Running Great in the New Brooks Ghost 8
What do you need in order to run happy? For me, it’s pretty simple — I’ve got to have a nice route (or at least an interesting workout on the treadmill) and sweet shoes. Happily, because we’re brand ambassadors for Brooks Running, I really only have to worry about the route, because I’ve got the latest, greatest, Ghost 8(-est) cradling my feet these days, and they really are putting a smile on my face.
Brooks has upped the ante with the neutral running shoe (meaning it’s best for peeps like me who don’t under- or overpronate) in a few ways with this version. In addition to some really fab new colors (and let me tell you, if you dig them online, you’ve gotta check ’em out in person — they’re honestly stunning), they’ve got a BioMoGo DNA Midsole that provides adaptive cushioning, a full-length segmented crash pad for smooth transitions, Omega Flex Grooves that provide flexibility while maintaining cushioning, and — my favorite part — a new engineered mesh upper helps feet stay cooler and dryer. Because hot feet are not happy feet. Trust me on this.
They’re reasonably lightweight at 10.3 ounces, but I still find them to be a pretty substantial, cushioned shoe. Obviously, aside from making me look super fast, they apparently actually help me run with some real speed, since shortly after breaking them in, I broke my personal record for a half marathon by nearly four minutes with what I’ll call sub-optimal training on a really hilly course.
The fact that I’ve gotten compliments left and right on them doesn’t hurt, either. You can pick from three color combos, all coming in at $120. And I’m not going to guarantee you a new PR in them, but I certainly think it would be worth giving it a try!
Which color is your fave? I went with the navy/plum, but it was a toss up between that and the magenta/orange. —Kristen