Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 103, February 2018 | Page 39

Brooks Glycerin 15

Category : Amplified Cushioning ( Neutral Cushioning )
Heritage : Glycerin 14
Key features : Super DNA midsole , Segmented Crash Pad , IDEAL Pressure Zones , Air Mesh upper with 3D Fit Print , BioMoGo sockliner
What has changed : The Plush Transition Zone has been introduced , which basically means they ’ ve cut out some of the outsole material on the inner side of the shoe in the midfoot area , which creates a softer area that in turn smooths and softens the transition from heel to toe . It ’ s a minor change , but does make a difference .
Wear-testing notes : The Glycerin is the most cushioned shoe in the Brooks range and is built for high mileage . That ’ s why it is such a popular model … and this update just makes it that much better , even though the changes are relatively minor . The shoe features much the same tooling as its predecessor , and also retains the Super DNA midsole material and 3D Fit Print technology in the upper , but Brooks has rearranged some of the overlays in the upper to give the shoe a more streamlined feel .
The beauty of the Super DNA midsole is that it is moulded to form a cradle , or comfort collar , for your foot , with a softer layer of foam rubber sitting on top of a slightly firmer layer . Meanwhile , the outsole is once again covered with a lot of rubber , giving this shoe excellent durability , but the rigidity that may have caused is effectively offset by seven flex grooves in the forefoot . Yes , seven ! That gives the shoe excellent flexibility as you transition forward , in spite of the thicker outsole . Again , it means an already soft ride is now even softer and smoother .
Weight : 301g ( Men ) & 261g ( Women ) Heel Drop : 10mm Colours : Black / Electric Blue / Green Gecko or Blue / Lime / Silver ( Men ) & Black / Island Blue / Diva Pink or Blue / Mint / Silver ( Women )
Recommended Retail Price : R2799 ( Men ) & R2799 ( Women ) In Store Date : July 2017

Brooks Launch 5

Category : Versatile Energizer ( Neutral Cushioning ) Heritage : Launch 4
Key features : BioMoGo DNA midsole , rebounding rubber outsole , forefoot flex grooves , Segmented Crash Pad , plush collar , one-piece breathable upper
What has changed : The upper of this updated model has been considerably redesigned . The Air Mesh upper from the Launch 4 has been replaced by a one-piece engineered mesh that ’ s designed to offer still more ventilation while providing a sock-like bootie feel that conforms to each unique foot . Besides the cosier fit , this also gives the shoe a sleeker look . The overall comfort is further enhanced by a padded tongue and collar .
Wear-testing notes : This shoe ’ s midsole features BioMoGo DNA technology , so it delivers light , responsive and plush cushioning . In addition , the sockliner also uses BioMoGo foam and adds to the overall cushy feeling of the shoe . The outsole is the same as the Launch 4 , with a combination of durable HPR Plus material in the heel and softer , springier but still durable blown rubber in the forefoot . The five flex grooves in the forefoot continue the tradition of great flex in the Brooks range .
Comfort is one of the best features of the Launch 5 . The plush midsole , snug upper , adaptable sockliner and padded collar area make your feet feel at home in these shoes . And lastly , some good news for your toes is that the toe box is still comfortably roomy , in spite of the snug upper . It all makes for a great trainer with a springy , lightweight , fast ride .
Weight : 255g ( Men ) & 213g ( Women ) Heel Drop : 10mm Colours : Blue / Nightlife / White ( Men ) & Pink / Blue / White ( Women )
Recommended Retail Price : R2149 ( Men ) & R2149 ( Women ) In Store Date : February 2018
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