If you’re at all like me, you cringe when your favorite running shoe comes out in a new version. As someone who was badly burned by an “upgrade,” I definitely get nervous. So far, Brooks hasn’t let me down with the Ghost (I’ve been a Ghost girl since version 9), but when I laced up for the first time to write this Brooks Ghost 14 review, I still felt a little skeptical.
The Ghost is a go-to running shoe, ideal for long distances and daily runs. It’s a neutral shoe perfect for road running. The cushioning tends to be the “baby bear” of cushioning: not too hard, not too soft.
What’s New in the Brooks Ghost 14
Brooks bills the Ghost 14 as its first carbon-neutral shoe. The upper materials include 30 percent recycled content – at least – and the company is also reducing the manufacturing waste associated with making the shoes. What they can’t decrease, they balance out by investing in carbon offset projects.
The Brooks Ghost 14 made some minor improvements over the Ghost 13. More DNA Loft cushioning provides a smoother ride (and extends the life of the shoes). The Ghost 14 also includes streamlined cushioning and a uniform midsole for more comfort, and a 3D-printed upper to adjust to your foot. All of this is supposed to provide smoother transitions from heel to toe as you run.
My Brooks Ghost 14 Review
I purchased the Brooks Ghost 14 in the blue camo (called Tourmaline/Navy/Aqua on the Brooks website), mainly because it’s a limited edition color. Appearance-wise, I do hope that Brooks releases a basic black-and-white version. But also, appearance-wise, I couldn’t really tell the difference between the Ghost 14 and the Ghost 13. They look very similar, which I took as a good sign.
Fit and feel are also the same as the Ghost 13. Mainly, they felt super-comfortable right out of the box, and the upper seemed like it couldn’t wait to conform to the shape of my foot. I noticed the upper also seemed a little more breathable, which was much appreciated on a hot summer run in Houston.
As for the ride, yes, it was smooth! To write this Brooks Ghost 14 review, I went on an easy five-mile run. Like their predecessors, the Ghost 14s needed no break-in period. They felt ready to rock right out of the box. The Ghost 14 handles heel-to-toe transitions beautifully, and it felt responsive and springy. However, this pair was brand new and had that new shoe feel to them – but I have a feeling that, like my trusty Ghost 13s, the Ghost 14s are going to be comfortable for at least 400 miles.
The Final Word
If you’re looking for a neutral trainer for your road and treadmill miles, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Ghost 14. DNA Loft cushioning provides a smooth ride, and if you’re transitioning from the Ghost 13s, you’ll appreciate the similar fit and feel.
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