The RW Takeaway: Brooks chose its iconic model, the Ghost, as its first carbon-neutral shoe. Have no fear, though: It’s still the same ol’ Ghost.
- 100 percent DNA Loft foam midsole, just like Brooks’s softest shoe, the Glycerin
- Segmented Crash Pad in the heel for softer landings
- 3D print mesh upper has more accommodating fit in the forefoot
Price: $130
Type: Road
Weight: 9.9 oz (m), 9.0 oz (w)
Drop: 12mm
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This summer, Brooks announced its goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Appropriately, this declaration was commemorated with its first carbon-neutral shoe: the Ghost 14. “We want to make a difference today because we understand the urgency to address climate change,” said David Kemp, Brooks’s senior manager of corporate responsibility. “We chose the Ghost because it’s our highest-volume shoe.”
Brooks Ghost 14
Pros
- First carbon-neutral trainer by Brooks
- New full-length DNA Loft midsole provides even softer ride
- Improved, roomier fit in the forefoot
Cons
- Less arch support for flat-footed runners
Blueprint of a Lighter Carbon Footprint
According to Brooks, 150 million people run worldwide. That means a lot of shoes contributing to climate change through the manufacturing process, shipping, and waste.
Brooks has laid out a plan for net zero carbon emissions by 2040, using recycled materials and carbon offsets. Its first carbon-neutral shoe is the best-selling Ghost, which was reconstructed with recycled, bio-based materials. From the dyeing process to the tongue’s recycled-mesh material, the Ghost has undergone a climate-conscious makeover. Here’s how it breaks down.
The company is also transitioning to sustainable manufacturing and shipping, and recycling used shoes instead of dumping them in landfills. But when tinkering with your best-selling model, you don’t want to mess it up. Rest easy, Ghost fans: Neither quality nor performance was compromised in this update.
An Even Softer Midsole
Brooks removed the BioMoGo DNA portion of the midsole, so the Ghost 14 has only DNA Loft foam, just like its plusher counterpart, the Glycerin. Our testers didn’t detect any change with this adjustment.
“It had a nice balance of cushioning and firmness during turnover,” said a tester, adding that the Ghost felt more responsive than the Glycerin and Adrenaline GTS. “I personally won’t use these for speedwork or short-distance races, but it was faster than I expected.”
Heel and midfoot strikers described the cushioning as not too soft, yet appreciated how fresh their legs felt as they ran high mileage on hard surfaces. Brooks also improved the fit of the Ghost, a welcome update, since the 13 ran a little short. “The upper mesh material is really awesome,” said a tester. “It stretches but doesn’t feel sloppy inside.”
The Ghost is a promising first step toward another of Brooks’s goals: to produce zero footwear manufacturing waste, which it aims to reach by 2025. It’s an ambitious eco initiative, but as with any race, you reach the finish line step by step.
More Tester Feedback
Quin C., tester since 2020
Arch: Flat | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Midfoot
Previously tested: Asics Gel-Cumulus 22, Asics Gel-Nimbus 23, Mizuno Wave Inspire 17
“Compared to more minimal shoes (even ones that feel good) that start to make my feet feel tired after a while, the Ghost provides continuous support even during longer training sessions. It is a great shoe for everyday and sustained training efforts. I wore the shoe on roads and cinder trail runs like the towpath. It felt great on both surfaces, including up and down hill sections.
“The amount of cushion on this shoe seems to be just right for me and my purposes. I am not a runner that is out to set any records, I just want to get my miles in, get fit and exercise for health. The higher cushion is well worth the weight, as it keeps my feet, ankles, knees, etc. feeling supported and comfortable during my runs.”
Michael M., tester since 2017
Arch: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Heel
Previously tested: Saucony Ride 14, Hoka One One Arahi 5, New Balance 860v10
“The Brooks Ghost 14 is a fantastic running shoe that provided, cushion, stability, and reliability. When talking about comfort, these shoes reminded me of Saucony Ride 14s I tested last session. I loved how comfortable the shoe fit, it was easy to put on and take off, the cushioning was fantastic, it stayed dry in wet conditions, and the bottom of the shoe was very durable and had minimal wear on the bottom, especially the heel of the shoes...What I liked about this shoe is how incredibly comfortable it is. This truly is a shoe that is made for running, the padding provided a padded pain-free ride.”
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.
