Most people have heard of the Brooks Ghost. This neutral daily running shoe model is Brooks’ flagship model and one of the brand’s best-selling shoes. It has remained reliable and consistent over 18 iterations. Throughout this time, it’s built up a loyal fanbase of runners, walkers, gym goers, and anyone looking for a traditional, comfortable day-to-day shoe.
And don’t get us wrong – the Ghost is a fantastic shoe. It’s popular for a reason and unbeatable when it comes to stable, reliable comfort.
Despite this, the Ghost certainly isn’t the most dynamic running shoe on the market. It’s not particularly exciting to run in and doesn’t offer much in the way of innovative new technology. But it’s a staple in the Brooks lineup, and we appreciate its dependable, consistent comfort.
However, in recent years, it seems as though Brooks has been attempting to break away from its more routine running shoe models. Models such as the Glycerin Flex, Glycerin Max, and Ghost Max have put a unique spin on classic shoes, reaching new audiences and bringing something exciting to the running shoe world.
Now, Brooks is continuing this trend with the Ghost Amp. This brand new model is a spin on the traditional Ghost, offering a range of innovative new features for a springy, lightweight ride. If the Ghost is your standard everyday trainer, the Ghost Amp is the go-to for when you want to take your runs to the next level with more bounce, momentum, and energy return.
Our Review Process
Our review team has taken a closer look at several of Brooks’ new and exciting models. We’ve been big fans of all the innovative technology and design elements Brooks has integrated into recent models.
So we were excited to complete our review and testing process with the Brooks Amp. As soon as the shoes arrived at Marathon Sports, it was time to put them to the test. Our experienced review team laced them up and headed out on a variety of runs for a comprehensive understanding of what this new Brooks model has to offer.
And while we always enjoy the hands-on road testing part of a review, we also don’t skip out on data and details. We’ll dive into all the specs and highlights, along with our road test results, to help you decide if the Ghost Amp is the right fit for you.
Ghost Amp: Specs and Features
Here’s a breakdown of the specs and key features you’ll find in the new Brooks Ghost Amp.
- Advertised as a lightweight trainer best suited for uptempo efforts
- Stack height: 36 mm of foam in the heel, 30 mm in the forefoot
- 6 mm drop
- Weight: 9 oz (M), 8 oz (W)
- New DNA HYPE midsole foam – blend of EVA and PEBA foam for a soft yet responsive ride
- Upper made from airy warp knit for maximum lightness and breathability
- New SpringRamp technology uses dense forefoot foam for energetic toe offs
- Rubber outsole is strategically placed in high wear areas to maintain lightweight feel while boosting durability
- Price: $150
Brooks Ghost Amp: What’s the Hype About?
The tech and highlights can give you a solid understanding of a running shoe. But these features require a closer, hands-on look to know how a shoe truly feels and performs.
Keep reading for a deep dive into all the features, both old and new, you can expect to find in the Ghost Amp.
Brand New DNA HYPE Midsole
One of the most notable differences between the Ghost and Ghost Amp is in the midsole cushioning. While the Ghost relies on traditional, stable comfort underfoot with DNA Loft cushioning, the Ghost Amp uses an all-new DNA HYPE midsole foam to deliver a more energetic and dynamic ride.
This nitrogen-infused foam is lighter and more responsive than other cushioning formulas, giving you the energy return and bounce you need to effortlessly pick up the pace during speed workouts and uptempo days.
DNA HYPE blends PEBA and EVA foams. This combination ensures there’s still plenty of softness and protection underfoot with a bouncy, energized ride perfect for all different effort levels and types of workouts.
SpringRamp Forefoot Technology
The new cushioning contributes to the Ghost Amp’s uptempo ride, but it isn’t the only feature that comes into play throughout the gait cycle.
Brooks also incorporates a new SpringRamp forefoot technology designed to propel you through each stride and drive more responsive toe-offs. A dense layer of foam in the forefoot acts as a springboard, pushing you through each stride for maximum pop and forward momentum.
