Brooks Ghost Amp

The Brooks Ghost Amp is the Seattle brand's answer to a trend seen lately in the running shoe market: launching a new model based on a shoe the general public already knows. Beyond confusing people with somewhat pretentious suffixes ("Plus", "Pro", etc.), this strategy risks cannibalising the model it is based on. In this case Brooks has taken the well-known Ghost and released a lighter version, with less drop and a foam with a bit more spark. It does not replace the Ghost 18, which is still there for anyone who wants the usual stable, calm ride, but sits alongside it for runners who are already loyal to the Ghost and want a little more responsiveness. Long-time runners may be reminded of the Hyperion Tempo, but the Hyperion line has moved towards more aggressive models, and the closest would be the Hyperion Max 4, though with a higher stack height and a plastic plate in the midsole.

As a new model it has no direct predecessor, so the obvious comparison is with the Ghost 18: it cuts the weight by just over 10%, gains 4 mm of forefoot stack height and lowers the drop from 10 to 6 mm. The Warp Knit upper is thin and holds the foot well with very few overlays, with a fairly well-padded gusseted tongue (some find it too thick and plush) and a heavily padded heel with a stiff heel counter. The design of the medial side stands out, with an oversized brand name clearly reminiscent of the Hyperion Elite 6, although there seems no need for it to be there. The fit is generally true to size, but the forefoot narrows early and the midfoot is relatively snug, so anyone with wide feet should try it on first, and some will end up going up half a size.

The midsole is DNA Hype, a nitrogen-infused blend of PEBA and EVA, the liveliest foam Brooks has put in a training shoe outside its racing range. With 36 mm of stack height at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot, the SpringRamp™ geometry at the front helps you roll forward without needing a plate. That said, the bounce is not that of the most responsive foams on the market: some testers find it firmer than expected and lacking push at toe-off at fast paces. The outsole has good rubber coverage, grips well in the wet and shows hardly any wear after many miles. Ideal for daily runs from easy to brisk with the odd change of pace, for anyone who wants a lighter, more fun Ghost and adapts well to a lower drop.