A comfortable, dependable neutral shoe that’s carbon neutral too.
The Brooks Ghost 14 is the latest addition to one of the company’s most popular running shoe ranges. This neutral option is probably best defined as a workhorse in the same way as something like Nike’s Pegasus 38 or the New Balance 1080v11. It’s built for eating up a lot of miles. It might not be the most exciting shoe to look at or run in, but it’s reliable, offering plenty of comfort and cushioning. It can deliver a little snap at quicker paces, but it’s really about being solid, durable and dependable. There are a bunch of changes from the 13, with the headline one being that Brooks has now placed its DNA Loft cushioning in the entirety of the midsole just like it does on its Glycerin shoe to offer a softer, smoother ride. The mesh upper is still designed to offer plenty of comfort and support, with Brooks using a 3D print fit that’s designed to adjust to the foot and feel secure. Brooks has also boosted things around the heel collar for a more snug feel at the back of the shoe. Underfoot, there’s a thick rubber outsole to deliver plenty of grip on roads and even slightly uneven terrain with flexible Omega Flex grooves to support when swiftly changing direction. It’s a shoe that offers a solid overall running experience. It’s not the most exciting to run in, but the upper is comfortable and supportive and it’s a nicely cushioned, responsive ride. It’s a bit chunkier looking than some other daily runners, but it ticks all of the right boxes to make it a really strong option for beginner runners for those casual runs or for someone that wants a shoe for long training sessions where comfort and durability are the main priorities. The Brooks Ghost 14 was launched on July 1 2021, and is available from select retailers and the Brooks website for $130 / £120 / AU$229.95. Brooks has made a big deal about the fact this is its first carbon neutral running shoe, so how exactly does that play out on the Ghost 14? The carbon footprint of the 14 is apparently 10.
