Comfort
The toe box of the Brooks Ghost 7 is wider than average and runners with narrow forefoot may find themselves floating around. Heel cushioning is remarkable and continues through the midfoot giving a down like feeling. With no sewn overlays, the Ghost 7 offers a close-to-the-foot feel.

Stability
A rearfoot height of 29mm and a 12mm drop makes the Ghost 7 sit high yet it feels stable. There is little medial stability as expected for this neutral trainer so pronators beware. Being a mild supinator I appreciated the shock absorption and resilience of the midfoot.

Speed
At 10.5 oz this shoe is on par for a trainer. The modest weight will make mid to heavy runners fly through the swing phase and glide into weight acceptance seamlessly. At 165 pounds and running 8 miles at 7:50 min/mile, I felt rather average.

Responsiveness
With DNA blended cushioning there is improved forefoot flex, which allows for a touch of transitional speed. Impact absorption is a mainstay in the Ghost line though there is little return. Heavier runners will appreciate this while lighter runners will feel sluggish.

Value
There is a $10 price hike from the previous version of the Brooks Ghost, but at $120 the Ghost 7  is worth the cost for the lightness, durability and feel in this shoe.

Durability
The Ghost 7 had the second best durability score of the shoes in our 2014 test. There was very little change in the midsole’s ramp angle after 150-miles (only a 0.5mm drop, which is within the margin of error), and limited wear to the outsole and upper. There was no perceptible change in the firmness of the midsole after 150 miles—in fact, the midsole appeared to grow slightly softer. 

 Brooks Ghost 7 midsole pressure map: The blue areas are low pressure zones and the red areas are high pressure zones. 

Brand new

After 150-mile wear test

Brand New

After 150-mile wear test