Warp Knit Upper & Fit
The Ghost Amp takes a more performance-oriented approach to upper design and fit compared to its daily trainer counterpart. The warp knit is incredibly lightweight, with a breathable design that enhances comfort and airflow during workouts or daily miles.
The gusseted tongue and snug, secure fit help keep the foot locked down, which is much appreciated during more uptempo workouts. However, some runners may find that the snug, secure fit isn’t quite spacious enough. Those who prefer a roomier fit should consider sizing up.
Geometry & Overall Construction
In general, Brooks shoes tend to have a moderate-to-high drop. This means that with most Brooks shoes, there’s significantly more cushioning in the heel than in the forefoot. Most Brooks shoes range from an 8-10 mm heel-to-toe offset.
However, the Ghost Amp takes a different path with a more natural 6 mm drop. This helps the feet stay in a more natural position throughout runs, and will likely make the shoe feel more natural for mid or forefoot strikers. Anyone who lands heavy on their heels, however, may find that this lower drop doesn’t offer enough protection.
The shoe is also designed to be lighter and sleeker than the Ghost, making it more suitable for uptempo runs or speed workouts. The Ghost Amp weighs 9 oz for men’s shoes and 8 oz for women’s, compared to 10.2 and 9.2 oz in the Ghost 18.
This lightweight construction, as well as the more streamlined upper and midsole shape, reduce excess bulk to keep you feeling fast and light on your feet when you pick up the pace.
Versatility
One aspect we love about uptempo trainers is how versatile they can be. The Ghost Amp is designed for uptempo runs and speedier days, but with a 36/30 mm stack height, it has enough bouncy cushioning to keep you comfortable during daily miles, treadmill runs, or even long run days.
For such a versatile shoe, the $150 price tag offers exceptional value for your money. It can be a great do-it-all trainer, or a lightweight addition to a running shoe rotation.
The grippy rubber outsole adds even more versatility and value. While we wouldn’t suggest the Ghost Amp on slippery terrain, the strategically placed rubber prevents early wear and provides reliable and effective grip with every step.
Road Test Results: The Ghost Amp in Action
The Brooks Ghost has set some high expectations in the running shoe world. Most runners have at least heard of the shoe, if not worn at least one version of it over the years. It’s known for its consistent comfort and reliability, making it a go-to for countless runners, walkers, and other athletes.
So it was evident that in joining the Brooks Ghost family, the Ghost Amp had some big shoes to fill.
The good news is that the Ghost Amp isn’t trying to replace the standard Ghost. It doesn’t take up the same spot in the rotation, but instead offers a unique, more energized ride that can fit alongside the Ghost in your running shoe rotation for more uptempo runs.
One of the biggest surprises taking the Ghost Amp out of the box was how lightweight they are. Men’s shoes weigh 9 oz and women’s weigh 8 oz – down over an ounce compared to the Ghost 18. It was clear from this lightweight, more streamlined design that the Ghost Amp is more suited towards faster workouts and uptempo runs compared to its daily training counterpart.
Next, we were excited to hit the road and put the new DNA HYPE foam to the test. This midsole foam, made of a blend of EVA and PEBA cushioning, is designed to deliver a springy ride without sacrificing reliable, comfortable softness. So did Brooks succeed with this goal?
The short answer is yes. Underfoot, the springy and propulsive foam guided us forward with lots of momentum. And even with this responsive ride, the foam felt soft and protective. The 36/30 mm stack of foam effectively absorbed impact across all types of workouts and distances.
Paired with the SpringRamp forefoot technology, this foam delivered all the liveliness and energy we could want in an uptempo training shoe.
Overall, we found that this versatile, lightweight construction excelled during mixed-effort runs. The combination of a high stack height with a springy design allowed for effortless transitions between relaxed paces and faster intervals. The lightweight design also kept us feeling fast on our feet during track workouts and tempo runs.
But when it came to distance runs or long hours spent on your feet, the Ghost Amp may not be everyone’s top choice. The foam is light, responsive, and well-balanced, which is great for picking up the pace, but doesn’t deliver the same plush protection found in more cushioned daily trainers.
