Bottom Line
The Brooks Ghost Trail is the new adaptation of the classic Brooks Ghost running shoe. And like the OG (original ghost), the Ghost Trail is a highly comfortable, versatile everyday trainer. Brooks took its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft midsole cushioning and slapped 36 millimeters of it under the heel for one of the highest stack heights among all trail running shoes we tested. It creates a super-soft ride without sacrificing much in efficiency.
While the midsole foam definitely amps up the comfort, the plush upper is what really stands out. The upper has comfy extra layers of padding around the ankle and heel, and the plushest tongue of all the shoes on our best men’s trail running shoes list. The rest of the mesh upper is soft and has decent breathability.
Depending on what type of trail running you do, the Ghost Trail’s outsole will either be spot-on or not quite enough. We’ll get the negative out of the way first. The TrailTack Green rubber outsole won’t provide enough traction for your steepest and most technical trails. If you primarily run on steep, technical singletrack, steer clear. But if you have longer road-to-trail approaches, spend time on gravel roads and packed dirt, or have a mostly flat or rolling trail system, the outsole is excellent.
There are two aspects to consider regarding the Ghost Trails. First is the weight. At 10.6 ounces per shoe, it’s one of the heaviest trail running shoes on our list. And the 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is on the higher side and won’t work for everyone. Those nitpicks aside, the Brooks Ghost Trail is an affordable, versatile, and super comfy everyday off-road trainer.
Quick Specs
Brooks Ghost Trail
Most Comfortable Trail Running Shoes
CleverHiker Rating: 4.0/5.0
Price: $150
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 5.2 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 mm
Cushioning: Maximum
Best For: Mixed
Pros
- Super comfortable, especially the upper
- Price
- Good on gravel, packed dirt
Cons
- Weight
- Not designed for technical terrain
- Higher heel-to-toe drop might not work for everyone
Comfort
Comfort is where the Brooks Ghost Trail shines. The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft midsole foam is soft and comfortable. Brooks packs 36 millimeters of it under the heel, which is higher than most other trail running shoes we tested. Brooks attaches all that soft midsole foam to a plush upper, with robust padding around the heel, ankle, and tongue. The midfoot and forefoot feature thinner, more breathable yet still comfortable mesh.
If maximum cushioning and a soft, comfortable ride are paramount in your trail-running shoe decision-making, the Brooks Ghost Trail is definitely worth a serious look.
Traction
Overall, the Brooks Ghost Trail has less traction than the other trail running shoes we tested. If you run on steep and technical trails, this isn’t the shoe for you. Brooks employs its TrailTack Green rubber outsole, which features rows of 3-millimeter-deep lugs. It’s really unlike any lug pattern among the trail running shoes we tested.
That said, the outsole is excellent for road-to-trail approaches, flat or rolling trails, gravel, and packed dirt. If you spend equal parts of your training on roads and trails, it’s definitely a good option, as it performs well on roads and on less-technical trails.
Weight
At 10.6 ounces per shoe, the Brooks Ghost Trail is on the heavier side. And it makes sense. It’s tough to make a shoe this plush and comfortable without putting some weight on it. That higher weight very likely comes from the padded tongue and heel collar, as well as the extra stack height in the midsole foam. If you prefer lighter-weight shoes, the Brooks Ghost Trail isn’t it.
Durability
After almost 100 miles on the Brooks Ghost Trail, it shows almost no signs of wear or tear. Everything is still intact, and despite running quite a few runs on pavement in these, the outsoles are still looking mostly new. Brooks did get fancy and high-tech in its approach to durability for the Ghost Trail, adding a 3D-printed protection layer to the toe cap and mudguard.
Breathability
While comfort and durability are good to great with the Brooks Ghost Trail, breathability takes a hit. These shoes weren’t the least breathable trail running shoes we tested. But they were on the bottom half. The upper is super plush and comfortable. Where other brands prioritize lightweight mesh that you can see through, that’s not the case with the Brooks Ghost Trail. But that’s really only a problem if you live in a mostly hot climate.
Responsiveness
The Brooks Ghost Trail’s overall responsiveness is decent. Like breathability, it’s not the least-responsive trail-running shoe we tested, but it remains in the bottom half of the bunch. While Brooks stacks the soft and plush nitrogen-infused DNA Loft midsole foam high, it creates a cushy ride rather than a responsive one. In other words, these aren’t your shoes for racing or fast trail workouts. They are good shoes for recovery runs and everyday training when you’re just out stacking miles.
Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost Trail?
The Brooks Ghost Trail shoes are good for a range of runners, not just the Brooks enthusiasts who run in nothing but Brooks. Anyone dipping their toes into trail running from the road will love the Ghost Trail’s road-to-trail crossover features. Lastly, they’ll work for anyone prioritizing soft landings and high stack heights for everyday training and recovery runs.
If you run mostly on steep, technical terrain, we suggest choosing a different shoe. Likewise, if you want a shoe that can also work for speed workouts or racing, you’ll likely want a different pair.
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
Want to see how the Brooks Ghost Trail compares to our other top picks? Pop over to our lists of the best hiking shoes for men and best trail running shoes for men. And if these caught your eye, consider these other winners:
Nike ACG Pegasus Trail Review: The Peg Trails and Ghost Trails have a lot of similarities. Both are off-road adaptations of road running classics. Both have high stack heights and 8-millimeter drops. Both excel on mixed surfaces and flat or rolling terrain. And both are affordable, high-performing options that make good entry-level trail running shoes.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review: These shoes kind of split the difference between the Ghost Trails and Cascadias. They’re slightly better at tackling steep and technical terrain than the Ghost Trails, but not quite on the level of the Cascadias. They’re also affordable and good for newbie and casual trail runners.
Brooks Cascadia 19 Review: If you’re considering the Ghost Trails, you probably already know about the Cascadias. If not, take a look. They have a slightly lower stack height and drop but better traction, making them more suitable for moderate and expert terrain.
