Brooks Ghost Vs Ravenna – Which One Is Best For You In [date_month_year]

Brooks Ghost Vs Ravenna are two very different shoes. Brooks Ghost is a neutral running shoe whereas Brooks Ravenna is a stability running shoe.

Then can you really compare these two?

Of course yes. You don’t need to think only about in terms of pronation.

There are a lot of other features that can be compared and that can help you to get a good understanding of how they match up to each other.

If you are confused right at this moment, hold your selection decision until the end of this post.

This post is jam-packed with information about both of these shoes and you will get enough details to decide on which one is more suitable for you.

So, without further ado, let’s jump into the detailed comparison of Brooks Ghost vs Ravenna.

This is our winner

Brooks Ghost 12

Why it is better?

• More forgiving cushioning.
• Excellent protection.
• Truly customized fit.
• Good for both long and short distance running.
• Comes in more number of widths.
• No heel lips.

Brooks Ghost Vs Ravenna – An Overview

As was mentioned earlier, Brooks Ravenna and Brooks Ghost are two very different running shoes.

Although both are meant for road running, Brooks Ravenna 11 is stability or “support” running shoes. Whereas, Brooks Ghost 12 is a neutral running shoe.

This is not the only difference. Although, both the running shoes are manufactured by Brooks and uses similar kind of materials, the usage and the minor differences in them makes a whole lot of difference.

In this post, we will take a closer look at all these nuances so that you can pick the one which is most suitable for you.

Brooks Ghost Vs Ravenna – Features at a glance

The main differences between Brooks Ravenna Vs Brooks Ghost

• Brooks Ravenna is a stability running shoe meant for runners more focused on speed. Brooks Ghost, on the other hand, is also a neutral running shoe and has more cushioning than the former.
• Brooks Ravenna can be used on tracks whereas Brooks Ghost can also be used for cross-training.
• The latest generation of Brooks Ravenna is 11 wheres the current version of Ghost is 12.
• With Brooks Ravenna, you will get two width choices. Normal and Wide D for women, normal and Wide 2E for men. Brooks Ghost, on the other hand, comes in a lot of fits ensuring more comfort and refined fit for its users.
• Brooks Ravenna uses speed level 1 cushioning. Brooks Ghost on the other hand has cushion level 2 cushioning.
• Brooks Ravenna 11 comes with GuideRails Holistic Support System which has become a norm for all the support shoes from Brooks. Brooks Ghost 12, on the other hand, doesn’t have this as its users are neutral runners and underpronators.

Meet Brooks Ghost and Ravenna

Now we know the broad differences between Brooks Ravenna 11 and Brooks Ghost 12.

However, those are not the only differences. There are many more subtle differences between Brooks Ghost vs Ravenna and that cannot be covered with the above bullet points.

In the following sections, we will cover all these so that you get the complete picture and don’t have to hop around to gather more information.

Also, since, comparisons are not complete without the similarities between Brooks Ravenna 11 and Brooks Ghost, we will cover those as well.

Brooks Ravenna comes in the minimalist cushioning category as it has a cushion-level of 1.

Also, it uses the cushion type “speed”. Needless to say, that, these shoes will be great for speed and performance. However, they will only pass on this benefit to the overpronate runners.

If you are a neutral runner you might find this shoe restrictive and may even be painful as it will try to stabilize your feet.

Also, Brooks Ravenna’s cushioning feels firmer than the Brooks Ghost due to the type and level of cushioning.

Brooks Ghost’s cushioning for the same reason feels more flexible and the heel to toe transition feels more natural.

Size-wise, Brooks Ravenna supports sizes 7.0 to 15.0 for men and with widths normal and wide 2E. For women, Ravenna’s size starts at 5.0 and goes up to 12.0 and also with two width choices. Normal and Wide 2D.

