Brooks Running Ghost 7: Lighter and More ‘Ghost-Like’ Than Ever Before

After three years of being a Brooks Running blog ambassador (disclosure — however this post is straight-up-now-tell-ya my opinion), I kind of feel like a Brooks expert. I mean, clearly I’m not really an expert (it’s not like I actually make running shoes for a living!), but over the years during all the trips and conference calls and reviews, I’ve learned a lot. And from that knowledge, I’ve formed some pretty strong opinions on shoes — shoes that work for me, shoes that work for others, and just good shoes from not-so-great shoes. And the new Ghost 7 ($120) running shoes? They are so, so, so good!

It’s funny how the running-shoe pendulum has swung over the past few years. Minimalist running has definitely changed the industry in SO many ways, but lately it feels like cushion is coming back. Brooks Transcend are an amazing ultra cushy shoe that are so fun to run in, and the new Ghost 7 is like a marriage between that and the PureProject line (which I adore SO MUCH). They’re incredibly light (8.6 ounces) and airy like more of a minimalist running shoe, but they have great balance and cushion, making them great for longer runs or just really comfy and high-energy shorter runs.

A neutral shoe (Don’t know what that means? Read this!) with a bendy sole that is great for heel-to-toe running, the Ghost 7 feels great to run in. In fact, it’s kind of like everything the idea of a running shoe should be: supportive, smooth, flexible and totally puts an extra pep in your step. It has just enough cushioning to make you feel like you’re being pampered a bit, while still letting you feel the road/trail/treadmill.

And the look of it is killer. I’ve been running in the pink/orange pair you see above, and I’m pretty smitten with them. Looks aren’t everything clearly, but it certainly doesn’t hurt when a shoe looks as good as it feels. And side note: I’ve never had a really strong opinion about shoelaces, but for some reason I ADORE the shoelaces that come with the Ghost 7. They’re soft but not overly thick, they’re easy to tie and they hold a knot great. (Hey, it is the little things that count, too!)

This is the first pair of Brooks Ghosts that I’ve run in, so I’m dying to know: Who else swears by this shoe? If you’re looking for a new neutral shoe, I totally recommend it! —Jenn