Brooks
Ghost Trail
Product Judgment
Strong
8.2
Category: Light/Moderate Trail
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Reasonable
Common retail price: ~$150
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Hybrid running shoe blending Ghost road comfort with trail-ready features. Designed for door-to-trail versatility and mixed terrain. Widely praised for its stable, plush ride and broad fit.
Delivers a smooth, cushioned ride with a familiar road feel, enhanced by trail-specific grip and protection. Ride is steady and predictable, prioritizing comfort and stability over speed. Outsole handles gravel and hardpack confidently, but grip fades in mud or technical sections. Upper remains breathable and secure, supporting long, easy efforts.
Best suited for runners seeking one shoe for road, gravel, and light trail use. Excels as a daily trainer, recovery, or long run option for mixed surfaces. Ideal for city or rural runners, cross-country athletes, and those prioritizing comfort and versatility. Less suitable for technical trails, but a top choice for door-to-trail adventures.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Plush cushioning, roomy fit, and secure heel provide excellent comfort on mixed terrain.
Energy Return
6DNA Loft v3 foam delivers a steady, muted ride rather than a lively rebound.
Stability
8Wide platform and guiderails offer reliable stability on road and light trails.
Durability
8Full-coverage outsole and reinforced upper show minimal wear after extended use.
Grip
7TrailTack lugs provide dependable traction on dry and wet hardpack, but struggle in mud or slick conditions.
Run Fitness
Daily
9Comfortable cushioning and stable ride excel for daily mixed-surface runs.
Long
8Protective midsole and secure fit support longer efforts on road and light trail.
Light Trail
9Outsole and upper design handle gravel, dirt, and park trails with ease.
Technical Trail
5Limited traction and protection make it less suitable for technical or muddy terrain.
Door to Trail
10Smooth transitions and hybrid build make it ideal for road-to-trail routes.
Pros & Cons
- Versatile hybrid design
- Excellent comfort
- Stable on mixed terrain
- Secure heel fit
- Limited grip in mud
- Runs large
Hybrid construction excels at both road and light trail running, making it highly versatile.
Plush cushioning and roomy fit provide outstanding comfort for daily and long runs.
Wide platform and guiderails deliver reliable stability on varied surfaces.
Heel counter and lockdown system ensure a secure, confident fit.
Traction is insufficient on muddy, rooty, or technical trails compared to dedicated trail shoes.
Fit runs about half a size large, requiring careful sizing or thicker socks.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:30-7:30 min/km
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
36.5 mm heel / 28.5 mm forefoot
Weight
300.5 g
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
36.5 mm heel / 28.5 mm forefoot
Weight
300.5 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
wide
Terrain
Door To Trail
Technologies
DNA Loft v3 foam, TrailTack Green outsole, 3D-printed overlays
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:30-7:30 min/km
Comparable Models
Brooks Ghost 17 is smoother on roads, but lacks the trail grip and protection of the Ghost Trail.
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Brooks Cascadia 19 is more technical and protective, but less smooth on roads.
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Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is softer and more trail-biased, but less road-trainer-like.
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Hoka Challenger 8 is softer and higher-stack, but less road-focused than the Ghost Trail.
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Altra Outroad 3 is roomier and lower-drop, but less conventional in geometry.
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ASICS Gel-Trabuco 13 is more technical and protective, but less road-to-trail focused.
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