Brooks Launch 12  Running Shoe Review

Reviewed Feb 16, 2026 at 01:38pm
Tested using Methodology v0.9 
Brooks Launch 12
5.6
Marathon Racing 
6.8
5K/10K Racing 
5.9
Energy Return 
6.4
Cushioning 
7.6
Lateral Stability 
 0

As we recently published our latest 0.10 test methodology, we're in the process of updating the data and test results before writing the full review.

Our Verdict

5.6
Marathon Racing 
6.8
5K/10K Racing 
5.9
Energy Return 
6.4
Cushioning 
7.6
Lateral Stability 
  • 5.6
    Marathon Racing
  • 6.8
    5K/10K Racing

  • Performance Usages

  • 5.9
    Energy Return
  • 6.4
    Cushioning
  • 7.6
    Lateral Stability
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 16, 2026: Review published.
    2.  Updated Jan 19, 2026: Our testers have started testing this product.
    3.  Updated Jan 08, 2026: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
    4.  Updated Jan 08, 2026: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    6.7
    Weight
    Weight
    243.9 g (8.60 oz)
    Stack Heights
    Heel Stack Height
    34.3 mm
    Forefoot Stack Height
    26.2 mm
    Heel-To-Toe Drop
    8.1 mm
    Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
    8.0 mm
    External Shape
    Outsole Heel Width
    85 mm (3.3")
    Outsole Arch Width
    67 mm (2.7")
    Outsole Forefoot Width
    111 mm (4.4")
    Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
    2.48
    Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
    4.24
    Internal Shape
    Internal Length
    281 mm (11.1")
    Internal Heel Width
    65 mm (2.6")
    Internal Forefoot Width
    90 mm (3.5")
    Wide Sizing Available
    No
    Other Features
    Tongue Gusset Type
    Non-gusseted
    Plate
    None
    Performance
    4.5
    Heel Energy Return
    Heel Energy Return
    71.3%
    6.5
    Forefoot Energy Return
    Forefoot Energy Return
    74.5%
    6.9
    Heel Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 550N
    2.92 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1100N
    8.65 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1900N
    15.20 J
    5.8
    Forefoot Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 800N
    3.61 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1300N
    6.17 J
    Energy Absorbed At 2050N
    9.14 J
    5.7
    Heel Firmness
    Firmness At 550N
    53.3 N/mm
    Firmness At 1100N
    114.6 N/mm
    Firmness At 1900N
    238.7 N/mm
    8.9
    Forefoot Firmness
    Firmness At 800N
    143.2 N/mm
    Firmness At 1300N
    281.2 N/mm
    Firmness At 2050N
    525.0 N/mm
    5.1
    Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 10km
    5.68 J
    Energy Absorbed At 20km
    5.49 J
    Energy Absorbed At 30km
    5.38 J
    Energy Absorbed At 40km
    5.29 J