Shoe Review: Brooks Ghost 15

What do the Brooks Ghost and a real ghost have in common? You won’t even know they’re there.

Thanks to lightweight cushioning, an accommodating fit and a breathable upper, the Brooks Ghost 15 molds to your foot for an effortlessly comfortable feel. The best running shoes are the ones you don’t have to think about, allowing you to focus on the miles ahead rather than on your feet.

The best-selling Brooks Ghost has been updated with DNA Loft v2 midsole foam, a softer and lighter midsole foam than what’s used in previous versions. An engineered air mesh upper holds you in while ensuring breathability and comfort for miles on end.

Fleet Feet reviewers tested the Ghost 15 to get a feel for how it fits and performs. Here’s everything you need to know.

The biggest update to the Brooks Ghost 15 is the use of DNA Loft v2 midsole foam, a lighter version of the DNA Loft foam used in the previous version. DNA Loft is a mixture of EVA foam, rubber, air and nitrogen. The foam, air and nitrogen combine to create a soft, lightweight feel while the rubber adds durability.

What’s a midsole? Learn about the parts that make up a running shoe here.

While the Brooks Ghost 15 is soft and cushy, it’s firm enough to feel supportive and responsive enough to feel energetic. This makes it a versatile choice for all types of runs, but where it really shines is racking up easy miles on the roads.

“The Brooks Ghost has always struck me as a Goldilocks-type shoe,” Caroline says. “It’s not too soft, or too firm. It’s not too cushy, or too flat. Not too heavy, not too light. It’s just right.”

Also contributing to the shoe’s easy ride is Brooks’ Segmented Crash Pad, a shock-absorbing material placed throughout the shoe’s flexible forefoot to create smooth heel-to-toe transitions. A durable, blown rubber outsole provides grip and traction on the pavement, no matter the weather.

“Brooks has been fine-tuning their cushioning in this year’s models, and you can really feel it come into play in the Ghost,” Nate says. “The shoe feels wonderfully responsive in the forefoot while retaining an extra softness in the heel, making it very adaptable to different running styles and different types of workouts.”

The Ghost 15 instantly wraps your foot like a welcoming hug, providing smooth, soft support. An engineered air mesh material provides breathability, keeping your feet dry and cool. Plus, the upper is made with 62 percent recycled materials.

“These shoes gently yet lovingly enveloped my feet like the strong and passionate arms of a spectral Patrick Swayze that just can’t move on from the love of his life (my feet),” Alex says.

And like Swayze’s spirit in the 1990 film, “Ghost,” these shoes are not here to haunt you, but to give you the support you crave before they move on from this world. They might even possess you to go the extra mile on your next run.

Brooks uses its 3D Fit Print technology in the Ghost 15, an innovative screen-printing process that applies engineered structure to the upper material. The print process maintains the shoe’s integrity while allowing for a flexible, lightweight feel.

“The Brooks Ghost always manages to have a luxurious, premium step-in feeling,” Caroline says. “The heel collar and tongue are soft and plush, creating a welcoming environment for my feet. The mesh upper offers extra ventilation around the toe box and midfoot, ensuring adequate breathability. The long, slightly textured laces are sturdy and reliable, giving me peace of mind that they’ll stay put.”

The Brooks Ghost 15 remains true to form as a lightweight, moderately cushioned neutral trainer that runners have come to know and love. The biggest update to the Ghost 15 is the DNA Loft v2 foam underfoot, a lighter version of the midsole foam used in the Ghost 14.

As a result, the Ghost 15 is ever-so-slightly lighter than the previous version (.2 ounces in the women’s shoe and .1 ounce in the men’s) while maintaining the same 12 millimeter heel-to-toe drop. Reviewers appreciated the minor tweaks that improved the fit and feel of the Ghost 15 without changing the features that make it so popular.

“When I opened up the Ghost 15, I effortlessly slipped my foot into the shoe, and it was as smooth as a baby’s bottom,” Adina says. “My heels and ankles felt supported, giving me a pep in my step and a groove as I moved around.”

If you’re looking for a steady workhorse that can power you through the bulk of your mileage, the Brooks Ghost 15 is the perfect match.

“I can see why these shoes have been so popular for so long,” Alex says. “They’re well-cushioned, fairly lightweight and they have enough tread for a variety of surfaces. It was super easy to just drop into a running rhythm and not worry about what was on my feet. If you want a single pair of running shoes for almost all occasions, the Ghost seems like an excellent option—they can do so much!”