For a long time, I preferred the Brooks Ghost as my go-to running shoe. A close friend, who introduced me to long-distance running, recommended a local store that convinced me to switch from my favored Asics. This preference was influenced by a disappointing middle school cross-country experience, during which I seemed to regress as a runner.
My original pair of Ghost 9s has seen better days, having logged over 600 miles. They finally wore out when I used them to play pickup basketball. Moving to Flagstaff led me to trail running and the allure of HOKA’s maximum cushioning.
Reviewing the latest iteration of the Brooks Ghost 15 felt like a return to the familiar. It was like revisiting your childhood home after leaving for the first time, hoping this new version would live up to the nostalgia of my past long runs.
In summary: The Ghost 15 ($140) is an agile and capable shoe. It is versatile for both marathon and speedwork. Even though it lacks the cutting-edge features of carbon plates and forward cants found in modern “supershoes,” it excels at being a shoe designed by runners for runners.
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Weight
9.8 oz. (men) / 8.8 oz. (women) -
Stack height
35mm / 23mm -
Drop
12 mm
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Comfort combined with neutral cushioning -
DNA Loft v2 provides a soft, consistent ride -
Carbon neutral (incorporates recycled content and offsets) -
Suitable for both training and race day
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Slightly heavier than competitors -
May not be able to compete with race day “supershoes” -
Designed for running, not suitable for cross-training
Brooks Ghost 15 Review
What’s New?
Brooks designed the latest Ghost with DNA LOFT v2 — the midsole cushioning is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air. This resulted in a soft and consistent ride. Unlike a heavily cushioned shoe, you can still feel the ground beneath you in a responsive manner. It strikes a great balance between protection and engagement with the terrain. It is also lighter than the v1 used on the Ghost 14.
The 15 also includes 9% more recycled content than the 14. This is the second carbon-neutral shoe from the running brand, which is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The upper is constructed from 3D printed air mesh, enhancing breathability and comfort compared to previous Ghosts. Overall, the 15 is lighter than the 14, even if the difference is minimal (0.2 ounces for women and 0.1 ounces for men). However, in a product that you’ll use for thousands of strides, every bit of weight saved makes a difference.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
The softer and lighter DNA Loft v2 collaborates with a segmented outsole that provides traction and a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Among road shoes currently available, the Ghost strikes a good balance in terms of traction. Though it doesn’t have the lugs of tougher trail running shoes, the outsole provides enough grip for handling rough sidewalks and uneven roads.
Some testers have criticized the 12mm drop, which is higher than average for a neutral cushioned running shoe. However, it did not bother me. The shoe felt well-balanced between comfort and performance, allowing me to focus on the run rather than the shoe.
Who Is This Shoe For?
Brooks is a well-established running brand. While other brands have shifted slightly towards street style and athleisure, Brooks continues to produce products designed by runners, for runners.
These shoes have a design that prioritizes performance and comfort over anything else, focusing solely on the running experience. This is evident across the brand’s offerings. I have increasingly relied on the High
