There are few running brands out there more trusted and beloved than Brooks. The brand has been around since 1914, designing athletic wear and shoes made to propel athletes forward and redesign the way they move.
Brooks shoes are designed with the goal of making “every run, walk, or workout better than before” – and the company certainly lives up to its mission with some fantastic and reliable running shoe lines.
While Brooks has designed a huge range of running shoes over the years, the Ghost and Glycerin are two of their star performers .
If you’ve browsed Brooks shoe options before, you’ve likely come across the names of these two popular trainers. And if you’re unfamiliar with these shoes, you may be asking yourself what the main difference is and which one is right for you.
The right running shoe will help you prevent injuries, feel more comfortable on every run, and reach all your running goals. And at Marathon Sports, we know that finding this perfect shoe isn’t always an easy decision.
We’ve put together an ultimate guide to everything you need to know about the Brooks Ghost vs the Brooks Glycerin. Keep reading for a deep dive into these two daily trainers to help you determine which option is right for you.
Ghost vs Glycerin: A Quick Look
Since it was first released in 2008, the Ghost has quickly grown in popularity and is now one of the brand’s flagship shoes. As a neutral, no-nonsense daily trainer, this comfortable running shoe is a favorite among countless walkers, runners, gym-goers, and more. Now on the 16th iteration, the Ghost remains one of the top running shoe choices on the market.
The Glycerin, now on its 21st version, takes Brooks’ renowned cushioning and comfort to the next level. This high-cushion, high-performance shoe offers a plush, comfortable underfoot feel perfect for easy runs or recovery days, making it one of the best cushioned running shoes around.
And while both shoes include some signature Brooks features – including their DNA Loft foam, stable base, and breathable upper – they have some key differences that set them apart from each other.
Here’s an in-depth look at all the features that make the Brooks Glycerin 21 and Ghost 16 stand out so you know exactly what to expect when you slide these Brooks shoes on for the first time.
Ghost vs Glycerin: Cushioning
Cushioning is one of the most important aspects of any good running shoe. And when it comes to cushioning, balance is key. Cushioning that is too soft will leave you sinking into the shoe, while stiff cushioning will leave your feet feeling unhappy and uncomfortable at the end of a run.
With the new DNA Loft v3 foam used in both the Glycerin 21 and Ghost 16, Brooks struck a nice, balanced feel with their foam. Their standard DNA Loft foam was infused with nitrogen to get the DNA Loft v3 used in their most recent releases, creating shoes that feel even lighter and softer than past iterations.
While both the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21 use this nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, their biggest difference stems from the amount of foam and cushioning. The Ghost has a lower stack height than the Glycerin, with 24 mm of cushion in the heel and 12 mm in the toe. So despite the cushion being softer than on the Ghost 15, the Ghost 16 still maintains a stiffer, more responsive feel with a high energy return.
On the other hand, the Glycerin 21 cushioning is packed with even more of this DNA Loft v3 cushioning, giving the shoe its signature plush, cushioned underfoot feel. With a stack height of 28mm/18mm, the newest Glycerin offers 2 mm more cushioning than the previous iteration. The extra padding in the midsole gives this shoe a more padded, plush feel that guarantees comfort throughout miles and miles of pounding the pavement.
Ghost vs. Glycerin: Overall Design and Construction
While cushioning is important, it’s not the only part of the shoe designed to offer comfort and support. Both the Ghost and Glycerin go the extra mile with their overall design, construction, and material to provide an exceptional fit and hard-to-match comfort.
One area where the Ghost 16 truly excels is in its upper design. The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, making the Ghost a versatile daily trainer that will keep you cool in any climate. And while there is some padding and structure to the upper, it remains flexible and stretchy for a secure fit around any type of foot.
In contrast, the Glycerin 21 relies on a streamlined knit upper to wrap the foot. This upper remains relatively light and breathable but isn’t quite as thin and lightweight as the Ghost’s engineered mesh.
This design has some give and take – the extra padding around the tongue and heel keeps your foot more comfortable on long runs, although it does make the shoe slightly heavier, bulkier, and less breathable. If you typically run in warm weather and prioritize breathability on your runs, you may prefer the Ghost’s design over the Glycerin’s.
Another key construction difference is found in the heel-to-toe drop in the shoes. Both the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21 are high-drop shoes. However, with a 12mm offset, the Ghost 16 has one of the highest drops you’ll find in the running shoe game.
High-drop running shoes offer several benefits for some runners, including decreasing stress on the Achilles, calf, and ankle and reducing landing pressure heel strikers. If you think you could benefit from a high-drop shoe, you may want to consider testing out the Ghost 16.
Despite the Ghost 16 being a fantastic choice for runners who prefer a high drop, the Glycerin 21 is by no means a low-drop shoe. With a 10mm offset between the heel and forefoot, this max cushioned shoe still has a high drop compared to many other running shoe options. If you prefer this higher drop, you can’t go wrong with either option.
Ghost vs. Glycerin: Performance
It’s hard to know how a shoe will truly perform until you test it out on a few runs. After getting to know the Ghost and Glycerin on a variety of different runs, there are quite a few differences in terms of performance and overall function.
