The RW Takeaway: The Ghost upholds its rep as a reliable daily trainer. New midsole foam lightens the shoe, while preserving the cushioning and energy return that distinguish our favorite specter.
- Preceded by: Ghost 14
- Key tech: DNA Loft v2 midsole, heel crash pad for shock absorption, carbon neutral
Pros
- Updated DNA Loft v2 foam is softer and lighter
- Segmented crash pad below heel absorbs shock
Cons
- Forefoot strikers desired more cushioning
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.8 oz (M), 7.8 oz (W) |
| Drop | 12 mm |
You know it, you love it, and it’s turning 15. For over a decade, the Brooks Ghost has been our recommendation to newbies and runners looking for an everyday shoe. Our testers confirmed its reliability, calling the Ghost 15 “a tried-and-true daily trainer.”
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“The cushioning felt just right,” said a runner who previously tested Asics’s Gel-Kayano and the Adidas Ultraboost. “It felt firm but at the same time I could feel a little sponginess to it.”
That “sponginess” our tester refers to is the soft give that adapts to the bottom of your foot, as the foam’s firmness provides support and shock absorption. DNA Loft v2, which is compression-molded EVA, was previously used in the Glycerin 19 midsole. This version is just as soft but more lightweight.
These days, we’re spoiled by carbon-fiber plate propulsion and towering stack heights for our fast miles. The Ghost is that other shoe, the dependable trainer we rely on for all the other runs. It’s not a speedwork demon, but it’s a callback to ignoring the clock and getting lost in the run.
“There’s something to be said for just putting on a shoe, going out for a run, and letting your mind relax after a stressful day,” said a tester. “The Ghost’s ride allowed me to do that—to simply enjoy the run itself.”
Testers’ Feedback
Katie F. | Tester since 2017
Arch height: High | Footstrike: Forefoot
“The comfort of this shoe was my favorite part. The cushioning was more than adequate. It was a little less cushioned in the forefoot, but was thicker in the heel. I did not experience any discomfort or rubbing even on my longest runs. The Ghost 15 felt more cushioned than other Brooks shoes I have worn, including earlier versions of the Glycerin, and the Topo Athletic Pursuits I most recently tested. They were great for my distance training because I did not have to worry about having to stop for fit issues or hot spots.”
Bob T. | Tester since 2012
Arch height: Medium | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Midfoot
“The Ghost 15 is a great daily trainer that provides an excellent ride with firm yet spongy cushioning. I really loved the ride and it outperformed recent versions of both the Asics Kayano and GT-2000 in this regard. While both of those shoes have more cushioning, there was a more evenness of the cushioning throughout the Ghost. I ran mostly on roads and gravel paths and the shoe performed well on both surfaces. I wouldn’t use this shoe for speedwork; most of my runs in the Ghost were daily miles between 7:00 and 7:15 pace.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
