BABYLON has always been about movement, community, and culture, whether through music, design, or street life. The BABYLON x BROOKS collaboration is a natural extension of that ethos, translating the brand’s energy into a performance-driven sneaker. Rooted in Los Angeles and guided by the philosophy of “Forever Under Construction,” Babylon approaches everything with evolution in mind, constantly creating, connecting, and pushing forward. Break the Map reflects that mindset, subtle yet loaded with meaning, a sneaker that moves through the city with purpose while telling a story. This collaboration captures Babylon in motion, bridging creative expression, culture, and performance.
For us, collaborations are never just about a product, they are about culture, community, and storytelling. Hearing Babylon share their perspective on movement, creativity, and city life was eye-opening, as it truly reflects who they are. Brooks’ roots in Seattle, their commitment to performance, and their understated confidence aligned perfectly with Babylon’s ethos, creating a natural space to explore ideas and build something authentic together. We look forward to seeing how it progresses.
How did the initial conversation for a BABYLON x BROOKS collaboration come together?
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”.
What shared vision or values made the partnership between BABYLON and BROOKS a natural fit?
We 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; it’s a part of the city’s rhythm, and that made the partnership feel natural and authentic from the start. Brooks has always been one of those brands that exists with quiet confidence, deep roots in performance, running, legacy, and community. And 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.
This collaboration mirrors how we live. It’s about movement, physical and creative. Babylon’s energy is rooted in evolution (Forever Under Construction) music, community, product, and design. Everything connects back to culture and movement! We wanted something that felt like our everyday, running through the city, in motion, in the moment.
What specific design elements or performance features drew you to the Brooks Ghost 17?
The Ghost 17 was the obvious choice from day one. When we first started working with Brooks and tried the shoe on, the comfort was immediate. It was the perfect base for us, solid and dependable, and ready for us to add our touch.
What challenges or creative breakthroughs occurred while developing the shoe?
We 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 makes the BABYLON x BROOKS GHOST 17 stand out for you?
All blacked out, but with that flash that reveals identity and adds personality in. It’s subtle but loaded with meaning. That’s the Babylon energy, understated, but with depth and story behind it. The 3M hits gave us that subtle flash we like. We also added a broken glass motif on the lower part of the shoe, which sparked the entire Break the Map idea.
How does the partnership between BABYLON and BROOKS set the stage for future collaboration?
We have a lot more coming. This is only the beginning. Stay tuned! The running community in Los Angeles is strong and overlaps with our worlds in a natural way, including music, art, skate, and street culture. We are looking forward to creating more moments that bridge those worlds together.
Conclusion
In the end, the Brooks Ghost 17 remains a reliable go-to for runners of all levels. Its hallmark comfort, dependable cushioning, and thoughtful fit make it a shoe that consistently earns our recommendation, whether you’re just starting out or logging serious mileage. While minor tweaks to the foam and offset bring subtle improvements over the Ghost 16, the overall experience is familiar and reassuring for long-time fans. From the snug-but-not-constricting upper to the well-balanced cushioning underfoot, the Ghost 17 proves why the model has stood the test of time. For anyone seeking a versatile, daily trainer that prioritises comfort without compromising performance, the Babylon LA x Ghost 17 is a safe, and satisfying, daily choice.
