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Brooks Launch and Brooks Levitate are both neutral running shoes. They are very comfortable running shoes. However, they are not as soft as the Ghost or Glycerin. They are snappier, bouncy, and will add that extra bit of pep under your feet.
Then how are these two running shoes different?
For that, we compared Brooks Launch 8 and Brooks Levitate 5 in this post. These two versions are the latest models at the time of writing this book.
Below you will find a very detailed comparison of Brooks Launch Vs Levitate. We have tried to keep this comparison as comprehensive and objective as possible.
So, without further ado let’s proceed.
This is our winner
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Brooks Levitate 5
Why did we pick this one?
- More cushioning.
- Excellent bounce.
- DNA AMP cushioning.
- Upbeat style.
- Good ankle stability.
The main differences between Brooks Launch Vs Levitate
- The heel-to-toe drop of Brooks Launch is 10mm and the heel-to-toe drop of Brooks Levitate is 8mm.
- Brooks Launch is a lot lighter than Brooks Levitate. For women, Brooks Launch weighs around 7.7oz or 218.29g whereas Brooks Levitate weighs around 9.6oz or 272.2g. For men, Brooks Launch weighs around 8.6oz or 243.8g whereas Brooks Levitate weighs around 10.4oz or 294.8g.
- The arch support for Brooks Launch is for medium to high arches whereas the arch support for Brooks Levitate is for medium to low arches.
- Brooks Launch has two toe-box widths available whereas for Brooks Levitate there is only one toe-box width available for both versions.
- The latest generation of Brooks Launch is 8 whereas the current generation of Brooks Levitate is 5.
Brooks Levitate Vs Brooks Launch – An Overview
Brooks Launch and Brooks Levitate are neutral running shoes that will provide you with excellent responsiveness.
They will provide you with excellent cushioning and is great for runs under 10K. Both of these running shoes are resilient and will last you through many miles.
In the following sections, we are providing you with an in-depth comparison of Brooks Launch and Brooks Levitate.
Brooks Launch 8 Vs Brooks Levitate 5 – Features at a glance
| Brooks Launch 8 | Brooks Levitate 5 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel-to-toe Drop | 10mm | 8mm |
| Weight |
7.7oz/218.29g (Women) 8.6oz/243.8g (Men) |
9.6oz/272.2g (Women) 10.4oz/294.8g (Men) |
| Arch Support | Medium to High | Medium to Low |
| Midsole Type | BioMoGo DNA Cushion | DNA AMP Cushioning |
| Technology | BioMoGo DNA Cushioning | DNA AMP, Arrow-point pattern, Stealth Fit Knit, Wraparound Integrated Collar, Engineered Circular Knit Mesh |
| Sizes |
5.0 – 12.0 (Women) 7.0 – 15.0 (Men) |
5.0 – 12.0 (Women) 7.0 – 15.0 (Men) |
| Width |
Normal, Wide D (Women) Normal, Wide 2E (Men) |
Medium (1B) (Women) Medium (1D) (Men) |
| Use | Long Distance, Treadmill, Road | Long Distance, Treadmill, Road |
| Editor’s Rating |  |
|
PRODUCT
Brooks Launch 8
FEATURES
TYPE: Neutral
HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 10mm
WEIGHT: 7.7oz/218.29g (Women) / 8.6oz/243.8g (Men)
ARCH SUPPORT: Medium, High
MIDSOLE TYPE: BioMoGo Cushion
TECHNOLOGY: BioMoGo Cushioning
SIZES: 5.0 – 12.0 (Women) / 7.0 – 15.0 (Men)
WIDTH: Normal, Wide D (Women) / Normal, Wide 2E (Men)
USE: Long Distance, Treadmill, Road
EDITOR’S RATING
PRODUCT
Brooks Levitate 5
FEATURES
TYPE: Neutral
HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 8mm
WEIGHT: 9.6oz/272.2g (Women) / 10.4oz/294.8g (Men)
ARCH SUPPORT: Medium to Low
MIDSOLE TYPE: DNA AMP Cushioning
TECHNOLOGY: DNA AMP, Arrow-point pattern, Stealth Fit Knit, Wraparound Integrated Collar, Engineered Circular Knit Mesh
SIZES: 5.0 – 12.0 (Women) / 7.0 – 15.0 (Men)
WIDTH: Medium (1B) (Women) / Medium (1D) (Men)
USE: Long Distance, Treadmill, Road
EDITOR’S RATING
Asics Levitate Vs. Brooks Launch – A head to head comparison
In the above sections, we have covered a brief overview and some broader differences between Brooks Launch and Brooks Levitate.
In the following sections, you will find a more in-depth comparison of these two running shoes.
