Brooks Men's Ghost 15 Sneaker

Product Information

That said, despite its new upper, midsole, and outsole, the Ghost 15 is a relatively underwhelming update that performs very similarly to the Ghost 14. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as wearers will be able to enjoy a protective, though relatively firm, ride with smooth transitions that make daily training runs comfortable and easy-going. The firmer footbed contributes to the Ghost 15's versatile nature, creating a comparatively stable platform that athletes can depend on for faster-paced runs, agility exercises, or workouts in the gym. The traditional mid-range daily trainer (such as the Ghost) is also under threat from the modern, lightweight trainers which can be used for daily mileage: trainers such as the Rebel v3, Mach 5 and Novablast 3 all have cushioned, engaging rides and are lighter than the average daily trainer. They are also similarly priced.

Brooks Ghost 15 Review | Running Shoes Guru Brooks Ghost 15 Review | Running Shoes Guru

The Ghost is Brooks' signature neutral daily trainer and one of the most popular running shoes in the world, so runners are always excited when a new version of this workhorse is released. With updates throughout, version 15 of this iconic shoe is poised to live up to its lofty reputation, and what better way to do that than with an all-new midsole compound? DNA Loft v2 in the Ghost 15 provides a very cushioned, medium-soft ride which is padded but not at all bouncy. The dense foam doesn’t compress very much so there isn’t much rebound compared to some of the other midsole foams on the market. This characteristic makes the Ghost 15 not suited to tempo runs when you are trying to run fast. The Ghost 15's smooth heel-to-toe transitions stood out against the competition, but the midsole was not as comfortable or as lively as other daily trainers, like the Peg or the 880. The other models are also highly capable gym shoes. What shoe works best for you will likely come down to individual preferences." The Ghost has an extremely supportive ride due to how little its midsole compresses so even slight overpronators will find the Ghost 15 stable enough. Of all the daily trainers, the Ghost is probably the most stable. I found that I didn’t like the Ghost 15 for easy paces and I enjoyed it a lot more at (slightly faster than easy) moderate paces between 5 minutes and 5:30 per km (8:03 – 8:52 minutes per mile). I would prefer the midsole foam to be slightly softer for my easy paces. I thought the Ghost 14 had the perfect balance when it came to cushioning softness.And like Swayze’s spirit in the 1990 film, “Ghost,” these shoes are not here to haunt you, but to give you the support you crave before they move on from this world. They might even possess you to go the extra mile on your next run. Kaleb: "Again, the Ghost is a juggernaut within the world of running shoes, and it is clear why it is a favorite among runners, especially beginner runners, cross-training athletes, and walkers. The Ghost 15 compares well to the New Balance 880, Saucony Ride, and Nike Pegasus, as they are beginner-friendly workhorse trainers that have very loyal followings. Risa: "Though the Ghost 15 would not be my first choice, as I prefer a shoe with a softer and more energetic midsole, I would still highly recommend it to friends and family looking for a reliable daily trainer, especially if they want just one pair of shoes to meet all their needs.

Brooks Ghost 15 Shoe Review | Running Warehouse Brooks Ghost 15 Shoe Review | Running Warehouse

On a more positive note, the platform has a super high level of inherent stability, and I understand why the Ghost is a favorite among cross-training athletes. I would have no problem running 3 to 4 miles before transitioning to a lifting session in the Ghost. Furthermore, I was initially worried that I would not remain comfortable on long daily training runs given the shoe's firmer footbed, but I was pleasantly surprised by how my feet and legs felt after a few 10K training runs. I probably would not push the distance much farther than that." I think that fast runners who can run a sub 3-hour marathon will prefer the Ghost 15 because their easy pace is below 5 minutes per km (8:03 minutes per mile) so the Ghost 15 will feel more efficient, however I think the majority of runners will prefer the softer 14 over the 15. The Ghost 15 instantly wraps your foot like a welcoming hug, providing smooth, soft support. An engineered air mesh material provides breathability, keeping your feet dry and cool. Plus, the upper is made with 62 percent recycled materials.

