Brooks Ghost 13 Review
The Brooks Ghost, known for its plush comfort is a daily neutral trainer for new and experienced runners. The Ghost is Brooks’ flagship running shoe and one of the best running shoes in the U.S. because of its comfortable fit, soft feel and reliable performance. The Brooks Ghost 13 is suitable for both walkers and runners and is for distances from a 5k to a marathon.
What’s New?
The new Ghost 13 running shoes provide a smoother heel-to-toe transitions with every stride, Brooks extended the DNA Loft midsole foam from the heel to forefoot on the lateral side of the Ghost 13 to improve the cushioning and comfort as compared to the Ghost 12. DNA Loft foam is a premium cushioning material that is a soft, lightweight and durable compound that absorbs and reduces shock as the foot contacts the ground.
The engineered mesh upper has been altered to improve fit and also offers more comfort and breathability. The mesh upper features stretchable properties that help accommodate different foot shapes and Air Mesh technology keeps the toe box relatively cool even when exercising in warmer temperatures.
The Brooks Ghost 13 is lighter than its predecessor weighing 8.5 oz/9.7 oz for women’s and men’s respectively.
What’s New?
The new Ghost 13 running shoes provide a smoother heel-to-toe transitions with every stride, Brooks extended the DNA Loft midsole foam from the heel to forefoot on the lateral side of the Ghost 13 to improve the cushioning and comfort as compared to the Ghost 12. DNA Loft foam is a premium cushioning material that is a soft, lightweight and durable compound that absorbs and reduces shock as the foot contacts the ground.
The engineered mesh upper has been altered to improve fit and also offers more comfort and breathability. The mesh upper features stretchable properties that help accommodate different foot shapes and Air Mesh technology keeps the toe box relatively cool even when exercising in warmer temperatures.
The Brooks Ghost 13 is lighter than its predecessor weighing 8.5 oz/9.7 oz for women’s and men’s respectively.
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Brooks Midsole & Outsole
When you step into the Brooks Ghost 13, you will immediately notice that this shoe is super soft and plush which is a result of the DNA Loft cushioning system that, as previously mentioned, now extends from the heal to the forefoot on the lateral side and is complimented with the BioMoGo foam on the medial side. The combination of the two foams create a balanced and stable ride and the Omega Flex Grooves provide optimized forefoot flexibility without comprising cushioning. As a result, you will experience smoother heel-to-toe transitions that requires less energy with each stride. Our wear testers who are heel strikers found the Segmented Crash Pad offers customized cushion and stability for smooth heel-to-toe transitions that disperses the impact and smooths out the stride. Brooks uses a blown rubber outsole which is soft, spongy and thicker than most other shoes. The three wide flex grooves span the entire bottom resulting in extra flexibility and we found the outsole material to be grippy even on wet roads or light off road conditions. “The Brooks Ghost 13 felt softer as soon as I stepped in,” one Runners Forum customer says. “It’s comfortable, soft and feels light on my foot. Once I put it on and begin running, I don’t even have to think about it.” |
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Brooks Upper
The Brooks Ghost 13 running shoe has a new soft engineered mesh which they are calling Air Mesh. Our wear testers noticed the mesh vents are larger than the Ghost 12 which allows additional airflow to keep your feet cooler. The rest of the upper is what you come to expect form a Brooks Ghost running shoe. It has ample amounts of foam in its tongue, collar, and heel. Our wear testers did notice that the tongue is not gusseted but we found that the tongue does not slide, probably due to the wider wings that hold it in place. The heel counter in the Brooks Ghost 13 does a great job of locking our heel in place and it is more streamlined than prior versions which results in your foot sitting further back in the shoe which creates additional room in the forefoot. The toe box offers plenty of room for your foot to spread out comfortably while keeping the foot firmly in place stride after stride. One Runners Forum customer reported, “When running in the Ghost 13, my foot feels very secure and I like the additional room in the toe box.” |
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Specs.
Brooks Ghost 13: Tech Specs Fit: True to size Weight: 8.5 oz (W), 9.7 oz (M) Drop: 12 mm Category: Neutral Midsole: DNA Loft, BioMoGo DNA) Use: Everyday training Surface: Road, Track |
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Ghost 12 vs Ghost 13
The biggest change is that the DNA Loft foam in the Ghost 13 extends from the heel to the forefoot, whereas it only extended to the midfoot in the Ghost 12. Because of this, our wear testers commented that the shoe provides a much softer ride than its predecessor.
In addition, we found that the extension of the DNA Loft foam to the forefoot also provides a smoother heel-to-toe transition which makes the shoe a great choice no matter the foot strike pattern.
The Ghost 13 mesh upper is softer and is more stretchy, which helps to better accommodate runners with different foot shapes than the upper on the Ghost 12.
The heel counter on the Brooks Ghost 13 offers less padding resulting in the foot sitting further back in the shoe which provides a more spacious toe box than the Ghost 12.
The biggest change is that the DNA Loft foam in the Ghost 13 extends from the heel to the forefoot, whereas it only extended to the midfoot in the Ghost 12. Because of this, our wear testers commented that the shoe provides a much softer ride than its predecessor.
In addition, we found that the extension of the DNA Loft foam to the forefoot also provides a smoother heel-to-toe transition which makes the shoe a great choice no matter the foot strike pattern.
The Ghost 13 mesh upper is softer and is more stretchy, which helps to better accommodate runners with different foot shapes than the upper on the Ghost 12.
The heel counter on the Brooks Ghost 13 offers less padding resulting in the foot sitting further back in the shoe which provides a more spacious toe box than the Ghost 12.
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Conclusion
The Brooks Ghost 13 is a well-rounded shoe and is a great running shoe for beginners and seasoned runners and walkers. It’s cushioning system and relatively light weight makes it a versatile shoe whether you are going short and fast or need adequate cushioning and comfort for putting in long miles.
If you are looking for a plush cushioned shoe that provides excellent breathability and just the right amount of stability, then the Brooks Ghost 13 is a great match.
Ready! Set! Run!
The Brooks Ghost 13 is a well-rounded shoe and is a great running shoe for beginners and seasoned runners and walkers. It’s cushioning system and relatively light weight makes it a versatile shoe whether you are going short and fast or need adequate cushioning and comfort for putting in long miles.
If you are looking for a plush cushioned shoe that provides excellent breathability and just the right amount of stability, then the Brooks Ghost 13 is a great match.
Ready! Set! Run!