The Brooks Ghost series has a loyal fan base. These runners rely on the Ghost to deliver consistent quality and a dependable fit when they hit the pavement. They don’t necessarily need bells and whistles. However, the Brooks Ghost 16 gives wearers everything they anticipate in a Ghost shoe and more.
Experienced runners often steer newbies to Brooks running shoes because they make a high-quality product. The Ghost series is an excellent choice for those beginning their running experience. This neutral trainer delivers comfort and durability without breaking the bank, making it an appealing entry-level shoe for people to determine if running is right for them.
Not Just for Newbies
Framing the Ghost series as just a beginner’s shoe would be remiss. Its durable outsole and strong-yet-breathable mesh upper make it fit for the extremes that advanced runners dish out. It also provides the cushioning a diehard runner expects in a trainer.
Our Brooks Ghost 16 review provides a comprehensive look at the features this upgrade offers. Our review sheds some light on the standards we expect and the new features we delight in. We want to help you determine if the Brooks Ghost 16 is a solid investment for your next running adventures.
Our Review Process
Our process considers the opinions of several runners who take a pair of shoes out for a spin before writing about them. Once we’ve pounded the pavement or jogged the trails a few times, we feel more qualified to share our thoughts.
People wear running shoes in different ways (though they always go on their feet). The smooth track at the gym provides a different encounter than a gravelly country road or a hilly urban landscape. This review outlines everything we’ve learned about the Ghost 16 from diverse viewpoints and experiences.
Details and Highlights
Are you ready to lace up and get going? Here are a few things to know about the Brooks Ghost 16 right off the bat.
- Men’s size 9 weighs 9.5 oz. (269 g), Women’s size 8 weighs 8.5 oz. (241 g)
- 35.5 mm/23.5 mm stack height
- 12 mm drop
- Great for comfortable standing, walking and daily training
- True-to-size fit
- Medium stack height lends versatility
- Updated DNA Loft v3 midsole reduces weight and adds airiness
- New RoadTack rubber outsole helps increase the overall durability and lifespan of the shoe while offering traction on varied surfaces.
- Engineered air mesh upper supplies better breathability than Ghost 15
- Upgraded upper material provides structure without losing stretchability
- Flared heel base gives the shoe mild stability
- Plush, padded heel collar and tongue add comfort and keep the foot secure
- Price: $139.95
The Ghost 16 also provides a very smooth heel-to-toe transition.
In-Depth Look
Here’s a closer inspection of the strongest features of the Brooks Ghost 16, including a few new ones.
Upgraded DNA LOFT v3 Midsole
This running shoe’s main update is the DNA LOFT v3 midsole. In v3, Brooks adds nitrogen in a foaming process that heats the liquid form into gas. Large-cell foaming enhances the midsole’s softness, energy return and lightweight feeling.
Brooks uses the same nitrogen-infused foam in the Glycerin series, but the Glycerin has a little more; the Ghost 16 weighs a full ounce less than the Glycerin.
DNA LOFT v3 makes the shoe’s midsole lightweight, flexible and more responsive, which are features typical of higher-end shoes. The foam technology also makes the shoe slightly bouncier than the Ghost 15.
Updated Mesh Upper
The Brooks Ghost 16’s engineered air mesh upper supplies balanced breathability, which is a slight upgrade from the Brooks Ghost 15. It sticks with a simple, tried-and-true design rather than changing what works.
The upper provides structure and adaptable stretch, but it’s not so airy that it’s cold in the winter. If you do most of your running in hot, humid weather, you may want something more breathable. Still, many find what Brooks calls “just-right breathability” satisfactory.
If you support sustainability, you’ll find another reason to like the Brooks Ghost 16. The upper uses 67.3% recycled material, diverting 4.3 plastic bottles from landfills. Those familiar with the Ghost lineup may already know it is a Certified Carbon-Neutral product. Brooks’ commitment to sustainability includes supporting verified carbon-neutral projects to offset emissions beyond the recycled materials.
Segmented Crash Pad Technology
The Ghost 16 keeps the segmented Crash Pad technology from its predecessor. Crash Pad technology, according to Brooks, employs a system of segmented, fully integrated shock absorbers to accommodate any foot landing. The caterpillar-like design smooths your heel-to-toe transition and gives you an efficient, more cushioned stride.
RoadTack Outsole
New to the Ghost 16 is durable, resilient RoadTack outsole construction. Made from rubber and recycled silica, the material provides plenty of traction on everything from wet roads to slippery floors. You don’t have to worry about durability, either. The outsole is incredibly resilient and will support you through many miles on various surface types.
