Brooks Ghost 14 Shoe Review

The Brooks Ghost 14 is the next version of the popular and consistent Ghost. You can usually count on it being one of the most consistent shoes from year to year. It’s the most popular running shoe in the run specialty world, and if Brooks changes it too much, they’ll lose many people. That being said, it’s unglamorous and slightly boring, but it gets the job done.

This year, the Brooks Ghost 14 now features DNA Loft Foam throughout the midsole. There is also an improved fit which makes it more flexible and smooth.

Brooks Ghost 14 Quick Facts:

Weight: 9 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 12 mm

Price: $130

Brooks Ghost 14 Intro:

The first Brooks Ghost was the first shoe I ever tried when working in the run specialty. In fact, the Ghost 8 was the first run specialty shoe I sold. A few draws of the Ghost include the consistent ride and fit, cushion, and wider toe box. We all want a shoe we can love year after year and not worry about change.

The “big” update for the Brooks Ghost 14 is the DNA Loft Foam throughout the midsole. Previous versions only used the foam in the heel’s outer edge, but now it spans the full length of the midsole. You really won’t feel much difference other than it’s bouncier.

Brooks Ghost 14 Fit:

One of the best features of the Brooks Ghost is the fit. It fits many different feet from the standard width, someone with bunions or someone who needs a wide. Bunions are a more common issue for women, but the Ghost has a wide toe box to accommodate bunions but a narrow heel, so you won’t have heel slippage either.

Brooks continues to use engineered mesh in the upper as well as a “3d Print Technology”. This technology combines both structure and stretch to the mesh, so you feel supported but not constricted.

The tongue and laces are padded and don’t irritate. Once you slide the Brooks Ghost 14, it feels like a ghost on your foot, and you forget it’s there. That’s exactly how you want a running shoe to feel.

Typically in women running shoes, I wear between a 10-11 wide. I’ve found the size 10.5 wide to fit the best. That’s remained the same for the last few versions of the Brooks Ghost.

Brooks Ghost 14 Ride:

Like the fit, the ride of the Ghost is reliable and consistent. The new addition of more DNA Loft Foam makes the Brooks Ghost 14 softer than ever, but it is still responsive enough to pick up the pace. There hasn’t been a lot indicated in the ride of the Ghost 14. So if you like previous models of the Brooks Ghost, you’ll probably like the Brooks Ghost 14. Brooks is a brand you can count on to be consistent, especially in this shoe.’

If you’ve never tried the Brooks Ghost, it’s a soft and lightweight shoe. If you only bought one running shoe, it’s a safe shoe to start with. It offers plenty of cushioning but isn’t heavy. At $130, it’s one of the cheaper daily trainers models outright. On a side note, remember when these shoes were “only” $100 or $110. It’s not a glamourous shoe, and you won’t see many people posting about it, but it is a workhorse of a trainer. Like your easy run miles, it’s an important behind-the-scenes player. In fact, it’s probably the most sold shoe in run specialty. Yes really! Just a true testament that people need a well-cushioned shoe for training, and not every shoe is exciting.

Traction: Like most Brooks shoes, the Brooks Ghost 14 has plenty of traction and is one of the industry’s best. The blown rubber outsole A blown rubber outsole provides good traction on slick roads and, for me, desert dune roads. As far as durability, I’ve never gotten more than about 300 miles in the Ghost, but it remains fairly durable.

I’ve used the Brooks Ghost 14 in several situations, from easy runs to long runs and workouts as well as recovery runs. For me, it’s a great trainer on easy days. I don’t love running fast in it, but it can do that in a pinch. In fact, it’s my dad’s favorite shoe to run races in.

Brooks Ghost 14 Conclusion:

If you are looking for a trainer that can do it all, the Brooks Ghost 14 is a great choice. It’s consistent from year after year and provides a cushion to keep your feet happy, but it’s light enough to pick up the pace too. Plus, whether you have wide feet, narrow feet, bunions, or something else, it is one of the most accommodating running shoes out there. There is a reason; the Ghost is one of the most popular running shoes in the running industry.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs Brooks Ghost 14, Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7,

Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,

Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge,  Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3

Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV

Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Brooks Ghost 14?

What is your favorite running shoe?