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Brooks Launch and Brooks Trace are both neutral running shoes. They are well cushioned and will provide you with a comfortable ride.

Both belong to the first level of cushioning in their respective cushioning group from Brooks and are excellent at impact absorption.

Then how is Brooks Launch different from Brooks Trace?

To find out, we have compared Brooks Launch 8 and Brooks Trace in this post. At the time of writing this post, these two are the current versions of the shoes.

Below you will find a very detailed comparison of Brooks Launch Vs Trace. We have tried to provide a very objective comparison of these two running shoes…

Brooks Launch Vs Trace HI-min

This is our winner

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Brooks Trace

Why did we pick this one?

  • Excellent cushioning.
  • Good ankle support
  • Softer BioMoGo cushioning.
  • Good breathability.
  • Stylish.

The main differences between Brooks Launch Vs Trace

  • The heel-to-toe drop of Brooks Trace is 12mm and the heel-to-toe drop of Brooks Launch is 10mm.
  • Brooks Launch is slightly lighter than Brooks Trace. For women, Brooks Launch weighs around 7.7oz or 218.9g whereas Brooks Trace weighs around 7.9oz or 224g. For men, Brooks Launch weighs around 8.6oz or 243.8g whereas Brooks Trace weighs around 8.9oz or 252.3g.
  • Both use BioMoGo DNA in the midsole, however, Trace uses ‘Cushion’ type cushioning, and Launch uses ‘Speed’ type cushioning.
  • Brooks Launch has two toe-box widths available whereas for Brooks Trace there is only one toe-box width available for both versions.
  • Brooks Launch is great for running distances up to 10K whereas Brooks Trace can be good for even long-distance running.
  • The latest generation of Brooks Launch is 8 whereas this is the first generation of Brooks Trace.

Brooks Trace Vs Brooks Launch – An Overview

Brooks Launch and Brooks Trace are neutral running shoes that are very responsive and are great as daily runners.

They will provide you with excellent cushioning and will keep you comfortable throughout your run.

Also, Brooks Trace looks like a middle ground between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Launch and its cushioning is softer than Launch but not as soft as Ghost.

In the following sections, we are providing you with an in-depth comparison of Brooks Launch and Brooks Trace.

So, let’s check out what we have in store for you…

Brooks Launch 8 Vs Brooks Trace – Features at a glance

Brooks Launch 8 Brooks Trace
Brooks Launch 8 Women's Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Ebony/Blue Tint - 9 Brooks Men's Trace Neutral Running Shoe - Blue/Navy/Orange - 10
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Check Price!
Type Neutral Neutral
Heel-to-toe Drop 10mm

12mm

Weight

7.7oz/218.29g (Women)

8.6oz/243.8g (Men)

7.9oz/224g (Women)

8.9oz/252.3g (Men)

Arch Support Medium to High Medium, High
Midsole Type BioMoGo DNA Cushion BioMoGo Cushioning
Technology BioMoGo DNA Cushioning BioMoGo Cushioning, Engineered Mesh, Blown rubber.
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 4 and a half star-92X25-min 4 and a half star-92X25-min
Check Price!
Check Price!

PRODUCT

Brooks Launch 8 Women's Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Ebony/Blue Tint - 9

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 to High

MIDSOLE TYPE: BioMoGo DNA Cushion

TECHNOLOGY: BioMoGo DNA 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

4 and a half star-92X25-min

PRODUCT

Brooks Men's Trace Neutral Running Shoe - Blue/Navy/Orange - 10

Brooks Trace

FEATURES

TYPE: Neutral

HEEL-TO-TOE DROP: 12mm

WEIGHT: 7.9oz/224g (Women) / 8.9oz/252.3g (Men)

ARCH SUPPORT: Medium, High

MIDSOLE TYPE: BioMoGo Cushioning

TECHNOLOGY: BioMoGo Cushioning, Engineered Mesh, Blown Rubber

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

4 and a half star-92X25-min

Brooks Trace 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 Trace.

In the following sections, we have covered an in-depth comparison of these two shoes. So stay tuned…

Outsole

The outsole of Brooks Launch is made from blown rubber. This rubber is a very durable kind of rubber and will provide you with excellent grip and stability while running.

Also, it protects the softer midsole from getting wore down easily and improves the overall lifespan of these running shoes.

This is a full-contact outsole and has various types of grooves present throughout the outsole. This improves the overall flexibility of the sole while making the heel-to-transition smoother.

