The American producer Brooks launched the fifth edition of their critically acclaimed neutral running shoe, Ghost, this year. In the U.S. running magazine Runner’s Worlds autumn 2012 shoe-guide, Ghost 5 won the “Editor’s Choice” award for the third consecutive year.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to test the Ghost 5 in the course of the last few months, where I have tracked more than 400 km in the shoe. Based on the experience I have had with Ghost 5 I can only agree with Runners Worlds comment; “…the ghost is spooky good.” Ghost 5 will certainly appeal to many neutral runners, as it is an excellent running shoe, with its good fit, excellent shock absorption and broad scope.
Fit, details and use
The Ghost 5 is a classic running shoe with a drop of 11mm, which is incredibly comfortable and sits tight around the foot. It is neither too broad nor narrow and it works optimally on everything from the shorter workouts to those long weekend trips (the shoe is tested in medium width (D), but is also available in narrow and wide fits (B and 2E)).
The suspension in the shoe, made from a mixture of foam and gel (Brooks DNA), works like a charm. The forefoot shock absorption is relatively firm and direct, which contributes to a faster phase and better impetus. This is further enhanced by a number of small incisions in the midsole, which improves the forefoot flexibility. Shock absorption in the heel is on the softer side, which is optimal for the longer runs, where you, when fatigue arise, will tend to land on, and relieve with the heel. Personally, I have enjoyed the Ghost 5 on long workouts, where it so far has carried me through without sore legs and feet.
Because of an injured foot, I have used the shoe for most of my interval and short training passes, in addition to the longer trips, and once again Ghost 5 has performed beyond my expectations. With its 320 grams (U.S. 9.5), it is by no means a lightweight running shoe, but Ghost 5 feels light and fast, making it useful for every area of use, from shorter intervals on a track, to longer high-pace trips on asphalt and other solid surfaces.
Materials
The upper part of Brooks 5 is constructed in a solid and breathable material, which makes the shoe extremely durable and comfortable to wear, even for prolonged use. The midsole is made of the biodegradable, patented Brooks material BioMoGo, a little detail which highlights Brooks focus on the environment and sustainable production. The outsole has a good grip, but the pattern wears out inadequately quickly compared to other running shoes.
Conclusion
Ghost 5 is primarily a shoe for quantity training. It is designed to carry its user safely through the slow kilometers, and it performs great, due to the good shock absorption. In addition, Ghost 5, would be a good fit for the faster runs for many runners, and last, but not least, it is a nice running shoe for the novice or heavy-weight marathon runner.
The good: Excellent and versatile running shoe
The bad: The wear resistance of the outsole could be better
Target segment: Neutral (asphalt-) runners looking for a running shoe with a traditional drop (11mm)
Overall: Brooks Ghost 5 is an awesome and super versatile running shoe
Originally tested and written by Rasmus Søndergaard Frederiksen for GrejGuide.dk
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