Brooks Ghost 16

• Posted on 2 June 2024
• By Running Lab Staff
• 0

THE INTRO

The Hannah Montana of shoes, everybody knows them, who doesn't love them... The Brooks Ghost 16 joins the lineup of the Ghost series offering an upgrade of foam with a DNA Loft v3 midsole and a more durable outsole with RoadTack rubber. 

THE SPECS

Support: Neutral

Weight: 9.8 oz / 277 g (men), 8.8 oz / 249 g (women)

Stack Height: 24 mm in the heel, 12 mm in the forefoot

Midsole Drop: 12 mm

Cushion Level: Mid

ON THE RUN

Nick: At first putting on the shoe it is hard to tell a difference from previous models. First strides down the road feel effortless, with enough room to wiggle my toes around in the shoe. I was trying to find something that stuck out, maybe something that is different, and after a mile or so I gave up trying! This shoe provides endless great runs. I had a thought as I finished the run... coming up the final hill I thought why do they call it the ghost? The answer came quick, because it feels like you are not wearing a shoe! It vanishes like a ghost! 

THE FIT

Nick: When I get a new shoe the first thing I do when I get home is put it on and jog around the inside of the house. This is the best way to feel out the shoe before you get it dirty. The Ghost 16 keeps the standard running shoe shape with more cushion in the heel and forefoot. It narrows up as you get to the end of the toe box but no worries, still plenty of space to move your toes around. Size is perfect, exactly the size I normally wear. The most underrated part of this shoe is the upper, the material is very soft and hugs the foot very nicely, seems like they added more material to the tongue, fits like an oversized hoodie, so nice and comfy!

THE FEEL

Nick: The new midsole foam is the best part about the shoe. Sometimes with updates things can change drastically but this new technology is spot on! A nice stable heel to absorb impact, with a smooth transition zone the transfers all the energy into a wicked fast toe off. The cushion does feel a bit firmer while offering more protection for rough surfaces.

THE NITTY GRITTY

Nick: In term of running this shoe is great for longer and slower miles, even with the new cushion it doesn’t feel like the fastest shoe, but a great training shoe. I also think this shoe would be great for everyday use, like working on your feet or just being out and about walking around. I like the new updates, it sets the shoe apart from previous models but it is not too over the top so it can stay comfortably in the mid neutral category.

THE RUNDOWN

Nick: This upgrade is a good step in the right direction, the shoe feels similar enough to previous models but the upgrades keeps things fresh and exciting. I don’t think I would change anything about the updates that have been made!

Get your own pair HERE!

MEET NICK

Nick is an avid runner who manages to run fast on the road while running far on the trails. Well, he's fast on the trails too. 

Favorite shoe: Nike Zegama