Kit & Gear

REVIEW: Brooks Ghost 14

The Brooks Ghost 14 features an engineered Air Mesh upper which hugs the foot for a secure yet breathable fit. Perforations in the construction allow cool air to permeate, preventing an intolerable build-up of heat and helping to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The DNA Loft cushioning now extends throughout the midsole for an even smoother transition from heel to toe, so you get more of the softest cushioning underfoot, regardless of how your foot lands. By adapting to specific weight, pace, gait and running surface, DNA offers customised cushioning and adds a spring to your step. Full, blown rubber comprises the outsole for optimal grip and traction. Having this enhanced grip will allow you to run with total confidence and deliver a firm, assured footing, even in difficult conditions or on slightly uneven terrain.

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Alfie Manthorpe has been busy putting the Brooks Ghost 14 to the test. Here he provides a detailed review of Brooks' newly developed running shoe.

The Brooks Ghost 14 has a huge following and it is one of the most popular running shoes on the planet. Popularity isn’t necessarily an indication of a good running shoe, but it certainly shows that runners come back and buy the shoe time and time again.

The typical Brooks running opinion is that their shoes aren’t that exciting and simply do the job. Don’t get me wrong, the Brooks Ghost 14 100% does exactly what you’d want, but I also think it’s quite an exciting shoe.

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HOW IT FEELS TO RUN IN THE BROOKS GHOST 14

It’s the smoothest, most natural feeling ride I've ever had in a mileage shoe. And it has really made me rethink my opinion on Brooks running. I am a huge fan!

The Ghost 14 is recommended to beginner runners and everyone up to the elite level because it is such a safe option. It’s the perfect mixture of firm and softness and is extremely stable for a neutral shoe.

Running in it for the first time, I was very pleasantly surprised with the comfort and ease of transitioning through my stride. (For context I am a huge fan of high stack, soft running shoes, so the Brooks Ghost 14 was something different).

On day one, I did a double day equalling 30Km of volume. My first run was a flat 6:00 minute per mile for 20 Kilometres (Yes, I work in miles and kilometres). And the second run was 10K, a little hilly and a little easier. These varieties in pace, incline and terrain all felt amazing in the Brooks Ghost 14.

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UPPER

The foam surrounding the heel provides great comfort and support for your Achilles. In terms of comfort, I would say overall the Ghost 14 tops the list of all running shoes.

The tongue isn’t gusseted, but I certainly didn’t notice any problems with it, or with the shoe as a whole.

For previous Brooks Ghost users, in the Ghost 14 there has been a mesh improvement. It’s more breathable, a better fit and generally better all around.

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"The Ghost 14 gets brand new flat laces which replace the old oval laces. I find that the flat laces distribute pressure more evenly and they make the entire lacing area flatter and more performance oriented."

Running Shoe Guru

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MIDSOLE

If you want to run a faster 5K, then this shoe isn’t the answer. But what it will do is get you the distance in the most comfortable and safest way possible.

New technology in the Ghost 14 includes a full DNA loft midsole compared to the 13, which only had half a midsole of the DNA loft. To be honest it feels very similar. The Ghost 14 edges its predecessor in terms of softness.

A 36mm Stack height in the heel makes the cushioning impeccable, even with somewhat of a harder foam compared to what I’m used to in a mileage shoe (Fresh Foam and ZOOMX). Despite the high stack, it feels efficient in picking up the paces and can be used anyway between easy run pace down to a slower tempo run.

Having done further research, the Ghost 14 has a 12mm drop, which is generally on the higher side. I hadn’t noticed a significant drop, until reading the exact specifications. So, if you are someone who prefers a lower drop then this may take some getting used to.

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CONCLUSION

Honestly, for anyone reading this, I strongly recommend this shoe. It’s one of the best models I’ve tested. I think this shoe can also put away any worries of footwear and impact related Injuries. Providing you’re recovering right with sleep and nutrition.

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PROS

This shoe is comfortable, cushioned and reliable.

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CONS

Some reports of shorter durability than previous models.

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SHOP THE BROOKS GHOST 14 RUNNING SHOE HERE

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Alfie Manthorpe is the CEO of Trackstaa, a company aiming to inspire athletes all over the world with their exclusive content and dedicated running channels.

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