Brooks Ghost 11 Review
Disclaimer: I received a pair of Brooks Ghost 11 Shoes as a part of Influencer Day at The Running Event which I was able to attend as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
I got my first pair of Brooks running shoes this past spring after finishing my marathon. The Brooks Levitates have since become my go-to pair of running shoes but they're close to reaching the end of their lifespan mileage-wise. I was thrilled to see a fresh new pair of Brooks Ghost 11s in my swag bag at The Running Event in Austin. Since then, I've already logged a solid 30 miles on them and have detailed my experience with the shoes below.
Brooks Ghost 11 Specs
Support
Neutral
Drop
12mm
Weight
10.9oz
Arch
Medium/High
If you've read my review of the Brooks Levitates, I discussed that one of the primary features of the shoe was the new DNA AMP technology in the soles designed to help propel you forward with every stride. Similarly, the Ghost 11s feature another new technology from Brooks known as DNA LOFT. So what exactly is DNA LOFT?
"After delivering our highest energy return technology with DNA AMP, we challenged ourselves to go back to the lab and create the same unparalleled experience for runners who prefer an ultra-soft running experience,” said Carson Caprara, director of global product line management, Brooks Running. “We heard from runners that they are looking for a supremely cushioned experience but don’t want any extra weight holding them back. With DNA LOFT we created a new way to blend our foam so that it delivers on-demand cushioning without added weight or bulk, providing runners with a comfortable and protected ride."
Read More
DAN Loft Cushion and Comfort
The Brooks Ghost 11s are designed with a focus on runner comfort. It's no shock that a runner's feet take a beating so Brooks has created a shoe that tries to minimize that stress as much as possible. Although DNA AMP was designed like a pogo stick to bounce back against your foot with every stride, DNA LOFT is a much softer sole that squishes down as you step absorbing the force that would normally be transferred into your leg. Despite the added cushion, however, Brooks has also incorporated air pockets throughout the sole to keep their shoes feeling incredibly light.
The Fit
The fit of the Ghost 11s is incredibly similar to that of the Levitates. The mesh uppers are incredibly soft and seem to mold perfectly to your feet. They're also incredibly flexible so that they move naturally with the movement of your feet. Combined with the lightness in the soles, the Ghost 11s give you an incredibly comfortable ride on every run.
The Feel
Despite the added cushion and thicker soles on Ghost 11s, they're actually slightly lighter weight than the Levitates. Even though it's a small difference, it can definitely make a difference on longer runs. I was also a bit nervous about the higher drop, 12mm, but I don't even notice it while I'm running. Brooks claims that the DNA LOFT helps ease the transition from heel to toe as you step which could be why the drop is so much less noticeable.
Final Thoughts on the Brooks Ghost 11
This is my second pair of Brooks and I'm enjoying the Ghost 11s just as much as I enjoyed the Levitates. With 30 miles of running so far, the main thing I've noticed is just how comfortable the shoes are which makes a lot of sense since DNA LOFT was created entirely around runner comfort. The fit and feel of the shoes is very similar to the levitates but with a much softer landing with each stride. I'm definitely looking forward to having these shoes throughout winter/spring marathon training!