For Brooks Ghost, the sizes run from 7.0 to 15.0 and in widths normal, narrow B, wide 2E, and extra-wide 4E. For women, the size runs from 5.0 to 12.0. Available widths are normal, narrow 2A, and wide D.

Both of these running shoes come with the upgraded look and feel of Brooks with a lot of color choices to suit your taste.

Also, another big difference between Brooks Ghost and Ravenna is that Ravenna comes with a soft internal bootie, wheres, Brooks Ghost’s upper is made from 3D Fit Print mesh.

Also, Ravenna has GuideRails and BioMoGo DNA in the midsole while Ghost has BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT in their midsole, both of which are adaptable to your stride.

Also, you can use both of these shoes for your daily running and to some extent for cross-training.

That’s it for the basic comparison between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Ravenna. Now let’s look at them for more detailed differences and similarities.

Core Specifications: Brooks Ghost Vs Ravenna

In this section of Brooks Ravenna vs Ghost, we will take a look at the technologies that are being used to build these shoes.

First, we will look at Brooks Ravenna, and then we will look into Brooks Ghost in more detail.

Brooks Ravenna Specifications

The Brooks Ravenna 11 is a running shoe that can be used for your daily runs. It will help you to run faster by providing you with an ample amount of energy return.

This is the 11th generation of Ravenna and it has been adapted to have a more premium look by having a one-piece, single-layer mesh upper and internal bootie. This provides you with maximum breathability and lightweight.

The main component of Brooks Ravenna that differentiates it from Brooks Ghost is its midsole.

Brooks Ravenna’s midsole is made from BioMoGo DNA and GuideRails which is what we will discuss in this section.

What makes BioMoGo DNA the go-to midsole material for Brooks?

This cushioning adapts itself to the runner’s stride, weight and speed.

Also, this is a longlasting cushioning that is also environment friendly.

It is made from a nontoxic natural additive that encourages anaerobic microbes to break down this material 50 times faster once it hits an active, enclosed land fill.

Here is more info:

GuideRails Holistic Support System

Brooks Ravenna is no exception. You will be able to see those guide rails from outside.

They are marked by short diagonal lines on a black background.

Here is the basic working principle of GuideRails Holistic Support System:

GuideRails delivers on-demand support and allows your hips, knees, and joints to move within their unique motion path during your running – all without traditional posts.

Brooks Ghost Specifications

There are a lot of differences between Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ravenna 11 in terms of technology.

Brooks Ghost has a much softer sole and provides you with a lot more cushioning.

The flip-side to that is, it’s energy return is less than Brooks Ravenna.

While Ravenna uses the cushioning of type ‘Speed’, Ghost uses cushioning type ‘Cushion’.

The Ghost has a plushier cushioning as the cushioning is softer and has a cushion-level of 2. Whereas, Ravenna comes with a cushion-level of 1 and will provide you with a stiffer sole.

This is also, because, Brooks Ghost has DNA LOFT in its midsole, which makes the midsole softer when combined with BioMoGo DNA. 

Here are the technologies that are being used by Brooks Ghost 12 to provide you with a more premium running experience:

• 3D Fit Print
• Segmented Crash Pad
• DNA LOFT
• BioMoGo DNA

There are a lot of technologies that are the same as Brooks Ravenna, however, some are completely different.

Since we have already discussed, BioMoGo DNA, we will take a closer look at Books Ghost 12‘s 3D Fit Print, Segmented Crash Pad, and DNA LOFT technologies and how it will keep you comfortable during your running.

3D Fit Print

Brooks Ghost’s upper is made with screen printing technology.

This technology creates the 3D Fit Print engineered mesh that provides you with a more customized fit.

This printing technology provides you with seamless, irritation-free construction.

With this type of mesh, you will remain comfortable and breathable throughout your entire run.

DNA LOFT

EVA is the go-to choice for midsoles for most of the running shoes. They are shock absorbing and durable.

However, if you want a softer and cushy experience, this foam alone will not be able to provide you with that.

