Brooks Ravenna 11 Review
Sleek and Stable
Likes
- Reliable
- Stable ride
- Secure fit
Dislikes
- Slightly heavy
- Low flexibility
What's New
As the stability counterpart to the Brooks Launch series, the Brooks Ravenna 11 was given an all-new upper for an improved fit that is more secure through the midfoot. The shoe has the same BioMoGo DNA midsole as the previous version for a cushioned yet responsive ride, and the GuideRails system continues to provide natural feeling stability for overpronators. It does this by gently guiding the foot straight when needed while delivering the experience of a neutral shoe when not overpronating. Finished off with a one-piece mesh upper, the Brooks Ravenna 11 sports a streamlined design that looks and feels fast.
The Bottom Line
With its lively ride and simple design, the Ravenna 11 is a great option for overpronators who still want the feel of a lightweight trainer. The GuideRails system provides natural stability without the harsh feel of a medial post. The Ravenna 11's midsole balances a snappy ride with enough underfoot protection for everyday training, although those looking for a more plush underfoot experience may feel more at home in the Brooks Adrenaline. The main change to this updated model is the one-piece mesh upper. Our testers enjoyed the more secure fit through the midfoot, but despite the upper's adaptability, the lower volume fit may deter those with wider feet.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to narrow | Height: Medium to low | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low | |
| Heel Width | Medium to Narrow | |
| Arch Height | Medium to high |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.3 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 27 mm (Heel), 17 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Designed as a lightweight trainer with moderate stability, the Brooks Ravenna 11 does not have the soft underfoot feel of many modern, highly-cushioned running shoes. However, for those who enjoy a firmer and more reactive ride, the new Ravenna may be the perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness.
Erik: "I would not describe the Ravenna 11 as having a soft underfoot feel. The shoe is definitely cushioned, but the underfoot feel is more firm rather than a sinking-in softness."
Ashton: "The overall stiffness of this shoe created more of a firm ride for me. I did not find it uncomfortable, but I wouldn't call it a plush underfoot feel."
Ride/Energy Return i
The BioMoGo DNA midsole delivers a responsive ride that reacts well to picking up the pace. While this shoe doesn't necessarily feel bouncy, our testers appreciated the efficient and snappy cushioning.
Erik: "Though the Ravenna 11 isn't the most ideal for speed days, it has a snappy underfoot feel. There is a good amount of responsiveness when you want to pick up the pace."
Ashton: "I didn't feel much energy return until I started to pick up the pace. During more uptempo efforts is when I really felt the shoe working with me."
Underfoot Protection i
Despite the lightweight, race-ready feel of the Ravenna 11, it packs reliable cushioning combined with GuideRails technology to provide plenty of protection and support for daily training and even some longer runs.
Erik: "Although the Ravenna 11 features a somewhat firm midsole foam, there is enough cushioning for comfort during everyday training."
Ashton: "I could still feel a bit of the road under my feet, but for the most part, the Ravenna 11 delivered a solid and protected experience."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Ravenna 11's rubber outsole features chevron-shaped flex grooves through the midfoot. This "Midfoot Transition Zone" is designed to offer a quick transition from heel to toe, and the firmness of the midsole keeps the ride zippy without impacting the shoe's smoothness.
Erik: "The Ravenna 11 is flexible enough to help you move through your stride, but it's stiff enough to provide a stable and responsive ride."
Ashton: "The flex grooves on this shoe make for a smooth ride, but I'd say that it leans more toward the rigid side of the spectrum."
Upper Feel i
The biggest change for this year's Ravenna update is the one-piece mesh upper with a bootie construction. This lightweight and breathable design snugly holds the foot in place without the discomfort of pinching seams or overlays.
Erik: "The Ravenna 11 has an upper that feels snug without being constricting. It is a simple upper that does the trick without being overbuilt."
Ashton: "This upper felt more snug than previous versions, which may be an issue for people with wide feet. For my average-width feet, it felt comfortable and secure on every run."
Men's Brooks Launch GTS Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
I enjoy the new upper on the Ravenna 11. It fits my narrow feet well and is supportive through the midfoot. I really like the way that the GuideRails provide stability without feeling hard under the arch. The Ravenna 11 has enough cushion and support to take me through my everyday runs while feeling light and sleek on foot.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I liked how the Ravenna 11's upper held my foot securely but also moved with it as I ran. The cushioning is on the firmer side, which I enjoy for my daily runs and faster workouts, but I would want more cushioning for longer runs. Overall, it's a solid shoe for my daily training and uptempo workouts.