Here's the honest take on the Ghost 16.
What it gets right
The ride is dialed. It's not flashy, but it stays out of the way mid-run, and that's the highest compliment a trainer can get. The upper is the best Brooks has made in years: soft where it should be, structured around the heel, and breathable enough to survive a Memphis August.
Durability is better than the 15.
What to watch for
The tongue. It's thin and it rides up on long runs. When the tongue slides, the top lace can start cutting in. A runner's loop fixes it, but it shouldn't need fixing.
Also, the heel counter is stiffer than last year. For a high-arched foot it's fine. For flatter feet with a wider heel, we've had customers come back and swap them.
Who it's for
Neutral to mild overpronator. Daily trainer miles, marathon training, general road running. Nothing faster than tempo. It's not a race shoe and it's not trying to be.
Would we still recommend it?
Yes. They make a solid easy-day shoe in a rotation. Skip them on race day; that's not what they're for.
Shop the current versions: Brooks Ghost 18 and Ghost 17.
