What’s new
- Nitrogen-infused DNA HYPE cushioning
- New SpringRamp forefoot technology
- Lightweight warp knit upper
ON THE RUN
Meghan: I honestly didn't expect to like the Brooks Ghost Amp as much as I do. The regular Ghost has never really been a staple in my rotation. I thought the Ghost 18 was the best version that I have ever worn, but I still found myself reaching for other shoes. The Ghost Amp completely changed that. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to run faster and not because I was trying to. I'd settle into what felt like my normal easy pace, glance down at my watch, and realize I was running 15 to 30 seconds per mile quicker than expected. That's always a good sign. Most of my miles are easy aerobic miles, and this shoe has fit that role perfectly while still feeling fun when I want to pick up the pace.
Quinn: The regular Brooks Ghost is just about as classic a running shoe as you can have. It feels like every runner has had at least one pair in their running journey, with many refusing to wear anything else. With a shoe that popular, any drastic change made - even if it is objectively better or necessary to keep up with the competition - will not be taken kindly. That's where the Ghost Amp comes in. It's not a replacement for anything, just a slight evolution forward. Think of it as a Ghost for the new generation. Now, this doesn't mean that longtime Ghost fans won't be able to enjoy the Amp. In fact, it shouldn't feel too foreign at all. They didn't change the recipe; they just added some hot sauce, making the shoe lighter, more responsive, more aggressive, and overall more versatile. As I tested it out on my runs, it never felt like I was in a different brand's shoe. I could tell it was a Brooks, just a bit fresher- a feeling that my legs appreciated.
THE FIT
Meghan: My favorite thing about the fit isn't something I noticed. It's everything I didn't notice. I never thought about my laces, my heel, or my toes because nothing needed my attention. That's about the highest compliment I can give a shoe.
Quinn: The overall shape of the shoe is a bit more aggressive. Just by looking at it, you can tell that it wants you to use it on days you plan to push the pace. The toe box and upper fit a bit more snugly than the regular Ghost, but it's a necessary addition in order to provide some extra support as you run faster, especially around any tight turns. I found them to be super easy to tie up, and the laces were plenty long enough, which is a nice change compared to some other Brooks models. On foot, it doesn't feel as aggressive as a Novablast or Rebel v5 may feel, but you can tell it's a bit more juiced than the traditional Ghost. If the shoe was a dress code, it'd be business casual. Not necessarily as cutthroat as a black-tie event, but it definitely sets a tone that deserves to be taken seriously.
THE FEEL
Meghan: The new DNA Hype foam is the star of the show. Compared to the Ghost 18, it feels softer, springier, and much more energetic. In the Ghost 18, I always felt like my foot was sitting on top of the foam. In the Ghost Amp, it feels like my foot settles into the foam and is cradled with every step. The ride reminds me of Goldilocks finding the bowl of porridge that was just right. Lately my long runs have been in the ASICS Superblast 3 and my shorter runs in the New Balance Rebel v5. The Ghost Amp lands right in the middle. It has more protection than the Rebel but feels more approachable and relaxed than the Superblast. It gives you enough bounce to keep things interesting without ever feeling unstable. The Warp Knit upper deserves some credit too. It wraps around the foot really well without creating pressure points, and the heel collar has just the right amount of cushioning. It disappears on your foot, which is one of the best compliments I can give a shoe.
Quinn: When describing how different shoes feel, many operate on the extremes. They're either hard as a rock, soft as a marshmallow, or so bouncy that you can hardly help but trip over your own feet. The Ghost Amp approaches the market with a more even feel. A reason why so many people love the regular Ghost is because it just feels like a good, comfortable, normal shoe. The Ghost Amp keeps that same normalcy but turns the volume up from a 5 to a 7. The change is enough to attract new runners to the Brooks family of shoes, but not so out of left field that those who have been in the Ghost for decades can't enjoy it. Even someone like me, who doesn't often run in Brooks, can appreciate the moderated excitement that Brooks' new DNA Hype foam brings. It brings a balance to the shoe marketplace that I can appreciate, especially since the slightly firmer foam can be much more accommodating for runners who may have some slight stability problems.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Meghan: If you're wondering who the Brooks Ghost Amp is for, I think it's going to appeal to a lot of runners. This is not replacing the regular Ghost. Brooks made it pretty clear that both shoes will live side by side, and I think that's the right move.
If you love the traditional Ghost because it's a straightforward daily trainer, keep buying it. If you've been wishing the Ghost had a little more life, the Ghost Amp is probably the shoe you've been waiting for.
I see it as a peppier daily trainer that can easily handle tempo runs, progression runs, and everyday mileage. I wouldn't call it a dedicated speed shoe, but it definitely has enough pop that you won't mind seeing it on workout day.
Compared to the Ghost 18: Softer ride Better energy return About an ounce lighter Lower 6 mm drop instead of 8 mm More secure, performance-oriented fit.
I actually sized up from a 9.5 in the Ghost 18 to a size 10 in the Ghost Amp. The fit hugs the foot more, and going up a half size gave me the room I wanted. One question people keep asking is if the lower 6 mm drop is noticeable. For me, it really wasn't. My calves never complained, even coming from the Superblast 3 with a higher drop. At the same price as the Ghost 18, choosing the Amp would be a no brainer for me. The Ghost Amp sits in a really interesting spot. My Superblast 3 is still the shoe I reach for on long run days when I want all the cushion I can get. The Rebel v5 is my fun shoe. The Ghost Amp borrows a little from both. It has enough protection to cruise through easy miles, but enough bounce that you naturally find yourself picking up the pace. It's quickly becoming one of those shoes I reach for without thinking because I know it's going to feel good no matter what run is on the schedule.
Quinn: I see this shoe as a daily trainer for the Brooks loyalist who has been wanting a bit more oomph without leaving the brand. I find it to feel like a slightly more built-up Saucony Endorphin Speed, or an even bouncier Nike Pegasus. It isn't something I'd grab on race day, but if I'm trying to get in some solid uptempo miles, there is no doubt that the Ghost Amp would be ready for the task.
THE RUNDOWN
Meghan: The Brooks Ghost Amp surprised me. It's softer, lighter, bouncier, and simply more fun than any Ghost I've run in before. The DNA Hype foam finally gives the Ghost family the energy return that I felt it had been missing. If you already own a Ghost 18, I still think the Ghost Amp is worth adding. They offer two completely different experiences. The Ghost remains your dependable cruiser. The Ghost Amp adds a little excitement without giving up comfort. This one has definitely earned a spot in my rotation.
Quinn: Overall, I think that Brooks did a great job filling a hole in their lineup without disturbing the sometimes hostile and not-easy-to-please Brooks Ghost Mafia. I'm impressed at how they could make an entirely new shoe with new technology while still maintaining its namesake at heart. The shoe 100% has a customer and will no doubt be pulling runners from other brands into its lineup.
Meet the Reviewers