How the Ghost 16 Fits
If you have worn the Brooks Ghost series in the past, you should find that the updated version is true to size. Brooks typically has a more snug upper, and some may find the toe box to be a little short. Go up half a size if you foresee its narrow toe box being an issue.
The weight is on par with the average running shoe, so you won’t find any surprises here. The men’s Brooks Ghost 16 weighs 9.8 ounces, while the women’s Brooks Ghost 16 weighs 8.8 ounces.
Pros and Cons
As we have come to expect from the Ghost series, there are a lot of good points.
Pros
Brooks Ghost continues its consistent and dependable history.
- Brooks Ghost is a classic, all-around running shoe, and Ghost 16 continues the tradition.
- The Ghost 16 is very durable, thanks to the RoadTack outsole.
- The engineered air mesh upper provides balanced, “just-right” breathability without being too airy for cold weather.
- The improved midsole combined with the RoadTack rubber outsole makes the shoe soft without being mushy.
- The Ghost 16 is lighter than its predecessor with the nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 upgrade.
- It is flexible for a traditional training shoe.
Some wearers with slightly wide feet have been fine in the Ghost 16 Medium. Brooks consistently offers Wide and Extra Wide fits for those requiring a true wide shoe.
Cons
You may be disappointed if you were looking for unexpected, jaw-dropping features in the Brooks Ghost 16. However, as a runners’ staple, its consistency is often a plus.
- Those who want a higher-stack running shoe may want to try the Brooks Glycerin series.
- The Ghost 16 is less bouncy than On Cloudeclipse.
No shoe can always be everything to everyone, but the Ghost 16 stacks up predictably well.
Who Should Consider the Ghost 16
Anyone looking for a traditional, classic daily trainer will get much wear from the Brooks Ghost 16. It’s an optimal shoe for occasional runners and those who do a lot of walking and standing. The moderate stack height makes this shoe work well on any kind of run.
This shoe is also an excellent choice for beginning runners. It has the basic features of a running shoe, such as a well-made upper and solid cushioning. At the same time, it won’t bog down new runners with options they don’t know if they want yet.
Of course, those who love the Ghost series will enjoy the upgrade. It’s still a great neutral shoe with a familiar feel; the enhancements are icing on the cake.
How the Ghost 16 Stacks Up to Other Neutral Running Shoes
We’ve established that the Ghost 16 is a solid performer, but how does it compare to others in its peer group? We did an evaluation.
Brooks Glycerin 21
If you prefer a bit more cushion, you may want to spend a few more dollars on the Glycerin 21. However, now that the Brooks Ghost 16 includes the same DNA LOFT v3 technology as the Glycerin, the Ghost 16 provides your feet with a high enough comfort level that you may be fine in it.
However, the Glycerin has a higher heel and forefoot midsole height. Some runners may find that the Glycerin provides enough cushion to make it worth the money.
On Cloudeclipse
The Cloudeclipse provides a lot of bounce, and some runners may give it an upvote simply for the fun factor. However, road tests indicate that the outsole has less durability than the Ghost 16. At a higher price point, that can be a drawback for some. It also weighs in at 10 ounces, so it’s slightly heavier than the Ghost.
Those needing a wider toe box may find the Cloudeclipse more accommodating than the Ghost. Otherwise, the upper is on par with the Brooks Ghost 16.
Adidas Supernova Rise
The Adidas Supernova Rise and the Ghost 16 have many similarities. Both are neutral trainers. The Supernova has a 2-mm-higher cushion stack in the front, but the difference may be negligible to some.
The Supernova has PEBA-based foam, another premium cushioning material, in the midsole. They are at the same price point as the Ghost 16, so it may come down to which brand fits you better since they are comparable.
Final Verdict: The Ghost 16 Review
Brooks Ghost wearers take their shoes across every surface. From the treadmill to the wet pavement to the hospital halls, they demand durability and familiar comfort, and the Ghost lineup consistently delivers both.
The Brooks Ghost 16 is as dependable as its predecessors, adding upgrades that runners will welcome. The most significant is the DNA LOFT v3, nearly elevating the comfort level to that of trainers at higher price points (and for some, it’s close enough). The RoadTack outsole is another upgrade, adding traction and durability to take you the extra mile in the Ghost 16 comfortably.
With these improvements, new runners get a lot of bang for their buck with the Ghost 16. Veterans will appreciate the upgrades with the shoe’s standard reliability. The Ghost 16 is a solid option if you’re in the market for a great, all-around trainer.
Get the Brooks Ghost 16 at Marathon Sports
Marathon Sports has the Ghost 16 and many other trainers in stock. We’d love to see you in one of our New England stores, where our fit experts help you find the best shoe. If you’re not in the neighborhood, check out our extensive running shoe collection online and chat with a specialist.
