Comparison:
Brooks Ghost 16 vs Brooks Ghost 15
The Ghost is Brooks' mid-range, neutral daily trainer. Here we will be comparing the 16th and the 15th versions.
Comparison:
The Brooks Ghost is an immensely popular daily trainer which has gained a cult following over the years. Not only is it widely available but it is also very comfortable and very consistent in ride from version to version. The latest version of the Ghost is a major update, particularly in the midsole foam department.
This comparison will be able to tell you which version is better for you.
Similarity and differences: Ghost 16 vs Ghost 15
Expert score
7/10
7/10
Weight
9.5 oz
9.8 oz
Heel Drop
12 mm
12 mm
Verdict
The Brooks Ghost 16 is a neutral-cushioned daily trainer built for daily mileage with the intention to deliver a nicely cushioned experienced. The overall theme for this shoe is that there nothing to hate about the shoe and there’s also nothing to love about it either. I don’t think it delivers on the well-cushioned experience yet it certainly delivers as a daily trainer.
The Ghost 15 is a supremely comfortable daily trainer with a high drop which makes it most suitable for heel strikers. It’s a very safe choice when it comes to bread and butter mileage trainers because of its luxurious upper and its consistent fit/ride from version to version.
The 15th version of the Ghost has a new, DNA Loft v2 midsole which makes the shoe a little bit heavier and gives it a firmer ride. As a result, the Ghost 15 feels better during faster paces but not as comfortable during slow-paced runs.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
rigid
flexible
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$139.95
US$140
Sole unit: Ghost 16 vs Ghost 15
The Ghost 16 has a DNA Loft v3 midsole which has nitrogen infused into it to make it lighter and more responsive. The Ghost 15 has the older DNA Loft v2 midsole which is heavier and firmer.
The difference in midsole foams results in the 16 being softer than the 15 and better for long runs. The 15 is better for faster-paced runs because your feet sink down into the midsole less.
The Ghost 15 is more stable than the 16 because its midsole is firmer so there’s less lean bias. Runners who need more stability will find the 15 more supportive.
The 16 and 15 both have high 12mm drops which is more suited to heel strikers than midfoot or forefoot strikers.
Both version have very thick outsole rubber in similar configurations so outsole durability is the same.
Upper unit: Ghost 16 vs Ghost 15
Brooks trainers are known for their wonderfully plush and comfortable uppers. The Ghost 16 and 15 both extremely comfortable with the main difference being in the fit.
The 16 fits snugger and shorter than the 15.
If you enjoy spacious uppers, you’ll have to size up in the 16. The 15 has a true to size fit. They both don’t have gusseted tongues.
Which one to buy: Ghost 16 vs Ghost 15
If you want a softer trainer for slow runs and for long runs, the Ghost 16 is the shoe for you. It has a midsole foam which provides more energy return than the 15 so it feels more lively. If you want more ground feel, the 16 is also the better option.
If you want a firmer trainer for fast runs, the Ghost 15 is the better shoe for you. It provides a firmer platform for you to push off from and it has more stability. It’s also better for you if you have high volume feet and you need a more spacious upper.
Check out the full reviews:
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.
