I was excited to try the Brooks Ghost 16. The Ghost is one of the longstanding daily trainers that most runners can name off the top of their heads. For several years, it has been one of the most popular running shoes in the industry. The shoe has always had a classic ride and profile, featuring a high drop heel-to-toe ratio and a neutral ride. The Ghost 16 received some updates, with the most significant being a new midsole. I get nervous when Brooks makes big changes to their shoes because each one has quite the following. Before trying the Brooks Ghost 16, I had a few questions:
- Does the Brooks Ghost 16 fit true to size? Yes, it has one of the best step-in comforts of any running shoe out there.
- Has the Brooks Ghost 16 gotten big updates? Yes, it will still have some semblance of previous versions, but it has received some big updates.
Brooks Ghost 16 Quick Facts
Price: $139.95
Weight: 9.8 oz
Drop: 12 mm
Brooks Ghost 16 Fit
If you’ve never tried the Ghost, it feels really good immediately when it goes on your foot. That’s one of its best qualities and the reason it sells so well. Right off the bat, one thing I appreciate about the Ghost is the use of recycled materials. It uses 67.3% recycled materials in the upper and diverts 4.3 plastic bottles from landfills. Sometimes with recycled materials, they sacrifice the quality, but that isn’t the case with the Ghost.
The forefoot is on the wider side, but the toe box tapers quickly. It hugs the midfoot, but it’s not narrow or too tight. The moderately thick non-gusseted tongue can slide around if you don’t tie your shoelaces well.
The heel fit is normal in width, with moderate to slightly thicker heel collar cushioning and a really stiff counter. In all, it fits comfortably and I don’t have any issues. The engineered mesh breathes well (which is necessary in the Mojave Desert summer).
I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I’ve found the Ghost 16 to fit well in a size 10.5. It does come in wide and even double wide, and the nice thing about Brooks is that when they widen their shoes, they only widen the forefoot. So if you have bunions, consider the Ghost 16 in wide because they’ll give your toes extra space without your feet sliding around.
Brooks Ghost 16 Ride:
The Ghost 16 is a high-drop traditional training shoe. Those who like a good amount of heel cushioning will do best in this shoe. The new DNA Loft v3 feels cushioned but much softer than previous versions. The Ghost has always been a soft shoe, but it feels even softer now. The heel is quite cushioned and transitions fairly easily from heel to toe. The high drop makes it feel smoother.
There are deeper flex grooves in the forefoot with a large bevel and a decent amount of toe spring. The flexibility offsets the toe spring slightly. The Ghost has always been a daily trainer that can handle easy runs, daily runs, and even walking and standing. In fact, if you are looking for a running shoe for work or standing on concrete, the Brooks Ghost 16 is a great option. It can handle some faster work, but really it’s designed as a daily run shoe. There are much faster options for workouts, even from Brooks.
For me, I actually don’t notice a huge difference in the new midsole other than it’s a little bit softer. As a toe runner, I’ve always found the Ghost to lack cushion in the forefoot where I need it most, and this version has a little bit more. But between the Ghost and Glycerin, I’d probably choose the Glycerin because I can use that extra cushion in the forefoot.
Outsole
The Brooks Ghost has always had great traction and you don’t have to worry about sliding around. Honestly, almost every Brooks running shoe stands out in the traction department. The traction underfoot is reliable, with good grip on pavement and some softer surfaces. The shoe handles wet pavement and mild trails well. I’ve taken it on the sandy trails with no issues.
Durability really depends on how you wear the shoe. If you’re a toe runner or forefoot striker, you might see the Ghost only last a couple of hundred miles. But if you tend to favor the heel, you’ll get a full life of 400+ miles out of the shoe.
Brooks Ghost 16 Conclusion
The Ghost 16 continues its legacy as a reliable daily trainer with a classic high-drop, neutral ride. The updates, particularly the DNA Loft v3 midsole, offer slight improvements in weight and ride comfort. I honestly don’t notice a huge difference in the new midsole.
Who Should Buy the Brooks Ghost 16?
The Brooks Ghost 16 is ideal for runners seeking a high-drop, neutral daily trainer. It’s a great option for those who prefer a traditional, consistent ride for mixed use, from running to walking and standing.
Who Should Not Buy the Brooks Ghost 16
Runners who need a more responsive shoe for faster paces or those who run on their toes might not find it to have the same durability as other options.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, , ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 , ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris
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:
What is your favorite running shoe?
Have you tried the Ghost?