We also tested out the Ghost Amp on different terrains, and found that the rubber outsole didn’t offer as much grip and protection as we wanted on wet pavement or other slippery surfaces. The rubber does seem to be holding up well in terms of durability, but you should consider sticking to dry roads and other surfaces where you don’t need as much grip and traction.
By no means do these downsides mean the Ghost Amp isn’t a great running shoe option. We found a lot to love about this speedy trainer, and with a $150 price point, you can enjoy these features without breaking the bank. Fans of the Brooks Ghost looking for a bit more energy return, or anyone who wants a lightweight, responsive training shoe for all types of runs, should consider trying the Brooks Ghost Amp for their next running shoe.
Pros and Cons
We wish there were running shoes perfect for every single athlete, but unfortunately that isn’t the case. Every shoe has both pros and cons to think about when debating what works best for you and your fitness needs. Here are the Ghost Amp pros and cons.
Pros
- New DNA HYPE midsole blends EVA and PEBA foam for more energy return and propulsion than other members of the Ghost family
- SpringRamp technology works with this bouncy foam to deliver even more spring in every step and promote fast and smooth transitions
- Performance-focused warp knit upper with gusetted tongue delivers a secure, comfortable lockdown with optimized breathability
- Lighter than the traditional Ghost, weighing in at only 9 oz for men’s sizing and 8 oz for women’s
Cons
- Ideal for speed workouts or more uptempo days but may feel too stiff on long-distance runs
- Has a more tapered toe box that might feel too snug for anyone who prefers a more spacious fit
- Rubber outsole adds durability and reduces early wear but doesn’t offer the most traction in wet conditions or on slippery terrain
How Does the Ghost Amp Stack Up?
We’re happy to see Brooks expanding its lineup and incorporating more pop and energy return into some new trainers. However, as these new models are released, we also need to see how they stack up to the competition and gain more insight into what shoes fall in the same category.
The most obvious comparison we drew while testing out the Ghost Amp was to the popular adidas Evo SL. This adidas model is one of the most renowned uptempo trainers around. Both the Evo SL and Ghost Amp are $150 moderate-stack shoes designed for uptempo days.
These shoes feel incredibly similar underfoot, featuring energetic and responsive foam that makes it easy to pick up the pace. The adidas Evo SL is the lighter option, weighing in at 7.9 oz for men’s shoes and 6.6 oz for women’s shoes.
However, the Ghost Amp has more overall cushioning around the upper, providing more immediate step-in comfort. Those who want a more durable, protective shoe with more all-around comfort likely won’t mind the Ghost Amp’s extra ounces.
The Asics Novablast 6 also falls in this lightweight speed trainer category. Both shoes are bouncy and energetic, and can easily carry over from faster runs to daily miles. However, the Novablast has a softer underfoot feel, ideal for anyone who wants a spongier ride, while the Ghost Amp is better for those who want firm and responsive landings.
And of course, we also need to take a look at the Ghost Amp’s namesake, the Ghost 18. The Ghost has a similar last and shape as the Ghost Amp, giving it a familiar, dependable feel. However, while the Ghost 18 is the better choice for anyone who wants a daily mileage or long run shoe, the Ghost Amp excels more during faster, more uptempo efforts.
The Finish Line: Is the Ghost Amp Right for You?
Over the years, Brooks has become synonymous with reliability and dependable comfort. Its running shoes tend to deliver a more traditional running shoe feel that appeals to all kinds of walkers, runners, and beyond.
But the running shoe world is constantly evolving, and brands need to continue introducing novel ideas and technologies to avoid being left behind. So our Marathon Sports team was thrilled to see Brooks stepping outside the box with the Ghost Amp.
This all-new Brooks shoe can kick your runs up a notch with a new PEBA/EVA foam, propulsive SpringRamp technology, and a wide range of other original features.
The Ghost Amp is now available at Marathon Sports, so swing by today or shop Brooks shoes through our convenient online store. This new uptempo shoe may be the perfect training companion to help you amp up all your runs.
