By Guest Reviewer: Austin Bonds
June, as it turns out, is a month of the year when numerous running shoes update to a newer version. The Nike Pegasus (version 32) and Saucony Ride (version 8) are two noteworthy models that landed last month, along with the Asics Cumulus (now in its seventeenth year). Brooks is by no means an exception as the Ghost and the Glycerin both received some slight revisions for versions 8 and 13, respectively. Here are some thoughts on the latest Ghost.
Like previous versions of the Ghost, I’ve observed that the updates are fairly minimal, though I will add that any update changes the fit of a shoe ever so slightly. I’ll start with the upper. The Ghost 8, in comparison to the Ghost 7, has less stitching and more heated overlays to keep the foot secure in the shoe while minimizing the risk of irritation or discomfort to the top of the foot.
The laces are flat, and like the Ghost 7, the Ghost 8 has a fairly padded tongue, along with the retention of a small loop at the top to keep it in place and minimize the chances of sliding to one side or the other.
The midsole, which is usually regarded as the focal point of any running shoe, appears to be unchanged in the Ghost 8. Brooks incorporates BioMoGo DNA in the Ghost to provide “adaptive cushioning throughout the midsole.” In other words, ample cushioning resides in both the heel and the forefoot. A Segmented Crash Pad (as Brooks calls it) provides a smooth transition through the gait cycle.
I’ve spoken with some people who have said that the tongue in the Ghost 8 pushes into their toes when they walk in the shoe, but the sensation vanishes when they go for a run. I noticed this pushing too, but didn’t feel any discomfort as I ran in the shoe.
As to wear, I have found that running shoes generally have a “shelf life” of about 300-500 miles, though exceptions always exist. Having owned and run in the Ghost 6 and 7, I have discovered that this particular model tends to break down quicker than comparable models from other companies, but as I noted moments ago, I have talked with people who have accumulated significant mileage in the Ghost before they finally bite the dust. Like a dish towel in the hands, runners have a unique capability of squeezing out every last mile of a shoe’s midsole before it no longer protects the feet.
The price of the Ghost 8 is unchanged at $120, though the recently released “Aurora Collection” (unique color schemes) bumps the price up $10. As is the case with any running shoe that updates, this post serves as an introductory framework for what I perceive as the noteworthy revisions to the Ghost 8. Visit a specialty running shop and try one on to gauge the fit and feel for your feet. If you like them, prepare yourself for a “scary good ride.”
Brooks Ghost 8 Running Shoe Review
Have something to say? Leave a Comment
