The Brooks Ghost is a shoe model that is nothing short of adored in most of the running community. Seriously, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who tries on a pair to be displeased.
I have been a Ghost runner for well over 8 years. So this review has its fair share of honest opinions.
As my go-to neutral daily-trainer, the Brooks Ghost 13 provides a level of comfort that always seems to out-do itself in quality and value.
When you combine a soft, yet snappy midsole with a supportive upper and durable traction, then how can you not get excited to run?
- The Ghost 13 is for runners looking for a reliable shoe that's soft and smooth. The Ghost 13 offers improved transitions for zero distractions so you can focus more on what matters most: your run. This Brooks Ghost 13 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 12
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever.
- SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE: No matter how your foot lands, our Segmented Crash Pad - an integrated system of shock absorbers - will cushion every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
- SOFT, SECURE, FIT: The newly engineered mesh and 3D Fit Print practically disappears on your foot with strategically placed stretch and structure.
Brooks Ghost 13 Review
Specifications
Quality
Durability
cost
The Brooks Ghost 13 comes in with a lot to live up to. Does it actually deliver the goods? Let’s find out!
Noble drops some great insight on the Brooks Ghost 13 in the video below.
UPPER - Materials and Lockdown
Brooks did a nice job with this upper overall, as it locks your foot down without constraining your foot excessively. The tongue and lacing system work well together and give just the right amount of cushioning without being excessive.
The upper is constructed primarily of an engineered mesh material that is similar to what we have been seeing out of most daily trainers coming out from Brooks lately.
These shoes are breathable, supportive and the internal liner makes it feel like you could go sockless for your runs (although I would not recommend that).
There are shoes that compare to the Ghost but the ghost is the by far the best choice between them.
The heel counter in the Ghost 13 actually feels similar to the counter in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21, although without any guide rails on the medial and lateral side of the shoe this does not provide any real pronation stability it will still keep your ankle locked in and secure for just about any run type.
The upper of the Ghost 13 distinguishes itself from other brands with its new soft engineered mesh, called Air Mesh. On my first run with them on a cold winter morning, I could feel the icy wind on my feet, so they're definitely airy and breathable. The rest of the upper is what you come to expect from a Brooks Ghost: generous amounts of foam in its tongue, collar and heel. Its tongue isn't gusseted but it stays in place thanks to its wide wings.
The Ghost 13's internal heel counter does an excellent job of keeping the heel in place. Additionally, there are double last row eyelets for heel-lock lacing, although I never needed to use them.
The toe box is roomy and provides plenty of space for your feet to spread out. There is also an internal toe stiffener for structure and support near the toes.
Compared to the Ghost 12, the heel counter on the Ghost 13 is more streamlined and less padded . As a result, your foot sits further back in the shoe , which creates extra room in the forefoot area .
Runners with wide feet will feel more comfortable in the Ghost 13 shoes because of the extra space in the forefoot area. The standard width size is already roomier than previous versions, but if you have narrow feet, make sure to purchase the narrower version. Otherwise, it also comes in wide and extra-wide for those runner who need even more space.
The toe box and heel of the Ghost 13 have reflective strips for improved visibility at night. The only downside to the shoe is that it doesn't have a gusseted tongue.
POSITIVE: Comfortable Heel Collar
DRAWBACK: Toe box feels a little narrower than other Brooks Models
- The Ghost 13 is for runners looking for a reliable shoe that's soft and smooth. The Ghost 13 offers improved transitions for zero distractions so you can focus more on what matters most: your run. This Brooks Ghost 13 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 12
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever.
- SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE: No matter how your foot lands, our Segmented Crash Pad - an integrated system of shock absorbers - will cushion every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
- SOFT, SECURE, FIT: The newly engineered mesh and 3D Fit Print practically disappears on your foot with strategically placed stretch and structure.
MIDSOLE - Soft and Snappy
Here where it got me hooked 8+ years ago - the midsole support.
The midsole here gets you a great combination of some protective cushioning along with a surprisingly snappy toe-off. It feels soft enough to get in any kind of recovery run, but it is firm enough in the forefoot to aid in picking up the pace if you are feeling zesty.
This has a lot to do with Brooks DNA Loft foam, which delivers plush and luxurious cushioning while maintaining responsiveness and durability.
The DNA Loft will feel different depending on the shoe model you are using from Brooks, but it is implemented well in the Ghost 13.
For a smooth transition, the Ghost 13 boasts well-placed Omega Flex Grooves to optimize forefoot flexibility without compromising cushioning.
Aiding further in the ride is the Segmented crash pad, which flexes with the foot, offering customized cushioning and stability for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
The Ghost 13 has a dual foam setup in the midsole with DNA Loft on the lateral side and BioMogo on the medial side. Both foams are similar in density, so the ride is balanced and stable.
You'll hardly even notice the new full-length DNA Loft part of the Ghost 13 when you're running. The midsole is co-moulded, so there are no seams or gaps where the two foams meet. This makes for a smoother ride. Additionally, theGhost13 rides medium soft - just like previous versions (e.g., Ghost 12 and 11). In other words, it's an incredibly versatile shoe that all daily trainers aspire to create.
