
How much does the Launch 12 weigh?
Brooks lists 8.8 oz (249 g) for men's and 8 oz (227 g) for women's. Weights are the brand's stated figures for a men's size unless noted, and independent lab weights can differ slightly, so treat them as a guide. Prices move often with sales and new colorways, so treat the list price as a starting point and compare retailers before you buy.
Launch 12 or Ghost 18?
The Launch is lighter, livelier and cheaper; the Ghost is softer, heavier and wider-fitting. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Price $120 per Brooks men's running page. Weight 8.8 oz / 249 g men's, 8 oz / 227 g women's, drop 8 mm, stack 35/27 mm are Brooks' figures as quoted by RunRepeat; lab 244 g, 8.9 mm, 33.4/24.5 mm. Widths: men's Normal and Wide; women's Normal only per RunRepeat. Sizing true to size (11 votes). Ratings estimated; we have not tested this shoe.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.