Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
7.7/10
Latest Version
Ghost 9
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• BIOMOGO DNA midsole• BIOMOGO insole technology• Caterpillar Crash Pad• Omega Flex Grooves• Mesh upper• Blown Carbon rubber in the forefoot• HPR+ rubber component• Reflective units in the rear and forefoot
Upper
The mesh upper is very breathable. The padding in the collar and tongue of the shoe generates a comfortable cushioned feeling as well as provides a good and secured fit for better support and responsiveness. The overlays are integrated into the lacing system and provide a custom fit. The overlays also provide structure to the upper and make these shoes visually stand out. Some reviewers have noticed irritation caused in the for foot and toe box due to the lining material and fit.
Midsole
The BIOMOGO DNA midsole provides great lightweight cushioning. If you are a beginner, these shoes will provide the cushioning you are looking for to start developing your own running technique comfortably. The midsole is able to adapt to the shape of your foot, so the more you use it, the more comfortable and customized it feels. The midsole provides good support and helps to provide good shock absorption for smoother transitions. The material in the midsole is durable, ensuring long-lasting comfort. The Crash Pad in the heel area makes for softer landings.
Outsole
The outsole is made of a high-quality HPR+ rubber compound which provides good traction and extended durability. The CrashPad technology integrated into the heel of the shoe provides good cushioning and promotes smoother heel to toe transitions. A blown rubber compound in the forefoot area of the outsole is softer, more cushioned and flexible for enhanced efficiency during toe offs. The combination of both technologies creates great responsiveness on different terrains. The Omega Flex Grooves all along the outsole allow more flexibility to the shoe. The shoe will respond and adapt to the movements you make when running or cross training.
Breathability
The breathable mesh upper of these shoes will keep you dry and cool during your runs and training sessions. Covered for the most part in that material, they promote a healthy perspiration inside. The sweat is able to evaporate faster, decreasing the chance of getting blisters due to excess moisture. The Ghost 7 are great to use in warm and cold conditions.
Comfort
What makes the Ghost 7 so special among reviewers is their comfort. Between the padding and the midsole, these shoes are comfortable enough to train in daily. Reviewers also noted that they are great for beginners. Users that suffered knee injuries found these shoes very supportive and comfortable to run in during their recovery stage. However, some reviewers found that the shoe’s lining irritated their forefoot area.
Style
Reviewers love the way these shoes look. They have a very fresh look and there are many color options for both men and women. Reviewers thought the large Brooks logo on both sides gave the shoe a sleek look. Reflective fabric positioned in the heel and the toe box makes them more visible under dark conditions.
Durability
The durability is good, however, a few reviewers stated the Ghost 7 running shoes didn’t last more than 3 months running an average of 30 miles a week. The HPR+ material in the outsole, including the blown rubber in the forefoot, extends the durability of the shoe. The BIOMOGO DNA midsole is made with high-quality materials, providing long-lasting cushioning and shock absorption.
Protection
The BIOMOGO DNA midsole and the Caterpillar Crash Pad provide good shock absorption. There is a reason why these shoes are favored as recovery shoes- the impact of landings is well absorbed and distributed, so your knees and hips get minimal impact from landings. These shoes are also very breathable, so you will be protected from blisters caused excess moisture.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness in the Ghost 7 is very good. Designed and built to provide good support and cushion, these shoes will promote more efficient runs and are great for beginners that are developing their running technique. From the outsole to the upper, they adapt to the shape of your feet and allow for natural movement.
Support
These shoes support many foot types and running styles. They are not built to support overpronators or underpronators, but as neutral and well-cushioned shoes, they provide the necessary support for most kinds of runners. Heavy runners state that these shoes provide just enough cushioning and responsiveness so they can go on daily runs without any discomfort or injuries. Runners with plantar fasciitis have reviewed these shoes favorably, as they help them to run comfortably without using orthopedic insoles. However, the fit can be tricky. For some people they feel wide, while for others they feel narrow, so we suggest that you try them on first if possible.
Terrain
The lug pattern and solid traction make these shoes very versatile in terms of the terrains on which they perform their best. Runners have used them as training shoes, others as daily running shoes and others have even have done cross fit training in them. However, they perform best on roads, light gravel, and tracks. The Ghost 7 also works well on grassy surfaces, even under wet conditions. They are also great as walking shoes or for standing for long periods of time. Their performance and durability may decrease if worn for trail running and hiking.
Price
The price of these shoes has been stable since they were released and come in at an affordable suggested retail price of $120 USD. Some beginners may not want to spend that much on running shoes, but we recommend that you try these shoes first – the cushioning and responsiveness may persuade you
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The Brooks Ghost 7 running shoes have a 12 mm drop. The drop from these shoes is the same for both men and women. The drop of these shoes promotes a very cushioned heel strike that will keep you moving forward with ease.
Stability
Thanks to the high level of cushioning these shoes provide good stability overall. The lacing system provides a secure fit. The heel cup locks your foot in a stable position for smoother runs. The drop also contributes to the stability of the shoe. A high stack midsole and outsole combination providing a high drop, making for a stable shoe.
Flexibility
The Omega Flex Grooves promote optimal flexibility to the shoes. They are built to be flexible despite the thickness of the outsole and midsole. As very cushioned shoes, you would not expect them to be as flexible as they are. The flexibility of the Books Ghost 7 is good enough that they will not need a break in period. These shoes are flexible enough that you can bend them with your hands. The Blown Carbon rubber compound, especially in the forefoot area, is lighter and more flexible than other rubber compounds.
Traction
The HPR+ rubber compound from the outsole provides good traction on a variety of surfaces, even under wet conditions. The lug pattern enhances multidirectional traction while promoting smoother heel to toe transitions. The Blown Carbon rubber provides enhanced grip for more powerful takeoffs, while the Crash Pad unit in the heel area provides for softer and more secure landings. You get good traction overall from these very responsive shoes.
Bottom Line
The Brooks Ghost 7 running shoes are ideal for beginners that are looking for plush cushioning in their shoes. The great shock absorption properties of these shoes put them among reviewers’ favorite shoes for recovery runs. Reviewers that had suffered knee and hip injuries find these shoes very supportive and protective. A breathable mesh will keep you cool and dry for longer. Some undesirable and uncomfortable friction has been experienced by some users during long runs. We recommend to try them first if you can. Also, newer versions of this shoe are now available.
