Brooks is expanding the Ghost family with a new model that sits between daily trainer and super shoe, and it could be the most interesting shoe the brand has produced in years. The Ghost AMP introduces an entirely new midsole material—DNA Hype, a PEBA-blend foam—alongside a SpringRamp forefoot technology that promises to add meaningful energy return without reaching for a carbon plate. At $150, it's positioned as a faster, lighter alternative to the standard Ghost for runners who want more snap from their daily trainer without committing to a dedicated race shoe.
The technology package represents a genuine departure from Brooks' traditionally conservative approach to midsole design. DNA Hype is the brand's first PEBA-blend foam, placing Brooks in the same material territory that has driven performance gains from Nike, Saucony, and New Balance in recent seasons. The foam delivers a combination of softness and bounce that the standard Ghost's DNA Loft doesn't attempt—it's noticeably more responsive underfoot, creating a ride that rewards faster cadences and uptempo efforts. The SpringRamp, an engineered foam structure moulded into the forefoot, loads under compression and then releases energy forward, acting as a mechanical propulsion aid without the rigidity of a plate.
Brooks has also made structural changes that sharpen the Ghost AMP's character. The strobel board has been removed entirely, placing the foot directly on top of the DNA Hype midsole for a more immediate, connected feel. The heel-to-toe drop has been reduced significantly—from 12mm in the standard Ghost down to just 6mm in the AMP—which shifts the shoe's geometry toward a more aggressive, forefoot-biased ride. These aren't incremental adjustments; they fundamentally change how the shoe feels and performs compared to the Ghost 18, even though both share the same family name.
The Ghost AMP appears to be Brooks' answer to a question the market has been asking for some time: can the brand that built its reputation on reliability and comfort also deliver excitement? Shoes like the Hyperion Elite have shown Brooks can compete at the sharp end, but the Ghost AMP is different—it's aimed squarely at everyday runners who want their daily trainer to feel fast, not just functional. It competes directly with the Nike Pegasus 42, Hoka Mach 7, and Saucony Kinvara 15 for the attention of runners seeking a versatile, responsive all-rounder.
Whether the Ghost AMP delivers on its promise will depend on how the DNA Hype foam holds up over hundreds of miles and whether the SpringRamp technology feels as effective at easy paces as it does during tempo efforts. Early previews are optimistic, describing the shoe as lightweight, snappy, and capable of handling a wide range of paces without feeling undercushioned on longer runs. For Ghost loyalists, the AMP offers a compelling reason to add a second pair to the rotation. For everyone else, it's a sign that Brooks is ready to compete more aggressively in the performance daily trainer space—and that can only be good for runners.