Head-to-Head
Launch 12vsEndorphin Elite 3
The Launch 12 is a daily trainer shoe while the Endorphin Elite 3 is a race shoe. The Launch 12 retails for $120 while the Endorphin Elite 3 comes in at $290 — a $170 difference. The Endorphin Elite 3 is the lighter shoe at 7.2 oz versus 8.9 oz for the Launch 12. In our ratings, the Endorphin Elite 3 edges out the Launch 12 — 8.4/10 versus 8.2/10.
| Rating | 8.2 / 10 | 8.4 / 10✓ | |
| Price | $120✓ | $290 | |
| Weight | 8.9 oz | 7.2 oz✓ | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Race Shoe | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Soft | |
| Drop | Medium | Medium | |
| Drop (mm) | 8 mm | 8 mm | |
| Stack | 35 mm | 39.5 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Narrow | Medium | |
| Energy Return | Medium | Very High✓ | |
| Breathability | Breathable✓ | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | High✓ | |
| Durability | Good | Good |
