The Brooks Ghost 16 Running shoes continue the legacy of one of the most popular neutral running shoes on the market. Built for comfort, durability, and consistent performance, this latest update tweaks the midsole materials, revises the fit slightly, and adds subtle refinements to maintain its reputation as a go-to daily trainer.
Designed for both beginners and seasoned road runners, the Ghost 16 excels at everything from 5Ks to marathon prep, recovery jogs to cruise-pace long runs. We ran over 200km across pavement, park paths, and light gravel to assess whether the upgrades offer meaningful improvements — and where it sits among top-tier daily trainers.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~278g (Men’s UK 9), ~235g (Women’s UK 6.5) |
| Drop | 12 mm |
| Midsole | DNA LOFT v3 |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with 3D Fit Print overlays |
| Outsole | Full-length blown rubber with segmented crash pad |
| Fit | True to size; medium width (wide options available) |
| Price (RRP) | £130 (often discounted to £110–£120) |
Midsole Feel and Performance
Brooks swapped in DNA LOFT v3 foam for the Ghost 16, a nitrogen-infused blend that aims to improve softness while retaining energy return:
- Softer landings than Ghost 15, but still highly stable
- Smooth transitions through heel-to-toe roll thanks to the segmented crash pad
- Moderate responsiveness — not explosive, but pleasantly consistent for daily work
- Good ground feel under forefoot with enough stack for long efforts
This foam runs slightly firmer than max-cushion trainers like the Glycerin or Hoka Clifton, making it ideal for runners who want plush comfort with more feedback.
Upper Design and Fit
Brooks continues its reputation for dialled-in uppers:
- Engineered mesh is soft, breathable, and more adaptive than prior iterations
- Internal heel counter stabilises rearfoot without rigid pressure
- 3D Fit Print overlays add structure around midfoot with minimal weight
- Tongue and collar padding deliver long-run comfort without bulk
Fit remains true to size, with slight improvements in toe box width. Testers with medium-wide feet found it secure but non-restrictive. Wide-fit models are available in most colourways.
Outsole and Traction
The outsole uses full-length blown rubber with classic Ghost segmentation:
- Crash pad geometry ensures smooth impact dispersion during heel strike
- Flex grooves enable natural forefoot roll and toe-off
- Traction performance was reliable on wet pavement, dry gravel, and footpaths
Durability was excellent after 200km, with negligible wear in high-friction zones. Grip isn’t aggressive enough for trails, but perfect for varied urban and suburban terrain.
Stability and Support
Though officially neutral, the Ghost 16 has enough platform width and midsole structure to offer passive stability:
- Midfoot geometry encourages clean landings and roll-through
- Heel counter + sole stiffness aid mild pronators or fatigue-induced instability
- Arch shape suits medium to high arches without over-correction
For runners who toggle between neutral and light stability models, the Ghost 16 offers solid control without intruding on natural form.
Real-World Testing Highlights
We tested the Ghost 16 across these scenarios:
Short Recovery Runs
Soft ride absorbs impact well without feeling mushy. Easy on sore legs.
Long Training Runs
Consistent cushion and transition keep you rolling through 15–20km outings. No hot spots or foam fade.
Urban Terrain
Handled curbs, footpaths, damp canal stretches with confidence.
Moderate Pace Work
Can handle uptempo efforts, but best suited for zone 2–3 sessions rather than true speed days.
Durability and Longevity
After more than 200km:
- Midsole foam remained consistent — no visible compression
- Outsole rubber held up well — especially under heel and metatarsal pressure
- Upper mesh showed no tears or stitch stress
- Padding and liner retained shape and softness
Expect standard 500–700km lifespan, depending on gait and terrain — ideal for runners building weekly base mileage.
Comparison Table: Ghost 16 vs Daily Trainer Rivals
| Model | Midsole Foam | Weight | Ride Feel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Ghost 16 | DNA LOFT v3 | ~278g | Soft + smooth | £130 |
| Saucony Ride 17 | PWRRUN+ | ~275g | Plush + balanced | £135 |
| ASICS GEL-Cumulus 25 | FF Blast+ | ~265g | Light + energetic | £130 |
| Nike Pegasus 41 | ReactX + Zoom Air | ~283g | Neutral + firm | £125 |
The Ghost 16 offers plushness and reliability, while Saucony Ride 17 feels slightly more responsive, and Cumulus more nimble. All are excellent — preference depends on cushioning style.
Pros
- Smooth, well-cushioned ride for daily training
- DNA LOFT v3 foam offers softness without instability
- Excellent fit with roomy toe box and adaptive mesh
- Reliable outsole traction and long-term durability
- Suits wide range of runner experience levels
- Multiple widths available for foot shape variety
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
- Not designed for speed sessions or race days
- Lack of trail grip makes it unsuitable for off-road runs
- Minimal styling changes from Ghost 15 — may feel iterative
Final Verdict
The Brooks Ghost 16 is a confident update that delivers softness, stability, and reliability across daily miles. Whether you’re a new runner building weekly consistency or an experienced athlete seeking a dependable workhorse, the Ghost 16 stays true to its heritage while refining comfort and underfoot feel.
It’s not flashy or fast, but it’s quietly effective — a trusted option for racking up distance with minimal fuss.
Rating: 9.2/10
Best For: Daily runs, recovery, long training days
Avoid If: You want tempo pop or off-road capability
