Runner's World Editor's Choice Mar '11

Men's Ghost 4

$100.00
Style # 110098
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Following in the footsteps of the Ghost 3, the Ghost 4 was deemed "Editor's Choice" in Runner's World’s Fall 2011 Shoe Guide in the September issue. Runner’s World described the Ghost 4 as "a lightweight shoe with a snug fit," noting that "the Ghost has a fast feel and a surprisingly springy midsole that supplies just a bit of stability."


Now friendlier than ever, this super-balanced wonder is at the heart of our Neutral collection, making it the "go-to" shoe for a plethora of runners. Now with Brooks® DNA, the new and improved Ghost 4 adds customized cushioning to its already generous comfort arsenal, plus Omega flex grooves for extra flexibility. Runner’s World said, "Whether you go fast or slow, this versatile shoe can handle whatever workouts you dish out." Take them for a spin and you’ll become a believer.


> See the Women's Ghost 4


Love the Ghost but hate running in the rain? The Ghost GTX is now available. Everything you love about the Ghost, but with a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® membrane to keep your feet dry and comfortable. No more blaming it on the rain!

Product Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Ghost 4
 
4.4

(based on 82 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (53)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (18)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Comfortable (66)
  • Cushions impact (56)
  • Breathable (48)
  • Good traction (39)
  • Lightweight (38)

Cons

  • Wears out quickly (9)
  • Heavy (7)
  • Uncomfortable (7)
  • Poor arch support (6)
  • Poor cushioning (5)

Best Uses

  • Road running (54)
  • Distance / endurance (9)
  • Pavement (5)
  • Walking (5)
  • Gym (4)
    • Sizing:
    • Feels full size too small

       

      Feels half size too small

       

      Feels true to size

       

      93% 

      (74 reviews)

      Feels half size too big

       

      Feels full size too big

       
    • Width:
    • Feels too narrow

       

      Feels true to width

       

      97% 

      (76 reviews)

      Feels too wide

       
    • Arch Type:
    • Average arch (57), High arch (12), Low arch (9)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Enthusiast (61), Casual/ recreational (12), Gym rat (8)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (76), Yes (3)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Excellent Update

This is an excellent, much needed update to the Ghost 3's. This is what should have come after the Ghost 2's. They are much more like the Ghost 2's than the...Read complete review

This is an excellent, much needed update to the Ghost 3's. This is what should have come after the Ghost 2's. They are much more like the Ghost 2's than the previous Ghost 3's. The width is slightly wider, but the overall fit is in keeping with the Ghost 2's. If you never had the Ghost 2's but only the Ghost 3's, you're in for a treat. I actually kept running in the 2's, because I didn't like the Ghost 3's, overall. So, I've been waiting for some time.

First, the quality of this update seems to be through the roof, with materials and looks that don't feel cheap. The ride is cushioned similarly to the Ghost 2's, while the DNA feels much like the Hydroflo of the Ghost 2 but better. This is because it hardens (but not too much) as you runner faster! It's a responsive shoe with a ride that's not too damped like the Ghost 3's, in my opinion. The flexibility is excellent, but not so much that it feels unstable. The Omega grooves seem to work great in the short term. We'll see if they hold up to the miles as the shoe gets older. The arch isn't as supported as the Ghost 2's, but it is very close, and the mid-foot wrap feels nice and snug. The heel is not as tight as the Ghost 2's, but it stays put and is snug but not as much as I would prefer. I like a shoe that's tighter around the foot, but for long distance runs the foot tends to swell and a tighter shoe would feel too tight, unlike these. I think that's what Brooks was looking to do: make this more of a long distance, everyday shoe rather than a specific trainer for sports or running on your recovery days--think sprints, plyo., short-distance tempo runs, etc.).

If you supinate or are truly neutral runner who likes cushion yet responsiveness, these are your go-to shoes as an excellent everyday trainer. Again, these fit like the Ghost 2's, so I highly recommend you size 1/2 size up over your regular shoe. For example, I regularly wear 11D and sized up to 11.5D for a glove-like fit in these shoes. Use the Brannock device and size up from that measurement, I've found for best results. I also love the fact that the traction is much more aggressive than all previous versions. It's a more stable shoe overall, but Brooks managed to keep the lightness and responsiveness of the Ghost 2. So far, these are excellent.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

I thought I loved you, but...

