Details
Brand
Brooks
Heel To Toe Drop
12 mm
Breathability
6/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Brooks Ghost 9• BIOMOGO DNA midsole• Adjustable Saddle Construction• Full Length Segmented Crash Pads• Omega Flex Grooves• Profile Sockliner• GoreTex waterproof upper• Blown Carbon rubber in the fore foot• HPR+ rubber component• S-257 Cushsole• Element Linings
Upper
The Ghost 9 GTX is one of the only two shoes from Brooks that features Gore-Tex technology. As a part of the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort line of shoes, the shoe has waterproof properties combined with optimized breathability. A thin but very efficient layer of Gore-Tex is placed under the mesh, making it possible for the shoe to repel water and allow optimal perspiration, keeping your feet dry. The non insulated construction of the upper provides great temperature control. The Element Mesh and Lining in the inside has moisture wicking properties for enhanced comfort. The overlays and the Profile Sockliner provide a good fit.
Midsole
The midsole of the Ghose 9 GTX provides responsiveness and cushioning. The BIOMOGO midsole is combined with DNA cushion technology in order to provide a full length responsive, cushioning. The midsole is able to adapt to the shape of your foot for a customized feeling. The S-257 Cushsole is a high tech insole that provides additional cushioning and support to your feet, especially if you underpronate. The Caterpillar Crash Pad is a full length pad that is responsible for the shock absorption and energy distribution during the gait cycle. You will experience softer landings and more efficient take-offs when running in these shoes.
Outsole
An HPR+ rubber compound outsole is featured in the heel area of this shoe. The compound is highly abrasion resistant, so it extends the life of the outsole. It is hard enough to have extended durability, yet flexible enough to help to absorb the impact forces of landings. A blown carbon rubber compound is featured in the forefoot area of the outsole. It is softer and more flexible than the HPR+ compound to provide a bouncy feeling and enhanced responsiveness for smoother heel to toe transitions. Omega Flex Grooves, integrated in the midsole and outsole, provide optimal flexibility to the shoe. The lug pattern makes them especially good for running on asphalt. The traction and grip are good, even on wet surfaces.
Breathability
Waterproof running shoes are not usually known for providing good breathability. That is not the case for the Brooks Ghost 9 GTX. The Gore-Tex technology repels water from the outside while maintaining good perspiration. The breathability is not as good as the non-GTX version, but they are still remarkably breathable. The Gore-Tex membrane placed in between the inner lining and the external mesh makes sure to keep your foot dry from the inside out. Thanks to the insulated construction, they provide good temperature control so you will never overheat or get too cold, even when running in the rain or during higher activity levels.
Comfort
The comfort is one of its best characteristics. Good temperature control, comfortable cushioning, an adaptive midsole and Adjustable Saddle Construction technology make these shoes adapt perfectly to your needs. The BIOMOGO midsole responds very quickly to the movements of your feet providing a custom feeling from the moment you try them on. The synthetic microfiber with moisture management properties in the upper is flexible enough to embrace your feet during your run for a more secure lock and enhanced comfort. Great shock absorption properties make your landings softer. Regardless of the weather and intensity of your runs, these shoes will make it more comfortable for you to do what you like – run freely.
Style
These shoes look very similar to the Ghost 9. This version comes with a closed mesh upper that comes on top of the Gore-Tex layer, which helps provide good temperature control and breathability. Similar welded overlays give a solid structure to the shoe. A thick midsole/outsole unit is visible from the outside, which makes the shoes look powerful and protective. A heel cup unit attached to the lacing system provides a good contrast of textures. The colors are limited to Black/Castlerock/Lime Punch for the men’s line and Anthracite/Festival Fuchsia/Silver for the women’s line.
Durability
High quality materials have been used to make these shoes very durable. The HPR+ and the blown rubber compounds in the outsole are made to last for longer. They both are highly abrasion resistant, so you will run more miles in them. The BIOMOGO midsole and the DNA system are very flexible and resilient, and built with precision. They will provide extended shock absorption properties. The Gore-Tex upper is layered in a way that makes it very durable. From the inside out, you can find an inner lining under the Gore-Tex membrane, and on top of the GoreTex membrane is a protective knit layer which is then covered with mesh.
