The Brooks Ghost 12 is one of Brooks staple shoes. It’s probably the most sold shoe in the running industry. The release date of the Ghost 12 was July 1st but due to the Brooks distribution center moving and their ongoing shipping issues, it was delayed. It seems to be stocked, for now. I’ve reviewed the Ghost 9, 1o, 11, and here we are at 12.
This year the Brooks Ghost 12 has gone up $10 and now retails at $130. It’s not my favorite thing to tell people but not the most expensive running shoe out there. Both the men’s and women’s Ghost 12 come in a multitude of colors.
Fit:
The Brooks Ghost 12 comes in a variety of colors. I like white shoes so when the melts collection came out, I knew that was the shoe I wanted. The Ghost has one of the best fits in the industry. The other plus about the Ghost 12 is it comes in wides, double wide, and narrow. (Also known as 2E).
The Ghost 12 has a narrow heel but wider toe box to allow feet to splay. I’ve consistently been in a women’s 10.5, and that seems to still work in the 12.
The Brooks Ghost shoe design is meant to “disappear on your foot”, like a Ghost. The 11 was slightly more narrow and the 12, while wider than the 11, still fits similar to the 11.
The upper of Ghost 12 is seamless with minimal stitching. Brooks uses 3D Printed overlays on the mesh to help bring down the weight and maintain the shape and structure of the shoe.
If you have a wider forefront or bunions, you won’t have much irritation. The most significant update in the Ghost is in the upper. It’s all aesthetic, so it will just look slightly different.
Ride:
The Brooks Ghost performs similar to previous models. The Ghost 12 is one of the most standard running trainers out there. It’s known to roll forward to you feel as though you’re being propelled through your run. The heel is soft with a more responsive forefront. It’s not super soft like the Hoka Clifton but also not as responsive as Saucony or New Balance.
The Brooks Ghost uses DNA Loft foam which runs from the heel through the midfoot. What does this mean? The DNA Loft cushioning is soft and adds the extra cushion on the heal as well as the transition (midfoot).
On the bottom of the shoe, Brooks uses “a Segmented Crash Pad” and “Flex Grooves” in the forefoot.
Segmented Crash Pads are small shock absorbers in the outsole. Each one works independently to cater to your form and where your foot lands. Together they make a smooth and seamless transition from heel to toe and a smoother step from previous versions.
Essentially, if you’ve run in previous models of the Ghost, the Ghost 12 will feel similar.
I’ve done long runs and easy runs in the shoe. For me, it feels the best as an easy run shoe. I prefer something slightly more responsive for workouts and faster long runs. The traction remains great, so if you’re running in the rain or ice, you shouldn’t have an issue.
Compared to a few other Brooks shoes:
Compared to the Brooks Glycerin 17, there is less cushion in the Ghost.
Compared to the Brooks Launch, there is more cushion in the Ghost 12.
Compared to the Brooks Richochet, the Ghost is a softer shoe
Compared to the Brooks Levitate 2, there is less cushion and it’s a softer ride with the Ghost.
Brooks 12 Conclusion:
The Brooks Ghost is one of the most traditional shoes out there and also one of the most sold running shoes out there. It’s an excellent staple for daily runs and easy runs. If you are looking for a neutral trainer that can do most everything, the Ghost is a good place to start.
The Brooks Ghost 12 didn’t change much since the Ghost 11. Both versions of the Ghost use DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsole. The smooth ride will feel very similar, and if anything have smoother transitions.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Brooks Ghost 12
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Streak Lt,
Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: Reebok Run fast Pro
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Questions for you:
What is your staple training shoe?
What shoe have you been running the longest in?
I can’t wait to try the new Ghost. The thing that annoys me most about this shoe is that it comes in so many AWESOME color combinations that I cannot wear because only the most boring color comes in Narrow. I would love to wear some of their other color combos!