I came across this shoe when I ran into a sore Achilles tendon. Usually I run in zero drop shoes but sometimes running with this style of shoe can put a lot of stress on the Achilles tendon. While making the Achilles tendon and calf muscles stronger can be a good thing getting Achilles tendonitis can sideline any runner. I still love running in my Altra running shoes and they’re my shoe of choice for race day but I now rotate in the Brooks ghost 11 when I feel like my Achilles tendons are getting tight. Just like a good bowler uses a few balls a good runner will have a few different shoes when they need them.
Here is my review of the Brooks ghost 11. C
Comfort
The fit of the Brooks ghost 11 is nice for someone use to running in Altras. The wide toe box and the roomy mid foot is nice. Compared to other shoes in its class I would say that the Brooks is the more comfortable shoe. I’ve done a 22 miler in the snow with these and didn’t get any blisters.
High heel
The high heel of the Brooks ghost 11 is a pro and a con for me. It’s useful when I am having an Achilles issue but gets in the way when I want to turn on the jets and go fast. The heel is a little bulky and I wouldn’t like it on race day.
Performance
When it comes to performance I wouldn’t give the Brooks ghost 11 high marks. It is a big bulky shoe that isn’t built for speed. The shoe is great for an easy run or recovery run but when I try to go fast it’s just plain hard in this shoe. If you’re a speedster I would skip the Brooks ghost 11 and get something lighter without as much bulk on the bottom of the shoe. If you’re focused on endurance only and have ankle issues the Brooks ghost 11 is a great choice.
Durability
The Brooks ghost 11 is built strong and should last for a long time. So far I have done 100 miles in my pair and haven’t noticed any breakdown of the shoe. Many other shoes have shown wear and tear around mile 100 but these do not. I feel like the shoe still has the same support as day one. If you’re looking for long lasting shoe this is a good pick. T
The Feel
How do the Brooks ghost 11 feel while running? They feel a little bulky to me and it feels like the shoe forces my gait into place. When running, I don’t feel like my ankle joint is in the equation while I am running in this shoe. As said before I feel that the shoe is great when I am having issues or soreness in the heel.
Price
The price for the Brooks ghost 11 is around $120 which is comparable to other running shoes. The shoe provides a lot of value for the price because the shoe lasts a long time.
The Verdict
Would I recommend the Brooks ghost 11? Yes, I would. If you’re a minimalist runner it can be a life saver, if your new to running it’s great for getting started without injury but if you like to go fast you might want to pick a different shoe on race day.
Check out our blog on how to improve your 5k time
