Brooks Ghost 16 Review: Still a Worthy Classic in 2024?

Julien Guyod

Published on 12/12/2024

Updated on 12/16/2024

Brooks’ expertise is well established. With its highly popular series, the brand fully assumes its status as one of the market leaders. The Ghost series, its most popular, is a good example of this, alongside other flagship series like Glycerin and Adrenaline. It also has the advantage of being one of the only running shoes with a zero carbon footprint on the market today.

This sixteenth iteration includes a number of new features. Do they change the DNA of the series? Does it suit your runner profile and goals?

That’s what we’ll be looking at in this in-depth review.

What You Need to Know

Cushioning

Brooks has updated the Ghost 16 midsole with the new DNA LOFT V3 foam. The process remains the same (injection of nitrogen into an EVA foam), but it’s lighter and softer than the previous version.

The feel is fairly balanced, leaning more towards firm than soft. The sensation remains pleasant and allows you to confidently increase mileage.

With a stack height of 35.5 mm under the heel and 23.5 mm under the forefoot, shock absorption is very good, suitable for longer distances.

However, they do reveal the only point of criticism noted by some testers: the 12 mm heel-to-toe drop of the shoe.

The shoe is clearly designed for heel strikers, who generally appreciate this feature, or for novices, who will find it accessible. On the other hand, for some this may be a hindrance to proper foot roll. For example, some testers felt uncomfortable, finding a real difference with heel-to-toe drops of 8-10 mm.

For my part, I didn’t feel it too much; I noticed a fairly classic ride.

On the other hand, I was more bothered by the lack of cushioning at the front. With my forefoot strike, I struggled a bit to extend the distance.

Nonetheless, the Ghost 16 should suit most runners (especially considering that the majority of us heel strike).

Runners who don’t want such a high drop can turn to the the Brooks Ghost Max, even more cushioned and with a low drop (6 mm).

Energy return

Weighing in at 259 g/9.1 oz in EU size 42/US size 9, the Brooks Ghost 16 is lighter than its predecessor, and it’s noticeable: the ride is lighter, more agile.

However, this does not mean a gain in bounce: the foam is primarily softer before being responsive.

Still, the shoe is responsive enough for a wide variety of daily training sessions.

The rocker is rather subtle, but the Segmented Crash Pad, a kind of caterpillar-like shock absorber system, compensates for this and enables smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

Support and stability

The neutral shoe doesn’t come with any stability features to prevent overpronation.

However, the fairly firm ride and effective traction make these shoes quite stable to offer a safe ride.

If you’re looking for a stability model, check out the GTS versions of the Glycerin, Adrenaline or Launch.

Foot Lockdown

The engineered Air Mesh upper is perfectly executed, as Brooks knows how to do.

The thickness is moderate to offer satisfactory breathability while also providing protection in cold weather. However, some runners have found that the foot can get hot in summer.

The upper wraps the foot very well without any uncomfortable pressure points. The stretchy material also allows for a good fit.

The heel counter is effective, and the gusseted tongue is pleasant, even though some runners find it a little short.

The lockdown is precise and secure.

Comfort is also very good, with plenty of padding in all the right places, a welcome feature for such lightweight shoes.

The shoe fits true to size – none of the testers reported any sizing issues.

Also, this this model is available in different widths. There are 4 versions in all (narrow, normal, wide and very wide), but retailers generally only carry the normal version. For the others, visit the official website.

Traction

The outsole of the Ghost 16 uses a new technology: RoadTack, a mixture of rubber and recycled silica.

This covers a large part of the surface, particularly in impact zones, and there are a few places where the foam is visible.

The result is good traction. Even on wet surfaces, the grip was satisfactory.

Besides the road, this model can be used on most non-technical paths and trails.

Also, the numerous flex grooves ensure good flexibility.

Use

With its excellent shock absorption, the Brooks Ghost 16 is a great trainer for all your daily runs, including long ones.

Only runners weighing over 100 kg/220 lbs and those who forefoot strike may find the cushioning limited. As mentioned above, the Ghost Max is a good alternative, offering more cushioning and forefoot protection.

Also, despite being limited, the responsiveness is satisfactory and allows a wide range of paces. Nonetheless, the shoe will be more limited for speed sessions and races.

Overall, it’s primarily designed for the low and moderate paces (e.g. fundamental endurance jogs and long runs).

It can also be a good half or full marathon option for runners who are mainly after comfort and stability.

Quality and Durability

No surprises here. We find the characteristic longevity of the Ghost series with a robust outsole and good-quality mesh.

Therefore, the durability is classic, delivering excellent value for money.

The upper is made from 67.3% recycled materials, diverting 4.3 plastic bottles from landfill per pair.

Last but not least, these shoes are certified carbon-neutral and vegan.

Conclusion

The Brooks Ghost 16 won’t revolutionize the world of running, but it’s a sure bet for runners looking for a complete, eco-friendly model for daily training.

Performance-oriented runners may look elsewhere, the Ghost 16 undoubtedly remains a great pick for beginners and anyone looking for a comfy and safe ride.

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use