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Brooks Launch replacement recommendations

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oprah Feb 2013 6:34pm, 9 Feb 2013 194 posts	Quote Pin oprah It looks like they've finally retired the Brooks Launch, which was the best running shoe I've ever had. I found a forum message on their website that says they are bringing them back this spring, but it looks like that's only for the US because you can't buy them on the UK site, and all of my other trusted sites have finally sold out of my size. I don't want to spend a fortune importing what were previously also the best-value running shoes I've ever had, so I'm looking for a replacement. I've got a pare of Brooks PureFlow 2s which were brought in to replace the Launch. They are comfortable, but I don' t think they are marathon training material in the way the Launch are. So far I've tried Brooks Ghost and Saucony Ride, both of which I found too firm compared to their predecessors. The guy in the shop recommended Pearl Izumi Kipsaki 2, which I found good, but not as good as the Launch, and also nearly double the price, which is just not worth it. Anyone have any recommendations for a lighter, but not truly minimalist, shoe for long runs and racing marathons in? Preferably one that's priced at what a light-medium weight trainer should be priced at? I'm a forefoot striker, slight supination, small build, prefer cushy to firm cushioned neutral shoes.
oprah Feb 2013 6:34pm, 9 Feb 2013 195 posts	Quote Pin oprah *pair. Can't spell today!
Hackett Feb 2013 8:06am, 11 Feb 2013 707 posts	Quote Pin Hackett Brooks Ghost are quite clumpy but are doing the job for me. Have you tried the Adidas adizeros they claim to be light runners.
Grandpa Flump Feb 2013 8:56am, 11 Feb 2013 114 posts	Quote Pin Grandpa Flump Apparently they decided against killing them off due to customer feedback. I don't know how these things work and whether this is just for the US or worldwide, but here's a link to a statement from them talk.brooksrunning.com Hope that helps a bit....
IrishMike Feb 2013 11:32am, 11 Feb 2013 518 posts	Quote Pin IrishMike Hi Everyone, I got in contact with Brooks asking about the launch and they sent me this reply today. Hope this helps ******************************** It has been withdrawn for this season, but it is due back in our warehouse from around June onwards. Best to keep checking the Brooks On Line website to check when it arrives. Best wishes Reina Reina Alston (Mrs.) Brooks Sports GmbH - UK Branch 6, Chanctonfold, Horsham Road, Steyning, BN44 3AA t. 00 44 (0)1903 817009 f. 00 44 (0)1903 879058 e: reina.alston@brooksrunning.co.uk www.brooksrunning.co.uk
oprah Feb 2013 7:46pm, 11 Feb 2013 196 posts	Quote Pin oprah Wow, thanks Irish Mike! I had read that message Grandpa, but as I hadn't seen them on their website yet, I was worried they'd changed their mind. Maybe I'll try the adidas - those are about the only shoes in the shop I didn't try! I have about 50 miles left on my current pair, and a spare pair which I'll get 50 miles on and use for my April marathon, which means I just need a pair for my long runs in the lead up. June is just in time to start marathon training again. Maybe I'll shell out this once for the Kipsaki, or begrudgingly go with the Ghosts as they are a full 28g lighter than the Glycerin (which are very comfy but just too heavy).
IrishMike Feb 2013 10:25pm, 11 Feb 2013 519 posts	Quote Pin IrishMike Your welcome oprah, I fell in love with the launch when i tried them so was really interested in your thread. I have a pair of ghosts (4) am really happy with them but the launch is my favorite. Good luck in your marathon training
Red Squirrel Feb 2013 10:33pm, 11 Feb 2013 6,294 posts	Quote Pin Red Squirrel I used to use Brooks Cascadias before I went to minimal shoes - they're lightweight for a standard cushioned shoe. My clubmate also likes the Green Silence. Not his favourite shoes but he says they're fine for an inbetween normal and minimal shoe.
paul the builder Feb 2013 8:19am, 12 Feb 2013 3,255 posts	Quote Pin paul the builder Pretty sure Green Silence are discontinued too. Shame.
oprah Feb 2013 7:36pm, 12 Feb 2013 197 posts	Quote Pin oprah I think they are both discontinued, red squirrel. Why do companies do that? I guess for the launch it was a small share of the market, but I imagine it would grow as people moved towards lighter but not minimalist shoes. RS - do you run long runs in minimalist shoes? I'm concerned I'd get injured, although I had the same worry about the launch and they turned out fine. I'm just coming back from an unknown ankle injury, so have that in mind as well.