Brooks Ghost 16 First Run Review

The Brooks Ghost is one of the most iconic nameplates in the running shoe game. Known for delivering a simple ride in a durable package, the 16th version drops this spring with one major change: a new midsole foam. The Ghost now has DNA Loft v3, a supercritical EVA foam designed to give a softer and bouncier feel. In this video, I give an overview of the shoe and my thoughts on the ride experience after an 8 mile run with strides.
0:00 - Intro
3:04 - Overview
4:11 - Midsole
6:06 - Outsole
7:18 - Upper
8:28 - Weigh In
11:04 - Fit & Feel
18:50 - Drip Check
19:16 - First Run
20:38 - Post-Run Thoughts
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[@stevestarr9769]

The last Ghost I had was version 7. I really liked that shoe.

[@noefernandez5400]

I got fitted for the first time a few weeks ago and I also walked out with a ghost 15. I tried on the Nb 880, Ride 17, and I chose the ghost.

[@timtrenholm3698]

Ran my first marathon in the Ghost 12 in Oct 2019, and the 12mm drop really helped me survive based on the runner I was at the time. I eventually retired the shoe at 750km once I started to switch from a heel striker to a midfoot striker and the rubber in the midfoot started to take a beating. Can't recommend the Ghost enough for a beginner runner.

[@thomasabbottjr]

I ran my first marathon in 2019 in the ghost as well! Congratulations!

[@supwell]

That's an awesome story. And yeah I can see why so many beginner runners love this shoe - and with the new foam it's one I think a lot of runners will like too

[@briansleepylee]

Bang on with your comments. The Ghost 12 was my first "real" running shoe from a running store. It was a game changer for me. I also got mine in a 2E width. I got 1200 km out of that first pair. I just picked up a pair of Ghost 14 Goretex for a screaming deal and don't enjoy running in them. Like you said they are still good for walking around...

[@kerry_runs]

Brooks makes great uppers that accommodate a variety of foot shapes.

[@gifridge]

I'm rocking (and enjoying) the Ghost Max in 2E width, but when I bought them, the only colors available were the all-black or all-white models. As a dad who often wears a SF Giants hat, I would love to have the same colorway as these Ghosts. They are sweeeet!

[@markuscg1]

Glad they updated the Ghost. I started running wearing shoes like the Ghost. Then I found it a bit too heavy and I am trying to run I. lower drop shoes. That’s one reason I’m thinking of trying the Ghost Max even though it’s still heavy. I love the Ghost for work (ER nurse doing 12 hour shifts on my feet).

[@acesmomc5441]

I have 5 pairs of Ghost 12 and love love love this shoe.I can walk 5 hours and my feet are not sore or tired. Ordered the Ghost 15 as it's on sale right now and see if it feels as good as 12.

[@nicksantos7586]

Fun vid, subbed and followed on strava! keep up the good work bro. You gotta have an intro or something cause I don't wanna butcher your name when I recommend the channel to my friends haha!

[@supwell]

Thanks Nick! It's phonetic

[@foreversolvent5334]

still have my 14's love them.

[@SomeFrenchDude]

Is this one of the best shoe for ankle stability? I don't want a stability shoe but it has to keep my ankle in place. Also, would a custom orthotic fit?

[@jeffsmith7617]

Great video! I have worn several versions of the Ghost over the years but recently gave up on them because they just felt dead. I’ve been running in Saucony Triumphs and ASICS Superblast and they both feel so much more alive than the ghost 15. I’m looking forward to a follow up from you on the Ghost 16 to see how they hold up and break in after 100 miles. Maybe I’ll put them back on my radar. 🤷‍♂️

[@supwell]

Thank you! I'm excited to get more miles in these - I think they will put the ghost back on the map for a lot of runners who've gone elsewhere

[@stefaniesmith7117]

I work and coach for a run specialty store. I have never been a fan of the ghost, and I really try hard to pull shoes NOT the ghost/adrenaline mid cushion shoes. I just want to give people variety. And yet, they have such a comfortable step in feel that people will often choose this shoe anyway. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Side note. I love the Ghost Max, I don’t think I will ever relegate it to just a walking shoe. That rocker makes my easy runs easier, and it fits so well.

