There’s been a bit of buzz lately in mainstream media about the rise of gravel running shoes. It’s a play on the trend that has swept the cycling world the past five years or so, but as a runner, it’s laughable because you don’t need a specialized shoe to run on gravel roads.
It’s only a thing because, as the trail running adjacent vibe catches on in urban and suburban circles, a few brands are pushing the concept of graveling running shoes in their marketing messages. Call ‘em what you will, but those shoes, including the new Brooks Ghost Trail ($150), are really what they’ve always been, just versatile road-to-trail hybrid shoes.
While it might not be a shoe that carries a lot of sexy vibe or the technical tools to tackle rowdier terrain, it is a shoe that could be in the quiver of just about every single runner, including you and me. If you’re used to running roads and sometimes run moderate trails, it’s an ideal shoe for you. If you’re used to running technical trails and need a shoe for mild dirt routes or, yep, even gravel roads, it’s an ideal shoe for you.
The Brooks Ghost Trail, which dropped in December, is the latest trail shoe offering from Brooks, a brand that for years was regarded for making consummate happy-shiny-cushy road running shoes and offering the Cascadia as its token trail shoe. It’s been a while since it expanded its trail shoe offerings, but it’s only lately that Brooks has given a full commitment to trail running.
Along with signing a roster of talented trail runners—most notably world championships bronze medalist Anna Gibson and recently Javelina Jundred record-setter Will Murray—it is also about to launch a great new trail running super shoe. But for now, this credible somewhat pedestrian daily trail commuter does the trick for modest mileage on mild and moderate terrain.
Fit/Feel/Ride: The Brooks Ghost Trail fits true to size with a snug heel and a medium-volume midfoot and toe box that offers a bit of wiggle room for toes to splay. The step-in feel is soft and moderately plush, while the ride feels smooth, stable, and a little bit soft, even though it tends to be slightly firm compared to other shoes in the road-to-trail category.
Brooks Ghost Trail Specs
Price: $150
Weights: 9.2 oz (women’s 8); 10.3 oz. (men’s 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; 40mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
Key Features: The Ghost Trail’s nitrogen-infused supercritical DNA LOFT v3 midsole foam offers a balanced, medium-firm ride that remains consistent and stable across mixed surfaces. Unlike the more daunting 10-12mm offset of some Brooks road shoes, the Ghost Trail utilizes a lower 8mm drop to improve ground feel and stability on varied terrain. A comfortable air mesh upper ensures a locked-in fit, featuring 3D-printed toe caps and mudguards that provide just enough armor for transitioning from the road to groomed trails.
Why You’ll Probably Like This Shoe: This shoe feels like a road running shoe with a trail outsole, but that’s a good thing. It offers just enough trail-specific protection and traction along with plenty of cushy comfort and smooth-riding softness.
Why You Might Not Like this Shoe: Although the TrailTack Green rubber excels on gravel, dry rocks, and dirth paths, its 3mm lugs lack the depth and stickiness required for secure traction in deep mud or on highly technical, rocky, rooty mountain trails.
Pros
- Offers a smooth, natural transition between pavement and mild, groomed trails, making it ideal for mild trails though parks or gravel paths.
- It retains the step-in comfort of the Ghost road series, featuring a plush heel collar and a breathable, high-quality air mesh upper.
Cons
- The tongue is not gusseted (attached at the sides), which can allow small rocks and debris to enter the shoe on gravel paths.
- The DNA LOFT v3 midsole can feel on the firmer side for runners who prefer a maximalist, ultra-soft underfoot experience.
Check it out → Brooks Ghost Trail (Women’s/Men’s)
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