Brooks Ghost Amp Review: A Lighter, Livelier Ride Than the Ghost 18

Introduction to the Brooks Ghost Amp

The Brooks running shoe lineup has grown significantly over the years, but if you had to choose just one model between the traditional Ghost 18, the max-cushioned Ghost Max 4, and the brand-new Ghost Amp, the Amp quickly emerges as a standout favorite. Designed to modernize Brooks' staple daily trainer line, the Ghost Amp introduces a livelier, more versatile experience that easily outperforms older iterations.

Price and Availability

Launched in July 2026, the Brooks Ghost Amp is priced at $150 in the U.S. and £135 in the U.K., placing it directly in line with the standard Brooks Ghost 18. This positions the shoe competitively against other leading daily trainers on the market, such as the Asics Novablast 6, Nike Pegasus 42, and Hoka Clifton 11, making it an accessible option for everyday runners looking for value and high performance.

Design, Fit, and Construction

The Ghost Amp is available in seven distinct colorways, including a sleek light blue option, and comes in both standard and wide widths. A major design shift from the traditional Ghost 18 is the reduction in heel-to-toe drop, moving from 10mm down to a more streamlined 6mm. The shoe features a stack height of 36mm at the heel and 30mm at the forefoot, keeping it lightweight at 9.3oz for a men's US size 10—about 1.4oz lighter than the Ghost 18.

Upper Comfort and Support

The upper consists of a thick knit material with generous padding around the collar and tongue, preserving the plush, comfortable step-in feel that runners expect from the Ghost and Glycerin families. An internal heel counter adds structured support at the rear without weighing the shoe down.

Midsole and Outsole Performance

At the core of the shoe is the new DNA Hype midsole foam, a supercritical blend of PEBA and EVA materials. While it isn't quite as springy as pure PEBA foams, it provides a much more energetic and responsive ride than standard EVA. Additionally, the shoe incorporates Brooks' SpringRamp technology in the forefoot to enhance propulsion during toe-offs. The outsole features a durable rubber layout covering high-wear areas, ensuring reliable traction and longevity.

Running Performance and On-Road Feel

Tested over dozens of miles during marathon training blocks, the Ghost Amp shines during easy to steady daily runs and strides. The lower drop, rockered geometry, and responsive midsole foam deliver a smooth, natural transition that feels vastly more contemporary than the slightly dated Ghost 18. While it lacks the ultimate soft bounce of a pure PEBA setup and features a relatively thin forefoot compared to giants like the Asics Novablast 6, its firmer platform ensures exceptional stability.

The Verdict: Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost Amp?

The Brooks Ghost Amp is an impressive daily trainer that modernizes a classic franchise, making it an excellent choice for runners seeking a stable, well-cushioned, and responsive ride. While strong competitors like the Asics Novablast 6 or Puma Deviate Pure Nitro offer alternative benefits, the Ghost Amp proves that Brooks is pushing its lineup in an exciting new direction.