My Honest Review Of Brooks Ghost Running Sneakers, As A Marathoner

Podiatrists and running experts (and even my very own twin sister) have been recommending the Brooks Ghost sneakers for over a decade, yet it somehow took me (a marathoner) until the shoe's 15th iteration to test it out. And now that I did, I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to add this comfy shoe to my running toolkit.

I've been testing the Brooks Ghost 15 running sneakers for the past two weeks—and while I do have other pairs I'm loyal to, I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I love them. Put simply: These shoes make running feel fun and easy, even when I'm coming off a 4-month break.

A neutral running shoe, the Brooks Ghost 15 is designed for distance running, everyday runs, or walking. The latest iteration features improved cushioning, smoother transitions, and an enhanced upper—and these details are what earned it the APMA seal of acceptance.

The shoe has a 12mm drop (on the higher end) and weighs 9.1 ounces (on the lighter side). While the brand recommends this shoe for road running, I've found it's also a great option for running on the treadmill, too.

What tends to stand out most about the Brooks Ghost 15 is its plush cushioning, which comes from lightweight DNA Loft v2 cushioning in the midsole. This soft cushioned bottom provides a softer landing and a feeling of floating, even when running on hard pavement.

The midsole also has a segmented crash pad that helps give an easy toe-off. Plus, the engineered air mesh upper adds a layer of comfort and breathability that distance runners (like myself) specifically love.

The first thing I noticed when I laced up my new Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers was the way they hugged my feet, and I don't mean they were too snug. I have bunions, so I always look for a spacious toe box, which these shoes have—but the mesh upper felt like it was molded perfectly to my foot, without causing any cramming or discomfort.

I found myself rocking back and forth instinctively, soaking in the cloud-like feel. I've gotten that sense of comfort from a walking shoe (my KLAWs, specifically), but never from a running sneaker. How are these so lightweight? I wondered.

The sneakers continued to deliver over the next two weeks of running. Full transparency: I was coming off of a 4-month, post-marathon break, and I was worried the comeback would be mentally painful. But it felt like the Brooks Ghost 15 made running fun again.

During the past two weeks, I've worn the Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers on six runs, ranging from three to seven miles each. I try to keep my walking shoes separate from running sneakers—but knowing these are one of the best walking shoes I couldn't help but test them out for one walk, too.

The verdict? These sneakers provided comfort and support for running and walking, and I love that they're available in four widths (narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide).

I'm not quite ready to fully swap out my existing running shoes for the Ghost 15 sneakers, but they've definitely earned a spot in the rotation—and there's not much I'd change about the design.

One thing I found is that, while the heel and midsole cushioning is incredible, the forefront cushioning is a bit light. I have a heel-strike, so this didn't bother me too much, but forefront strikers might want something with a bit more even cushioning throughout.

The love for these shoes runs deep. You'll find countless rave reviews across Amazon, Zappos, and the brand's site—and most focus on a few key areas: cushioning, comfort, and versatility.

The Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers were recommended by podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM, based in Austin, TX. She says they're specifically great for those with high arches or wide feet.

"The arch of the foot functions to absorb shock, store it, and then convert that energy into propulsion during the gait cycle," Sharkey explains.

If you're looking for a shoe that gives meaning to "walking on clouds," trust me when I say the Brooks Ghost 15 are for you. My pair was absurdly comfortable right out of the box—and it made running feel fun and easy after a four month break. In short: I finally get what all the fuss is about.