The Brooks Ghost 11 running shoe is one of the most popular running shoes on the market, especially for those with plantar fasciitis. It’s made of a lightweight yet durable material, weighing only 309 grams. This edition has a brand new sole unit that uses the new DNA Loft Foam that’s a lot softer and more responsive compared to the original DNA foam.
The Ghost 11 has a fairly high heel-to-toe offset at 12mm, allowing you to take more landing pressure off your heel and transfer it elsewhere.
Arch Support
The Ghost 11 is considered a neutral running shoe that offers amazing support and cushioning. The insole is designed with a medium-to-high arch that provides a good amount of support for your feet. And if you need to throw in a replacement orthotic, the insole can be removed to allow you that extra room. On top of that, the shoe has a breathable mesh upper material that makes it feel less restrictive than some other running shoes.
If you’re a fan of the previous Ghost models, you’ll be pleased to find out that the Ghost 11 incorporated small tweaks that will improve its overall fit and feel. Its midsole is made of BioMoGo DNA which promises a customized and fully-responsive experience.
Meanwhile, it has the new DNA Loft midsole cushioning which offers that soft and springy feeling while ensuring its durability. Since the cushioning is made of a gel base, it can form and mold quickly in accordance with the force it receives.
For runners that land with a stronger force, this will cause the base to become stiffer. As such, heavy runners would benefit from a firmer cushioning, and quicker paces can create more energy return.
Heel and Ankle Support
The Ghost 11’s stock insert is well-cushioned in the heel area and the ankle is surrounded by a thick collar, which provides additional comfort. Overall, you should receive phenomenal ankle stability from the shoe, with an enjoyable amount of padding in the heel area of the insole.
The outsole consists of two separate crash pads. One is the DNA Loft technology that’s placed in the heel to provide a more encapsulating fit while the other is the typical segmented crash pad. It’s also comprised of shock absorbers that effectively add extra cushioning for that comfortable and smoother heel-to-toe transition.
The outsole is made of blown rubber material at the forefoot, similar to the previous versions, to offer that grippy and flexible experience. Meanwhile, the heel is made of durable carbon rubber to give it that extra resilience and make sure the shoe can last for a long period of time.
Overall Shoe Feel
In terms of fit, the Ghost 11 ensures a true-to-size fit when it comes to length and width. There are various width profiles to choose from including narrow, medium, and wide for both men and women – with the exception of extra wide available only for men.
Its updated engineered mesh upper ensures that you get a lightweight feel that almost hugs like a second skin. And since it comes with enhanced components, it has a stretchable and more structured mesh for an almost-invisible feeling.
Its toe box provides plenty of wiggle room, and it even feels airy due to its breathable upper. In terms of versatility, the Ghost 11 can cater to a wide range of runners. In fact, it’s one of the very few that can hold their own when it comes to daily running.
Lastly, the Ghost 11 is cushioned, comfortable, and durable enough for long runs. It can be considered your go-to shoe for slow recovery runs, tempo runs, and just about anything else.
Use
Brook’s Ghost 11 is mainly designed for running, though it can easily be used for work, casual and other athletic activities. It does shine, however, for most runs that are of an easy-going nature. Folks who are heel strikers will find their heel-to-toe transitions a bit quicker, allowing them to enjoy a smoother ride with ample cushioning. Meanwhile, forefoot or midfoot strikers will find the Ghost 11 to be more cushioned and responsive during their runs.
For those with heel pain and plantar fasciitis, it offers a comfortably supportive arch. Since it’s a neutral shoe, those who pronate and supinate will find this to be in their range of shoes to look at.
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Online User Reviews Overall Experience
- Pretty Soft
A number of reviewers who have used the Ghost 11 mention its soft and adaptable construction. Such features allowed them to wear the shoes without having to make a lot of adjustments. Despite being pretty soft, it still offers a good rebound which is a really nice thing to have.
- Fits to Size
There have been lots of customers who stated that the Ghost 11 really does have a true-to-size fit. Several users mention that the other running shoes they have from other brands tend to have incorrect sizing and you need to order up or down a half size. While not a huge hassle, it’s nice for a shoe to fit right out of the box. And especially nice when they have wide options, like the Brooks Ghost 11.
- Great Cushioning
Many people love the cushioning when used on regular road runs. It can offer a good amount of protection that makes it feel cushioned and protective. Though it’s not really “maximal”, it does provide a certain level of protection for any distance.
- Works Great for Those with Wide Feet
One of the common issues that some runners faced when buying a pair of shoes is looking for the one that can accommodate their wide feet. Fortunately, that is something that the Ghost 11 can offer. A lot of wearers commended Ghost 11’s sizing which allows people with wide feet to wear it without any problem.
- Multi-purpose Use
Though designed primarily as running shoes, many reviewers enjoyed the fact that the Ghost 11 can also be used for other purposes as well. Some of them used the shoes during their usual work routines, while others use it for walking and casual activities.
- Better than the Ghost 10
Ghost 11 is basically the improved version of Ghost 10, and this has been an upside pointed out by a lot of reviewers. While Ghost 10 is already known to be a great pair of running shoes, a lot of them really love the Ghost 11 for its more advanced features and other improvements. Many times, users with heel pain and plantar fasciitis will complain about an upgrade that changed the mechanics of the shoe for the worse in their case. The Ghost 11 remains one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Pros:
- Has nice cushion that offers adequate bounce
- Can be used for both walking and running activities
- Features a breathable upper mesh and smooth interiors
- Offers a true-to-size fit
- Comes with several width options for both men and women
- Several customers liked its roomy interior
Cons:
- It has a tighter toe box area compared to the previous models
- The heel-to-toe drop could’ve been a bit lower
- The lightweight mesh upper may be less durable than others
- Not as soft compared to previous models
- Not ideal for short and fast types of running