Hi runladylike.com readers. It’s Mr. rUnladylike here, and I’m hijacking my wife’s blog today to spike the regular conversation with a little “run-manly-like” voice for a change.

Most of you know me as the husband behind Mrs. rUnladylike. You only hear about me from time to time, but you may not realize how critical I am to this unladylike running business. I’m typically the one who takes the pictures you see of Jesica running, hiking, jumping in the air, trying on new running outfits and whatever crazy thing she needs an assistant for. She may lead you to believe I’m not the greatest spectator in the world (it’s true, I don’t get the hype with waking up at the crack of dawn to run a race when I can just run the same distance around my neighborhood later that day), but I’m a key member of this team. I carry in package after package that arrives on our doorstep with new running gadgets and gear for her to test. I’m her chauffeur when she is off to her latest running retreat or event and needs to be dropped off or picked up at the airport. And, I’m the one who has to smell her stinky clothes and wait for her while she poops in bushes.

Ah yes, the life of Mr. rUnladylike is a tough one. I think I deserve a trophy.

My wife’s friends at Brooks Running recently took notice of the role I play in her life and for the good of this blog. Actually, I think they just got tired of me badgering her about when I might receive some running swag for a change. If you’ve been following Jesica for a while, it’s no secret she is a die-hard Brooks Running fan. She’s typically decked out head-to-toe in their gear and is constantly trying to get me to do the same. I, on the other hand, have been a long-time Saucony man myself. You can imagine the wrath I have taken from her on that. Especially when I sometimes call her beloved Brooks “Bricks” because I prefer a lighter weight shoe. The Saucony Kinvaras are my go-to shoe and have been forever.

So, she and Brooks conspired against me to try to change my mind. In August, I received a package from Brooks addressed to me. It contained their Launch 3 shoes, a distance short sleeve shirt and a pair of sherpa 7″ 2-in-1 shorts. Oh look, it’s another picture Mrs. rUnladylike made me pose for where I feel awkward and stupid …

I have to admit, when I pulled the shoes out of the box, I thought they were cool. How do they compare to my Kinvara’s? Will I be a Brooks convert? Here’s my full Launch 3 review and what I think now. {Hint: I didn’t see this coming!}

Mr. rUnladylike’s Brooks Men’s Launch 3 Review

I’ve had a chance to run in my Launch 3s for nearly two months now, and dare I say, I love them. I run about 15 miles a week, with four to five days of strength training and cross training. I do a lot of Orangetheory and boot camp style workouts in which running is involved, or I’ll run about 3 miles after a strength training workout. That means I need a shoe that feels good while running, but also while doing plyometrics and exercises where jumping is required.

The Look
The colors and unique pattern of the Launch 3 are really appealing to me. I immediately liked the way they look.

The Responsiveness
The Launch 3 feel very cushioned without being too heavy. They weigh about 9.8 ounces and have a 10mm midsole drop. I love a light shoe. Although my Saucony Kinvaras weigh less and have a 4 mm drop, the Launch 3 are a better shoe for cross training when running is involved and for longer, slower runs.

The Fit
For me, the fit is great. The Launch 3s are actually more comfortable than my Kinvaras. My second toe on one of my feet often rubs a little in my Kinvaras from time-to-time, which has never happened with my Launch 3s. I also have a higher arch, and the Launch 3s seem to be good for me although I have a neutral gait. The tongue is long enough on the Launch which prevents it from slipping from one side or the other or going under the laces. The tongue on my Kinvaras has gone below the laces at times.

The Final Verdict
While I’m still a fan of the Saucony Kinvaras for fast/short runs, the Launch 3 is a great shoe for any run, especially longer runs and cross training in which running is a component but cushioning is key due to exercises that create a heavier impact. I would absolutely keep wearing the Brooks Launch 3 and buy them again. Mrs. rUnladylike is off gloating over this revelation.

Time for a run.

I received the Brooks Launch and the shirt and shorts shown in my photo for free from Brooks Running thanks to Jesica’s partnership with them as a Run Happy Ambassador. Just like my wife always shares unladylike and uncensored thoughts, my opinions on these items are completely unbiased and honest. 

Do you and your spouse/partner/significant other wear the same brand of shoes? What is your go-to shoe right now? If you’ve ever run in the Launch 3s, share your Launch 3 review with us.