Brooks Ghost 16 Shoe Review
Published: April 25, 2024
The King of Daily Trainers Gets a Nitrogen-Infused Boost!
Likes
- Versatile and reliable ride
- Simple, comfortable upper
- Very stable
Dislikes
- Lighter weight preferred
- 12-mm drop is a non-starter for some runners
What's New
The Brooks Ghost consistently ranks among the most popular daily trainers on the market and has earned a reputation for being a reliable workhorse that can eat up miles on end. With the Ghost 16, we see some nifty upgrades that are poised to enhance the underfoot experience while continuing to deliver the ultra-dependable ride that runners have come to expect from the Ghost.
The most notable upgrade we see in the 16th version of the Ghost is the inclusion of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam in the midsole for a softer and more responsive underfoot experience. This impressive foam is also featured in the Glycerin series, Brooks' premium daily training line. Moreover, the upper has been tweaked to offer the ideal balance between stretch and structure, making for a supremely comfortable and breathable fit. Combine these changes with the Segmented Crash Pad outsole we saw in the previous model, and runners can expect super smooth heel-to-toe transitions that will continue to delight mile after mile.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to the upgrade to DNA Loft v3 in the midsole, the Ghost 16 delivers the kind of lightweight and responsive ride that we typically see in shoes with higher price tags, which is awesome! Our testers were really impressed by the underfoot feel of this shoe and found it quite versatile on top of being very comfortable. Despite being a medium-stack shoe, the Ghost 16 offers excellent protection and performs well on faster paced runs and double-digit efforts.
Additionally, the wide base in the heel offered incredible stability that made heel-to-toe transitions feel effortless. Brooks promised a distraction-free ride with this shoe, and it's safe to say they delivered. The Ghost 16 continues the legacy of this highly popular line and even managed to dazzle our team while doing so. This is a shoe that will serve runners of all experience levels very well, from beginners looking to get out a few times a week to the most dedicated, always-training-for-something group. No matter who you are, the Ghost 16 is ready and able to help get you through your miles.
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Jon: The engineered jacquard mesh upper is simple but comfortable. I found it nicely breathable, well fitting, and padded in all the right places such as the tongue and heel counter. I really enjoyed how tailor-made the fit felt as well, which is exactly what you hope for in a daily training workhorse.
Marie: The upper on the Ghost 16 provided good form and stretch for a nice on-foot feel. There is not a lot of toe box volume, so runners like myself who have a slimmer foot will appreciate it. I took these shoes out for various runs and walks and did not experience any discomfort from rubbing or loosening from the mesh material, and my feet never overheated. I love a nice snug feel around the midfoot, and the Ghost 16 has a comfortable midfoot with a pliable padded tongue that did not shift during testing. The ankle collar is padded and has a stiffer, solid feel which is not cumbersome or confining for me and sits comfortably below my ankle bone.
Midsole
Jon: The addition of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 in the midsole is a real highlight of the Ghost 16. Adding a superior foam compound to a legacy model like the Ghost without increasing the price brings immense value in addition to a better underfoot experience. I was skeptical about the medium stack height of this shoe, but it continued to impress me throughout testing. I found it protective enough to handle each and every run I put it through, and it was moderately responsive, which is not something to bank on in a standard daily trainer. The best thing I can say about running in this shoe is that it really offers a distraction-free experience. I would lace these up, start the run, and just go on autopilot. It was wonderful.
Marie: The midsole for the Ghost 16 was light and had a nice responsiveness to it. When I first put it on, I was impressed by how light it felt underfoot, and its performance was comfortable on each step. Being in the running shoe business, it's nice to see Brooks boosting the quality of their staple daily trainer without boosting the price. I loved the way the nitrogen DNA Loft felt light and consistent at all paces.
Outsole
Jon: The RoadTack rubber outsole offered excellent traction on the roads, the track, and even some light trails. The best part for me is that despite how thick the rubber is, the shoe still comes in at a respectable weight (9.5 oz for a men's US 9).
Marie: While the RoadTack rubber outsole looks like it might add a lot of weight to the shoe, I didn't find that to be the case during my runs. I ran mostly on the road but did take this shoe on some multi-use trails with dirt and light gravel along with some boardwalks, and the outsole offered good traction and comfort everywhere. Although I did not run a ton of miles (probably roughly 20 to 30), the lack of wear on the tread was excellent.
Comparable Shoes
Brooks Ghost 16 vs. adidas Supernova Rise
Jon: Not saying this is the best comparison, but I haven't run in many standard daily trainers recently, so my only frame of reference at the moment is the adidas Supernova Rise. The best place to start is the midsole, seeing as both of these shoes feature premium cushioning — nitrogen-infused in the Ghost 16 and a PEBA base in the Supernova Rise. The primary difference is the underfoot feel. You wouldn't know there is any PEBA in the Supernova Rise, as I did not find the ride to feel very responsive or particularly lightweight. I was pretty disappointed in that shoe, and it was partly the reason I was skeptical of the Ghost 16. However, I really enjoyed the ride of the Ghost 16, and I definitely felt the benefits of the upgraded foam. For that reason alone, it is easy for me to recommend the Ghost 16 over the Supernova Rise.
Brooks Ghost 16 vs. Nike Pegasus 40
Marie: I would compare this shoe to the Nike Pegasus 40 for its feel and ride. The Nike Pegasus is a little more nimble in my opinion, but the Brooks Ghost 16 is right there at its heel. The Ghost provides a very familiar and traditional experience with this latest version while adding some finesse to its overall performance. It has a smooth feel throughout with a natural transition from footstrike to push-off.
Individual Thoughts
JonOverall Score: 9/10
The more I get to run in shoes with the latest and greatest technology, the less I find myself wanting to test out standard daily trainers. Therefore, I was not particularly looking forward to testing the Ghost 16. But one of the beauties of testing shoes is that every now and then, a shoe really surprises me, and that's what happened with the Ghost 16. The DNA Loft v3 was a huge bright spot for me and continued to impress me with every run. This is the kind of shoe that I will lace up on days when I am done with decision making, you know what I mean? Some days I just don't have the bandwidth to make any more decisions, but I still want to get run in. I imagine on days like that it will feel great to just lace these up and head out the door. Overall, I understand why the Ghost is such a popular model. It is the very definition of a reliable everyday running shoe, and I look forward to logging more miles in my pair.
MarieOverall Score: 9/10
The Ghost is one of the most popular, most sold shoes in the world due to its consistently durable, predictable ride, which remains intact for this 16th version. Thanks to the updates with the new engineered mesh and the nitrogen-infused midsole foam, this shoe gave me a lighter and more comfortable experience to wear and run in. The Ghost 16 would be a great choice for those looking for that solid neutral trainer that will provide durability, a higher drop, and that closer-to-the-ground feeling (compared to all the high stacks out there) while being comfortable for running, walking, and daily wear.
Brooks Men's Ghost
The Brooks Ghost is the most popular neutral everyday running shoe in the Brooks lineup, offering a fantastic fit, great looks, and excellent cushioning. It's a staff favorite and best seller.
Brooks Women's Ghost
The Brooks Ghost is the most popular neutral everyday running shoe in the Brooks lineup, offering a fantastic fit, great looks, and excellent cushioning. It's a staff favorite and best seller.