I bought these at a discount night at a running shop - and I thought it was love at first sight. Comfortable, cushiony, and I just could not WAIT to get my first run...Read complete review

I bought these at a discount night at a running shop - and I thought it was love at first sight. Comfortable, cushiony, and I just could not WAIT to get my first run in these.

I ran a few shorter distances, and then a flat 5k on-road race, and was still quite happy with them, then I pushed them for a few longer distance runs > 5 miles, and I realized that they were starting to loosen up too much and lose their structure. In fact, I re-tied the shoe laces tighter on a 7 mile run, just to snug them up a bit, only to then suffer a very sore upper foot for days. I have checked 3x on the tongue to make sure these were not 2E width!

I thought this was my "go to" shoe, since I simply LOVE my Ghost 4 GTX model that I bought in December. I used to calmly gripe that those were too snug and stiff, and just not enough cushion, but compared to Ghost 4 regular edition, I actually prefer them now and I wear them in more than just wet conditions (mainly for trail running now).

I guess I feel a little let down by these Ghost 4s in that they DO provide good cushioning, but not enough structure, and the very roomy toe box just feels sloppy to me now. Combined with low to no arch support, I find these to be just useful for plain old walking now, or maybe to alternate into for some shorter runs. I've actually reverted back to my Nike Air Pegasus shoes for my evening walks, leaving the Ghosts kind of sulking in the corner, begging for some attention like an ex girlfriend.

Don't get me wrong here, I am a HUGE fan of all things Brooks lately, but these just do not hit the mark for me, at least for running. I did recommend them to my partner for walking, and he really loves them for that as a heavier-framed guy with some heel and tendon issues. We share that opinion, but for running, I need less slop and more discipline. I am hoping my new launches and Pure Flows provide the fill ins for when I don't need the Ghost 4 GTX all-weather protection.

Reviewed by 82 customers

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2.0

First pair was great, second was awful

By The outdoorsman

from Bozeman, MT

About Me Casual/ Recreational

Pros

  • Fast
  • Good Traction
  • Great with Jeans

Cons

  • Uncomfortable

Best Uses

  • With Orthotics/Inserts

Comments about Ghost 4:

The first pair of these that I bought was great. I used them with superfeet inserts and they were the most confortable shoes that I had ever wore. I use one pair of shoes for my casual and my running/jogging so considering the abount of use, the 6 months they lasted were pretty long. Finally a hole wore in and I decided to get another pair. Since I was buying the same size I decided i dident need to try them on in the store... big mistake. They were so terrible that I ended up just wearing the ones with the hole. The sewing for the flap was all screwed up. I could have saved my self some time by just rippintg up the [$] bill.

  • Sizing:
  • Feels true to size
  • Width:
  • Feels true to width
  • Arch Type:
  • Average Arch
  • Was this a gift?:
  • No
 
5.0

Wow! What a shoe!

By Stuart

from Seattle, WA

About Me Avid Athlete

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Comfortable
  • Fast

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Endurance Training

    Comments about Ghost 4:

    I'm really impressed with the feel of this shoe. It doesn't isolate me from the road with an overly cushioned ride. It really connects me to the road allowing the joy of the run to come through mile after mile.

    • Sizing:
    • Feels true to size
    • Width:
    • Feels true to width
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No
     
    5.0

    this shoes is excellent!!

    By ging

    from jersey city

    About Me Avid Athlete

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Cushions Impact
    • Good Arch Support
    • Good Traction
    • Pronation Control

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Road Running

      Comments about Ghost 4:

      Ghost 4 helps my running a lot, it gives me comfort,on my heel, arch and i don't feel the pain on my heel after a long run, thanks a lot!!

      • Sizing:
      • Feels true to size
      • Width:
      • Feels true to width
      • Arch Type:
      • Average Arch
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No
       
      2.0

      I thought I loved you, but...

      By Jimbo the Brooks Fan

      from Rochester, MI

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Pros

      • Cushions Impact
      • Great with Jeans
      • WALKING

      Cons

      • Too wide in toe box
      • Uncomfortable
      • Wears Out Quickly

      Best Uses

      • Walking

      Comments about Ghost 4:

      I bought these at a discount night at a running shop - and I thought it was love at first sight. Comfortable, cushiony, and I just could not WAIT to get my first run in these.

      I ran a few shorter distances, and then a flat 5k on-road race, and was still quite happy with them, then I pushed them for a few longer distance runs > 5 miles, and I realized that they were starting to loosen up too much and lose their structure. In fact, I re-tied the shoe laces tighter on a 7 mile run, just to snug them up a bit, only to then suffer a very sore upper foot for days. I have checked 3x on the tongue to make sure these were not 2E width!