The Ghost 13 is my favorite shoe for easy runs that are between 6 and 20 miles, but its midsole is not too soft. This means that it can also handle the occasional tempo run. The only downside is that it is a bit heavier than other shoes, which might be a problem for some runners.
POSITIVE: Plush with responsiveness
DRAWBACK: Firm forefoot may feel too firm for some.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 13 is for runners looking for a reliable shoe that's soft and smooth. The Ghost 13 offers improved transitions for zero distractions so you can focus more on what matters most: your run. This Brooks Ghost 13 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 12
OUTSOLE - Simple and Durable Traction
The outsole is simple, and delivers on the goods!
The Blown Rubber pretty much covers up most of the bottom of the shoe, which will aid in traction, durability, and a responsive transition. Other than that, not much else to say except that it gets the job done!
While Brooks' Ghost 13 references itself as "the perfect blend of softness and responsiveness", I found that it was only particularly soft.
The midsole foam that Brooks uses in the Ghost 13, though new, lags behind in responsiveness when compared to the explosive forefoot of Pegasus 37 with its Zoom Air unit or Ride 13 with its bouncy TPU-EVA blend Pwrrun midsole.
The 12mm heel-to-toe offset of the Ghost is more than other daily trainers, making it ideal for beginner runners who often strike with their rearfoot. The additional foam in the heel also provides increased shock absorption to cushion against impacts. Furthermore, I found that the gentle slope of the 12mm drop helped me roll through my stride and made transitions feel smoother. In terms of stability, the Ghost 13 remains one of the most stable neutral trainers available on the market today.
The Ghost 13's midsole has no lean bias, and its density is not too soft. The foot sits below the black part of the midsole, which acts as a guidance rail to keep your foot centred during transitions.
On the outsole of the Ghost 13 are two different rubbers: harder wearing rubber in the heel and softer blown rubber in the forefoot.
The rubber that Brooks uses is soft and spongy, and thicker than on most shoes' outsoles.
The full contact outsole and three wide flex grooves make ride transitions in the Ghost 13 velvety smooth. The entire width of the shoe is very flexible, resulting in a durableGhost 13. However, its EVA midsole will lose cushioning over time while its outsole rubber wears down faster than super hard-wearing rubber like the BRS 1000 found on the Pegasus 37 or AHAR+ on the Cumulus 22.
Only 150 miles in and the rubber on the lateral heel area is already half as thin as when I started. At this rate, my midsole foam will be visible by 200-250 miles.
Durability Prediction - 500-600 Miles
Speaking of that outsole, it will definitely increase the lifespan of this shoe for most users. It is thick and comprehensive enough to preserve the shoe for a long time.
I think the midsole foam is strong enough to keep you rolling for at least 500-600 miles of high-quality running. It may wear down after around there, but for some, it could go longer. I currently have over 250 miles on my Ghost 13 and they are still going strong!
Durability has a lot to do with running mechanics as well, which is pretty individual for most athletes, but no matter who you are I am sure you will be able to “go the distance” in a pair of Brooks Ghost 13s.
Bottom line, you are going to get plenty out of the Brooks Ghost 13, more than most shoe models for sure. So rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.
Best Uses - Recovery Runs, Daily Training, Steady Runs, Long Runs
The Ghost 13 should pretty much do it all for you. It will be a stand out as a recovery day shoe and then also as a daily trainer, but you could use it for just about any type of run other than fast reps on the track (and I bet most could even use them for this too).
You will find comfort and performance in no matter what you use this shoe for, so you can purchase it knowing that it will be able to handle (and maybe enhance) anything you throw at it!
Brooks Ghost 13 Review - The Poster Child of Reliability
The Brooks Ghost 13 is a great shoe. In fact, it may even be more of a “go-to-shoe” than the Adrenaline GTS 21 just because it feels slightly more versatile for all runners (albeit there is less stability for overpronators).
With the comfort, cushion, durability, versatility, and reliability, it seems as though the Brooks Ghost 13 hits just about every positive buzzword on the market for me, and I think it will for you too!
Should You Get The Brooks Ghost 13?
Just about anyone could rock a pair of these for a certain occasion, and most could wear them for just about any occasion.
I would say if you’re into versatile standard daily trainers then this is a great option to at least try on. However, if you prefer something more lightweight and responsive then this probably isn’t the one for you.
- The Ghost 13 is for runners looking for a reliable shoe that's soft and smooth. The Ghost 13 offers improved transitions for zero distractions so you can focus more on what matters most: your run. This Brooks Ghost 13 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 12
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever.
- SMOOTH, STABLE RIDE: No matter how your foot lands, our Segmented Crash Pad - an integrated system of shock absorbers - will cushion every step and stride for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
- SOFT, SECURE, FIT: The newly engineered mesh and 3D Fit Print practically disappears on your foot with strategically placed stretch and structure.
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Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API