Brooks Ghost 14 Review
Published: October 25, 2021
Soft Ride for a Daily Training Classic
Updated with full-length DNA LOFT foam in the midsole, this popular running shoe has a smoother and softer ride than ever.
Likes
- Comfortable ride
- Durable outsole
- Softer midsole
- Streamlined upper
- Versatile
Dislikes
- Lacks bounciness
- High offset
- Warm upper
- No frills or thrills
What's New
Brooks' most popular everyday running shoe, the Ghost, is back and continues to deliver a consistently comfortable ride while featuring an improved midsole and upper design. The Ghost 14 now has full-length DNA LOFT foam throughout the midsole, offering softer cushioning for smoother performance. The upper is simpler and streamlined with a more dialed-in fit and flatter laces for a better lockdown. Staying true to its roots with a 12-mm offset, padded tongue, and plush heel collar, the Ghost 14 is a dependable daily trainer for racking up miles in comfort and style.
The Bottom Line
Continuing its legacy as a comfortably reliable daily trainer, the Brooks Ghost 14 provides soft, mid-level cushioning, a new streamlined upper, and moderate flex for all-around solid performance. While it doesn't offer many exciting thrills or frills, it continues to deliver a consistently smooth ride with enough underfoot protection to absorb ground impact. The Ghost's versatility extends to its outsole, which offers a durable grip on various surfaces, whether on the road or working out at the gym. Those looking for a more bouncy, responsive ride or a lower offset will find better options elsewhere, but longtime Ghost fans won't mind the high drop or the neutral energy return. Overall, the Brooks Ghost 14 ticks all the boxes when it comes to dependability, durability, and comfort for everyday mileage.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.0 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.6 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 36mm (Heel), 24mm (Forefoot) | Heel-Toe Offset: 12 mm |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Caroline: "The DNA LOFT midsole provides soft, comfortable cushioning without being overbearing. It's neither too firm nor overly squishy, so you get the best of both worlds."
Kaleb: "The new full-length DNA LOFT midsole is very comfortable underfoot, and ever so slightly leans toward the softer end of the evaluation scale. This is my first pair of Brooks Ghosts, and in comparison to the Glycerin 19 (which is softer), the Ghost has a slightly firmer feel, allowing for a little more versatility than the Glycerin."
Matt: "The Brooks Ghost 14 now has a full-length DNA LOFT midsole, making it softer and more consistent than before. This is still a shoe with mid-level cushioning, so it won't be the plushest option, but from initial step-in to longer runs, the foam definitely has a softer feel."
Ride/Energy Returni
Caroline: "The Ghost offers a pretty neutral, balanced ride. It's not stiff, nor is it super springy. It has a touch of responsiveness, allowing me to pick up the pace without restriction. But the shoe did feel just slightly bottom-heavy and is best suited for easy or slower-paced long runs."
Kaleb: "It is no surprise that the Ghost 14 is a workhorse daily trainer that can get the job done on nearly any run. The ride was very consistent every time I laced up, and it had the versatility to meet all my daily training demands. With a firmer ride than the Glycerin, the Ghost was better suited for runs where I wanted to go just a little bit faster. That said, these shoes aren't fast or overly responsive and are best reserved for everyday runs."
Matt: "The Ghost 14 is a tried-and-true daily trainer, so it's not going to be crazy propulsive or insanely responsive. I would leave the Ghost 14 on the shelf for racing or really fast efforts; daily miles are where this shoe thrives."
Underfoot Protectioni
Caroline: "There was a hint of firmness in the forefoot, but it had enough cushioning and protection to support me on my extended runs on the road."
Kaleb: "The Ghost is a tried-and-true daily trainer that is one of the most popular on the market. It offers ample protection to eat up miles while keeping my body feeling fresh along the way. The outsole is more than grippy enough to tackle roads, and I felt very sure-footed while wearing the Ghost 14."
Matt: "The full-length DNA LOFT midsole does a superb job protecting my legs. This shoe is made for grinding miles day in and day out, so running on the roads for any amount of mileage should leave runners ready to go for the next effort."
Flexibilityi
Caroline: "The Ghost 14 offers moderate flex in the forefoot for a solid, smooth ride all the way through. Even though it's a well-cushioned shoe, it doesn't feel too rigid and consistently delivers a comfortable ride."
