Brooks Ghost 16 Review: Updates Further Enhance This Wildly Popular Daily Trainer

Hey everyone, I’m Alastair from Trail & Kale – welcome to my Brooks Ghost 16 review. If you caught my review of the Brooks Ghost 15 last year, you know I had a really positive experience (for the most part), with a few personal gripes. In this review, among other things, I’m going to share how the Ghost 16 has been improved over last seasons model, and see if it’s still worth the $140 price tag.

The Brooks Ghost 16 is primarily targeted at runners looking for a pair of reliable, comfortable daily trainers; it’s ideal for those easy miles and provides a cushioned, smooth ride. Those are just a few of the reasons why it consistently ranks high on our Best Brooks Running Shoes roundup. Whether you’re new to running or already someone who enjoys multiple runs a week, the Ghost 16 promises a comforting, enjoyable experience. So if that sounds appealing to you, keep reading to get my full performance insights.

Key specifications

• Price: 🇺🇸 $140 at Brooksrunning.com (US) | 🇬🇧 £135 at sportsshoes.com (UK)
• Fit: True to size with a medium width
• Weight: 9.6oz (272g) for a size US(M)9 – that’s my pair
• Drop: 12mm
• Midsole: Nitrogen-injected DNA Loft v3 with a cushioned yet responsive balance.
• Outsole: Segmented Crash Pad provides more flex and great traction
• Available Widths: Narrow, Medium/standard (my pair), Wide, Extra Wide

👋🏼 Hey there! If you’re thinking about getting these shoes, using our links would be a huge help for Trail & Kale Running Co. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which lets us keep creating helpful content like this review. Thanks so much for your support – we really appreciate it!

What’s New? Brooks Ghost 16 VS 15

The Ghost 16 brings several updates over its predecessor, here’s a quick list of the major updates:

• Lighter Weight: The Ghost 16 is now 9.6oz, a 5% reduction from the Ghost 15’s 10.1oz.
• Improved Fit: A more secure fit ensures better performance and comfort.
• Enhanced Breathability: While not the most breathable shoe out there, it does offer better airflow than previous models.

Fit, feel, stability, and support

True to size, the Brooks Ghost 16 fits really nice and snug. It’s one of Brooks’ most popular shoes for a reason – it’s incredibly comfortable from the moment you slip it on and that feeling continues throughout the run – more on that in my performance review to come.

The cushioning underfoot and around the collars and heel counter is generous, providing a pillow-like sensation against your feet. It’s perfect for those easy runs where comfort is always king.

The Ghost 16 is a neutral shoe, meaning it doesn’t offer additional support for pronation issues, so if you need that extra support, you might want to look at the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23, instead. For those of us without pronation problems, the Ghost 16 offers a balanced, stable ride. To learn more about how the Ghost compares to the Adrenaline GTS, read my full comparison breakdown, next.

Brooks Ghost 16 performance review

To make sure this review is in-depth and so you know we actually run in the shoes we review (believe it or not, some sites that like to cut shoes in half and call it a review, do not), you can also watch my performance video review by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it, and subscribe to our Youtube Channel :).

Breathability is a key consideration for many runners, especially those who run in warmer climates. While the Ghost 16 is not the most breathable shoe on the market, it does feature a slightly more breathable upper than the Ghost 15.

This makes a noticeable difference on hot days, allowing for better air circulation and keeping your feet cooler. However, for those running in cooler conditions, the moderate breathability can be a plus, as it helps keep your feet warm. This balance between breathability and warmth makes the Ghost 16 a versatile option for runners in varying climates.

It’s also worth noting that these are daily trainers, so I wouldn’t expect runners to be going all out in them, meaning your feet shouldn’t be getting overly warm due to intense running – so breathability isn’t as important in a daily trainer as for a tempo or race day shoe for example.

The segmented Crash Pad on the outsole of the Ghost 16 is a pretty cool feature that enhances flexibility – it really works too, you can see as I bend the shoes in my video review above.

This design allows the shoe to move more naturally with your foot, providing a smoother ride during that landing to take off part of your stride. The segmented design means that there are breaks in the rubber compound, allowing for greater flexibility where you need it most. This is particularly beneficial for runners who prefer a more natural foot movement and want to maintain a quick cadence rather than extend their stride as much, which is what a carbon fiber plate in running shoes does.

Coupled with the DNA Loft v3 midsole, the Ghost 16 delivers a well balanced cushioned yet responsive ride. The nitrogen-injected foam is lighter and more resilient than previous versions, providing excellent shock absorption and energy return.

This means that each step you take feels cushioned and protected, but you also get a nice bounce back that propels you forward. The result is a shoe that feels both soft and responsive, making it ideal for daily jogs, walking, or every day wear.

The durable, segmented rubber outsole provides good traction, helping you stay stable and secure when running on asphalt when dry or wet.

An area for improvement for me would be the drop from heel to toe, 12mm is just too much for me personally when I start to near that 10km distance mark. At this point, I start to feel that aggressive forward leaning stance put unnecessarily apply pressure towards my knees. Anything below 10km is fine however.

Weighing in at 9.6oz, I appreciate the fact that the Ghost 16 is lighter than the Ghost 15, which weighed 10.1oz. This 5% reduction in weight is achieved through the use of the nitrogen-injected DNA Loft v3 midsole, which is both lighter and more cushioned than previous versions – the geometry has also overgone a bit of a design change.

The reduced weight makes a noticeable difference, especially on longer runs like 10kn for example, where every ounce counts. A lighter shoe means less fatigue and more efficient muscle energy use, allowing you to run longer and faster.

The lacing system of the Ghost 16 is straightforward and effective and it features traditional laces that provide a secure fit, ensuring that your foot stays in place throughout your run. The simplicity of the lacing system is one of the reasons why the Ghost line is so popular – it just works. You don’t have to worry about adjusting your laces mid-run or dealing with any discomfort.

Are the Brooks Ghost 16 worth buying?

At $140, the Ghost 16 offers great value. Brooks has a reputation for producing consistent, high-quality running shoes at reasonable prices, and the Ghost 16 is no exception. It’s an excellent investment for anyone in need of a reliable daily trainer.

If you loved the previous Ghost models, you’ll appreciate the updates in the Ghost 16 – It’s lighter, more breathable, and offers a secure fit, making it still a joy to run in. Even if you’re new to the Ghost line, the comfort, flexibility, and value make it a worthy addition to your running shoe collection.

👋🏼 Hey there! If you’re thinking about getting these shoes, using our links would be a huge help for Trail & Kale Running Co. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which lets us keep creating helpful content like this review. Thanks so much for your support – we really appreciate it!

Alternative Daily Trainers

If you’re still on the fence about the Brooks Ghost 16, here are links to reviews of a few alternative daily trainers also worth considering:

• Nike Pegasus 41: Another popular daily trainer currently in testing – review coming this week.
• New Balance 1080 v13: Offers similar cushioning and comfort.
• ASICS GEL Nimbus 26: Known for its plush cushioning.
• New Balance Rebel v4: A favorite for its responsive ride.
• HOKA Clifton 9: Excellent for those seeking maximum cushioning.

Thanks for joining me for this review of the Brooks Ghost 16 – If you enjoyed it, please give it a like, share it with a friend, and subscribe to our Newsletter for more running shoe reviews just like this one. See you next time! -Alastair