With the Brooks Ghost 15 being released just recently it was time to get a closer look and review its features. The “Ghost” series is one of the most popular of the Seattle based brand and certainly for the running market in general. The 15th iteration of the shoe was introduced in November 2022. Brooks has been making slight adjustments from version to version each year and this time is no different. This version has an updated midsole with the new DNA Loft v2 and small uppe designs tweaks but in many ways is similar to the 14th. In general Brooks Ghost runner has been known as a daily trainer made for neutral runners which delivers a stable, balanced ride. It has a traditional 12mm heel drop which works great for beginner runners as well as for more advanced ones.
How They Fit
The pair we came across for the St Patrick’s Day special edition of this shoe released in early 2023 which features the Shamrock pattern, similar to the one from a year before. Out of the box the shoes look very sleek yet simple. They are about the same weight as the 14 and feel as pushy as you put them on thanks to the cushioned upper and soft midsole. They feel true to size and they have plenty of room in the front for those with wider feet. If unsure about your fit you can check out our Brooks size chart here.
Upper
The upper of the Brooks Ghost 15 is made of a seamless mesh that is lightly padded, described by the brand as an “air mesh”. Overall the upper has a luxurious look and feel that is enhanced by the materials in the heel and tongue areas where we find plenty of cushioning. This setup makes it so when you put these on you feel a plushy feeling but the padding in the heel area can get a bit heated up on a hot day or pretty wet on a rainy one. The upper overlays, while minimal, add to the secure lockdown feel provided with the help of the traditional lacing system. The back heel counter adds more comfort and stability to the shoe. All in all the upper feels very comfortable and delivers a good level of lockdown and breathability.
Sole Unit
The sole unit is shaped much like the previous versions, being a feature that the Brooks Ghost series has much appreciated for. The new DNA Loft v2 makes the shoe to be softer and lighter, at least for the first few runs. The feeling goes away pretty soon and they feel much like the 14 version which was not bad at all either. The 12mm heel drop is one that many casual runners will enjoy as it helps running on longer distances and puts little pressure on the calves. Those landing on their heels will surely benefit from the shock absorption and the smooth heel to toe transition. However, it is a toss up with the more experienced runners which may expect more energy return and bounciness from a $140 priced shoe. What we noticed while doing this Brooks Ghost 15 review is that the shoes do great on easy paces but on long runs or on faster paces they can feel a bit clunky and they do not help much in making it easier for the runners to achieve their goals. Even if in this regard they are not that versatile they are still one of the most stable running shoes on the market today. The outsole is made of a rubber segmented crash pad which is very durable and has excellent traction on both wet and dry pavements.
Bottom Line
All in all, to conclude our short Brooks Ghost 15 review, this is an excellent running shoe for beginners for intermediate runners. The series has been gaining many fans over the years and those used to it will surely enjoy it, regardless of how serious they are about running. For more advanced runners it may not be an exciting release, especially at this price point. From this perspective the ASICS GEL-Quantum 180 is surely is a competitor. Surely there are several other running shoes on the market that have more advanced technologies. But the Brooks Ghost 15 remains a favorite for many, being a traditional running shoe that will not let you down and it will last for many many miles. If not convinced, you can check out the Nike Infinity Run 3 , another neutral runner in about the same price range.
