Big Peach Running Co. logo

Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoe Review

The Brooks Ghost 11, complete with DNA LOFT, will deliver a soft, smooth ride. Mile after mile.

Brooks Ghost 11 - Men's

The Brooks Ghost 11, now available at your local Big Peach store, retains its title as a daily trainer worthy of delivering that next personal best. Between the upper, midsole, and outsole, the Ghost 11 has undergone a few revisions of note for 2018, but the improvements will undoubtedly be to your liking. Let’s take a closer look at the changes and how they impact the fit, feel, and ride.

The Upper

An engineered mesh comprises the Ghost 11 upper. Why, you ask? The designers at Brooks decided to remove the toe bumper in favor of a printed dot arrangement. Flat laces supplanted the round laces; it’s a minor change for sure, but every revision to a running shoe is intentional and purposeful. A dense weave in the midfoot replace the overlays for added support. The tongue, while thinner, retains adequate padding. Finally, the Ghost 11 exhibits a sleeker look from a design standpoint. Less is more, and this philosophy is working well right now for Brooks.

The Midsole

DNA LOFT, a compound that provides “a softer and more protected experience due to the midsole’s unique blend of EVA, rubber, and air,” is a new technology from Brooks that is incorporated into the Ghost 11 and updated Glycerin 16. DNA LOFT in the rear crash pad provides protection at impact and a smooth transition. BioMoGo DNA makes up the rest of the midsole.

Brooks Ghost 11 - Women's

The Outsole

The outsole configuration of the Ghost 11 is similar to the Ghost 10, though the crash pad design is a fresh one. This is largely due to the inclusion of DNA LOFT. Flex grooves and strategically placed rubber in the forefoot make for a smooth, soft ride. Unlike comparable models that offer a lower heel drop, the Ghost is still an outlier at 12 millimeters.

Conclusion

In summary, admire the Ghost 11 as a contender for the many meaningful miles required to complete that next race. What’s more, the $120 price point stays. The Ghost accommodates numerous foot types, and the availability of a wide option only serves to amplify this appreciated characteristic further. The Ghost 11, still true to size, presents a subtle, refined upper; a new midsole technology in DNA LOFT; and a retooled crash pad that delivers, as the name of the shoe suggests, a scary good ride mile after mile.

Austin Bonds is a Guest Advocate and writer for Big Peach Running Co.