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
Pleasant and more responsive cushioning than on the previous version
Versatile and forgiving shoe
Durable, carbon-neutral, and 100% vegan
Foot lockdown is a little loose
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
Cushioning too firm and not responsive enough, according to some runners
Brooks Ghost 14
Saucony Ride 14
Technical Specs
Terrain | Road | Road |
Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
Drop | 12 mm | 8 mm |
Heel stack height | 31 mm | 32 mm |
Forefoot stack height | 19 mm | 24 mm |
Weight (men) | 283 g/10 oz | 281 g/9.9 oz |
Weight (women) | 249 g/8.8 oz | 238 g/8.4 oz |
Features | Recycled materials, Vegan | Heavyweight runners, Wide feet |
Release year | 2021 | 2021 |
Technologies
Outsole | Omega Flex Grooves, Rubber, Segmented crash pad | Blown rubber |
Midsole | DNA Loft | PWRRUN |
Upper | 3D Fit Print, engineered mesh | Engineered mesh, Formfit, gusseted tongue |
Cushioning
Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 2 – Firm |
Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate | 3 – Moderate |
Use
Speed | Slow, moderate | Slow, moderate |
Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
Workout | Daily runs, recovery | Daily runs, recovery |