So, generally, running shoe companies come up with different types of blends where they blend the foam, rubber, and other compounds to provide a cushier experience.

One such midsole component is DNA LOFT.

This is the upgraded version of Super DNA and is plusher in feel.

Why is DNA LOFT so soft?

DNA LOFT is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air.

The usage of rubber in the blend makes it durable whereas the other two components make this midsole very soft and it can also withstand your weight and it doesn’t pack out and makes it more durable.

You will only find this in Brooks Ghost and not in Brooks Ravenna.

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Segmented Crash Pad

This is present in the forefoot area of Brooks Ghost 12. You will be able to find a layer of segmented blown rubber under the segmented midsole.

This makes these shoes bend and stretch when needed providing you with optimal flexibility.

Forefoot flexibility of Brooks Ghost comes from this area and also this helps in your heel to toe transition.

If you take a look at Brooks Ravenna, the quick transition is more dependent on the midfoot transition zone and you can have a quicker heel to toe transition.

Now that you understand better the core technological differences between these two shoes, let’s understand the subtle difference between them.

Let’s proceed to the complete showdown of these two running shoes.

Brooks Ravenna Vs. Ghost – A head to head comparison

We have covered all the broad differences between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Ravenna.

Below you will get subtler differences and similarities, and you will get to know a lot more information about Brooks Ghost 12 vs Brooks Ravenna 11.

The below section will be a long read. If you don’t want to read, then you may refer to the above image.

If not, read on…

Outsole

Both Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ravenna 11 have a durable rubber compound on the outsole. Brooks Ghost has it at the high impact zones and Brooks Ravenna has it on almost the entire outsole with a special midfoot transition zone, shaped like ‘X’.

You can find this rubber on the edge of the heels and the crash pad of Brooks Ghost 12.

However, for Brooks Ravenna 11, this rubber is present on almost the entire sole and has the segmented pointed shape on the forefoot, giving the outsole a choc bar appearance…(as per me :P).

The midfoot transition zone allows you to have a quick heel to toe transition. Whereas the segmented crash pad is meant to absorb the shock no matter how your foot lands.

Also, the forefoot of both the running shoes is segmented, providing you with a good amount of firmness and flexibility.

However, some of the runners mentioned that Ravenna’s outsole material doesn’t last very long.

Both Brooks Ghost and Brooks Ravenna are road running shoes and can work on treadmill and concrete. Brooks Ravenna can also work on tracks and are great for speed workouts.

However, they are not meant for rough terrains and trails and may get eroded very fast if you try to use them for trail running. This will also decrease their overall life span.

Midsole

The midsole of these two running shoes is also very different. It could be because of how these two running shoes are intended to be used. Plus, Brooks Ravenna’s midsole has a GuideRail component to it as well. This makes it excellent in providing stability to overpronate runners.

The midsole of Brooks Ghost 12 is made from BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT. This makes this running shoe soft and cushy.

Whereas, Brooks Ravenna 11 has only BioMoGo DNA as the midsole. This helps this running shoe to provide a higher energy return. Since this midsole is categorized as of type speed, this will work great during your speed workouts.

Also, the GuideRails Holistic System will provide you with the required stability and will cut down the injuries that an “overpronate” runner may suffer.

One major difference in the midsole is the drop in these shoes. Brooks Ravenna 11 has a drop of 10 mm and Brooks Ghost 12 has a drop of 12 mm.

The difference may not be very significant but you will be able to feel it.

One more key difference between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Ravenna is that Brooks Ghost is less responsive compared to Brooks Ravenna. This may be mainly, due to the type of cushioning they use and also the amount of cushioning.

Brooks Ravenna 11 has a cushion-level of 1 which is the least in any of the 4 categories of cushioning from Brooks. Whereas, Ghost 12 has a 2 which is a mid-level cushioning.

This makes Ghost’s overall feel plushier than Ravenna, which is on the firmer, snappy side.

