The Brooks Ghost is one of the most popular trainers out there. The Brooks Ghost 13 is similar to the past and still fits various foot types.
Brooks Ghost 13 Quick Facts:
Weight: 10.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 12 mm
Brooks Ghost 13 Fit:
The Brooks Ghost has always been one of the better fitting running shoes out there. In fact, it’s called the “Ghost” because it’s supposed to disappear on your foot. New with the Brooks Ghost 13 is the soft, engineered mesh that Brooks calls: “Air Mesh.” The Air mesh is breathable and airy.
The Brooks Ghost is known for a plush fit and wide toebox. If you have bunions or a wider forefoot, typically, the Brooks Ghost fits well. (It’s also available in wide and double-wide).
This year, the Brooks Ghost 13 is less plush than previous versions. The heel counter sits further back in the shoe, which frees up even more space in the forefoot. Compared to the previous versions, the upper of the Ghost 13 is stretchy and softer.
The look of the Brooks Ghost 13 has also changed and it looks similar to the premium Brooks Glycerin 13 but with more graphic overlays.
Brooks Ghost 13 Ride:
The Brooks Ghost rarely changes much from year to year. If you’re happy in previous versions, you’ll probably be happy in the Brooks Ghost 13.
This year, the Ghost 13 has a “dual foam setup.” On the lateral side is the “DNA Loft foam,” where on the medial side features BioMogo foam. The DNA Loft now extends beyond the heel. More cushion! There are no gaps between the two foams, so you won’t notice where they meet. The two foams are similar in density, so the resulted ride of the Brooks Ghost 13 is smooth and familiar.
The Brooks Ghost has always had more foam in the heel, which provides soft cushioning and extra shock absorption. If you tend to strike on the heel, you’ll appreciate the additional cushion. The extra heel cushion and higher stack height allow for an easy transition from landing heel to toe. The smooth transition allows you to feel like you’re rolling through the gait cycle.
Personally, I wish there was more cushion in the forefoot and the Brooks Ghost isn’t as durable as I would like for myself. One reason I tend to prefer the Brooks Glycerin over the Brooks Ghost is the extra cushion in the forefoot of the Glycerin.
Another component the Brooks Ghost is known for the outsole rubber. During inclement weather days, the Ghost 13 is one of the first shoes I gravitate towards because of the traction.
Brooks is known for a flexible yet cushioned shoe, and the Brooks Ghost 13 has 3 flex grooves, which keeps the Ghost flexible yet cushioned…
Brooks Ghost 13 Conclusion:
The Ghost 13 is a consistent and cushioned ride. There isn’t too much exciting about the Brooks Ghost 13, but you can count on it to be an excellent trainer. It’s like that consistent shoe that you can fall back on. It’s a well-rounded shoe that works for many different foot shapes and sizes. Kind of like a jack of all trades shoe. There is nothing substantial updated or changed between the Brooks Ghost 12 and 13, so if you’re happy in previous versions, you’ll probably be happy in the Ghost 13.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Asics Cumulus 21
Speed Work: Saucony Endorphin Speed, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro
Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Hoka Cavu 2
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, Brooks Hyperion Tempo, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
If you’re interested in learning more about running shoes, I wrote an ebook and you can read here.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Ghost 13?
What is your current staple shoe?
Great review. I have a pair of the Ghost 13 on the way and I will probably try it later this week. It’s interesting that your prefer the Glycerin. My first few times out with the Glycerin and I thought it was just “ok” and I had a strong Ghost preference. But the more I wore the Glycerin, the more I appreciated it and now I think I’m like 50/50. Which means if I don’t like the Ghost 13 as much as the 12, then it’s possible I could switch to being more of a Glycerin fan! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
“The Brooks Ghost 13 is a consistent and cushioned ride. There isn’t too much exciting about the Brooks Ghost 13, but you can count on it to be an excellent trainer.”
Exactly the truth.
Love the Ghosts. I was running in Glycerins, too, but had to stop wearing them for a while when I had a toenail issue (not related to shoe fit – a different problem). I need to pull them back out to see how they are. Anyway, glad to know that despite the cosmetic changes, there isn’t much different about the 13’s. I think they know a good thing when they have it…