Despite all my training attempts to change my natural propensity to heel-striking, my genetics and DNA prevail. What I like about the Brooks Ghost 12 is what I like about the 11’s: The segmented Crash-Pad system. They’re running tools, what can I say? I’m always in the same shoe unless I’m trail running (when I’m in my Solomon’s). A couple runners in my running group have shoes for intervals, tempo runs and races. With the Ghost 12’s I can wear a thinner, more breathable sock. With the Ghost 11’s, I wore thicker socks for a snugger fit. What has changed, however, is an ever-so-slight narrower heel cup that mitigates any blister-causing movements. There is no squeezing or restricting when my feet swell during long runs. Like the Ghost 11’s, the Ghost 12’s have soft, stretchy mesh uppers that cradle my foot. If you’re aĬonvert, you won’t find a ton of changes from 11 to 12 but there are a few. If you’re new to Ghosts, prepare for the love. Since late June, I’ve been running the 12 th adaption. In 2016 I dared to wonder if I could find something better, which led me to a running season with a pair of forgettable ASICS, that in turn led me back to the enduring Ghost. In fact, it was an earlier iteration of the Ghost to which I had turned after injuries endured from that barefoot running craze. Well, the Brooks Ghost 12 ($130) is the antithesis of the barefoot running absurdity. Runners will no doubt remember the barefoot running craze that ensured us humans were fully-equipped to chuck perfectly good 8mm drop running shoes to embrace our Neanderthalic roots.

Brooks ghost 12