The Ghost 6 got me into running, so when it wore out I went down to Emerhoff’s in Ames and got the Ghost 8 on clearance for $100 (the Ghost 9 was coming out 1 year ago so the they knocked $20 off the 8). My ignorance on shoes 1 year ago was almost total. I knew Brooks was a quality maker and I knew in vague terms that the Ghost was a quality shoe (4 years ago an article in central Iowa from a local seller had said the Ghost was a good shoe for people who ran 10-15 miles a week). Little did I know then there were many other considerations when selecting a shoe (were you skinny, were you heavy, did you have flat feet, did you need room for orthotics…). Lucky for me the Ghost was for neutral runners of average height and weight.

1 year later there are several things I’ve noticed about the shoe having run in it for approximately 100 miles. It has the best lateral control of any shoe I have due to the supportive upper well in unison with a solid outsole. There is no fear on corners. I corner like a bulldog heading for the supper dish. Ain’t nothing taking me out. I may not be a greyhound on the straightaways, but ain’t nobody gonna beat me on the corners in the Ghost 8. You also feel the bottom of your feet are very well protected and supported. Looking at the outsole, I would guess the rubber has another 75 to 100 miles on it. Not bad. One thing that concerned me shortly after my purchase was the weight. Coming in at 10.9 / 11.0 ounces, the Ghost 8 was a good 2.0 plus ounces heavier than my Zante. (The Ghost 10 is supposed to come in at 10.4 ounces and have a softer ride.)

After going through my obsession for lightweight shoes this past year, I no longer have the concern for the weight of a substantial shoe. While I like to have a light shoe in my rotation, there’s something nice to be said for a supportive and protective shoe. The other thing I’ve noticed from a durability perspective is that with its strategically placed overlays, no toes are going to be wearing through the top or the sides, the upper is reinforced. the toe box is perfectly roomy. If you have a wide foot, guess what? Get a EE. If you’re 220 pounds, guess what? Get  the Brooks Beast. Don’t ask a shoe to do what it isn’t designed for. A lithe 20 something isn’t going to have the same requirements as someone whose feet have been abused for 40 years.

And as far as weight, get an electronic kitchen scale for about $15 bucks and get a better idea about weight factors. A hair more than 1.5 ounces separate a “lightweight” shoe like the Clifton 3, and a heavier shoe like the Ghost. 9.2 ounces and 10.9 respectively. What is the ‘real world’ impact of 1.5 ounces? 1.5 ounces happens to be the weight of 2 ankle socks. I extended my shoed foot with my eyes closed, and had a pair of socks put on the toe to see if I could detect the weight of 1.5 ounces. Maybe, not sure, it was never definitive. One thing I am sure about, is what happens to your feet if you run in a cheap shoe. The end of  your running career and a detriment to your health. There are other things to consider than 1.5 ounces. As noted earlier, protecting the bone structure of the foot on corners and from ground obstacles on the bottom is one of them.

Another thing to consider is price, and not letting shoe manufacturers get away with charging a $150 dollars or more for a shoe they made in Vietnam or China for $5 bucks. 2 of my favorite shoes are made by New Balance and Brooks for $100 and $120 respectively. Those same two companies also make two very fine shoes (the 1080 and the Glycerin) for $150 dollars. I personally am not going to support that. Certainly not when really good shoes are available for a lot less (Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34: $110 dollars). And the same expensive shoe when it is outgoing at the end of a model year can be had for discounts of 20% – 35% off. The “daily trainer”. There’s a lot to think about, and its a lot to ask of 1 shoe to fulfill all roles. I’d make it 2 shoes.

[Got the Ghost 10 ordered today at Emerhoff’s. Due in Saturday or Monday. The excitement is palpable.]