Protection
The Full Length Segmented Crash Pad provides softer and more controlled landings in order to protect your knees and hips from injuries due to repetitive shock. The DNA technology in the midsole provides extra cushioning to help accommodate those landings. The Element Mesh and Lining has moisture wicking properties that, when combined with the Gore-Tex upper, will decrease the risk of blisters and hot spots forming due to excess moisture within the shoes. The Gore-Tex upper will prevent any water from getting into your shoes. A toe cap is stitched in the front of the shoe to avoid any injuries from debris encountered on the road.
Responsiveness
These shoes are very flexible and adapt to the movements you make with ease, making them more responsive compared to other shoes in the same category. The great cushioned feeling and the waterproof properties do not make this shoe less responsive, rather, they enhance the performance in rainy conditions and in high demanding situations. The traction from the outsole is very good, so you can be sure you will land and move where you plan with nearly zero slips. The Adjustable Saddle construction of the shoe allows the midsole to adapt to the shape of your feet. The waterproof and flexible upper will embrace your feet for a more secure fit.
Support
These shoes provide support to underpronators and neutral runners. The S-257 Cushshole midsole compound provides extra cushioning and support in the base of the shoe that makes it feel as if it was a custom made shoe, giving you the extra support in the places you need it the most. The arch support is neutral but the shoes are very cushioned, which in turn provides extra arch support. The Cush Pod Configuration provides a great balance, promoting smoother heel to toe transitions. The Profile Sockliner made of BIOMOGO foam enhances the support in the base of the shoe.
Terrain
The Ghost 9 GTX are road running shoes. They have been designed for running on road, tracks and light gravel. The traction over asphalt, even when its wet, is remarkable. The shoes make your road runs more comfortable, protecting you at the same time from a variety of injuries. Good shock absorption is provided to deal with the consequences of running over hard surfaces. Users have taken this shoes for trail runs and have discovered they perform very well on gravel paths. The durability will decrease if worn for trail running though.
Price
The standard price for these shoe is a bit more than the non-GTX version. The average price for the Brooks Ghost 9 GTX is $150 USD. The price is just above the average price for shoes in this category. However, due to the great comfort and waterproof properties of the shoe, customers are generally happy paying bit extra. We think these shoes, if they fit you perfectly, are a good value for your money.
Drop
The drop of a shoe is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The Brooks Ghost 9 GTX neutral running shoes have a 12 mm drop. The drop from these shoes is the same for women and men. This drop promotes a heel strike. The cushioning and support the Ghost 9 GTX bring will decrease the chance of injuries due to the impact of heel strikes.
Stability
The Ghost 9 GTX are very stable regardless of the weather conditions and the intensity and length of your runs or training sessions. The Full Length Segmented Crash Pads in the midsole provide a custom-like stability when you run. The pads accommodate your feet and place you in the best position, adapting to your moves when you run. The heel cup and the upper provide a secure fit, contributing to the overall stability of the shoes. The S-257 Cushsole, the BIOMOGO midsole and the Profile Sockliner all allow add to the stability of the shoe from its base.
Flexibility
The Omega Flex Grooves provides exceptional flexibility and allow for natural foot movement during your runs. The outsole and midsole are thick enough to provide good protection and shock absorption, but flexible enough to provide good responsiveness. The blown carbon rubber compound in the forefoot of the outsole enhances the flexibility and bounciness for more energetic toe off action. Thanks to the flexibility of the shoes, they don’t need a break in period.
Traction
The HPR+ and the blown rubber compounds in the outsole give these shoes great traction on asphalt and other flat and even surfaces. Even when running on wet surfaces, you will notice the great traction and grip that the outsole provides. The Cush Pod Configuration of the shoes enhance the traction by placing the right part of the shoe onto the road. This configuration allows more precision with every step you take. The lugs also provide good traction on gravel paths.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for shoes that provide enough cushioning, good responsiveness and good support, you will be happy to try the Brooks Ghost 9 GTX. The Gore-Tex waterproof upper makes them ideal for running during rainy seasons or other wet conditions. The excellent level of cushioning and support make sure that even underpronating runners can enjoy a comfortable ride. Reviewers are very happy with the performance of these shoes on road conditions and have recommended to use them during training sessions and long walks. The price is just above average, but they will be a nice treat to add to your running shoe collection.
