Brooks Ghost 16 vs Ghost 15: Running Shoe Comparison Review (2024)

Overview

Brooks is renowned for delivering consistent quality, and the Ghost series remains one of the most popular neutral running shoes for both casual and serious runners. With the release of the Brooks Ghost 16, runners are eager to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Ghost 15. Both shoes are built for comfort, durability, and daily mileage, but subtle updates may make one a better choice depending on your running needs.

In this comparison review, we’ll dive into the differences between the two models, discussing cushioning, design, performance, and which one might be best for you in 2024.

Design and Upper Fit

• Brooks Ghost 15: Features the classic engineered air mesh upper, providing breathable comfort with a secure fit. The padded tongue and collar offer a snug feel, ideal for those seeking a supportive shoe that wraps well around the foot.
• Brooks Ghost 16: The updated upper on the Ghost 16 uses a more refined 3D Fit Print technology, enhancing structure while maintaining a lightweight and flexible design. This makes the fit slightly more adaptive and comfortable over long runs, especially for those with wide feet.

Benefit: The Ghost 16 offers a marginally improved fit, with a lighter feel and better adaptability in the upper, allowing for a more comfortable ride.

Cushioning and Midsole

• Brooks Ghost 15: Uses DNA LOFT v2 cushioning, which provides a balanced feel of softness and responsiveness. It offers smooth transitions from heel to toe, making it a great choice for long-distance runners or those seeking a versatile daily trainer.
• Brooks Ghost 16: The Ghost 16 maintains the DNA LOFT v2 midsole, but introduces slight tweaks in foam density and responsiveness. The ride feels slightly softer, giving it a more cushioned feel on the run, while retaining the durability needed for high mileage.

Benefit: If you're seeking more cushioning without compromising performance, the Ghost 16 might feel softer underfoot compared to the Ghost 15, especially for long-distance runs or recovery days.

Outsole and Traction

• Brooks Ghost 15: Features a durable rubber outsole with segmented crash pads, ensuring smooth transitions and solid grip on roads. It works well on various surfaces, including wet pavement, and the traction holds up well over time.
• Brooks Ghost 16: The outsole design remains largely unchanged, with a focus on durability and grip. The segmentation offers similar responsiveness as the Ghost 15, and the rubber is slightly more flexible, improving the overall feel.

Benefit: The Ghost 16 provides comparable traction and grip, with a marginal improvement in flexibility that adds to the smoothness of the ride.

Weight and Durability

• Brooks Ghost 15: Weighs approximately 9.8 ounces (278g) for men and 8.8 ounces (249g) for women, offering a balanced mix of cushioning and durability without feeling too heavy.
• Brooks Ghost 16: While maintaining similar weight, around 9.7 ounces (275g) for men and 8.7 ounces (247g) for women, it feels slightly lighter on foot due to the refined upper materials and midsole tweaks.

Benefit: The Ghost 16 offers a slightly lighter feel, though the difference is minimal. Both shoes are durable and well-suited for high mileage without breaking down too quickly.

Performance and Ride

• Brooks Ghost 15: Known for its versatility, the Ghost 15 excels as an all-around daily trainer. It provides reliable cushioning, smooth transitions, and comfort over long distances. It’s a dependable choice for runners who want consistency in performance for everything from easy runs to long distances.
• Brooks Ghost 16: Offers a slightly smoother, softer ride compared to the Ghost 15. The improved upper and slight midsole adjustments provide a more comfortable and cushioned feel, making it great for runners seeking extra softness for recovery runs or daily training.

Benefit: The Ghost 16’s improved comfort and ride smoothness may make it better suited for runners prioritizing cushioning on longer runs or those needing a softer shoe for recovery.

Pros and Cons

Brooks Ghost 15

• Pros:
• Reliable cushioning with smooth transitions.
• Durable outsole with solid traction.
• Ideal for long-distance runs and daily training.
• Cons:
• Slightly heavier feel compared to newer models.
• Not as soft as some may prefer for long recovery runs.

Brooks Ghost 16

• Pros:
• Softer cushioning with improved upper comfort.
• Lightweight feel due to refined materials.
• Enhanced flexibility and responsiveness for smoother transitions.
• Cons:
• Minimal updates from the Ghost 15, which may not justify an upgrade for some runners.
• Heavier compared to other cushioned shoes on the market.

Conclusion

Both the Brooks Ghost 15 and Ghost 16 are excellent choices for neutral runners, providing reliable comfort, smooth transitions, and versatility. If you're already a fan of the Ghost 15, you may find the Ghost 16 a worthy upgrade, particularly for its softer cushioning and lighter feel. However, if you’re happy with the performance of the Ghost 15 and prefer not to invest in a new model, it still holds up well in 2024 as a daily trainer. The subtle improvements in the Ghost 16 make it ideal for runners seeking a slightly more cushioned, comfortable ride, especially for long distances and recovery runs.