Brooks Ghost 14 vs. Saucony Ride 14 (2022)

These two shoes are direct competitors for daily training and long runs. As we will see, they take the main li

These two running shoes have very similar configurations aimed to be suitable for as many runners as possible. Or almost.

Indeed, if both shoes have a high stack (32 mm under the heel for the Ride, 31 mm for the Ghost) and are suitable for runners with wide feet, they do not offer the same level of support and stability. The Ride has more structure and is more stable than the Ghost.

Overall, the Ghost is more versatile and suitable for all speeds, even if it’s not the fastest shoe. On the other hand, the Ride is a bit clunky at low speeds and is better suited to medium and fast paces.

In both cases, the cushioning is relatively soft. The Ghost’s cushioning is perhaps even softer. You be the judge!

Another critical point is the heel-to-toe drop of the shoe. The Ghost has a drop of 12mm versus the Ride’s 8mm.

Ghost or Ride: which one to choose?

Overall, the Saucony Ride was rated higher by testers. If in doubt, we recommend you choose this one because it’s more stable and responsive if you plan to do speed workouts.

Also, you should know that a heel-to-toe drop of 12 mm (as on the Ghost) is relatively high. 8mm is more “reasonable,” especially if you are a beginner runner.

The only real reason to choose the Ghost over the Ride is if you’re looking for a comfortable shoe for easy recovery-type runs with really soft cushioning.

Side-by-side comparison

Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
A comfortable and versatile shoe that offers soft cushioning and a flexible foot lockdown
Great overall comfort
Pleasant and more responsive cushioning than on the previous version
Versatile and forgiving shoe
Durable, carbon-neutral, and 100% vegan
May lack stability
Foot lockdown is a little loose
A very good road running shoe for daily training: comfortably and sturdy
Great comfort
Upper that offers an impeccable lockdown
Effective cushioning despite its firmness with a touch of bounce
Reasonable weight considering the high stack sole
Sturdy shoe
The tongue is a little too thick
Cushioning too firm and not responsive enough, according to some runners

Brooks Ghost 14

Saucony Ride 14

Technical Specs

TerrainRoadRoad
Pronation typeNeutralNeutral
Drop12 mm8 mm
Heel stack height31 mm32 mm
Forefoot stack height19 mm24 mm
Weight (men)283 g/10 oz281 g/9.9 oz
Weight (women)249 g/8.8 oz238 g/8.4 oz
FeaturesRecycled materials, VeganHeavyweight runners, Wide feet
Release year20212021

Technologies

OutsoleOmega Flex Grooves, Rubber, Segmented crash padBlown rubber
MidsoleDNA LoftPWRRUN
Upper3D Fit Print, engineered meshEngineered mesh, Formfit, gusseted tongue

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)4 – Soft2 – Firm
Bounce (1-5)3 – Moderate3 – Moderate

Use

SpeedSlow, moderateSlow, moderate
DistanceMid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathonMid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon
WorkoutDaily runs, recoveryDaily runs, recovery