Running in Colorado often means hitting a mix of surfaces in a single run, paved roads, gravel paths, and sometimes even muddy farm roads. It took me a bit to adjust to that when I first moved here, but now I actually look forward to those softer surfaces after years of pounding city streets.
The challenge? My usual road shoes don’t always cut it, especially on gravel or light trail sections.
That’s where the Brooks Ghost Trail comes in. It’s designed specifically for running between road and trail, offering not just added traction, but comfort that still feels familiar if you’re coming from the classic Ghost.
Has it won an award yet? Well no, but if we could give awards it would be getting one because it sold us from step one.
If you’ve read our review of the Brooks Ghost 17, you already know we’re big fans. So I was genuinely excited to get the chance to test out this new addition to the Ghost lineup.
I’m not usually someone who wakes up and decides it’s a trial run kind of day. But many of my runs usually wind up on gravel paths, so the Brooks Ghost Trail was a great fit. I’m always on the hunt for a solid road-to-trail shoe, and this one may have hit that sweet spot.
Compared to other Brooks trail shoes like the Caldera or Cascadia, the Ghost Trail looks and feels like a road shoe. Honestly, you might not even realize it’s a trail shoe unless you flip it over and notice the 3mm lugs, and even then, it still doesn’t fully give off a traditional trail shoe vibe.
Gravel definitely felt like the buzzword at TRE (The Running Event) this year, and these shoes fit right into that trend.
The Ghost Trail was designed to keep your stride feeling smooth as you move between roads and gravel terrain. The outsole uses TrailTack Green rubber, designed to provide reliable traction on mixed surfaces.
Now, does that mean you should take these onto the most technical trails Colorado has to offer? Probably not.
But when the gravel paths are wet, snowy, or a little slick, the Ghost Trail does a solid job of keeping your feet from sliding out underneath you.
That said, it’s important to note that these shoes are not waterproof or water-resistant. The upper has some 3D-printed reinforcement around the toe cap and acts as a light mudguard, but that’s about it.
So while they’re great for mixed terrain, I’d think twice before reaching for them on super wet days, which admittedly isn’t what you always want to hear about a trail shoe. The back of the shoe looks a little different from a typical Brooks design, thanks to a lovely little heel loop. This is a nice touch if you like using gaiters on the trails, making it easier to keep debris from sneaking into your shoes.
I’m also happy to report that the heel counter never irritated my heel. I think a lot of it has to do with the way it flares outward rather than pressing directly against your skin.
I was a little surprised by how roomy the Brooks Ghost Trail felt overall. It does run true to size, but compared to the standard Ghost, there’s noticeably more space in both the toebox and midfoot.
I put both shoes on at the same time to really compare them. Even after tightening the laces, the fit still felt comfortable and secure, with plenty of room for thicker socks or if my feet swell during a long run.
While the Ghost Trail is available in a wide range of select colorways, I’d recommend trying the regular width first, there’s a good chance it’ll give enough space for more runners.
The tongue has just the right amount of cushioning to prevent the laces from digging into your foot, which I appreciated. That said, I was a bit disappointed that it isn’t gussetted and is only attached at the top.
It stayed in place while running, but I did end up with a few small rocks sneaking in from gravel paths.
Not ideal, but also not a deal breaker.
Underfoot, the Ghost Trail feels very similar to the Ghost 17, and that’s a good thing. Brooks kept things consistent here, using DNA Loft v3 foam with nitrogen infused in the heel and forefoot for a little bit of a pop.
There’s not enough bounce to make this a speedwork shoe or something you’d race a PR in, but if you want to throw in a few strides at the end of a run, it’ll get the job done just fine.
The Ghost Trail has an 8mm heel drop, which puts you slightly closer to the ground than the Ghost 17. It’s a small change, not really a noticeable one unless you put both shoes on and honestly, I think it’s part of why these might actually feel better to me than the Ghost 17. I find myself reaching for these more often, whether it’s for an easy run or to head out and meet a friend for a walk.
And even with the 3mm lugs, I never noticed that crunchy trail shoe feeling when walking or running on roads or sidewalks. That’s something that can be a deal breaker with road-to-trail shoes, but I can confirm it’s not an issue here.
All in all, the Brooks Ghost Trail really nails that road-to-trail sweet spot. But we’re not surprised because the Ghost is a shoe that has been a favorite for years among many runners.
There’s not too many differences between the Ghost Trail and Ghost 17 so let’s call them out here to make it easier.
There you have it, our Brooks Ghost Trail review. As you can tell, it’s a shoe that’s probably going to quickly find its way to our best of lists.
Have you given it a try? What did you think? Let us know below.
Our Verdict
95%
The Brooks Ghost Trail is going to be a shoe that makes many runners happy. If you’re just starting out on the trails or need a good road-to-trail option, the Brooks Ghost Trail is comfortable, durable and just an all around great shoe.
The Brooks Ghost Trail is going to be a shoe that makes many runners happy. If you’re just starting out on the trails or need a good road-to-trail option, the Brooks Ghost Trail is comfortable, durable and just an all around great shoe.
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Running Coach, Author, and Shoe Tester