Brooks Ghost 13 Review Analysis (2024)
Last update: April 2024
Note: this is an older model. Check out the latest release: Brooks Ghost 15.
The Brooks Ghost 13 is a good, comfortable, sturdy cruiser ideal for daily runs.
The Consensus
The cushioning is comfortable and effectively absorbs shocks throughout the run. It is important to note that the soft DNA Loft foam now extends over the entire lateral part of the shoe instead of being solely located in the heel as before. The firmer BioMoGo DNA foam is still present but on the medial part of the foot. The foams are co-molded to avoid a noticeable division line. The testers found the cushioning to be well balanced overall, except under the toes, where they found it too soft for optimal energy return. This is the main disadvantage of the shoe. However, this is consistent with its profile, primarily intended for medium and long distances at a slow to moderate pace. Besides, runners insist that the shoe provides a smooth ride with a good transition from heel to toe.
Moving on to the upper, the mesh is thinner and more flexible than any other Ghost model before. The toe area is remarkably flexible and spacious. This will appeal to runners with wider feet, but people with thin feet may float a little. Overall the lockdown is still very good. Note that the heel’s collar is quite thick and rigid (which is very characteristic of the Ghost).
Finally, the outsole features thick rubber with deep grooves, making it durable, grippy, and even suited to easy dirt roads.
All in all, the Brooks Ghost 13 is a good and comfortable running shoe, not necessarily very exciting but reliable.
- Great comfort
- Good impact absorption
- Sturdy and durable shoe
- Lighter and sleeker design than before
- Relatively soft and flexible platform
- Cushioning that lacks bounce, especially due to the softness of the midsole under the forefoot
- Toe-box that may be too large for runners with thin feet
Technologies
Outsole
- First of all, there’s blown rubber under the forefoot of the Brooks Ghost 13’s outsole. It’s a light and flexible material that allows the shoe to provide a better spring for a more responsive toe-off when the foot pushes the ground to propel the body. You can also run confidently on urban and easy dirt roads even when it rains, thanks to the effective traction of the platform.
- Then, we find carbon rubber under the heel. This very robust material allows the shoe to withstand the abrasion of road running to increase the shoe’s lifespan. Indeed, the area under the heel is particularly susceptible to rapid damage, as this is where most athletes land their feet while running.
- Finally, the flex grooves allow the sole to follow the movement during the stride. They aim to offer greater bounce for a comfortable ride.
Midsole
- The midsole uses the BioMoGo DNA cushioning technology. It’s a patented rather firm foam found on the entire medial part of the shoe and adapts to the foot at all times. It uses recycled materials. Its flexible construction allows it to follow the foot’s anatomy, thus guaranteeing personalized comfort that meets every runner’s needs. It ensures optimal shock absorption absorbs throughout the run for greater comfort. This technology also has the advantage of promoting a more springy run by maximizing the energy return.
- On the other hand, there’s the DNA Loft technology that equips the entire length of the shoe on its lateral part. It consists of soft foam specially designed not to lose its effectiveness over time with shocks’ accumulation, especially under the heel.
- Finally, there is also a removable insole that completes the cushioning and improves comfort in the shoe.
Upper
- The Brooks Ghost 13 upper translates into an engineered mesh. Its design aims to effectively support the foot throughout the run for optimal comfort. Besides, it is naturally breathable to ensure good ventilation and prevent your foot from sweating excessively during the effort when you pick up the pace.
- Lastly, 3D Fit Print is a set of overlays that provide effective foot lockdown and improve the durability of the upper.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Heel stack height | 31 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 19 mm |
| Features | Available in GTX, Vegan |
| Weight (men) | 280 g/9.9 oz |
| Weight (women) | 252 g/8.9 oz |
| Fit | Narrow feet |
| Release year | 2020 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft |
| Bounce (1-5) | 2 – Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | Blown rubber, carbon rubber, flex grooves |
| Midsole | BioMoGo DNA, DNA Loft, removable insole |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh, 3D Fit Print |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs, recovery |
Reference: Brooks Running’s official website
Comparisons – Brooks Ghost 13 vs.:
Brooks Ghost 12
The Brooks 13 is lighter, softer, and more flexible than its predecessor. Its cushioning is also softer due to the increased use of DNA Loft foam. However, the lockdown around the toes is looser than before, which may not suit runners with narrow feet. Testers agree that the cushioning of both shoes lacks some bounce.
Saucony Ride 13
These two shoes are equivalent in terms of weight and stack height. However, the cushioning of the Saucony Ride 13 is firmer and a little more springy. In terms of lockdown, the Ghost 13 is more flexible, better suited for runners with wider feet.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
Although these shoes offer similar configurations, testers who tried them both found their ride to be different. Indeed, the Pegasus 37 offers a firmer sole that proves to be more responsive. It makes it more pleasant for speed sessions, while the Ghost seems to provide better comfort for easy training sessions. Besides, the upper of the P37 has a more narrow fit and is, therefore, a little tighter.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
See the side-by-side comparison.
Brooks Revel 4
Coming up!
Brooks Glycerin 19
See the side-by-side comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This running shoe uses a standard size system. Runners who have tried it on confirm that it fits the indicated size. You can, therefore, order your usual size for running shoes. However, if this is your first pair of Brooks, a visit to the store may help make sure you choose the most comfortable size.
It’s a neutral running shoe. Therefore, it’s designed to suit all athletes independently from your pronation and does not feature any special correction. It is worth remembering here that, at any rate, stability shoes are no more effective than neutral shoes in reducing the risk of injury. We, therefore, recommend that you select your shoes according to their comfort. Indeed, this is the most important criterion. Hence, you can use this model independently from your type of pronation, as long as it is comfortable.
Only one scientific study so far has observed the link between sole thickness, risk of injury, and weight. According to this study results, minimalist shoes can increase the risk of injury for athletes weighing more than 71 kg (157 lbs). Apart from this, there are no recommendations for other categories of running shoes. The Ghost 13 offers a comfortable stack height (31 mm under the heel, 12 mm under the toes) and should, therefore, be suitable for most athletes regardless of their weight.
This shoe is available in two versions: GTX and regular. The regular version is designed to prevent small water infiltrations and to dry quickly. The shoe should, therefore, keep your feet dry during light rain. If the rain is heavier, your foot may become wet after a while. The Gore-Tex version offers extra protection to keep your feet dry even in heavy rain or crossing shallow waterways. However, do note that the Gore-Tex version is more expensive, heavier, and not as breathable. It’s up to you to decide depending on your habits.
hi i always have used brooks last ones brooks ghost 12s ,bought a pair of ghost 13 25.3.2021 from start fitness ,there is a lacking in bounce in the soul i find on long runs 13 mile and above the balls of my feet get soar ,the soft cloth in the heel inner lining has started to fray already ,they wear really quick compared to the ghost 12s ,i am very disappointed in this shoe ,would not consider buying again ,
+ PROS: light weight .soft top .
– CONS: lack of cushioning in soul .soft heels that collapse