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The Brooks Ghost Amp is a daily trainer for runners who want a more energetic ride and room for uptempo efforts than the traditional Ghost pitch suggests. Its lower 6 mm drop and firmer, bouncier feel may suit that goal, but it is not a dedicated speed shoe—and fit reports vary. Choose it over the Ghost 18 if you prefer a more propulsive feel; consider the Ghost 18 if you want its more traditional daily-trainer character.
What the Ghost Amp is—and what it costs
Brooks positions the Ghost Amp for daily runs and uptempo workouts. On its U.S. product page, Brooks lists the women’s version at $150, with a 6 mm drop and a listed weight of 8.0 oz / 226.8 g. Those are the manufacturer’s specifications; the price, colors, sizes, and inventory can change. Check Brooks’ U.S. product page for current availability and specifications.
The brand describes the DNA HYPE midsole as nitrogen-infused cushioning combining PEBA and EVA, and SpringRamp as a forefoot push-off feature. It also lists a gusseted tongue for midfoot lockdown and says the upper contains 70.2% recycled materials. These are Brooks’ product and material claims, not independent performance findings.
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How it rides in independent reviews
A steady daily trainer with some pace range
RTINGS describes the Amp as a stable daily trainer with decent impact protection for routine mileage. Its reviewers say it struggles at truly fast paces and that the cushioning feels less distinctive late in very long runs. In other words, the shoe can cover ordinary training and some quicker work, but its versatility should not be mistaken for race-shoe speed. RTINGS’ review was published July 17, 2026, and updated August 27, 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Everyday runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of soft cushioning, balanced support, and smooth comfort. Ideal for road running, gym workouts, or long daily walks, the Ghost 18 delivers reliable performance on every stride. This Brooks Ghost 18 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Ghost 17.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Powered by nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for a soft, responsive ride and balanced support, plus a new Ortholite X-60 sockliner for plush step-in comfort from the very first run.
- SECURE, BREATHABLE FIT: Features a redesigned upper construction with a flexible flat knit tongue and triple jacquard engineered mesh, offering advanced breathability and a supportive fit to help lock your foot in place.
- MODERN DESIGN & PROTECTION: Two-tone engineered air mesh provides a stylish look and increased airflow, while the smooth, flat-knit tongue delivers pillow-like protection for the top of your foot.
- DURABLE OUTSOLE & ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Lightweight RoadTack rubber outsole, made with recycled silica for sustainable traction and longevity, plus 3M reflectivity on heel collar and lateral heel ensures increased safety during low-light runs.
A firmer, lively midsole—not a universally soft ride
Doctors of Running reviewer Matthew Klein characterizes the PEBA/EVA midsole as firmer and bouncier, and finds it suited to normal and uptempo runs. Runner’s World’s September 1, 2026 comparison likewise describes the Amp as more propulsive and responsive than the Ghost 18, while considering it suitable for easy, tempo, and longer runs. Those are reviewers’ judgments; whether that combination feels lively or too firm depends on your preferences.
RTINGS measured its men’s U.S. size 9 sample at 254.5 g / 8.98 oz. That test result is not the same figure as Brooks’ women’s product-page specification, and shoe weight varies by size.
Rank #2
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Everyday runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of soft cushioning, balanced support, and smooth comfort. Ideal for road running, gym workouts, or long daily walks, the Ghost 18 delivers reliable performance on every stride. This Brooks Ghost 18 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Ghost 17.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Powered by nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for a soft, responsive ride and balanced support, plus a new Ortholite X-60 sockliner for plush step-in comfort from the very first run.
- SECURE, BREATHABLE FIT: Features a redesigned upper construction with a flexible flat knit tongue and triple jacquard engineered mesh, offering advanced breathability and a supportive fit to help lock your foot in place.
- MODERN DESIGN & PROTECTION: Two-tone engineered air mesh provides a stylish look and increased airflow, while the smooth, flat-knit tongue delivers pillow-like protection for the top of your foot.
- DURABLE OUTSOLE & ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Lightweight RoadTack rubber outsole, made with recycled silica for sustainable traction and longevity, plus 3M reflectivity on heel collar and lateral heel ensures increased safety during low-light runs.
Ghost Amp or Ghost 18?
