Brooks Launch has been my favorite shoe for the past few years but I have a bad knee from an old injury that gets quite painful when running more than about 7 to 8 miles in them. After trying on a number of different pairs (last winter) and not finding anything I really liked, I got a pair of Brooks Ghosts, which is more cushioned than the Launch, and have been doing my longer runs in them. I haven’t been having soreness issues, but I just don’t care for the fit, size and feel of the Ghost. Feels too big and clunky on my feet, just am not comfortable in them vs. the Launch.
Looking for recommendations of shoes similar to the Launch in size, fit, weight, feel, etc., but with a bit more cushion, so my knee won’t flair up as bad in longer runs.
Hello, there is a shoe that is coming out 10/1 that may interest you that is called the Brooks Ricochet. Our running store dropped the Launch for this exact shoe because it fits better and offers the same responsiveness that the Launch does with just a little more protection underneath. It is not squishy feeling like the Ghost. It will feel like less shoe than the Ghost. We already have them up for preorder if you want to check out some info on them.
Other shoes you may like is New Balance Zante and Mizuno Wave Shadow 2
Other shoes you may want to try that are in the same category as the Launch that you may want to try are
Asics Roadhawk FF 2
Asics Noosa FF 2
Asics Gel Pursue
Nike Odyssey React
NB Zante
Adidas Boston
Mizuno Wave rider 21 or 22 (21’s will be on sale)
The Ghost is a wider shoe throughout the toebox. If you want a bit more cushion and what sounds like a better fit for your foot try the Glycerin 16 which imo is a better shoe than the Glycerin 15. If you don’t like the Glycerin fit/feel you could try the Asics Cumulus or Nimbus, Adidas Solar Glide or if you can find an Adidas Supernova (which should be on sale ~ 40% off minimal), Nike Vomero or Pegasus (the 34s will be on sale) the 35s are the current model.
Anyway that should get you started. My advice is go to your local running shop and try on a bunch of neutral shoes. A good running shop will let you run up & down the sidewalk or on the treadmill in them. Pit shoe A on 1 foot against shoe B on the other and see which you prefer
I don’t run in Brooks so I can’t compare directly, but based on your description you should definitely check out the NB Zante. Plenty of cushioning for long runs but still feels light and responsive. Obviously shoe choice is very individual but the Zante is the best all-around trainer I’ve ever worn.