Brooks Ghost 17 trainers review: I just ran with Daniel Dubois wearing the ultimate running shoe

When you think of Daniel Dubois, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Power. Pure power. Dubois is the most explosive heavyweight boxer in the sport. Each punch that he lands on the pads as Mail Sport watches him in training creates a thunderous sound that echoes around the gym.

After all, these are the hands that sat down Anthony Joshua four times under the Wembley arch, which can be seen in all its glory from the Farm Gym – situated in the tranquil rural bowels of Elstree - and made him the IBF world heavyweight champion.

But there is more to Dubois than just power. As he trains for the biggest fight of his life – a rematch with the great Oleksandr Usyk on July 19 to unify the heavyweight belts – the 27-year-old is putting in an unfathomable amount of hours both in and outside the ring to ensure he is in peak condition under the arch once again.

One of the key aspects of his training is running, lots of running, and that's why Mail Sport has been invited down to the champion's inner sanctum.

We were given the opportunity by Brooks Running, who are the footwear partner of Dubois, to slide on the newly-released Brooks Ghost 17 and smash some tarmac with Dynamite DDD.

It's clear to see why the heavyweight champ has turned to Brooks, and this shoe, in particular. They are the most reliable trainer on the market and are the perfect fit for his style of conditioning training.

'As a fighter, you need to do that endurance work,' Dubois tells Mail Sport from within the heart of the Farm Gym. 'I do clear your head runs, 30 to 40 minutes.

'I love running – it's easy. Once you get into it – the initial part is tough – but when you get into it, like the flow of everything, it becomes easy.'

Endurance work is exactly what the Ghost 17 is made for. This shoe is a fan-favourite, and the reasons become evident within the first few strides I take alongside Dubois and other members of the press.

I know heaps of runners who swear by Brooks, with many clocking up the majority of miles in previous iterations of the Ghost shoe. This was the first time I have ever laced up a pair myself, and I enjoy every step in them.

Comfort and support 

The support they provide is unparalleled. They wrap around your foot like a malleable phone case. There is the right amount of stiffness to lock your feet in place while providing the comfort necessary when notching up a significant amount of miles.

In running, the saying goes: 'Not one shoe fits all'. I don't think that's the case with the Ghost 17, bar the literal size of the shoe. It's a trainer that works for all runners, regardless of their level.

'Brooks shoes have quickly become a key part of my training gear keeping me and my team comfortable and supported while I'm in training camp,' says Dubois.

Performance 

For elite runners, whether that be a marathoner or a 5k specialist, this is not a model I would take into combat against the best racers on the road. However, it's perfect for long and easy runs within a high-mileage training camp.

The same applies to beginners, recreational runners, experienced stompers, or just anyone who wants to clear their head. This is a shoe that is made for miles upon miles of light jogging – they are incredibly durable.

Material and specs  

There is a wedge of a sole – that follows the trend of all trainers these days – which provides more than enough cushioning below a light, airy, and breathable upper. 

The nitrogen-infused foam is both sturdy and energetic, allowing you to drive off the tarmac with little stress of rolling your ankle.

They are a bit more heavy-duty than many trainers on the market, but that's not a bad thing. The reason it's like that is to ensure you can get as many miles out of the sole as possible. These trainers can last you years, which can't be said for many other running shoes on the market.

The weight does impact your ability to peg it at pace, but as I said, that's not what these are for. Don't get me wrong, you can shift in them, but not to the pace you would want when doing tempo runs or intervals.

That being said, it's still a versatile trainer. Dubois doesn't seem to be having any issues notching up the pace as it comes to the final stretch of our run - I can't get near him. 

The worst thing for my ego is the fact he is laughing as he stretches away. I reckon I would have had him if I had another 25 miles.

The Ghost 17 is fairly pricey at £135, however, don't let that dissuade you from purchasing them. The longevity and durability of the trainer make the cost worth it, you will get plenty of bang for your buck.

As Dubois says himself, Brooks 'are the best in class in their sector', and I know plenty of runners feel the same way. After testing them out with the big man himself, it's certainly a shoe that I will add to my rotation.

Bring on the long runs in these durable demons.