Brooks Ghost 15 Review (2023): Is This New Version Worth It?

Published on: 03/07/2023

The Brooks Ghost 15 is an eco-friendly shoe that offers comfort and lockdown for daily training.

The Consensus

Brooks Ghost 15 Complete Review Analysis

Introduction

The Ghost are the most popular running shoes of the American brand Brooks. Year after year, it wins over fans with its comfortable, versatile, and relatively high-stack cushion configuration. Moreover, the Ghost 14 became the brand’s first carbon-neutral shoe, fulfilling runners’ sustainability expectations.

However, it wasn’t perfect and disappointed a few runners due to a loose fit and lack of stability. So let’s see if the Books Ghost 15 can meet our expectations!

Cushioning (midsole)

The big difference between the Brooks Ghost 14 and 15 is in the cushioning with the introduction of DNA Loft v2. Indeed, with a 35 mm rear stack height and a weight of 10.1 oz/286.3 g (9.1 oz/258 g for women), the Ghost 15 keeps similar characteristics to the previous model—only the geometry of the sidewall of the midsole changes.

The DNA Loft v2, a mix of rubber, air, and a less dense and lighter EVA foam, offers a cushioning softer with more energy return. The 12mm heel-to-toe drop of the running shoe isn’t so noticeable according to the testers, despite being objectively high. Indeed, few shoes still opt for such configuration with most brands (including ASICS) going for lower drops like 8 or 10mm.

Nonetheless, Brooks Ghost 15’s cushioning is comfortable and versatile, especially for daily workouts and long runs.

However, some runners would have preferred a higher forefoot stack height (only 23 mm), even if it means decreasing the drop, to offer a more balanced underfoot feel throughout the platform for a smoother transitions.

Foot lockdown (upper)

This Brooks Ghost 15 corrects the main drawback of the 14. Namely, the too-wide upper fit didn’t provide optimal support, even for “standard” feet. Thus, Brooks proposes a new cut more adjusted to the foot’s shape.

The toe box is, therefore, more suitable for a “regular” shape, even if the brand as usual offers three different widths including a “wide/large” version.

Despite the more precise (and secure) fit, the upper remains particularly comfortable. The engineered air mesh upper feels soft, supple, and breathable.

Grip (outsole)

Brooks designed the Ghost to offer more responsiveness while remaining exceptionally comfortable. That’s why the outsole has been designed to promote smooth transitions by using rubber with different densities. As a result, the outsole rubber feels relatively hard in the heel and softens towards the midfoot and forefoot.

The sole remains stiffer than on the Brooks Ghost 14, providing a smoother, more responsive ride. However, testers would have preferred a little more firmness under the forefoot as with the midsole cushion.

In terms of durability, some runners are concerned that the relatively thin forefoot will wear out more quickly than the heel. Indeed, testers noticed scuffing under the forefoot during their testing phases while the heel remained intact. This may be fine as most runners are heel strikers (even those who don’t think so), but it’s a point to watch out for.

Last but not least, the traction is quite good for urban surfaces, including wet concrete.

The ride

Testers enjoyed running in this traditional road shoe. The fit is very comfortable, and the introduction of the new DNA Loft v2 foam provides more cushioning and the bounce that was missing on the Ghost 14.

Also, the high drop is not so noticeable-the shoe feels very stable-and the comfortable upper feels much more secure than on the previous version.

The testers particularly appreciated the Brooks Ghost 15 for what it is: a reliable daily trainer for everyday sessions at slow or moderate paces and recovery.

However, it’s decidedly a neutral shoe and while it’s fairly stable, its soft ride may not be suitable for overpronators. Such runners should turn to the Adrenaline, which is exactly the same model as the Ghost but equipped with its famous GuideRails technology for extra support.

Conclusion

The Ghost remains one of the best daily trainers for runners looking for a traditional, comfortable, and versatile model. The DNA Loft in its version 2 provides the responsive bounce that the model was missing. This new cushioning corrects the weaknesses of the previous iterations, like the too-soft cushion and too-ample lockdown.

With a more fitted cut, the Brooks Ghost 15 is the ideal road companion for daily mileage at easy and moderate speeds. We recommend it for any runner looking for a classic ride with a high drop and comfortable cushion.

Facts

Technical Specs

Terrain	Road
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	12 mm
Heel height	35 mm
Forefoot height	23 mm
Weight (men)	286 g/10.1 oz
Weight (women)	258 g/9.1 oz
Features	Vegan, Wide feet, Recycled materials
Athletes
Release year	2023
Price	Check prices

Cushioning

Softness	Soft
Responsiveness	Medium

Technologies

Outsole	Segmented Crash Pad
Midsole	DNA LOFT v2
Upper	Engineered Air Mesh, 3D Fit Print

Use

Speed	Slow, Moderate
Distance	Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon
Workout	Daily running

Reference: Brooks's official site

Comparisons:

Are you curious to see how the Ghost fares against other Brooks shoes and other brands? Check out these comparisons:

• Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Adrenaline
• Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin
• Brooks Ghost vs Levitate
• Brooks Ghost vs Saucony Ride
• Brooks Ghost vs Hoka Clifton
• Brooks Ghost vs Mizuno Wave Rider