Durability wise also, these two running shoes are almost at par and follow the standard as laid out by Brooks.

According to Brooks, any of its running shoes last for around 300 to 500 miles or for 3 to 6 months.

However, this depends on the amount of usage of these shoes.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Ghost uses 3D fit print and that of Brooks Ravenna is a single layer engineered mesh.

Also, Ravenna has a internal soft bootie which is very breathable.

Both of them will provide you with a comfortable fit and you will not feel crunched in any way.

Also, the chances of developing hotspots in any of these shoes are minimal means, you will not have to deal with blisters.

Both of these two running shoes have a very setting when it comes to collar and tongue. They are sufficiently padded and will keep your ankle joint stable.

Also, this provides you with a very dependable fit. Also, since these running shoes come with a traditional lacing system, it provides a very secured fit at the mid-foot.

However, none of these shoes are waterproof and is completely different to look-at. Brooks Ghost has a premium look but more traditional. Whereas, Brooks Launch looks more cutting edge and sharp.

One of the big differences in the upper of these two shoes is the number of widths that are available. Brooks Ghost 12 has more widths in both men’s and women’s categories as we have mentioned earlier.

So, the fitting of these shoes will be more customized than Ravenna.

Both of these shoes differ in arch support area also. This is mainly due to the nature of the runner that they are intended for. Ravenna is meant for runners with overpronation.

Such runners, most of the time have flat to medium arches. So, the support level of Brooks Ravenna 11 is for runners with flat to medium arches.

Again, Brooks Ghost 12 is meant for runners who have neutral pronation. Such runners generally have medium to high arches. Hence, Brooks Ghost has support for medium to high arches.

The breathability of these shoes is also very good. However, Brooks Ghost is a bit better than Brooks Launch in this department. It is much airier and you will not feel hot inside this shoe at all.

For Brooks Launch, you may need some time to break in the shoe. Once that initial time is over, these shoes will work like a charm.

However, Brooks Ghost will not need any kind of breaking in time and will be comfortable right out of the box.

Weight

In terms of weight, both Brooks Ravenna is a bit less that that of Brooks Ghost.

Brooks Launch weighs around 8.4oz/238.1g (Women) and 9.4oz/266.5g (Men) whereas Brooks Ghost weighs around 9.3oz / 263.7g (Women) and 10.4oz / 294.8g(Men).

So, while using either of them, you will not be held down by excessive weight and in both, your performance will not suffer due to weight of the shoe.

Price

Price-wise also, there is almost no difference between Brooks Ghost Vs Ravenna.

Each of them is priced around $130.00 when they were initially launched.

However, currently, both, Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ravenna 11 selling at a heavy discount.

If you want to get a better price, try the previous version of any of these shoes.

Since the launch of both of these shoes, prices of the earlier versions, that is, Brooks Ghost 11 and Brooks Ravenna 11 has come down significantly. You should be able to get it at a more discount.

That’s all with the differences and similarities between Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ravenna 11.

If you want to look at some alternatives to both the shoes, then read on…

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Ravenna 11

A lot of running shoes can serve as a good alternative to Ravenna 11. If you want to broaden your horizon, here are the Top 18 Best Brooks Ravenna Alternatives you can choose from.

Running Shoes Similar to Brooks Ghost 12

Brooks Ghost 12 also have some very good alternatives. Some are cheaper but have at par quality of Brooks Ghost 12.

You can find all the running shoes similar to Brooks Ghost 12 in this list.

Conclusion

We have tried to provide you all the required details in this comprehensive “Brooks Ghost Vs Ravenna review/comparison”.

You will get all the required information to make the correct decision for yourself.

However, we found that comfort-wise, Brooks Ghost is a bit better than Brooks Ravenna.

This is the reason we choose Brooks Ghost as our winner.

Let us know if you have any further questions in the comment section below.

We will be happy to help you out.