Brooks Ghost 12 GTX Review – The Best Winter Running Shoes?

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If you’ve been in the running community for a while, you’ve probably heard of the Brooks shoe lineup. Brooks is a world-renowned company based out of Seattle, providing some of the best running shoes on the market.

While they are known for their high-quality designs, how does the Brooks Ghost 12 GTX perform? Is it comfortable? Does it have enough support? All these questions and more will be answered in this article.

But before we dive in, I want to explain why I’m qualified to write these review articles.

Why I’m Qualified

With over 7 years of running experience, I’ve been through more shoes than I can count. Over the years, I’ve discovered which ones are worth the money and which ones aren’t. This blog lets you learn from my mistakes…because trust me, you don’t want to go through as many running shoes as I did to find the perfect pair.

Brooks Ghost 12 GTX Overview

Brooks Ghost 12 GTX
  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Lining: Synthetic
  • Sole Material: Rubber

The Brooks Ghost 12 GTX is truly one of a kind. It may not be the best running shoe for everybody, but it sure as hell packs a punch. The thing that stood out for me was the waterproof design. And yes, I said ‘waterproof’ – not ‘water-resistant’!

In addition, they also provide amazing traction, which is perfect if you’re running on difficult terrain. Combine this with the great shock absorption and you’ve got a shoe that keeps you dry while preventing injuries from flaring up.

It doesn’t get any better than that, right!?

What Makes Them Stand Out…

Now you understand why the Brooks Ghost 12 GTX is a great running shoe, let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the features.

Perfect For Winter Running

They are made with a Gore-Tex membrane, which does an amazing job at preventing water from seeping in. In fact, this fabric is used in everything such as waterproof jackets, pants, and coats.

When you hear the word ‘waterproof’ – it’s normal to be skeptical. I know, we’ve all brought a waterproof product before only to find it malfunctions when it comes into contact with the slightest drop of water.

But I can promise you that the Brooks Ghost 12 GTX running shoes are some of the best waterproof shoes on the market. You can run during a storm and these things will keep your feet dry!

That’s why I recommend them for Winter running.

Not only do they keep your feet dry, but they also keep them warm. The Gore-Tex fabric protects your feet against the wind when it’s cold outside.

Comfortable Fit

Comfort is king when it comes to choosing a pair of running shoes. After all, you’re going to be running in them for hundreds of miles, right!? Luckily, these shoes are nothing but comfortable.

For people with wider feet, there may be a break-in period; however, it’s all sunshines and rainbows from then onwards! After a while, you’ll notice how well they mold to your feet, providing a ‘custom-like’ fit.

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True To Size

Over recent years, many running shoes are not been true to size. People, myself included, have been purchasing shoes and finding out they don’t fit upon arrival

On a more positive note, you’ll be glad to hear these running shoes fit perfectly. There’s no need to go up or down a size when ordering.

Great Impact Absorbtion

As you may know, running has a detrimental effect on your joints. While the occasional run isn’t going to do much damage, you could end up with aches and pains if you take it more seriously. 

With the Brooks Ghost 12 GTX running shoes, you get great shock absorption. This absorbs shock when your feet hit the ground, minimizing the damage on your joints so you can run for longer!

Amazing Traction

As discussed previously, these shoes are designed for Winter running. But they wouldn’t be any good without great traction, right!? After all, Winter normally consists of heavy snow, ice, and rain.

While I don’t recommend running if the conditions are too bad, they do a great job at holding up on extreme surfaces. It’s unlikely you’re going to find yourself slipping over, even if you happen to run across some invisible ice.

What I Don’t Like…

Annoying Clicking Noise

Because these running shoes are designed with Gore-Tex, they are going to make a ‘clicking’ noise every time your foot leaves the ground. This is common when you buy a new pair of sneakers – but normally disappears after a few days.

However, this isn’t the case with the Ghost 12 GTX running shoes. You’re going to have to deal with this noise forever! While you’ll get used to it pretty fast, it’s not ideal if you want to use these shoes for day-to-day activities – let alone work!

Image how much you would annoy your colleagues!

Not Ideal For Summer

While they’re perfect for those cold Winter runs, the Summer brings a whole different story. The waterproof material that protects your feet from the wind also makes them heat up in the Summer.

In fact, these are probably some of the most ‘unbreathable’ shoes.

In case you didn’t know, less breathable shoes cause you to sweat more in hot climates. You’ll then have sweat building up in your shoes with no way to escape because of the waterproofing material. Yeah…not ideal, right!?

Who Should Buy Them?

The Brooks Ghost 12 GTX Running Shoes are best suited for people who live in cold climates and still want to enjoy running. They are waterproof and do a great job at keeping your feet warm when it’s windy outside.

In addition, the traction they provide is second to none, especially when compared with the normal Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoes. This makes it easier to run on surfaces that may be a little slippery from time to time.

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Brooks Ghost 12 GTX Alternatives

Product
Most Similar
Brooks Ghost 13 GTX
Best For Summer
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST
Image
Brooks Ghost 13 GTX® Black/Black/Peacock 11 B (M)
ASICS Men's Novablast Running Shoes, 7, Black/Black
Shipping
-
-
How It Compares
Also Waterproof (Similar Model)
Very Breathable (Not Waterproof)
Weight
1.28lbs
1.3lbs
Most Similar
Product
Brooks Ghost 13 GTX
Image
Brooks Ghost 13 GTX® Black/Black/Peacock 11 B (M)
Shipping
-
How It Compares
Also Waterproof (Similar Model)
Weight
1.28lbs
Best For Summer
Product
ASICS Men's NOVABLAST
Image
ASICS Men's Novablast Running Shoes, 7, Black/Black
Shipping
-
How It Compares
Very Breathable (Not Waterproof)
Weight
1.3lbs

Final Verdict

Whether Winter’s around the corner or you just want a pair of running shoes for the occasional bit of rain – the Ghost 12 GTX’s won’t let you down! With that being said, they aren’t ideal for the Summer months due to their lack of breathability, so keep that in mind when buying these shoes.

Also Check Out: Brooks Ghost 11 GTX Review