What’s new
- DNA Loft v3 midsole
- TrailTack Green outsole
ON THE RUN
BLAKE: Running in the Ghost Trail felt solid and comfortable from the start. Outside of the toebox, there really wasn’t much to complain about. Every stride felt easy and natural, which is exactly what I want from a daily trail shoe. One thing that surprised me was the flexibility. Compared to the road version, this shoe felt noticeably more flexible underfoot. I’m not sure if that comes from a slightly more curved last than the Ghost 17, but it genuinely feels more adaptable on trail.
If you’re looking for a dependable daily trainer with some trail-ready traction, the Ghost Trail checks a lot of boxes. If you love the Ghost on the road, this shoe will feel immediately familiar. The biggest downside for me was the outsole grip. The TrailTack Green rubber didn’t feel especially tacky, particularly in the constantly wet winter conditions I tested this shoe in. It wasn’t slippery, but it didn’t inspire a ton of confidence either. Compared to something like Vibram, the traction didn’t quite justify the lighter weight.
That said, the differences between the Ghost 17 and the Ghost Trail are minimal. Even with the added traction and trail focus, the two shoes feel very similar on foot. At this point, you’re really splitting hairs trying to describe how different they are.
THE FIT
BLAKE: Overall, the Ghost Trail feels good on foot, but I did run into a few nitpicky fit issues. The shoe feels slightly narrower than the Ghost usually does. I was surprised by this, but my pinky toe felt consistently cramped on every run. I’d still say the shoe fits true to size compared to other Brooks models, but it doesn’t feel as accommodating as the Ghost 17.
The added toe cap, while protective, contributed to that tighter feel. I noticed some compression across the top of my foot that I didn’t experience in the road version. On the positive side, the upper material itself is thin and comfortable while still holding the foot securely. The toe cap also feels durable and capable of handling unexpected trail impacts.
The tongue was another weak point for me. It’s thick and not gusseted, and I constantly noticed it shifting toward the lateral side. If I wasn’t careful with how I tied my shoes, things felt a little sloppy. Once I dialed in the lacing, the shoe settled in nicely, but it took more effort than I would’ve liked.
Lastly, the heel cup felt shallower and wider than I expect from Brooks. I had a hard time getting a proper heel lock, and once I finally did, I ran out of lace to work with.
THE FEEL
BLAKE: The Ghost Trail’s cushioning feels solid, responsive, and lightweight. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is the standout here and is what makes this shoe feel more nimble than most Brooks trail options. I’ve always wanted a bit more pop out of the Cascadia, and the Ghost Trail fixes almost everything I would’ve changed about that shoe.
Underfoot, it feels bouncy but not springy. The midsole responds when you ask it to, but it never forces you through a stride. It simply gets out of the way and lets you run how you want. Even with mud and snow caked onto the shoe, it never felt heavy or clunky, which is something you don’t find often in trail shoes.
Because the shoe is so nimble, there are some trade-offs. As the terrain changed and I shifted my weight to stay balanced, I occasionally felt close to rolling an ankle. There’s enough control to feel stable while running, but as the shoe breaks in and becomes more flexible, I’d be a little cautious if you’re prone to ankle issues.
THE NITTY GRITTY
BLAKE: This is a trail shoe I’d use for most of my runs up to double-digit mileage. Beyond that, I noticed the cushioning starting to drop off a bit, and I’d rather reach for something like the Hierro or Xodus Ultra for longer efforts. It’s not that the Ghost Trail becomes uncomfortable, but the foam doesn’t feel like it gives quite as much back once the miles add up. On trails especially, I like a shoe that keeps things fun late into a run.
I’d compare the Ghost Trail to other lightweight trail options like the Experience Wild 3 or Challenger 8. These shoes give you everything you need without overdoing it. For me, the Ghost Trail is shaping up to be that reliable, everyday trail shoe. Simple, lightweight, and easy to trust. I especially enjoyed it in the 3–5 mile range, where it felt effortless and fun.
THE RUNDOWN
BLAKE: I really enjoyed running in the Ghost Trail. It’s solid, lightweight, and dependable. Whether you’re heading out for light gravel miles or tackling more rugged trails, this shoe feels capable of handling both. The only thing I’d want to change is a bit more room around the pinky toe, which is something I’ve noticed more recently with Brooks models.
If I wanted more protection and cushion, I’d reach for the Caldera. If I needed more control and stability, I’d grab the Cascadia. The Ghost Trail sits perfectly in between. It’s exactly what you expect it to be: a Ghost with more grip. Every time I put it on, I think, “Now I can just run and not think about my shoes,” and that’s exactly what I want from a daily trainer.
Meet the Reviewer
