Yahoo Lifestyle I’ve Logged Thousands of Miles in These Brooks Running Shoes—Here’s Why They're My Go-To Pair
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
As an avid runner, I’ve spent a lot of time searching for the perfect athletic shoe, from the hot pink Nikes I wore to high-school cross-country practice to the New Balance sneakers I reach for nowadays. But finding the right pair of running shoes is no easy task. You need something that supports your foot’s unique arch, cushions your joints from impact, provides energy return to your stride, and helps keep your foot in proper alignment mile after mile.
I put on my first pair of Brooks Ghost shoes in the summer of 2019 at the recommendation of a running shoe expert at my local specialty store. After wearing them while logging thousands of miles on concrete, dirt, gravel, and even the treadmill, I’ve found they’re some of the most versatile sneakers on the market—whether you’re an experienced runner, avid walker, or someone who spends hours on your feet. Here’s everything you need to know, including why I continue to re-purchase the Brooks Ghost sneakers time and time again.
Ghost 15
brooksrunning.com
$140.00
The Overview
The Ghost 15 is one of Brooks’ top-selling shoes, particularly among runners and people who spend lots of time on their feet. Built with the brand’s special “DNA Loft” cushioning, it’s supposed to absorb impact from your foot striking the ground while providing adequate bounce as you push off. According to the manufacturer, it was created with the help of scientists, researchers, and feedback from thousands of everyday runners. The result is a super comfortable shoe with a versatile blend of cushion, support, and energy return.
The Cushioning
In the past three years, I’ve run in four different iterations of the Brooks Ghost sneaker, starting with the Ghost 12 model that was released in 2019 up to the most current Ghost 15. Since most of my runs are on concrete paths, I need a shoe that can absorb the shock from landing, cushion my injury-prone legs from impact, and give an extra boost of power with every stride.
Within the first few strides, I noticed that the shoe felt incredibly natural—you won’t feel an exceptional burst of energy or that you’re clunking around in gigantic moon boots. It simply feels like a natural extension of your foot. This makes it great for easy runs and days where you’ll be spending a ton of time on your feet. That’s because the kicks relieve everyday pressure on your joints without overdoing it on cushioning.
The shoe’s arch offers neutral support—perfect for runners with normal arches. However, it won’t correct your stride if you have flat feet or your ankles tend to roll inward, so these shoppers will want to consider a more supportive shoe.
The Design
If you’re looking for an everyday training shoe for easy runs, long walks, or days spent on your feet, the Ghost 15 is it. At 9.1 ounces, it’s pretty lightweight, meaning most people won’t notice a difference in weight between these kicks and their current workout shoes.
I also found that Brooks did an excellent job of addressing other common runner complaints, such as annoying chafe marks and blisters that may appear at the end of a long run. To remedy this, the Ghost 15 has a luxuriously padded tongue and collar that keeps your foot securely in place to avoid rubbing.
It even boasts a breathable construction, preventing your feet from getting overheated on long or particularly hot days. Small perforations across the toe of the shoe allow for plenty of ventilation, so I’m never thinking about how warm my feet feel on sweaty summer long runs (the best running socks can also help with this). Just keep in mind that the Ghost 15 is designed for everyday running rather than fast-paced racing, so you may want to swap these shoes for something lighter if speed work is on your training plan.
Ghost 15
brooksrunning.com
$140.00
The Size and Fit
The Ghost 15 comes in half-sizes from five to 13 and four different widths to accommodate most foot shapes. This makes it super easy to find a shoe that works for your unique foot.
In general, I size up in athletic shoes since feet swell slightly as you walk, run, or stand for longer periods of time. I’ve also found that the toe box on the Ghost 15 is a little shorter (or maybe I just have long toes?) compared to brands like Nike and Adidas, so my toes dig into the front of the shoe when wearing my usual size 8. To ensure they feel comfy for hours on end, I recommend going up at least a half size. As always, trying on a few sizes is the best way to determine what will work best for you.
One Last Thing
If you’re still unsure about buying the Brooks Ghost 15 shoes, you don’t have to take it from me. The shoes have more than 1,000 five-star ratings on Brooks’ website alone and over 2,200 on Amazon. Shoppers say they feel good and are fantastic for managing foot pain, including plantar fasciitis.
“My doctor recommended these because I was suffering from plantar fasciitis,’ one reviewer wrote. “These are super comfortable, and my foot pain went away after only a few weeks wearing these shoes daily....I’m ordering my second pair!”
“I have worn this model of Brooks shoes for a few years,” an Amazon reviewer said. “Not only are they spot on for running and walking, but they are comfortable for all-day wear as well.”
Head to Brooks or Amazon to snag a pair for yourself and see if they live up to the hype.
You Might Also Like
