The Ghost is probably the most versatile runner in the Brooks lineup and while it may seem pretty simple at first glance, the new Ghost 12 delivers on a solid run experience that one can safely recommend to most runners. Shoes like this are why the Brooks faithful are as devout as they are. They continue to deliver on solid updates and find a way to never break the mold or deviate too far from their tried and true recipe.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Brooks flagship road shoe from our perspective, it’s good for most
- Weighs in at 10.4oz or 295g for a US Men’s 9 and has a 10mm heel/toe drop
- Retails at $130.00 USD available in a TON of colors for Men and Women
- It is available now direct and in specialty
Run Test
First off, can we just say how great the Ghost 12 feel on your foot… from the upper to the midsole, they are remarkably Comfortable. The new open mesh implementation on the toe box has plenty of give which allows for plenty of movement and then it tightens up throughout the mid and rear coupled with small overlays. This provides structure and prevents side to side movement during foot flex and take off. The heel cup is well padded as is the tongue giving you a nice plush collar that holds you well.
Next up let’s talk about that midsole and how well Brooks thought it out. They pushed their softer DNA Loft Into the rear of the midsole which allows heel strikers a very soft landing pad while bringing their firmer and more responsive BioMoGo DNA to the front half of the foot. This again speaks to the shoe’s versatility both in terms of run style, pace, and cadence. You can easily use these in your next marathon or on your speed days, the Ghost just responds really well in most scenarios.
If we need to give one nitpick, then it would be the thickness of the upper. As the days get warmer, the shoe is going to run hot so it’s truly not an issue right now but inevitably it will become a problem for people.
Construction: Upper
The upper on the Ghost 12 features an all-new engineered mesh that is 3D Fit Print. It not only breathes well, but more than that it seems to manage heat loss well. It also has a nice padded heel collar and tongue.
Construction: Midsole
The midsole is a great mixed design in that it uses their plush BioMoGo DNA in the rear of the foot with the DNA LOFT in the front of the foot. This means for heel strikers you get a ton of cushion when your foot strikes, but as your foot rotates into push off you are accelerating off the firmer material giving you more performance. For midfoot and forefoot strikers who are typically quicker, you can move right into a responsive toe-off quickly.
Construction: Outsole
The Ghost 12 outsole features Brooks’s Segmented Crash Pad system which acts like little shock absorbers. In addition to that, they use rubber for primary contact points and traction.
Style & Aesthetics
We aren’t sure there is a more Brooks’ looking shoe than the Ghost in general and this feels no different. It is classic in every way, while also feeling more new and modern. The Ghost 12 is available in a ton of different colors for men and women so literally something for everybody.
Overall Conclusion
The Brooks Ghost 12 is truly one of the better shoes in the Brooks lineup right now. It is honestly a model that we can recommend to pretty much any runner at any level and know they will enjoy it. It doesn’t do anything over the top, but from the implementation of the dual material midsole to the updated mesh upper, there is a lot to like.
Learn more on the Brooks website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
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