[@supwell]

Hahaha yeah the ghost pull in-store is just too strong. I might have to pick up a ghost 15 to compare to this because I'm really impressed though. The foam is so different from the ghost max - I will have to give it another shot though. It was a little flat for me compared to my 1080 as a recovery shoe, but I enjoyed more as a higher stack daily trainer

[@QronoZ713]

I also work in retail, 100% agree with you! It's a very popular shoe despite absolutely 0 more "dedicated" runners using it.

[@justjuan589]

They gray/yellow ghost 16’s look really good

[@MiracleWarriors]

My first Brooks Ghost was the #10 and it helped me to get used to a higher drop and lean forward with waist to really get the benefits of running fast in a 12mm drop shoes. But the recent years I'm more of a fun of the Mizuno Wave Rider line that also have 12mm drop, but for me, with the advantage of having more stability and more nimble ,because of the Wave plate. Most of my shoes I got are now 6mm or 8mm and few are 10mm. But the 12mm is my favorite drop to run faster and relaxing for walking with the Wave Rider.

[@supwell]

I'll have to try the wave rider soon - I don't mind the 12mm drop at all

[@brewlovinrunner]

I started with the ghost years ago before I took a break from running. They were adequate but I prefer a low to no drop now as the higher drop made my hips feel weird.

[@bobbymeade2099]

I ran my first half in Ghost 9s and marathon in Ghost 10s. 14s and 15s have been my daily trainer for the last two years, and I have had no issues with them for all types of runs. That being said, they are not the best for every run, but they are a Jack of all Trade shoe, imo.

[@user-xr9vj5so7m]

the brooks max is a decent daily trainer. a bit heavy, but it's not a squishfest, recovery type of shoe you'd expect when looking at it.

[@enonek2960]

My 1st running shoe was a Saucony Grid, then to the Saucony Ride and the Brooks Ghost. I've never worn them as a walking shoe, if you prefer more of an offset (10 - 12 mm) its a running shoe, a 100% do it all daily trainer mile 5K, 10K HM whatever Its dependable.

[@gorohit]

How different is it compared to last year's Glycerine 20? That one is available at a deep deep discount these days. Looks very similar to that one. Maybe glycenine had a thicker midsole.

[@notbillymays5062]

When I first started running a few years ago I got the ghost 13 I put countless miles in them last year I ran my first marathon and I got vaporflys for the actual marathon and was training in the ghost 14s I injured my lower calf a few weeks before the marathon and the vaporflys aggravated a lot when I tried running in them so I ended up running the marathon in the ghosts and did fine! Now days I have the brooks Hyperion max and saucony endorphin speed 3 which are vastly better than the ghost so I doubt I’ll run in them anymore but the ghost will always have a special place in my heart

[@PennyMan123]

The ghost and adrenaline are some of the firmest shoes I’ve ever ran in. I don’t know how people do it. Compared to shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Speed and Brooks Aurora BL, the ghost is so firm.

[@5hyamg]

If it’s the same loft v3 as in the aurora - bl, I know I will like this one quite a bit

[@illt3ck]

We gotta wait until May 1st to scoop these? 😭 The Hoka Mach 5/6 were the most fragile shoes I've run in.

[@brettfettbeargaming]

Some different numbers I've seen on the stack 31/19 24/12 35.5/23.5 25/13 was numbers from Brooks themselves and seems to be the closest to what's presented in the shoe

[@Carlosediaz543]

The ghost 16 really reminds me of the glycerin 18 like upper looks identical and the foam is the same

[@CED99]

The foam is the same as the Glycerin 20 and 21 to give people an idea of the fell if they've tried those

[@kuriosites]

My first real running shoe was actually the Ghost 5. I'd like to try the DNA Loft v3 but the 12 mm drop is a dealbreaker for me. Skechers actually does a good job with supercritical EVA but their shoes have a very prominent arch, which some people (including me) don't tolerate.

