Babylon LA Reimagines the Brooks Ghost 17 with Stealthy Look

Brooks is world-renowned for its running footwear, but high-profile collaborations are still new territory for the storied brand. The team at Babylon LA, however, are helping the company explore this space, recently reimagining the beloved Ghost 17 running model.

Designed with and presented through a "Break the Map" concept, the project sees a stealthy ensemble across its performance-oriented build. An all-black finish claims real estate throughout the breathable upper and nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning underfoot. Co-founders Lee Spielman and Garrett Stevenson, however, found it imperative to grab attention with some aspect of the shoe, injecting reflective accents into the mix to achieve this goal. Furthermore, a shattered glass-like graphic is printed onto the midsole, serving as a reminder to champion individuality and challenge norms with every step.

Spielman and Stevenson shared some insight about their project with House of Heat° over email:

How did the relationship with Brooks begin? What are your earliest memories of Brooks?

We connected with Brooks a few years ago. We talked about doing a project together, which eventually led to us heading out to Seattle to hang out and meet each other. From there we locked in and focused on the idea that became Break the Map. My partner Lee and I both spent time living in Seattle years back, around Capitol Hill and the U District. Brooks has always felt very connected to the Northwest. The brand’s DNA is tied into the city in a real way, and that made the partnership feel natural.

Could you walk us through the design of the Babylon LA Ghost 17?

When we started looking at the Ghost 17 from a design standpoint, our instinct was to keep it understated because that is how we approach most things. We wanted it black and clean with a small spark of personality that felt true to us. The 3M hits added the right amount of shine without going too far. We also worked in a broken glass motif along the lower part of the shoe, and that detail became the starting point for the Break the Map idea. That was the moment the story of the project began to take shape.

What do you hope people take away from the Break the Map concept?

I hope people feel encouraged to become whoever they want to be. Break the map, try something new, make a new connection, step into a new experience. It is never too late to reset and go in a different direction. There will always be a path out there ready to support you.

Babylon LA hosted a four mile run in celebration of the shoe. Why is community important to you?

Community is everything for Babylon, both as a brand and as people. From Los Angeles to Tokyo and everywhere we have touched, we have always had our people around us first. Seeing punks, fashion kids, rappers, chefs, and so many others out running together was incredible. People from completely different backgrounds finding something to share is the goal. That is what matters most.

If you could choose another design from the Brooks catalog to collaborate on, which would it be and why?

I would choose the Glycerin 22 without question. It is such a smooth and fast looking shoe. I love how it works in both an active setting and on the street. It has a look that fits a lot of worlds at once, so that would be my pick.

Babylon LA's Brooks Ghost 17 project released via BrooksRunning.com and select shops on Saturday Nov. 15. Select sizes are still available online.

For more running footwear, check out the ultra-cushioned Nike Vomero Premium.