The outsole of Brooks Trace is also made from blown rubber and serves the same purposes as the previous one.

This is also a full-contact outsole with flex grooves present in the forefoot. If you examine the outsole of Brooks Ghost and Brooks Trace, they look the same for an inexperienced eye.

However, the presence of these flex grooves improves the flexibility of this shoe while reducing the overall weight of the shoe.

Midsole

The midsole of both Brooks Launch and Brooks Trace is made from BioMoGo DNA. These are two separate technologies one being BioMoGo and the other being DNA. Combining these two you get adaptable and responsive cushioning.

This cushioning adapts itself to your side providing you with a truly customized cushioning.

Although the midsole material of these two running shoes is similar they vary hugely in running experience.

Brooks Launch’s cushioning is of type speed. This is a firmer type of cushioning and is excellent with responsiveness. It will provide you with faster forward movement and you will get an explosive ride.

Brooks Trace on the other hand has the cushioning type ‘cushion’. The is a softer cushioning providing you with a softer underfoot feel. However, this material is not as responsive as the previous one. However, it will provide you with a comfortable ride.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Launch is made from Air Mesh. This is a lightweight mesh that will provide you with a snug and comfortable fit.

Also, the mesh is very simple and elegant to look at and has few contrasting overlays that provide some added level of style to these shoes.

The visible pattern on the upper is basically holes made on the air mesh for better breathability. Overall, this is a very versatile and elegant-looking upper that will expand and contract with your feet.

The upper of Brooks Trace is made from Engineered Mesh. It stretches to provide you with more breathability while providing a secure fit simultaneously.

This is a very lightweight mesh that doesn’t add much to the overall weight of the shoes. The holes and the mesh create patterns on the shoe that makes it look more stylish.

Also, the upper looks very similar to Brooks Ghost, and from a distance, you will hardly notice any difference.

Weight

In terms of weight, Brooks Launch is a tad lighter than Brooks Trace.

Brooks Launch weighs around 7.7oz /218.29g for women and 8.6oz/243.8g for men.

Brooks Trace weighs around 7.9oz/224g for women and 8.9oz/252.3g for men.

Price

The price of Brooks Trace is the same as Brooks Launch.  We have reached this conclusion after checking the prices of the latest versions of these shoes.

However, if you are in a mind to try out Brooks Launch, then try Brooks Trace. You can go for long runs in this one. It is also great as a daily trainer. So, by spending the same amount of money, you will be able to get a running shoe that is more versatile.

In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between Brooks Launch and Brooks Trace.

However, there are few alternatives that will be able to provide you with a comparable running experience. We have mentioned a couple of them below. Do take a look.

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Launch 8

Brooks Launch is a neutral running shoe that will provide you with excellent cushioning. However, it is a short-distance running shoe and is great for distances lesser than 10K.

It is good ankle stability and is very lightweight and responsive.

New Balance 1400 is a similar shoe to Brooks Launch. It is lightweight and has responsive cushioning. Like Brooks Launch, this one is also great for shorter-distance running. In a way, this may be one of the best alternatives to Brooks Launch.

New Balance 1400v6 Running Shoes
  • Barefoot friendly internal construction
  • Blown rubber outsole
  • Breathable air mesh

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Trace

Brooks Trace is a neutral running shoe that will provide you a soft and stable cushioning. However, the cushioning is not pillowy and will provide you with good responsiveness. 

Also, it has a roomy toe-box and a breathable mesh upper. This helps you to have a cool and dry in-shoe environment while running.

Mizuno Wave Rider is another running shoe that can provide you with a similar running experience. It has responsive U4ic cushioning which is great for shock absorption. This will also provide you with ample space in the toe-box area. Also, the breathable mesh keeps you comfortable throughout your run. This may be one of the best alternatives to Brooks Trace.

Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Running Shoes
1,183 Reviews
Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Running Shoes
  • 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 2024-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between Brooks Launch Vs Trace. However, we like Brooks Trace more than Brooks Launch.

Brooks Trace has an overall softer cushioning and can work for both short and long-distance running. Brooks Launch on the other hand is not good for long-distance running. Also, style-wise Brooks Trace looks better than Brooks Launch. Being a long-distance shoe, Brooks Trace is priced at a similar price point like Brooks Launch.

These are the reasons that we chose Brooks Launch over Brooks Trace.

If you own any of these shoes we would love to hear and share your experience with our users through this post. Let us know in the comment section below.

Brooks Trace Vs Launch Pin-min
Madhusree Basu

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.

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