Brooks Ghost 15 Review
We are heading towards the new year, but November 1st marked the Brooks Ghost New Year. This shoe is the Captain America of running shoes. (For sake of completing the thought; I’d say the Endorphin Speed is Spiderman, the Bondi is The Hulk, Nike Vaporfly is Ironman, the Asics Novablast is Hawkeye, Levitate Stealthfit is Black Widow, New Balance Fuelcell SuperComp Trainer is Thor.) Year-in-year-out this shoe is the top selling shoe in America, but anymore, it really lags behind the ‘super’ trend. What is Brooks doing, that is so right? I think a lot of what people enjoy is continued and improved upon in this new model. But I won’t spare it from all critique…
SUPPORT: Neutral
HEEL TO TOE OFFSET: 12 mm
WEIGHT: 9.1oz women’s / 10.1oz men’s
USE: Road running, walking, max cushioning
SURFACE: Road, Gravel, Track
Preview by Scoob: Your mama loves it, your neighbor loves it, your track coach loves it. It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy the comfort that the Brooks ghost has to offer. A high cushioned shoe, that has gotten softer while still maintaining the generous padding for the perfect ‘step-in’ feel as you try it on in the store. The shoe appeases the majority by finding itself in the middle of the Venn diagram of the average person’s needs; excellent comfort, great support, very durable.
If the Shoe Fits: The new model coming out means two things for sure; every run specialty store just got about 6-8 boxes from Brooks, and the old model is a hot commodity being sold anywhere from $80-110. Typically, every year a new model of each shoe comes out, and typically every two years the changes are a little more noticeable with the midsole change. This year the midsole was changed to the DNA Loft v2, a softer and lighter foam. Some may notice this change, but most will probably find the shoe to feel very similar to their last model. In my opinion is feels better. The upper material and structure are very breathable while still being plush. Toe box is roomy, I can fit in the regular width with my pretty wide. The shoe feels like a move-in ready house that can feel great for about everyone.
Performance Review: I took this shoe through the hobby jogger ringer; easy runs, some lifts, playing with my dog, and wearing it all day for work. The ghost felt good throughout, lockdown foot and plush support. On the runs there was lots of cushion and it was pretty smooth. But overall, the ride was just kind of bland. Nowadays my runs are flooded with, speed-rolls, metarockers, pebax or carbon plates, and supershoe midsoles. So, while this shoe feels good as expected, it doesn’t excel and over-impress me. That isn’t the goal of the ghost though. I think it aims to be the reliably comfortable and durable go-to trainer. The high heel-to-toe offset is something to be wary of. I didn’t feel as if I was in a 12mm drop shoe, and I have tended to see that as the popular opinion. But, anyone who has struggled with knee issues resulting from high heel drops should be cautious of the Ghost. If you are looking for a shoe to up your training intensity and show some versatility the ghost might not be my first recommendation. But if you want a shoe all about comfort for your everyday runs and lifestyle, go ghost.
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Previous Model: Brooks Ghost 14
Comparable to: Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, Mizuno Wave Rider, Asics gel nimbus, On Cloudflyer, Diadora mythos volo, New Balance 880.
Conclusion:
Consensus: Brooks is doing what they have been doing and they are doing it well. This shoe will likely suite all your needs. If you enjoyed the previous model, you will likely continue to enjoy this one. If you are looking to switch up your current shoe and need a more durable but still cushioned shoe, give the Ghost 15 a try.
Not certain if this shoe is right for you?
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