Kaleb: "The forefoot of the Ghost provided a moderate flex that made transitioning through the gait pleasantly smooth. I definitely would have appreciated a little more pop at toe-off, but again, given its class, the shoe performed very well."
Matt: "I felt like the Ghost 14's flexibility was nice and allowed me to move naturally and freely. This helped create a smooth ride that rolled me forward comfortably."
Upper Supporti
Caroline: "The upper provided a cozy, snug fit and hugged my feet comfortably. I just wish the mesh was a bit more breathable; the material and padding made it feel slightly warm on my runs."
Kaleb: "The updated 3D Fit Print Mesh was great. Similar to the Glycerin 19, the upper was snug, and I found it to be relatively adaptable as well. I had no issues with security, and the padding around the heel collar made the shoes feel plush on foot. I would agree with Caroline that the material could be more breathable moving forward."
Matt: "The new upper on the Ghost 14 is stripped down and super comfortable, making it a little more streamlined and reminiscent of the Launch 8. It fits comfortably without any hotspots and has a nice lockdown."
Men's Brooks Ghost Running Shoes
The Brooks Ghost is the most popular neutral everyday running shoe in the Brooks lineup offering fantastic fit, great looks and excellent cushioning. A staff favorite and best seller.
Women's Brooks Ghost Running Shoes
The Brooks Ghost is the most popular neutral everyday running shoe in the Brooks lineup offering fantastic fit, great looks and excellent cushioning. A staff favourite and best seller.
Individual Thoughts
CarolineOverall Score: 8/10
The Brooks Ghost 14 is built for comfort and consistent reliability to accommodate a wide range of runners. Upon immediate step-in, the DNA LOFT cushioning was invitingly soft without being overly mushy, and the upper provided a dialed-in fit. The material in the upper did feel a bit warm, and I would have liked more added breathability. This was my first pair of Brooks Ghosts and the first high-drop shoe I've ever run in, so I was concerned about the high offset (being a midfoot striker). While I was able to pick up the pace a bit, and there was moderate flex for a smooth ride, I did notice some IT Band discomfort after my runs, so this shoe would be optimal for heel-strikers and those who prefer running in a higher offset. Ultimately, it is not designed to be a fast, lightweight, springy shoe and is made more for comfort than responsiveness. At times, it did feel a bit bottom-heavy. I liked the Ghost 14's sturdy outsole that provided good traction, which helped with its multi-purpose functionality on varied terrain and surfaces. The durable rubber outsole is versatile and grippy enough that you can take it from the gym to the road to light trails (and even go on moderate hikes in them). Overall, the Ghost 14 is best suited for beginner runners looking for a classicly reliable pair of shoes with comfortable cushioning for steady-paced runs.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
KalebOverall Score: 7.5/10
I always find it a bit challenging assigning an overall score when reviewing a daily trainer like the Ghost 14, which is made to be a workhorse shoe to eat up daily mileage. This is because the Ghost is an incredible shoe for what it is designed to do: comfortable, reliable, durable, versatile, just really solid across the board. That said, it is not decked out with the most exciting technology, and the overall running experience is not the most thrilling. In other words, the Ghost will be the reliable go-to shoe that you can absent-mindedly grab on the regular, knowing that you'll get a consistent ride that will keep you comfortable. If you are hoping to do a more specific training run, like intervals, longer distances, or even a race, there are plenty of better options. So for those in search of a daily trainer that will last a long time and help you increase your weekly mileage, the Ghost 14 is still a top choice. I also appreciate the Ghost because it remains a no-nonsense shoe that is fantastic for beginners getting used to daily training and those experimenting with new types of training.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
MattOverall Score: 8/10
The Brooks Ghost 14 is as reliable as it gets, and this daily trainer has been a workhorse for runners since (what seems like) the dawn of time. There is a softer, more consistent foam in the midsole, making this shoe even more comfortable and ready for weekly mileage. I enjoyed grabbing the Ghost 14 for recovery days, and my only issue was it does have a steep 12-mm heel-to-toe drop. But if you can get past this small factor, then the Brooks Ghost 14 will be a go-to option for any runner.