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Sporting an upgraded DNA Loft v2 foam, the Ghost 15 promises softer landings and a lighter on-foot feel that will keep you comfortable over any distance. Combine this with a Segmented Crash Pad outsole, and runners can expect super smooth heel-to-toe transitions that will continue to delight mile after mile.

Brooks Ghost 15 Review (2023) | RunRepeat Cut in half: Brooks Ghost 15 Review (2023) | RunRepeat

In the mid-range, daily trainer category, most of the brands have come to the party this year. The Nike Pegasus, Saucony Ride, and Skechers Ride have all been excellent with the Skechers Ride 10 being the standout performer for me so far. The biggest update to the Brooks Ghost 15 is the use of DNA Loft v2 midsole foam, a lighter version of the DNA Loft foam used in the previous version. DNA Loft is a mixture of EVA foam, rubber, air and nitrogen. The foam, air and nitrogen combine to create a soft, lightweight feel while the rubber adds durability. It is always interesting to review an iconic shoe like the Brooks Ghost. Why? Because the proof is in the pudding with this shoe, and despite what any individual may say, it remains one of the top-selling shoes every year. There is no denying that runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts love and trust the Ghost to help them meet their training needs. This is a huge testament to both the brand and the shoe, especially in a world of countless offerings and constantly evolving technologies. The midsole leans to the firmer side and does not offer much energy return, but the platform is inherently stable, and the shoe's geometry enables it to roll smoothly through the gait cycle. There is a considerable amount of rubber underfoot, and the Ghost remains a workhorse that runners can pile daily mileage on. Also, if you enjoy sessions in the gym, then the Ghost has you covered there as well. The upper was pleasantly spacious, and people who love the Brooks Ghost will appreciate the more dialed-in fit of the 15. Brooks uses its 3D Fit Print technology in the Ghost 15, an innovative screen-printing process that applies engineered structure to the upper material. The print process maintains the shoe’s integrity while allowing for a flexible, lightweight feel.

I’ve now run in 4 different versions of the Ghost to date and what I’ve noticed is that the difference between each Ghost version is more minimal than any other running shoe series on the market. This means that you know what you’re going to get when you buy a Ghost and also what you’re not going to get because it’s so predictable. From many years of running in versions of the Ghost, we know that Brooks’ most popular neutral running shoe has consistently delivered, providing reliable comfort and performance to a wide range of runners, from beginner to elite. The latest version, the Ghost 15 has been subtly updated, but continues to deliver! I wouldn’t say that the Ghost 15 is an improvement over the Ghost 14. I actually prefer the 14 because it had a softer ride which felt better on easy runs. The Ghost 15 also weighs more and costs more than the 14.

Ghost: Comfortable Running Shoes | Brooks Running

The ride of the Ghost 15 is perhaps the most traditional of all the daily trainers. It’s not a shoe that I get excited to run in because it doesn’t have an exciting ride. It has a very simplistic, no-frills ride which gets the job done, comfortably. The new DNA Loft v2 midsole foam feels remarkably similar to foams of previous years. Whether it’s DNA Loft v1, v2 or BioMogo in the Ghost 10, five years ago, the foams all feel 95% similar to each other. The Ghost is only on version 15 and in this relatively short period, it has matured to be one of the most popular running shoes on the planet. It is popular with runners just starting out as well as seasoned, sub-3-hour marathon runners. The foam is a little firmer than last year so it feels a bit more efficient than the Ghost 14. It also doesn’t feel as comfortable on long runs because the ride is less plush, however it’s still an excellent long, slow-run shoe because of how much cushioning it has.

Brooks Ghost 15 price comparison

I never run in high 12 mm drop trainers except when I’m testing the Ghost or the Wave Rider but I have to admit that I enjoy the high drop. It feels like the shoe is assisting me through transitions, making runs feel easier than lower-drop shoes. I’m a heel striker so the high drop works with my mechanics but I think that midfoot/forefoot strikers might find the 12 mm drop annoying.