The Ghost 18 is the most useful in-line comparison if you are choosing between a traditional daily trainer and a Ghost with a more uptempo emphasis. The drop and midsole descriptions below are reported in Runner’s World’s comparison; intended-use framing reflects the cited independent reviews.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| Decision point | Ghost Amp | Ghost 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | 6 mm | 10 mm |
| Midsole named in the comparison | DNA HYPE, a PEBA/EVA blend | DNA LOFT v3 |
| Ride emphasis | Firmer, more propulsive feel, with daily training and uptempo range | More traditional daily-trainer character for easy and long runs |
| What to weigh | Reviewer reports include short fit, and RTINGS says it is not at its best at truly fast paces | Choose it if its more traditional ride better matches your preference; the cited comparison does not establish a universal performance advantage |
The lower drop is a meaningful difference if you are accustomed to the Ghost 18, but it does not by itself establish which shoe will feel better. Try the pair that matches your preferred ride and fit rather than treating drop or foam names as a ranking.
Rank #3
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Everyday runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of soft cushioning, balanced support, and smooth comfort. Ideal for road running, gym workouts, or long daily walks, the Ghost 18 delivers reliable performance on every stride. This Brooks Ghost 18 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Ghost 17.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Powered by nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for a soft, responsive ride and balanced support, plus a new Ortholite X-60 sockliner for plush step-in comfort from the very first run.
- SECURE, BREATHABLE FIT: Features a redesigned upper construction with a flexible flat knit tongue and triple jacquard engineered mesh, offering advanced breathability and a supportive fit to help lock your foot in place.
- MODERN DESIGN & PROTECTION: Two-tone engineered air mesh provides a stylish look and increased airflow, while the smooth, flat-knit tongue delivers pillow-like protection for the top of your foot.
- DURABLE OUTSOLE & ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Lightweight RoadTack rubber outsole, made with recycled silica for sustainable traction and longevity, plus 3M reflectivity on heel collar and lateral heel ensures increased safety during low-light runs.
How the fit reports affect your choice
Fit feedback is mixed, so there is no evidence-backed universal instruction to size up. Klein reported that his usual men’s size 10 felt short and that he needed a half-size increase for length; he still found the toe box tapered. Brooks customer feedback includes both narrow-toe-box concerns and positive comfort reports. These are individual impressions, not measured fit data or a guarantee of how the shoe will fit you.
- If possible, try the shoe on and check both length and toe-box comfort.
- If ordering without trying it, review the seller’s return terms before purchase.
- Do not assume that sizing up will resolve a tapered shape if the toe box itself is uncomfortable.
Should you choose the Ghost Amp?
Choose it if you want a stable everyday trainer with a firmer, more energetic character and some capacity for uptempo sessions, and its fit works for your foot. Look elsewhere if your priority is a very soft ride, very low weight, or a shoe designed specifically for fast running; the available reviews do not establish the Amp as the best choice for those needs.
Rank #4
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Everyday runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of soft cushioning, balanced support, and smooth comfort. Ideal for road running, gym workouts, or long daily walks, the Ghost 18 delivers reliable performance on every stride. This Brooks Ghost 18 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Ghost 17.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Powered by nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for a soft, responsive ride and balanced support, plus a new Ortholite X-60 sockliner for plush step-in comfort from the very first run.
- SECURE, BREATHABLE FIT: Features a redesigned upper construction with a flexible flat knit tongue and triple jacquard engineered mesh, offering advanced breathability and a supportive fit to help lock your foot in place.
- MODERN DESIGN & PROTECTION: Two-tone engineered air mesh provides a stylish look and increased airflow, while the smooth, flat-knit tongue delivers pillow-like protection for the top of your foot.
- DURABLE OUTSOLE & ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Lightweight RoadTack rubber outsole, made with recycled silica for sustainable traction and longevity, plus 3M reflectivity on heel collar and lateral heel ensures increased safety during low-light runs.
RTINGS also compares it with the ASICS Novablast 6 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5. Use weight, cushioning, stability, and ride versatility as comparison points rather than treating those reviewers’ judgments as universal rankings. The cited evidence does not establish a mileage-life figure or durability guarantee for the Ghost Amp.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Everyday runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of soft cushioning, balanced support, and smooth comfort. Ideal for road running, gym workouts, or long daily walks, the Ghost 18 delivers reliable performance on every stride. This Brooks Ghost 18 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Ghost 17.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Powered by nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for a soft, responsive ride and balanced support, plus a new Ortholite X-60 sockliner for plush step-in comfort from the very first run.
- SECURE, BREATHABLE FIT: Features a redesigned upper construction with a flexible flat knit tongue and triple jacquard engineered mesh, offering advanced breathability and a supportive fit to help lock your foot in place.
- MODERN DESIGN & PROTECTION: Two-tone engineered air mesh provides a stylish look and increased airflow, while the smooth, flat-knit tongue delivers pillow-like protection for the top of your foot.
- DURABLE OUTSOLE & ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Lightweight RoadTack rubber outsole, made with recycled silica for sustainable traction and longevity, plus 3M reflectivity on heel collar and lateral heel ensures increased safety during low-light runs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
