Brooks Ghost 16 running shoes

The new Brooks Ghost 16 running shoe will be released on 1 May 2024. The Ghost 16 is an everyday comfortable running shoe. Much has changed from the previous version, with a new material in the midsole, making the shoe significantly lighter. The Brooks Ghost 16 still has a high drop of 12 mm, which puts a little more stress on the knee and thigh, but relieves the ankle and shin from the higher stress. The stability of the shoe is good, which also helps the ankle and foot muscles. Brooks continues to pay close attention to the environment, which is why the Ghost 16 is also completely carbon neutral and contains many recycled materials. It’s a small thing, and it might be a little more expensive to produce, but if you can help the environment, you’re helping 8 billion people.

Brooks Ghost 16 upper

The upper of the Brooks Ghost 16 running shoe is made from a double mesh material. The upper is clearly optimized for comfort. It’s padded and keeps the foot snug, but the cushioning means it has “only” average breathability. The tongue of the shoe is not fixed, but it does not easily slip to the side. Like the whole shoe, the tongue is well cushioned. The heel collar is stiff, but not high and heavily cushioned so that it supports the foot comfortably and securely. The standard version has a narrow construction, but the good news is that you can also buy a wide version of the Ghost 6.

Brooks Ghost 16 midfoot

The midfoot of the Brooks Ghost 16 running shoe is DNA Loft V3, which is lighter, more flexible, softer and more reactive than the previous version’s DNA Loft v2 midfoot. The DNA Loft V3 foam is a nitrogen-enriched EVA foam that Brooks previously used only in its Glycerin line, a more expensive price range of running shoes. The nitrogen enrichment makes the EVA foam lighter, more flexible and softer. The Ghost 16’s midsole has a 12mm drop, which is high and uncommon, but could be great for those with foot, ankle, or Achilles problems. The midsole isn’t tall, with an average height of 30 mm (24 mm in the front and 36 mm in the heel), but it still has good shock absorption. The high drop encourages better heel landing, with a midsole height of 36 mm, which is already enough volume for the shoe to absorb shock well. However, the midsole is only 24 mm thick under the toes, which can’t provide as much dynamic response as the thicker Brooks Glycerin, and its shock absorption is also lower. Although the midsole is soft, because it’s not tall, the Ghost 16 running shoe has good stability, just like the previous versions. The outsole also plays a role in stability, as it covers a large area of the midsole and thus provides some stiffening to the midfoot. The midsole has average dynamics, the Brooks Ghost 16 is not a fast shoe, but is at best suitable for everyday running.

Brooks Ghost 16 outsole

The outsole of the Brooks Ghost 16 running shoe is articulated, but covers the midfoot almost entirely. Because of the high coverage, the outsole stiffens up the otherwise soft midsole, which is fine, but perhaps a bit overkill. The outsole is made of a rubber compound called RoadTack, which contains recycled silica, which makes it more durable. The durability is further enhanced by the fact that the outsole is thick and has a large overlap. Not only is the outsole durable, the grip is also very good, so overall the Ghost 16 outsole is very good, just a little too much. The thick outsole with its Segmented Crash Pad design also plays a role in shock absorption. The Segmented Crash Pad is the caterpillar-like firmness of the outsole, which in addition to providing shock absorption also makes the shoe stiffer, which results in a smoother and faster rollover.

Summary

There’s a big change in the Brooks Ghost 16 running shoe. It’s lighter, softer, more flexible. Great for everyday runs if you’re looking for a comfortable running shoe. It has a higher than average drop, which benefits runners who often have sore ankles, achilles or muscles around the shin after runs. Because it has a thick and durable outsole, and you can also buy a wide version of the Brooks Ghost 16 running shoe, it can be a great choice for overweight runners for shorter distances. The shoe has all the features to be a good choice for beginner runners, but because of its high drop, only beginner runners with strong and healthy knees should buy it.