We have known the Ghost for years as a reliable training shoe. With the new Ghost Amp , Brooks gives that trusted concept a sportier twist. The shoe is lighter, more responsive, and developed to perform well during tempo training as well as easy runs.
But how does that feel in practice? Our colleagues Daphne and Jarno took the Ghost Amp into the city park and tested it during various training sessions.
Tested during various training sessions
Daphne opted for pyramid training, during which she tested the Ghost Amp over various surfaces and at different paces. From asphalt to unpaved paths and from easy stretches to a brisk pace, the shoe remained remarkably stable and comfortable, according to her.
My heel sits firmly in the shoe, so at no point during my training did I feel like my feet could slide.
Jarno also tested the Ghost Amp during an intensive training session: 10 × 400 meters at a 10 km pace. His first impression was immediately clear. The shoe felt remarkably light, and according to him, the combination of lightness and responsiveness made it easy to pick up the pace.
From daily trainer to tempo work
While the regular Ghost is primarily known as a comfortable all-round training shoe, the Ghost Amp places a bit more emphasis on speed and responsiveness.
This is due in part to the DNA HYPE foam . This nitrogen-infused cushioning combines PEBA and EVA and is designed to combine softness and energy return. Additionally, Brooks has equipped the Ghost Amp with SpringRamp technology in the forefoot, which is intended to provide extra 'pop' and momentum during push-off.
In practice, Daphne and Jarno noticed primarily that the shoe easily keeps up when the pace picks up. At the same time, there remains sufficient cushioning to comfortably run slower kilometers as well.
Daphne was slightly less outspoken about the extra responsiveness of the DNA HYPE foam than she had expected beforehand. For her, the strength of the Ghost Amp lies precisely in the combination of comfort, stability, and a smooth roll-off.
Our conclusion
As far as we are concerned, the Ghost Amp is an interesting addition to the Ghost family. It feels lighter and sportier than the traditional Ghost and really comes into its own when you want to pick up the pace.
He performs well for easy training runs, but we see him primarily as a strong option for tempo runs, shorter training sessions, and races up to and including the half marathon.
For long runs of 25–30 kilometers, we would personally opt for a shoe with a bit more cushioning. But if you are looking for one versatile training shoe that allows you to run at a relaxed pace as well as occasionally accelerate hard, then the Ghost Amp is definitely worth testing.
The Ghost Amp in brief
- Type: neutral training shoe
- Use: daily workouts & uptempo workouts
- Men's weight: 255 gram
- Women's weight: 227 gram
- Drop: 6 mm
- Attenuation: DNA HYPE, nitrogen-infused PEBA/EVA
- Technology: SpringRamp forefoot
- Support: balanced
- Walking feel: light, comfortable and responsive
Product specifications are based on current information from Brooks Running.
Experience it yourself?
Curious if the Ghost Amp suits your running style? Visit RunX Groningen. We are happy to help you find the right shoe and can, of course, include the Ghost Amp in your gait analysis.
