Brooks Ghost 17 vs Brooks Launch 12:
Which to Choose

Start with the foam, because it drives everything else. The Ghost 17 runs on DNA Loft v3, a soft-but-controlled midsole that feels smooth and reassuringly predictable, with an even heel-to-toe transition and no rocker pushing you along — it takes the sting out of pavement but goes a little flat when you try to accelerate. The Launch 12 uses DNA Flash instead, firmer and livelier, with a snappier v2 compound in the forefoot that gives real rebound when you push the pace; the trade-off is a ground-connected, flexible ride with far less plush isolation for tired legs. That difference shows up in the numbers: the Launch 12 weighs about 244g (men's) versus roughly 289g for the Ghost 17, so it's noticeably lighter and quicker to flick over. The Ghost also sits taller and softer underfoot (cushioning 4/6 vs 3/6) on a 12mm drop with a higher heel that favors heel-strikers and eases the calves late in long runs, while the Launch's lower 8mm drop encourages a quicker, more natural stride. Stability tilts to the Ghost (4/6) thanks to its wider, more planted platform, where the Launch (3/6) trades some of that for flexibility and turnover. Neither has a plate, both wear a breathable engineered mesh upper, and both are genuinely capable from 10K to the half — but the Ghost stretches comfortably up to the marathon as a steady long-run shoe, while the Launch is happiest at 5K–10K tempo efforts and shorter races where its forefoot snap earns its keep.