Brooks Ghost Trail

I still absolutely love my Brooks Ghost Trail shoes and would definitely recommend them to anybody looking for a fabulous running shoe. If you've never had a pair of Brooks, this is the best one to start with. I use them at least once or twice a week for running, mostly on the streets in my neighborhood, but sometimes I take the trails too. They hold up great on both cement and the different terrains of my nature trails, adjusting to whatever ground I'm running on. I've only had smooth running experiences and have never had any pain in my feet after running. They're light, comfortable, and also so cute. I've been wearing them consistently for multiple months and they've held up with no wear or tear. Still very durable and strong.

The Brooks Ghost Trail delivers spectacular traction and incredibly forgiving cushioning, making it a standout trail running shoe. Over 60 miles so far, I've had zero slippage even on heavily graveled trails and switchbacks, and the nitrogen-infused sole absorbs rocks, gravel, and sticks underfoot in a way that traditional harder-soled trail shoes just don't. I came back from runs without the knee fatigue or shin splints I sometimes get, and planting and turning felt noticeably more forgiving compared to other trail shoes I've worn. That said, the cushioning is so effective that it can give you a false sense of security with your footing. I stay very conscious about not overextending my stride or risking a rolled ankle, because the higher sole height does make that a real possibility. For that same reason, I would not use these for more stringent hikes or rockier terrain. These fall solely into the trail running category for me. One durability note: I'm curious how long the nitrogen-infused sole will hold up. I typically push about 400 miles out of a trail running shoe, and at 60 miles in I haven't seen any deterioration, so that's encouraging. If you're a first-time buyer, consider going up a half size. They run true to size, but trail running means uneven terrain, varied foot angles, and occasionally longer strides, so that extra bit of space helps maintain comfort. I've been running for about 15 years and my typical trail runs are 3 to 4 miles. I'm looking forward to continuing to put miles on these.

The Brooks Ghost Trail is a fantastic versatile shoe for anyone who wants one pair that handles trail running, hiking, and everyday walking while traveling. I run marathons and primarily train on streets, but I keep these for my occasional trail runs and hikes, and they've delivered every time. The support and cushion are excellent. These are robust, thick-soled shoes that feel protective on uneven terrain. They don't bend as easily as a traditional running shoe, but that rigidity translates to extra stability on trails. I've logged 20 to 30 miles of trail running in them plus even more walking, and I have zero durability concerns after months of use. They've held up really well compared to other trail running shoes I've worn. One huge plus for me as a frequent traveler is how easily they fit in a suitcase compared to regular hiking boots. I can pack one pair and use them for running, hiking, or just walking around a new city. I also love the color and design, and it's nice to have consistent Brooks shoes across my training. They do run a bit large, so if you're between sizes, go with the bigger one. Otherwise, consider sizing up a half size. I'd absolutely recommend these to a friend.

Great trail shoe for less rugged terrain. The traction and stability are excellent, and the cushioning is consistent with the road version of the Ghost, which I really appreciate. If you like the feel of the Ghost but you're running on mixed terrain, these are a great option. I typically run on dry trails in Southern California, either sandy or decomposed granite, and I'm a fairly novice trail runner. These have held up better than my previous trail shoes, and I don't have any concerns about durability. The one issue early on was that the eyelets at the very top of the shoe dug into the skin around my ankle near the collar, but they've gotten more comfortable over time. For hardcore or more technical trail running, I might choose something more robust. The weight and firmness of the footbed would have me looking elsewhere for longer or more technical runs. But for non-asphalt, non-concrete surfaces that aren't too rugged, I still really recommend these.

If you're an avid runner, these are the shoes for you. They're probably the most comfortable shoes I own, with amazing traction on every surface I've tested. I've run on pavement, gravel roads, grass, and even in the rain, and they don't slip. I feel like I can just keep running without any discomfort. They've held up really well so far, and I really love the style and colors. I would highly recommend.

These are a solid trail shoe with great support and cushion, and they've been saving my back on long days. I'm a middle-aged lady who does a lot of casual trail hiking with my kids in local parks and national parks, and I also wear these for long errand-running days. The sole is cushiony but still feels more stable than some other shoes I've tried with a similar look and build. They're not too floofy, and I still feel like I'm getting nice arch support when I'm being active. The one thing to be aware of is that the platform sole is really tall. On trails with purposeful walking, that's a plus for back support. For casual everyday use where you might be sidestepping or moving less deliberately, you need to be careful not to roll an ankle. I have to remind myself to take careful steps when I'm just running errands. My one complaint is the tongue of the shoe. It doesn't seem wide enough for sufficient overlap with the laces, which causes rubbing on the top of my foot. I noticed this after the first time wearing them for only a few hours. A nice cushiony sock fixes the problem, but it's something to plan for. Otherwise, I'm a big fan and would definitely purchase again.

These are my go-to shoes and they've held up incredibly well after six months of near-daily use. I wear them about five days a week for work, where I'm walking a lot and spending time outside with my students. They're really comfortable on my feet and still look practically brand new because I clean them regularly. They're good for running, outdoor activities, and even hiking. Get them. You will not regret it.

These shoes are great for both short and long distances, and they've held up very well after wearing them for most of my runs. The traction and grip perform well on both road and trail, which is a plus since I've been doing more road running than trail running lately. Cushioning comfort stays consistent whether I'm going long or short. I haven't had any fit issues or durability issues, and I'd say they're up there with the other trail shoes I've owned. I'm running about 5 to 10 miles a week and they've been my go-to pair.

These trail shoes offer solid traction, great cushioning on longer runs, and zero break-in period, but the high arch support and higher drop are worth knowing about before you buy. If you have flat feet, I'd steer clear. If you've got medium to high arches, the shoe will be just fine. The grip is pretty decent, better than some other brands I've used, especially on wet trails. The cushioning provides noticeably more comfort on my longer runs versus other shoes I've worn, and they're pretty good for shorter efforts as well. I started with them on flat terrain and used them for standing and walking around, and they're fantastic for that. The arch support is significant, and you have to align your foot exactly with it or it can start hurting. For me the discomfort is noticeable, but I'm probably more sensitive to things like that. Once your foot is properly aligned, it goes away immediately. I like to wear cotton socks so my foot doesn't slip too much. With synthetic socks I'd probably notice more slipping and my foot getting out of the arch support position. Also, if you're used to lower drop trail shoes, be aware these run pretty high drop for the category, which is a shift from where trail shoes have been trending over the past five years. I didn't have any issues with the break-in period. I've logged roughly 90 miles in them, running 10 to 15 miles a week for a while before a knee injury sidelined me. For me I have to make sure I'm not over-pronating as I run, but otherwise they've been great.