ActiveRunningBrooks Ghost 16 review: boo-tifully reliableBrooks’ most inoffensive trainers are hauntingly reliable, day after dayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Brooks Ghost 16, a staple in running stores, maintains its reputation with minor updates. It features the lighter and softer DNA Loft v3 foam and a revamped, breathable upper. It offers excellent traction and durability. Ideal for daily runs, it’s reliable, comfortable, and subtly efficient.Reasons to buy+Lightweight design+Durable construction+Excellent traction+Breathable upperReasons to avoid-Runs shorter than before-Not ideal for faster runs-High offset isn’t for everyoneWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveRunningBrooks Ghost 16 review: boo-tifully reliableBrooks’ most inoffensive trainers are hauntingly reliable, day after dayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Brooks Ghost 16, a staple in running stores, maintains its reputation with minor updates. It features the lighter and softer DNA Loft v3 foam and a revamped, breathable upper. It offers excellent traction and durability. Ideal for daily runs, it’s reliable, comfortable, and subtly efficient.Reasons to buy+Lightweight design+Durable construction+Excellent traction+Breathable upperReasons to avoid-Runs shorter than before-Not ideal for faster runs-High offset isn’t for everyoneWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Brooks’ most inoffensive trainers are hauntingly reliable, day after day
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Brooks Ghost 16, a staple in running stores, maintains its reputation with minor updates. It features the lighter and softer DNA Loft v3 foam and a revamped, breathable upper. It offers excellent traction and durability. Ideal for daily runs, it’s reliable, comfortable, and subtly efficient.Reasons to buy+Lightweight design+Durable construction+Excellent traction+Breathable upperReasons to avoid-Runs shorter than before-Not ideal for faster runs-High offset isn’t for everyone
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
T3 VerdictThe Brooks Ghost 16, a staple in running stores, maintains its reputation with minor updates. It features the lighter and softer DNA Loft v3 foam and a revamped, breathable upper. It offers excellent traction and durability. Ideal for daily runs, it’s reliable, comfortable, and subtly efficient.Reasons to buy+Lightweight design+Durable construction+Excellent traction+Breathable upperReasons to avoid-Runs shorter than before-Not ideal for faster runs-High offset isn’t for everyone
T3 VerdictThe Brooks Ghost 16, a staple in running stores, maintains its reputation with minor updates. It features the lighter and softer DNA Loft v3 foam and a revamped, breathable upper. It offers excellent traction and durability. Ideal for daily runs, it’s reliable, comfortable, and subtly efficient.
T3 Verdict
The Brooks Ghost 16, a staple in running stores, maintains its reputation with minor updates. It features the lighter and softer DNA Loft v3 foam and a revamped, breathable upper. It offers excellent traction and durability. Ideal for daily runs, it’s reliable, comfortable, and subtly efficient.
Reasons to buy+Lightweight design+Durable construction+Excellent traction+Breathable upperReasons to avoid-Runs shorter than before-Not ideal for faster runs-High offset isn’t for everyone
Reasons to buy+Lightweight design+Durable construction+Excellent traction+Breathable upper
Lightweight design
Durable construction
Excellent traction
Breathable upper
Reasons to avoid-Runs shorter than before-Not ideal for faster runs-High offset isn’t for everyone
Runs shorter than before
Not ideal for faster runs
High offset isn’t for everyone
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and materialsPerformance and comfortVerdictAlso consider
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and materialsPerformance and comfortVerdictAlso consider
Not surprisingly, the 16th iteration doesn’t shake things up too much, although there are some changes, like the introduction of the DNA Loft v3 foam and the revamped upper. Is the Brooks Ghost 16 still thebest running shoefor those seeking day-to-day reliability and comfort? Let’s find out.
Brooks Ghost 16 review
Price and availability
The Brooks Ghost 16 was launched in May 2024 and is available now directly fromBrooks USandBrooks UKin both women’s and men’s versions for a recommended price of $150/ £135. In Australia, Brooks sells its shoes via third-party retailers for AU$249.95.
The Ghost 16 is available in four widths (1B, 1D, 2A and 2E for women and 1B, 1D, 2E and 4E for men) and in a whopping 27 colours (14 for women and 13 for men). Pretty crazy. Please note that not all width options are available in all colours.
Specifications
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Design and materials
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Brooks Ghost 16 features the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, a significant upgrade from the previous version. The brand claims the new compound is 10% lighter, 9% softer and gives 10% more energy return than DNA Loft V2.
The upper is constructed from an engineered air mesh, which is said to be softer and more breathable than previous models. The material provides better ventilation in the shoes, addressing some of the issues people had with the previous iteration.
The RoadTack rubber outsole is a brand-new addition to the Ghost line. It blends rubber and recycled silica and offers excellent traction and durability, making it suitable for various surfaces, including wet conditions. Unlike racing shoes, there is plenty of RoadTack to wear away, ensuring the shoes can last 3-400 miles without eating into the foam.
The Ghost 15 retained the 12 mm drop of its predecessor and has a moderately high maximum stack height of 25 mm. The Brooks Ghost isn’t the only shoe with such a high offset, but it definitely shows that it’s aimed at heel strikers more than midfoot or even forefoot strikers.
The 294-gram weight (men’s UK10) is comparably light. It’s heavier than theNew Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13but lighter than theASICS Gel-Nimbus 26.
Performance and comfort
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Brooks Ghost 16 continues the long tradition of being an invisible running shoe. It doesn’t look inspiring or aim to improve your 5K PB, but it does everything well a daily trainer should.
The DNA Loft v3 foam is soft and bouncy. It doesn’t do anything too exciting, but it feels energetic enough to keep you going on your runs. The Ghost 16 is best used for steady-pace runs; if you need a tempo or jack-of-all-trades kind of shoe, check out the Hoka Mach 6 or the newPuma Deviate Nitro 3(both are excellent, I must say).
I was surprised to learn that the Ghost 16 runs a bit short. Brooks shoes are usually true to size, but I frequently found my toes touching the farthest end of the shoes on my runs. The standard 1D width felt accommodating for my wide feet; I just wish the shoes were a bit longer, that’s all.
The RoadTack’s traction is excellent, and I just love the sheer amount of rubber underfoot. It makes me confident they will last longer, even if your stride isn’t 100 per cent optimal (meaning you wear off some areas of the outsole quicker).
Verdict
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
What can I say? The Brooks Ghost 16 provides the exact running experience you’d expect from the latest iteration of the franchise. It’s inoffensive in the best possible way, working away underfoot without taking centre stage. No one will run up to you on your local Parkrun asking how it feels to run in the Ghost 16. They know it already. And there is something comforting about it.
Also consider
If you need more stability and shoes for walking, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 is a better option than the Ghost 16. Its FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning offers soft, cloud-like comfort, while the 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM ensures stability. Initially tight on the instep, it balances cushioning and support well, making it a great all-rounder for running and walking. Read Sophie’s fullASICS Gel-Kayano 31 review.
Need more cushioning? The Brooks Ghost Max is a well-cushioned daily trainer featuring super-stacked DNA LOFT v2 foam and GlideRoll Rocker technology for a smooth transition and soft landing. It’s like the Ghost 15 but on steroids. Read my fullBrooks Ghost Max.
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