Brooks Ghost Amp Review: Has Brooks Finally Modernised the Ghost?
- FORDY RUNS
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
The Brooks Ghost Amp is one of the biggest launches from Brooks in recent years. Rather than replacing the classic Ghost, it expands the range with a more modern, energetic daily trainer designed for runners who want more bounce, more versatility and a livelier ride. Featuring an all-new DNA Hype midsole, a lighter build and improved forefoot cushioning, the Ghost Amp feels like Brooks' answer to the latest generation of superfoam daily trainers. But is it good enough to compete with the best shoes in the category? After putting plenty of miles into the Ghost Amp, here's everything you need to know.
Key Specifications
The Brooks Ghost Amp has a recommended retail price of £135 and weighs approximately 279g in a UK size 9.5.
It features:
Weight: 279g (UK 9.5)
Price: £135
Stack Height: 36mm heel / 30mm forefoot
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Midsole: DNA Hype (PEBA & EVA blend)
Upper: Monofilament Jacquard Mesh
Outsole: Durable rubber with enhanced forefoot grip
Fit: True to size
Design & Build Quality
Brooks has done an excellent job modernising the Ghost without losing its identity. The Ghost Amp still looks unmistakably like a Brooks shoe, but the cleaner silhouette and bold branding give it a much fresher appearance than the traditional Ghost. The engineered monofilament mesh upper feels lightweight and breathable, while the padded heel and gusseted tongue create an immediately comfortable step-in feel. Brooks has clearly focused on everyday usability, and everything from the upper construction to the lacing system feels well thought out. The outsole also deserves credit. After running on roads, pavements and riverside paths, durability has been impressive, with very little visible wear.
Ride & Performance
The Ghost Amp delivers exactly what many runners have been asking Brooks to produce—a modern daily trainer that feels light, responsive and enjoyable without becoming unstable. The new DNA Hype midsole is softer than the foam found in the standard Ghost but doesn't sink excessively underfoot. Instead, Brooks has found an excellent balance between cushioning and responsiveness. The ride feels controlled, energetic and predictable, making the shoe suitable for a huge variety of training sessions.
Although the Spring Ramp Technology isn't something you'll consciously notice while running, the shoe transitions exceptionally well through the stride. Heel-to-toe movement feels smooth, and runners who naturally land further forward will particularly appreciate how easy the toe-off feels. Perhaps the biggest compliment is just how versatile the Ghost Amp proves to be. During testing it handled shorter recovery runs, easy mileage, longer efforts and faster steady runs equally well. It isn't a dedicated speed shoe, but it has more than enough responsiveness to comfortably pick up the pace when required.
Comfort & Fit
Comfort has always been one of Brooks' strengths, and the Ghost Amp continues that tradition. The shoe fits true to size with a secure yet accommodating fit that should suit most runners. The gusseted tongue helps keep the foot locked down, while generous padding around the heel creates a premium feel from the moment you put it on. Despite its lighter weight, the shoe never feels stripped back or overly minimal. Instead, it manages to feel protective without becoming bulky, making it an excellent choice for everyday mileage.
Stability
One of the Ghost Amp's biggest strengths is how stable it feels considering the softer midsole.
The platform is naturally wide, helping the shoe remain planted even when fatigue sets in during longer runs. That extra stability makes it a particularly appealing option for runners who find some modern superfoam trainers slightly too unstable. This combination of cushioning, responsiveness and stability means the Ghost Amp covers an enormous range of training. It can comfortably handle recovery days, daily mileage, tempo efforts and long runs, making it an excellent one-shoe solution for many runners.
Brooks Ghost Amp vs Brooks Ghost
Compared to the standard Brooks Ghost, the Ghost Amp feels like a significant leap forward.
The addition of the DNA Hype midsole transforms the ride, giving it far more energy and enjoyment than the traditional Ghost. Brooks has also increased the forefoot cushioning by 4mm, creating a noticeably softer and more protective landing. For most runners looking for a Brooks daily trainer, the Ghost Amp is simply the more complete package. Unless you're specifically attached to the classic Ghost ride, it's difficult to recommend the standard model over the Amp.
Brooks Ghost Amp vs adidas EVO SL
It's almost impossible to review a modern daily trainer without mentioning the adidas EVO SL, but the comparison isn't as straightforward as many people suggest. The EVO SL remains the more aggressive and faster-feeling shoe, with a more race-inspired ride. The Ghost Amp takes a different approach. It focuses on stability, consistency and versatility rather than chasing maximum speed. For runners who found the EVO SL a little unstable or overly aggressive, the Ghost Amp could actually prove to be the better everyday option. It offers a more controlled ride while still delivering enough bounce to keep runs enjoyable.
Value for Money
At £135, the Brooks Ghost Amp represents excellent value in today's running shoe market. Considering the modern PEBA-blend midsole, comfortable upper and impressive versatility, it undercuts many competing daily trainers while delivering performance that easily matches them. If you're looking for one shoe that can comfortably handle the majority of your weekly training without spending premium super shoe money, the Ghost Amp is difficult to overlook.
Who Should Buy the Brooks Ghost Amp?
The Ghost Amp is ideal for:
Daily mileage
Easy runs
Long runs
Steady marathon-paced efforts
Runners wanting one versatile shoe
Brooks fans looking for a more modern Ghost
Runners who prefer a stable ride over a very soft, unstable super trainer
