REASONS TO BUY
Stable
Comfortable
Durable
Responsive
Well-constructed
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly heavy
Might feel too rigid to some
Brooks Ghost 14 - Women's Review
This traditional running shoe provides exceptional support and comfort, great durability, and a predictable running shoe fit
Credit: Brooks
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
The Brooks Ghost 14 continues to be one of our favorite smooth-riding, well-cushioned, traditionally-shaped road running shoes. This is a comfortable, traditionally-shaped runner that provides versatility and can be with you on all types of training runs. The DNA Loft and Segmented Crash Pad technologies come together underfoot for a comfortable yet supportive landing. When combined with the engineered mesh upper that seamlessly conforms to your unique foot shape and traditional road running shoe style, the Ghost is ideal for everything from long, slow slogs and quick neighborhood jaunts. Look no further if you are on the hunt for a versatile and durable road running shoe.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Brooks Ghost 14 has consistently been one of our top contenders when it comes to our favorite women's running shoes. It didn't take home an award this time around, but it scored highly across the board. Brooks continues to reconfigure the midsole, outsole, and overall structure to create a user-friendly, versatile, and durable running shoe that can serve runners of all shapes, sizes, and goals. If you are looking for a sole with supportive yet plush underfoot cushioning, some lateral support to help keep you running strong, and strong durability, this traditionally -shaped running shoe might be your perfect match.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to a supportive, traditionally-shaped running shoe, the Ghost 14 is our top pick.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Responsiveness
We love how Brooks marries responsiveness with their comfortable, traditional, 12-millimeter drop running shoe features. The Ghost 14 is a great choice if you want a responsive shoe that is suitable for long-distance training.
The protection and support of the Ghost come together to create a stellar running shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The midsole of the Ghost 14 doesn't provide the same type of energy return as other shoes that are built for speed and responsiveness. It might not be the shoe for you if you are looking for something that allows you to feel like you are being propelled from one step to the next. But if you are looking for a shoe that provides support and a traditional shape and style that doesn't hinder your speed, the Ghost is a great way to go. While not the bounciest shoe on the market, it offers a smooth ride and plenty of support and protection without slowing you down.
Landing Comfort/Cushioning
The Brooks Ghost 14 is one of the more comfortable road running shoes that we have had the pleasure of testing. This time around, Brooks really upped the ante when it comes to landing comfort and we are here for it.
This traditionally-shaped running shoe perfectly combines strength and softness for a gritty, yet gentle running experience.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By no means a maximalist-style shoe, the Ghost comes stacked with a DNA Loft midsole with some Segmented Crash Pad added in for extra comfort. The entirety of the shoe is loaded with enough cushioning to be comfortable, but so much to make the shoe feel cumbersome or too soft.
No matter the surface, we love the feeling of the Ghost 14 beneath our feet.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Since the Ghost 14 has a traditional running shoe shape, the sole is versatile and wide enough to be comfortable. We have noticed that some shoes are being built upon slightly narrower platforms, which can lead to the sensation of the edges of your feet spilling over the outsole edges. We are happy to report that this is not the case when it comes to the Ghost. Brooks offers narrow and wide options, in addition to standard width, to help ensure that your launch pad serves your unique shape and size.
Stability
The Brooks Ghost has continuously been one of our favorite shoes when it comes to its understated stability, and this incarnation is no exception. The Ghost 14 scored among the top shoes we tested in this metric, further confirming its lofty spot on our list of runners.
We have truly enjoyed our long-distance training runs in the supportive and responsive Ghost 14.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The upper engineered mesh of the Ghost is strong yet flexible enough to adapt to the shape of your feet. Laterally, the multiple layers of mesh provide strong support, though it feels neutral while you move. Unlike other runners, the Ghost doesn't rely on mesh alone for its support. There are soft bilateral structures nestled into the body of the shoe for added support. We felt the effects of these while running, but they did not change the comfort and fit of the shoe. This support system is most obvious when you squeeze the body of the shoe inward with your hand.
We love long-distance running in shoes that pride themselves on their lateral stability. We find that we run best in shoes that encourage a healthy gait.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
If your gait is a bit off or you have the tendency to overpronate, it isn't unheard of for your shoes to eventually relent and provide very little support. This is not the case in the Ghost. The upper material conforms to your feet, and the gentle reinforcements within the mesh prevent you from blowing out the mesh even if your gait isn't perfect. Even if you are not a runner, the Ghost offers great lateral support for walkers looking to improve upon their gait and movement patterns. If you are looking for a shoe that offers more structural stability, we recommend the Ghost's cousin, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 since it includes a burlier structure for lateral support.
Upper Comfort
We love the upper comfort and fit of a traditional running shoe and the Ghost 14 does not disappoint. The engineered mesh and DNA elements make for a customized fit and the soft accessories create 360-degree comfort.
The breathable mesh and overall shape of the Ghost make for tremendous upper comfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The tongue is plush and comfortable and is adhered to the shoe body in such a way as to never wrinkle or bug while on long runs. Even when we tightened up the laces, we never felt like the lace bed was cutting into our swelling feet - a feature that we are incredibly particular about. The heel cup is rigid enough to be supportive but stuffed with enough cushion to feel comfortable even after long days on the road. As is typically the case, the extra eyelet offers the option to tighten up the fit. The ample cushioning makes for a snug and comfortable fit, two elements that are crucial if your training takes you into high mileage. Because Brooks offers three width options for the Ghost, we are confident that you'll find a fit that provides as much upper comfort as we did.
Weight
Unsurprisingly, the Brooks Ghost 14 weighed in in the middle of the pack. The shape and weight distribution make for a comfortable shoe, even though each women's size 7 shoe weighs 7.79 ounces. We don't view this number as a make-it or break-it kind of weight though.
Though not the lightest running shoe around, the Ghost's average weight never slowed us down or made us feel like we were running with bricks attached to our feet.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
At just under 8 ounces per shoe, the Ghost 14 is average in this regard. When we consider how much stability and comfort is provided, the weight actually seems super reasonable. If you are looking for an ultralight shoe, you might not love the feeling of the Ghost. But if you want a traditionally-shaped running shoe with a comfortable profile, you won't find the weight to be an issue. Overall, the comfort and fit of this shoe are worth every ounce.
Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost 14?
While the price of the Ghost 14 is pretty average in today's market, the value is not. For what you get, this shoe is a great value. From its durability to its stability and comfort, the Ghost is worth every penny. If you are looking for a well-designed and traditional shoe that can do it all, look no further than the Ghost 14. If you want a lighter-weight option for the moments when you need to pick up your paces, there are more responsive options out there. But if a do-it-all option is what your heart desires, you'll love running in the Ghost.
We love running. The Brooks Ghost 14 is a pair of shoes that reminds us why we love running because of how comfortable and supportive it is.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If you are looking for a comfortable and traditional running shoe, we think you will share our love for the Brooks Ghost 14. If you love the feeling of the Ghost but desire a bit more lateral structure, we recommend checking out the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23. If you like the feeling of the Ghost but want a slightly softer and more forgiving shoe, the Brooks Glycerin 20 is a standout shoe in this realm. If you are after underfoot cushion and don't mind a slightly less traditional shape, we recommend getting your hands on the HOKA Mach 5 or the Hoka Bondi 8.
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Ally Arcuri
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