Looking for your next running shoe companion? The Brooks Ghost 16 might just be the answer. Known for its reliability and ability to handle long distances with ease, the Ghost series has been a favorite among runners for years. With the latest iteration of Ghost 16, Brooks introduces some exciting upgrades aimed at improving your running experience. While keeping the beloved features like its moderate stack, 12 mm drop, and comfortable air mesh upper largely unchanged, the Ghost 16 promises to elevate your runs with subtle enhancements. Let’s lace up and dive into what makes the Brooks Ghost 16 a standout choice for your daily runs.
Key Specifications
Brand: Brooks
Model: Ghost 16
Weight: 9.8 oz (278 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 35.5 mm
Toe: 23.5 mm
Heel drop: 12 mm
Carbon plate: No plate
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Stability: Some stability
Usage: Daily Training
Release Date & Price of Brooks Ghost 16
Release Date: May 1, 2024
Price: $140 USD
Key Features
- Engineered air mesh upper
- DNA Loft v3 midsole
- RoadTack rubber outsole
Upper
The Brooks Ghost 16’s upper offers a bit of stretchiness and comes with varying levels of ventilation, making it suitable for any weather condition. Stepping into these shoes feels like stepping onto clouds, thanks to the well-padded tongue and ankle collar. However, the toe-box feels a tad snug for my liking—I might consider going up half a size for a bit more wiggle room. Surprisingly, despite this snugness, I haven’t faced any issues like blisters or lost toenails. Overall, while the fit could be slightly roomier, the comfort and performance of the Ghost 16 remain top-notch.
Midsole
The Brooks Ghost 16 introduces the DNA Loft v3 midsole foam, a game-changer also found in the Brooks Glycerin 20/21. This material, infused with nitrogen, boasts superior responsiveness compared to its predecessor, the DNA Loft v2. It retains its shape effortlessly, behaving like a spring when compressed. While its 12mm drop may seem high, it’s surprisingly comfortable. Oddly, the 2mm difference from the Glycerin 21’s drop is noticeable, but not a deal-breaker. However, for those battling Achilles issues, this drop proves to be a blessing, easing strain without causing discomfort. Overall, while it feels a tad restrictive, it hasn’t led to any adverse effects like blisters or lost toenails.
Outsole
The RoadTack rubber outsole of the Brooks Ghost 16 provides superb grip whether you’re hitting the roads, track, or even tackling some light trails. What’s impressive is that despite the thickness of the rubber, the shoe manages to maintain a decent weight, making it feel light on your feet. Personally, I mainly ran on roads and found the outsole to deliver both traction and comfort. Despite not putting in a huge number of miles (around 15 to 20 kilometers), I was pleased to see minimal wear on the tread, indicating its durability over time.
Pros
- Plenty of rubber on the bottom
- Simple but elegant looking upper with just the right amount of padding
- Smooth, easy, predictable ride best suited for moderate paces
Cons
- 12mm drop was too high
Our Verdict
Brooks continues to be a market leader for one reason, and that is the quality of the shoes they make. The Ghost 16 is another comfortable daily trainer from Brooks. If you’re a fan of the ghost line, this is exactly what you want. Also, if you’re looking for a neutral daily trainer that can handle mile-after-mile-after-mile well into the several hundreds, then the Brooks Ghost 16 is for you. The new midsole is lightweight and soft, the upper is comfortable, and the outsole has unmatched durability.