Editor rating:
9/10 on
TAYLOR GUPTON
User's rating:

PROS

  • Supremely cushioned and soft ride.
  • Highly durable shoe that will easily last 400+ miles.
  • Secure upper flexes flawlessly with the movement of the foot.
  • Excellent outsole grip.

CONS

  • Unstable on uneven surfaces due to high stack height.
  • Pricey (but durable)

OUR VERDICT

The Brooks Ghost 12 is reliable as ever as a daily trainer and long-run shoe that will deliver a plush, smooth ride mile after mile. Ghost loyalists will be pleased to discover that the 12th edition is substantially similar to the Ghost 11 with only a couple of updates. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is an aesthetic update to the shoe’s upper which uses 3D printed overlays on an engineered mesh to provide the soft, but secure fit that the Brooks Ghost is known for.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Ghost 12
Model
Type
10.1 oz. (286 gr.)
Weight
130 US$
MSRP
12 mm
Heel Drop
Family
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
Neutral, high-mileage, and/or heavier runners looking for a daily trainer or long run shoe they can trust to last for hundreds of miles.

Brooks Ghost 12 Introduction

The Ghost line is one of the most enduring series of shoes in the Brooks family. Now in its 12th adaptation, the Ghost has been a reliable go-to shoe for runners at all levels for more than a decade. The Brooks 12 runs true to size and provides a sock-like fit.

The shoe is heavily cushioned and features a 12mm heel to toe offset. I tested the Brooks 12 on both road and crushed gravel trails. It performs best on paved surfaces, but can handle well-groomed smooth natural surface paths.

The Ghost 12 provides an invariably soft ride that is ideal for long runs, recovery runs, and high-mileage.

Brooks Ghost 12 First Impressions

After my first run in the Brooks Ghost, I could not believe that I had been missing out on this shoe my entire running career!

The Brooks Ghost has a serious fan base, including many of my teammates and running partners over the years who swore by this shoe for long runs and high-mileage weeks. Now I can finally join them in celebrating the delightful comfort of running in the Brooks Ghost 12.

My first impression upon stepping into the Ghost 12, was that they felt so welcoming. The plush midsole and snug upper made my feet feel right at home.

They required absolutely no break-in and I immediately enjoyed the soft landing and bouncy responsiveness that came with every stride.

Brooks Ghost 12 Sole Unit

The midsole of the Ghost 12 is identical to the previous version of the shoe. The new model continues to employ Brooks’ signature DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA foam to provide a cloud-like experience with every footstrike.

The ride is soft, but not squishy. I was pleasantly surprised with the responsiveness of a shoe with so much cushioning and weight (10.4 ounces for men; 9.3 ounces for women). It’s not the shoe I would choose for a tempo run or intervals, but it won’t let you down if you want to pick up the pace mid-run.

The outsole pattern of the shoe differs slightly from the Ghost 11, but the structural components remain the same. Highly-durable blown rubber covers almost the entire outsole (contributing to the weight) for maximum grip.

The durability of the outsole makes this shoe a more economical choice than other shoes in the same price range. The forefoot outsole is comprised of a segmented Crash-Pad system that provides shock absorption and a smooth toe-off with every stride. These shoes feel especially great on tired legs.

Brooks Ghost 12 Upper

The minimal Brooks 12 upper delivers an impeccable sock-like fit for security with each step. New this year, the emblematic overlays are 3D-printed directly onto the engineered mesh upper without the use of stitching, glue, or other adhesives. The high-quality construction is seamless and delivers an optimal balance of stretch and structure. The upper hugs the foot snugly inside a moderate toe box that allows just enough wiggle room for your toes.

The Ghost 12 also boasts an updated heel counter with a soft, but textured material that holds the heel comfortably in place. After 60 miles of testing, I never once experienced heel slippage or blisters. The tongue and sockliner are constructed of premium materials just like the rest of the shoe.

Brooks Ghost 12 – Conclusions

The Brooks Ghost 12 is an important tool that was missing from my arsenal of running shoes. After struggling with Achilles and flexor-longus soreness for the past two years, I’ve experienced a significant improvement in reducing strain on these tendons when I run in the Brooks Ghost on my easy or moderate mileage days.

The high stack height reduces the amount of dorsiflexion and stretch on these particular tendons and lets them remain relaxed while providing maximal shock absorption. I still rely on my lightweight, low-drop trainers and flats for workouts and racing, but I’m glad to have the Ghost 12 when I need to give my legs and feet a break.

After many enjoyable runs in this shoe, it’s clear why the Brooks Ghost 12 has been a fan favorite for so long. The exceptional durability and high-performance comfort are hard to beat.

We purchase this shoe with our own money at running warehouse. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in the shoes

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Brooks Ghost 12 Price Comparison

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