Outsole
The outsole of Brooks Launch is made from blown rubber. This is a flexible yet durable rubber that provides you with excellent grip and stability while running.
Also, this protects the softer midsole thus prolonging the overall life of this running shoe.
There are different horizontalish grooves made throughout the sole. This helps in the easier heel to the transition of the shoe. Also, they improve the overall flexibility of this shoe while simultaneously reducing the weight of the shoe.
The outsole of Brooks Levitate is also made from blown rubber. This improves the durability and grip of this running shoe.
This is a full-contact outsole and has an arrow point pattern made on the forefoot. This helps you to move from to toe quickly and enhances the responsiveness of this shoe.
Midsole
The midsole of Brooks Launch is made from BioMoGo DNA. These are two different technologies, BioMoGo and DNA and together they provide you with an adaptable cushioning.
This cushioning adapts with your every stride providing you with customized protection tailored to you.
This kind of material is firmer than the DNA LOFT and provides you with a snappy and speedy ride. Also, this makes this shoe very lightweight and helps you to run faster.
The midsole of Brooks Levitate is made from DNA AMP. This is a polyurethane foam that is encased within thermoplastic polyurethane skin.
This makes this sole a bit firmer and very responsive. Also, this shoe belongs to the maximal cushioning category. This means they provide you with excellent cushioning while running and simultaneously provides you with great speed.
However, due to the use of extra cushioning and two layers of material, this shoe is a bit heavier.
Upper
The upper of Brooks Launch is made from Air Mesh. It gives you a snug fit and has good breathability. Also, it is lightweight and doesn’t add much weight to the shoes.
Brooks Launch is a very simple yet versatile running shoe. You can see that in its upper as well. It is a simple-looking upper having monotone with some occasional overlays.
The patterns that your see is made with the air mesh to provide you with maximum breathability. This provides Brooks Launch a simple yet very elegant look.
The upper of Brooks Levitate is made from Engineered Circular Knit Mesh. It provides you with a comfortable fit and makes this shoe very breathable.
It has the Stealth Fit Knit. This is a premium knit by Brooks and is specifically designed to move with your feet. This provides you with a sock-like and optimal performance.
Also, it comes with a wraparound integrated collar and provides you with a sock-like fit.
Weight
In terms of weight, Brooks Launch is lighter than Brooks Levitate.
Brooks Launch weighs around 7.7oz /218.29g for women and 8.6oz/243.8g for men.
Brooks Levitate weighs around 9.6oz/272.2g for women and 10.4oz/294.8g for men.
Price
The price of Brooks Launch is a lot lesser than Brooks Levitate. If you compare the prices of Brokss Launch 8 and Brooks Levitate 5 (the latest versions at the time of writing this post), Brooks Launch will cost you around $50 lesser. This is a significant amount of price difference and may tip your decision needle one way or the other.
If you like to go for shorter runs and like speed, then go for Brooks Launch. Otherwise, Brooks Levitate will also be a good choice.
In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between Brooks Launch and Brooks Levitate.
However, there are few alternatives that can serve you as well as these two running shoes. We have included those in the sections below. Do take a look.
Similar Shoes
Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Launch 8
Brooks Launch 8 is a responsive running shoe that is very versatile. It is excellent for short-distance running and will provide you with a very good running experience.
New Balance 1080 is a running shoe that may provide you with a similar experience. It is a responsive running shoe that will provide you with a softer running sole. It can be an excellent alternative to Brooks Launch.
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Bootie upper construction hugs your foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Synthetic/mesh upper
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Levitate 5
Brooks Levitate is a neutral running shoe. It s responsive, cushy, and will provide you with an excellent running experience.
However, the sole is a bit harder and it will provide you with a snappier running experience.
Mizuno Wave Rider is another running shoe that will provide you with a similar running experience. It is fast, agile and will provide you with a responsive ride. This is one of the best alternatives to Brooks Levitate.
- MIZUNO ENERZY (FOAM): Offering versatility in its application, while still maintaining softness and resilience. It will help enhance performance capabilities.
- MIZUNO WAVE: The MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses energy from impact to a broader area providing a stable platform and a superior cushioning.
- X10 Outsole: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
In the above sections, we have tried to cover almost all the similarities and differences between Brooks Launch Vs Levitate. However, we liked Brooks Levitate and bit more than Brooks Launch.
Brooks Levitate provides you with excellent cushioning and belongs to the max-cushioned category. It has excellent responsiveness and you can have an explosive running session in these running shoes. Also, the tongue and the collar are well-padded and will keep your ankle stable.
These are the reasons that we chose Brooks Levitate over Brooks Launch.
If you own any of these running shoes, share your experience with us. We would love to feature you in this post and share it with our readers.
Madhusree Basu
Author, Admin
Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.
