Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe Review
If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable, and versatile running shoe, you might want to consider the Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe. This shoe is one of the most popular models from Brooks, a brand that is known for its high-quality and performance-oriented footwear. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Ghost 14, as well as compare it with some similar products from other brands. We will also provide some representative customer reviews and a purchase link for your convenience.
Features
The Ghost 14 is a neutral running shoe, which means that it does not provide any extra support or stability for overpronators or underpronators. It is designed to suit a wide range of runners who have a normal or balanced foot strike. The shoe has a 12 mm heel-to-toe drop, which is slightly higher than the average running shoe. This drop can help reduce the stress on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, especially for heel strikers.
The main feature of the Ghost 14 is its full-length DNA Loft midsole, which is made of a soft and durable foam that adapts to your stride and provides a smooth and cushioned ride. The DNA Loft foam is also used in the Glycerin, another popular model from Brooks that offers more plushness and less responsiveness than the Ghost. The Ghost 14 has a segmented crash pad in the heel, which helps absorb the impact and facilitate smooth transitions from heel to toe. The forefoot of the shoe has a slight curve, which gives it a snappy feel and helps with toe-off.
The upper of the Ghost 14 is made of engineered air mesh, which is breathable, flexible, and lightweight. The upper has a 3D print design that adds some structure and durability to the shoe. The tongue and collar of the shoe are padded for comfort and fit. The shoe has a traditional lace-up closure that allows you to adjust the tightness according to your preference. The shoe also has a removable insole that can be replaced with your own orthotics if needed.
The outsole of the Ghost 14 is made of rubber, which provides good traction and durability on various surfaces. The outsole has a flex groove pattern that enhances the flexibility and responsiveness of the shoe. The outsole also has some high-abrasion areas that are reinforced with more rubber for extra protection and longevity.
Benefits
The Ghost 14 offers many benefits for runners who are looking for a comfortable, reliable, and versatile running shoe. Some of the benefits are:
– The shoe has a soft and smooth ride that can handle long distances and easy-paced runs.
– The shoe has a responsive forefoot that can help you pick up the pace when needed.
– The shoe has a stable and consistent ride that does not feel too squishy or too firm.
– The shoe has a comfortable and accommodating fit that can suit different foot shapes and sizes.
– The shoe has a durable and grippy outsole that can perform well on various terrains.
– The shoe is carbon-neutral, which means that it has reduced its environmental impact by using recycled materials and carbon offsets.
Drawbacks
The Ghost 14 is not without its drawbacks, however. Some of the drawbacks are:
– The shoe has a higher heel-to-toe drop than most running shoes, which may not suit some runners who prefer a lower or zero drop.
– The shoe has less arch support than some other models from Brooks, which may not suit some runners who have flat feet or need more stability.
– The shoe has a heavier weight than some other models from Brooks, which may not suit some runners who prefer a lighter or faster shoe.
– The shoe has a less breathable upper than some other models from Brooks, which may not suit some runners who run in hot or humid conditions.
Comparison with Similar Products
To help you decide if the Ghost 14 is the right shoe for you, we have compared it with some similar products from other brands. Here is a table that summarizes the main features and differences of these products:
| Product | Price | Weight | Drop | Midsole | Upper | Outsole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe | $130 | 9.9 oz | 12 mm | DNA Loft | Engineered air mesh | Rubber |
| Saucony Men’s Ride 14 Running Shoe | $130 | 9.4 oz | 8 mm | PWRRUN | Engineered mesh | XT-900 |
| Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoe | $150 | 10.9 oz | 10 mm | FlyteFoam Propel + Gel | Engineered mesh + TPU overlays | AHAR+ |
| Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoe | $120 | 9.9 oz | 10 mm | React + Air Zoom | Mesh + Flywire | Rubber |
As you can see, the Ghost 14 is similar in price, weight, and drop to the Saucony Ride 14 and the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38, but it has a softer and smoother midsole than both of them. The Ghost 14 is also similar in midsole to the Asics Gel-Nimbus 23, but it has a lighter and more flexible upper and outsole than the Asics shoe. The Ghost 14 is a good option for runners who want a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, as well as comfort and durability.
Customer Reviews
To give you a better idea of what other runners think of the Ghost 14, we have selected some representative customer reviews from Amazon. Here are some positive and negative reviews of the shoe:
Positive Reviews:
– “I have been running in Brooks Ghosts for years and this is by far the best version yet. The cushioning is perfect, not too soft or too firm. The fit is snug but not tight. The shoe feels light and fast. I love the new color options too. Highly recommend this shoe for anyone looking for a great neutral trainer.”
– “I bought these shoes to replace my old Ghost 12s, which I loved. I was a bit skeptical about the full DNA Loft midsole, but I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and comfortable it felt. The shoe has a nice bounce and energy return, especially in the forefoot. The upper is also very breathable and flexible. I have run about 50 miles in them so far and they still look and feel great.”
– “I have been a loyal fan of Brooks for over a decade and the Ghost 14 does not disappoint. The shoe has everything I need: cushioning, stability, durability, and style. The shoe fits true to size and has a roomy toe box. The shoe also handles well on different surfaces, from pavement to gravel to grass. I am very happy with my purchase and will continue to buy Brooks shoes.”
Negative Reviews:
– “I have been running in Brooks Ghosts for a long time and I was excited to try the new version. However, I was very disappointed by how stiff and heavy the shoe felt. The shoe also gave me blisters on my heels and toes after a few runs. The shoe does not feel like a Ghost at all. It feels more like a Glycerin or an Adrenaline. I wish I could return them and get my old Ghosts back.”
– “I bought these shoes because I heard good things about them, but they did not work for me at all. The shoe has too much cushioning for my liking. It feels like running on marshmallows. The shoe also has too much drop for my preference. It makes me feel like I am running downhill all the time. The shoe also runs small and narrow. I had to go up half a size and still felt cramped in them.”
– “I have been a fan of Brooks for years and I have owned several pairs of Ghosts. However, the Ghost 14 is a big letdown for me. The shoe has less arch support than previous versions, which makes my feet hurt after a few miles. The shoe also has less breathability than previous versions, which makes my feet sweat more. The shoe also looks cheap and boring compared to previous versions. I do not recommend this shoe.”
Conclusion
The Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe is a solid daily trainer that works well for short, easy paced runs and offers plenty of cushioning to handle that longer time on your feet too. It’s not the snappiest shoe you can find at this price, but if you want a good mix of comfort and something that feels stable to run in, then the Ghost 14 ticks the important boxes.
The shoe has a soft and smooth ride that can handle long distances and easy-paced runs. The shoe has a responsive forefoot that can help you pick up the pace when needed. The shoe has a stable and consistent ride that does not feel too squishy or too firm. The shoe has a comfortable and accommodating fit that can suit different foot shapes and sizes. The shoe has a durable and grippy outsole that can perform well on various terrains.
The shoe also has some drawbacks, such as its higher heel-to-toe drop, less arch support, heavier weight, and less breathable upper than some other models from Brooks or other brands.
If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable, and versatile running shoe that can suit a wide range of runners who have a normal or balanced foot strike, you might want to consider the Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe.
If you are interested in buying this shoe, you can click on this link to get it from Amazon with free shipping and returns.
: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QTPZRP7
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