Brooks Ghost Amp vs HOKA Mach 7

Ghost Amp or Mach 7? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want a lighter, faster Ghost for daily runs and uptempo days? Get the Ghost Amp.

Want light and quick without a plate? Get the Mach 7.

Get the Ghost Amp if

You want the softer, more cushioned ride
You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot

Get the Mach 7 if

You like a firmer, more stable feel
You like a bit more structure under the forefoot
You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.6 oz

On the run

Ghost Amp: A lighter, quicker Ghost. Lighter and quicker than the regular Ghost, with a very flexible, comfortable ride that handles short and long runs. The new foam is less bouncy than its looks promise.

Mach 7: The light, nimble do-it-all. Firm, springy and low to the ground for a HOKA. It feels fast when you pick up the pace and still works for everyday miles, though the foam firms up noticeably in real cold.

Specs side by side

	Ghost Amp	Mach 7
Price	$150	$145
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	36 / 30mm*	37 / 32mm*
Drop	6mm	5mm
Weight, men’s	9 oz	8.37 oz
Weight, women’s	8 oz	7.15 oz
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	None
Widths	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide
Built for	Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs	Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs
Expected life	400–500 miles	300–400 miles

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Ghost Amp. True to size with excellent lockdown and a premium knit upper, but the toebox is tapered. Wide available.

Mach 7. Runs slightly short and close-fitting, with a new gusseted tongue that locks the midfoot in. If you’re between sizes, go up a half. Wide feet should try the wide.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.