If you’ve been a fan of the Ravenna series in recent years, you might feel a twinge of disappointment learning that the Ravenna is no more.
But fear not! The Brooks Launch GTS has stepped up to the plate, bringing along many of those mild stability features you loved from the Ravenna and placing them on a platform that’s quite reminiscent of the reliable Launch.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty right away…
Brooks Ravenna Replacement
Again, if you’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Brooks Ravenna 12, it’s time for a slight pivot. Now, your gaze should shift towards the Brooks Launch GTS series.
Let me share my experience with the Ravenna 11, and right after, I’ll delve into my encounters with the Brooks Launch GTS 10.
Brooks Ravenna 11
Starting with the Ravenna 10, Brooks switched this series from being a stability shoe in the traditional sense where there’s extra stiffness in different parts of the midsole. Instead, Brooks opted for a different approach, introducing GuideRail side walls that ran the length of your foot.
Instead, they’ve gone to these GuideRail side walls that run parallel along the length of your foot. It’s now just a regular midsole throughout the shoe with these higher areas or walls that keep your ankles in place and keep them from turning inward or outward too much.
Personally, I found this change to be a welcomed update. I felt like I was getting the best of both worlds where I had a midsole that I liked and a little bit of extra support in the foot strike. It’s a balance that hit the sweet spot for me.
Ravenna 11 vs. Ghost 11 vs. Launch 7
Before I tried the Ravenna 11, I had run in the Brooks Ghost 11. I wasn’t a big fan of the Ghost 11 because felt like I was fighting with it all the time. Now, the Ravenna 11, that’s a different story. It turned out to be a pretty good running shoe for me.
Following the Ravenna 11, I switched to the Brooks Launch 7, and right off the bat, I noticed striking similarities in terms of the foot strike. This observation led me to believe that Brooks made a deliberate choice to bid farewell to the Ravenna series, ushering in the Launch GTS series as its successor.
During a particularly high-mileage week when fatigue started to set in and my foot strike became a tad sloppy, I distinctly felt the GuideRails in action, diligently keeping me on track and maintaining proper form. It was a reassuring touch, especially during those demanding stretches of the run.
All in all, the Ravenna 11 struck me as an excellent compromise for a stability shoe, especially for someone accustomed to running in neutral footwear but seeking a bit more support. It carved out a satisfying middle ground.
Surprisingly, the midsole turned out to be a delight to run in – a pleasant revelation I hadn’t anticipated when I first slipped into the Ravenna 11.
Brooks Launch GTS 10
To be honest, the earlier iterations of the Launch were a bit clunky, lacking the excitement I crave in a running shoe.
The Launch GTS 10 is Brooks’ take on a light stability lightweight training shoe. It embraces simplicity in design but executed in a way that stands out— a departure from the previous iterations, yet somehow managing to exude a distinctly fresh feel. It’s a paradox of sorts, making the Launch GTS 10 a unique and refreshing addition to the lineup.
Spec-wise, the Launch is 8.6 oz. for men’s size 9 and 7.8 oz. for women’s size 8. It’s 24mm of stack height in the heel 14mm in the forefoot and a 10mm heel-to-toe drop.
Thanks to the EVA midsole, the Launch GTS 10 offers a ride that effortlessly tackles easy miles without bogging you down. It strikes a balance, being snappy with just a hint of stiffness—ideal for taking on workout miles.
While it may not be the speed demon of the running shoe world, it can certainly handle pace changes. I’ve put it through its paces in fartleks and tempo runs, and it’s shown a commendable response.
Was it running the fastest I ever had? No, but it’s a solid shoe that can handle a variety of paces being a lightweight trainer.
Fit
When it comes to the upper fit, the earlier Launch versions were a bit snug. However, the Launch GTS 10 brings a breath of fresh air with a slightly more accommodating fit—just a touch more width. But it still leans towards the snug side, so individuals with narrow to normal width feet are likely to find the best fit.
The moderately padded stiff collar works its magic, ensuring that I don’t feel the heel counter. However, achieving that perfect lockdown required a lace lock for that extra bit of security.
Once I had the lockdown dialed in, the gears shifted smoothly, and I could confidently pick up the pace without any worries.
Launch GTS 10 vs. Asics DS Trainer vs. Adidas Tempo
Summing it up, the Launch GTS 10 takes the crown for being a touch more flexible and snappier than before. It’s a shoe that stays unobtrusive, refusing to weigh you down or feel clunky.
It’s the kind of footwear that seamlessly racks up the miles, and when the need arises, it effortlessly lets you kick it up a notch.
It’s become my go-to for a simple, affordable, and remarkably reliable mild stability lightweight trainer. The Launch GTS 10 has found its sweet spot in my running shoe rotation.
Wrap-up
In the pursuit of the perfect Brooks Ravenna replacement, the game-changing Launch GTS 10 emerges as the clear frontrunner.
With its remarkable flexibility, snappy responsiveness, and a design that keeps pace with your every stride, the Launch GTS 10 isn’t just a replacement; it’s a running revelation.
I’ll see you in the next one 🙂