      I thought this was my "go to" shoe, since I simply LOVE my Ghost 4 GTX model that I bought in December. I used to calmly gripe that those were too snug and stiff, and just not enough cushion, but compared to Ghost 4 regular edition, I actually prefer them now and I wear them in more than just wet conditions (mainly for trail running now).

      I guess I feel a little let down by these Ghost 4s in that they DO provide good cushioning, but not enough structure, and the very roomy toe box just feels sloppy to me now. Combined with low to no arch support, I find these to be just useful for plain old walking now, or maybe to alternate into for some shorter runs. I've actually reverted back to my Nike Air Pegasus shoes for my evening walks, leaving the Ghosts kind of sulking in the corner, begging for some attention like an ex girlfriend.

      Don't get me wrong here, I am a HUGE fan of all things Brooks lately, but these just do not hit the mark for me, at least for running. I did recommend them to my partner for walking, and he really loves them for that as a heavier-framed guy with some heel and tendon issues. We share that opinion, but for running, I need less slop and more discipline. I am hoping my new launches and Pure Flows provide the fill ins for when I don't need the Ghost 4 GTX all-weather protection.

      • Sizing:
      • Feels half size too big
      • Width:
      • Feels too wide
      • Arch Type:
      • Low Arch
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No
       
      5.0

      Great Ride,

      By dan323, runner.

      from Chicago Suburbs.

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Breathable
      • Comfortable
      • Cushions Impact
      • Durable
      • Good Arch Support
      • Good Traction
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Road Running

        Comments about Ghost 4:

        I use these for running only. I got them today and went for a 6 mile run. These are by far the best running shoes I have ever had. I NB and Addidas before these and the Brooks,Ghost blow those shoes away. The best fit, and most comfortable ever.We have a winner.

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels true to width
        • Arch Type:
        • Average Arch
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No
         
        5.0

        Amazing!

        By The runner

        from Ilford, london

        About Me Avid Athlete

        Verified Reviewer

        Pros

        • Breathable
        • Comfortable
        • Cushions Impact
        • Durable
        • Good Arch Support
        • Good Traction
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Road Running

          Comments about Ghost 4:

          These shoes are amazingly great!, I purchased them recently from a specialist shop and after much test I found these to be the pair made for me in heaven.

          I have very flat feet so the fact that these shoes are able to comfort such different feet is a credit in its own!, I would recommend these to anyone!

          • Sizing:
          • Feels true to size
          • Width:
          • Feels true to width
          • Arch Type:
          • Average Arch
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No
           
          5.0

          Amazing shoe

          By Garbear

          from Midtown, TN

          About Me Avid Athlete

          Pros

          • Breathable
          • Comfortable
          • Durable
          • Good Traction
          • Lightweight

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Trail Running

            Comments about Ghost 4:

            I ran cross country in this shoe, and its the best running shoe i have wore yet. I highly recommend this shoe !!

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width
            • Arch Type:
            • Average Arch
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No
             
            5.0

            Happy with the shoes

            By Scott The black Lab's partner

            from Clearwater,Florida

            About Me Avid Athlete

            Pros

            • Comfortable
            • Fast
            • Good Traction

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Road Running

              Comments about Ghost 4:

              I foot measures 8.5 and I was happy with the fit of 9. In Asics I have used 9.5 or 10 to get the same fit. These feel better

              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels true to width
              • Arch Type:
              • Average Arch
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Best running ever!

              By Mike

              from Woodland, CA.

              About Me Avid Athlete

              Pros

              • Comfortable
              • Cushions Impact
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Wears Out Quickly

              Best Uses

              • Road Running

              Comments about Ghost 4:

              25-30 miles a week. Love the overall feel of these shoes (previous favorite was the Radius). Only minor drawback was the durability of the shoe. I felt that it wore quickly. Great shoe though!

              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels true to width
              • Arch Type:
              • Average Arch
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No
               
              4.0

              A solid shoe

              By James Oswald

              from Washington DC

              About Me Avid Athlete

              Pros

              • Comfortable
              • Cushions Impact
              • Durable
              • Good Arch Support
              • Good Traction
              • Lightweight

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Pavement

                Comments about Ghost 4:

                awh ab

                • Sizing:
                • Feels true to size
                • Width:
                • Feels true to width
                • Arch Type:
                • Average Arch
                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

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