Running shoe reviews

Fall 2012 Running Shoe Guide

Runner's World wear-tests and reviews the latest in fall running shoes to help you find the perfect fit

By Jeff Dengate and Martyn Shorten, PhD

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Fall 2012 Running Shoe Guide // Brooks Ghost 5 c David Clugston

Image: David Clugston

Brooks Ghost 5, $110

Editor's Choice
Height: 34.7 mm (heel); 23.8 mm (forefoot)
Weight: 11.3 oz (M); 9.3 oz (W)

The ghost is spooky good. For the third straight Fall Guide, it has garnered our top honor. We like that little has changed from the fourth version of this shoe. The Ghost remains fairly lightweight with a soft heel and relatively firm forefoot, which gives wearers a fast feel. "I didn't have that 'squishy' feeling I sometimes experience with cushioned shoes," says Chris Garges, 37, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who has a 2:47 marathon PR. To adapt to more footstrike patterns, the segmented heel has been extended forward along the outer edge of the foot. It also helps smooth the heel-to-toe transition.

Bottom Line: A versatile shoe that can handle whatever workouts you throw at it.

Cross-train with these workouts borrowed from other sports.

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Fall 2012 Running Shoe Guide

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