Even with the new and improved foam, the Ghost 16’s lower stack height and more responsive design give it a stiffer underfoot feel. Some runners who prefer a softer shoe may feel that this firmer shoe isn’t as comfortable throughout longer runs. But overall, this firm and bouncy shoe serves well as a versatile daily trainer.
Both shoes incorporate technologies and design features meant to offer a smooth, comfortable ride throughout your run. In the Ghost 16, this takes the form of a Segmented Crash Pad. Located on the outsole, this Crash Pad technology helps absorb shock and impact throughout runs and assists with smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
The crash pad, lighter-weight cushion, and breathable and secure fit all work together to create a shoe that can both carry you through everyday runs and help you pick up the pace for speedier days. And at 9.5 oz for men’s and 8.5 oz for women’s, the Ghost will prevent your feet from feeling heavy and weighed down on any type of run.
The Glycerin 21 is slightly heavier than the Ghost 16, coming in at 9.8 oz for men’s and 8.8 oz for women. While the extra cushioning and padding throughout the shoe do add a bit of weight, it also leads to a plush, luxurious running shoe that performs well on easy run days or recovery runs.
While it lacks the Crash Pad that the Ghost 16 has, the Glycerin 21’s extra cushioning and redesigned midsole make it just as effective – if not more effective – at absorbing impact and creating smooth transitions on runs.
Both shoes are neutral shoes, meaning they don’t offer any corrective support for overpronation. However, there are some subtle elements of stability in the Glycerin 21. The wide, broad platform keeps your foot feeling stable and guarantees a smooth, seamless transition in every stride.
Due to the softer design and plush cushioning, the Glycerin 21 is less responsive and therefore less versatile when it comes to tempo runs or faster days. But if you’re looking for a comfortable, padded shoe to get you to the end of your long run, the Glycerin 21 is the perfect choice.
Ghost vs. Glycerin: Overall Fit
Every running shoe, even within the same brand, fits slightly differently, so it’s important to stop by a store and try these shoes on for yourself. However, with both the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21, you can expect the shoes to fit pretty true to size.
The biggest difference in fit will be the upper and how it feels around your foot. The Ghost 16’s mesh upper is light and stretchy, offering a roomier fit throughout the shoe. It’s also available in regular, wide, and extra wide to accommodate all different foot types and shapes.
With a more padded knit upper, the Glycerin 21 tends to feel more snug around the foot. If you have a wider foot or tend to prefer a more spacious fit, the Glycerin in the regular width may feel a bit too narrow. Fortunately, it’s also offered in a wide width.
Ghost vs. Glycerin: Durability and Grip
When you’re logging miles, you don’t want to have to worry about the durability and longevity of your running shoes. Luckily, both the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21 have features designed specifically to help them last longer so you can rack up miles without worrying about your shoes breaking down.
Both shoes feature a silica RoadTrak rubber outsole for extra grip, traction, and durability. This outsole has been improved and updated from the soft blown rubber on previous Brooks shoes to offer even more sturdiness with these latest iterations.
While both shoes are designed for road running, this outsole also offers enough grip and traction to handle other terrains, including wet pavement, dirt paths, and uneven terrain.
Ghost vs. Glycerin: Price and Value
Both the Ghost 16 and Glycerin reflect the industry standard for comparable shoes from other brands. The Ghost 16 is $140, while the Glycerin 21 is $160.
At $140, the Ghost 16 offers exceptional value as a daily trainer. It’s versatile and responsive enough to wear for fast days, while still offering plenty of cushioning for longer runs. While it’s not quite as plush and comfortable as the Glycerin, it offers everything a runner could ask for in an everyday shoe. You don’t get all the frills and added comfort features found in higher-cushion shoes, but for the price, you get a high-quality, durable, and adaptable shoe that can truly do it all.
While the Glycerin 21 does come with a higher price point, that cost includes all the features, technologies, and cushioning that gives the shoe its unparalleled soft and luxurious feel. If you prioritize softness, cushioning, and comfort on your runs, you may find that the Glycerin 21 is worth the extra cost.
Final Thoughts
There are so many factors to consider when searching for the right running shoe for you. And if you’ve narrowed it down to the Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
The first question to ask yourself is what you’ll be using the shoe for. Looking for a firmer, versatile shoe that can do it all? The Ghost might be perfect for you. But if you want plenty of extra cushion and a marshmallow-soft feel to make your runs more comfortable, you should check out a pair of Glycerins.
There are also a few other details to consider when making your decision. The Ghost offers a more rigid feel, stretchier and more breathable upper, wider fit, and a higher drop. In comparison, the Glycerin is slightly heavier with a more padded, less breathable upper and overall softer and spongier cushion and landing. This can be a great option for beginner runners, people who are injury-prone, or those who just prefer a softer shoe.
While this guide may point you in the right direction, the right shoe for your foot ultimately comes down to your preferences, individual running goals, and specific needs.
Ready to test out the Ghost 16 or Glycerin 21 for yourself? Your nearest Marathon Sports has these two Brooks shoes and plenty of other fantastic running shoe options to try out! Brooks aims to help people “run happy” – and armed with the top Brooks running shoes, apparel, and running gear from Marathon Sports, you’re guaranteed to run happy every time you set out for a run!