[@supwell]

I'm hoping to test some Skechers soon - and it's wild how many people here have mentioned the ghost was their first shoe

[@kuriosites]

@@supwell The Ghost 5 was Runner's World's Editor's Choice that year. We just didn't have the breadth of reviews that we have today.

[@guysmith9353]

I loved the Ghost 6 and 7, but they lost me on the 8. The Pegasus became my default daily shoe at that point.

[@3AmericanPie]

How would I know if I use WIDE or regular slim fit size? I normally wear Adidas hype sneakers.

[@Mumrik597]

In my opinion, it's necessary to have a pair of shoes with no flair and excitement in rotation. I recently got the Ride 17 for that purpose.

[@conorvaughan3510]

I think Brooks only reports the midsole height in their stack height, as the glycerin 21 is listed at 28/18 but it feels more like 38/28.

[@conorvaughan3510]

If you enjoy the Ghost 16, you should try the Glycerin 21 as a recovery shoe. Bouncy and fun and to some rivals the triumph

[@Munchkinz11]

I really want a Brooks shoes. I don't have 1 yet

[@tomverdich184]

If the Ghost 16 had a 6-8mm drop I'd be very tempted. A real shame as I reckon I'd really enjoy DNA Loft v3.

[@supwell]

The DNA loft v3 is amazing so far - the ghost max 2 will have this same foam and the lower drop so that may be the one for you. I'm pumped about that shoe after running in the new ghost

[@tomverdich184]

@@supwell Good call about the Ghost Max 2. Definitely one to keep an eye on. Although I'm generally not a huge fan of max stack shoes. Would be great if Brooks used DNA loft v3 in their next Launch shoe.

[@supwell]

@@tomverdich184agreed man I was thinking yesterday if they made a $100 shoe with this foam it would be the best value on the market

[@tomverdich184]

@@supwell absolutely! Maybe in a few years when loft v3 isn't their top training foam.

[@Acejustforalaugh]

Funny how people associate the Ghost with new runners. They fit in any runners rotation. Novice and or Pro ! ❤

[@bllusertv3649]

This is shoes pabrik in indonesia yes or no mr??

[@HeidiLovesNYC]

Any wider than the last version?

[@supwell]

I didn't try the 15 they fit similarly to other brooks shoes! They will likely have a dedicated wide version of this though

[@tuckertech]

Everytime I try on Brooks they felt…shallow. My feet have volume and the Brooks always felt like I just need more shoe.

[@supwell]

Yeah they are definitely on the narrower and shallower side. That's one of the few weak points of these so far

[@KingPickler]

How do you organize all your shoes you've got to have like a million by now

[@supwell]

Hahaha man my office is a complete mess right now. I've been browsing Home Depot's website trying to find something - if you have any suggestions let me know 😂

[@tuckertech]

@@supwellI use stackable shoe racks from Amazon. They are perfect for all my shoes and sneakers.

[@KingPickler]

@@supwell IKEA has great shoe racks that are modular and can hold 2-3 pairs each

[@sheldonjanuary4058]

1st!

[@MedicineRunner]

Is it bad I still won’t be seen in a ghost bc of the type of people that wear them? It’s like the “Hey Dude”shoes for me bro I just can’t 😂

[@supwell]

Hahaha bro I feel you. I wish they went with the same vibe as the ghost max because I like the way those look. Also Hey dude out here catching strays 😂

[@marks4096]

Please don’t bend your shoes like that it will make a flex groove that will irritate your planar muscles

[@abelimages]

Do people actually get offended when you bend a shoe? What a crazy world we now live in. 😂

[@hpppp850]

I started on Ghost 9… 14s are piece of crap!!!