Running enthusiast and Bouncefit coach Haw Jia Xuan shares her opinions on Brook’s latest daily trainer, the Ghost 15, with“Sole Mates” host John Yeong
As part of an ongoing collaboration with Singapore's premier running specialty iRun Singapore, SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators, Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear.
The Brooks Ghost 15 is known for the comfort and stability it provides as a daily trainer. Not only does it deliver a smooth ride, but it is also designed for speedwork and handles easy paces well thanks to its stability.
The Ghost 15 goes back to the basics with its traditional design. The Ghost is one of Brooks' most-loved running shoes. With a soft feel, smooth ride, and trusted fit, the Brooks Ghost 15 delivers the comfort and performance runners want.
Every runner has different preferences and priorities for their next pair. Be it speedwork or high-mileage runs, runners can expect ample cushioning in the Ghost 15. Although all Brooks shoes have cushioning, it can vary across categories and individual shoe styles.
Weighing at 258g and 286.3g for womens and mens pairs respectively, the pair has a significant heel-to-toe drop of 12mm. Let’s find out whether the Ghost 15 would be the perfect fit for your next running adventure!
In this video, Haw Jia Xuan explains different aspects of the Ghost 15 and how you can maximise your performance from Brooks latest edition of the Ghost series. Is the pair suited for all kinds of runners? How does the Ghost 15 sets itself apart from other daily trainers?
If you have used previous reiterations of the pair, you may wonder, what’s new about the Ghost 15? After testing the Ghost 15 on two 5-kilometre runs around her neighbourhood, Jia Xuan shares her insights and experiences with the Ghost 15.
There are several key features of the Ghost 15 that benefit runners. They include an enhanced cushioning, updated upper and also smooth transitions. Read on as Jia Xuan dives deeper into each feature of the pair!
DNA Loft V2 cushioning
This new feature of the Ghost 15 is achieved by providing a unique balance of rubber, air, and a less dense, lighter foam in the midsole of the shoe. This gives a ‘plush’ feel for runners. Runners can benefit from lighter-weight cushioning due to this updated feature of the Ghost 15. Unlike many modern-day trainers, this pair does not have any carbon plate incorporated into the shoe, which makes the shoe lighter as well.
Jia Xuan notes that the foam of the Ghost 15 is still slightly firmer when compared to another pair of daily trainers in her rotation, which is Asics’ Gel Nimbus 25. Despite this, the Ghost 15 is also improved in other aspects of the shoe such as the upper which is what we will explore next!
“Fits perfectly for me”
Another update of the Ghost 15 showcases the engineered air mesh upper which provides comfort and breathability. 3D Fit Print technology is implemented in the upper for added structure as well. The wider forefoot in this version of the Ghost 15 fits perfectly for me as I have wide feet. I also feel that the mesh hugs my feet from the front to back quite nicely.
There is also an eyelet reinforcement for a more comfortable and secure fit. This is in line with the trend these days with the Ghost 15 adding another heel lock to the shoe. The shoe now has an extended line of 7 eyelets as compared to 6 in the Ghost 14.
Additions to the heel counter include a new thin and soft material, providing an excellent lockdown. There is definitely more cushioning in the heel collar area. Although the tongue is generously padded, I personally feel that it may not be quite breathable in Singapore’s hot weather especially for long-distance runs.
A Pair For Heel-Strikers?
"As mentioned previously, the Ghost 15 has a high heel drop measuring at 12mm. I believe the added cushioning definitely plays a part in the high heel drop. During my runs, I realised that this caused me to land closer to the heel despite being a mid-foot striker."
Jia Xuan says, “I would recommend this more for heel-strikers”
"Moreover, the toe box of the shoe has a lot of room. There are no hotspots. I did not have to worry about blisters too which can be a big factor when you purchase running shoes. I can also feel the smooth transitions of the shoe thanks to its soft midsole and segmented crash pad."
"These features give the shoe an easy flow from landing to toe-off, which I can benefit from during my runs. Bearing all these features in mind, you may wonder, how does the Ghost 15 series set itself apart from other models?"
All about Sustainability
One special and important feature of the Ghost 15 is its environmental footprint. According to Brooks, The carbon emissions of the Ghost 15 are 9.27 kg CO₂eq, a 6% reduction compared to the Ghost 14. 24% of the total shoe weight is from recycled materials, with all the textiles in the upper containing recycled content. Most of the mesh, lace, tongue and collar lining is made from recycled content.
As runners, we also need to be mindful of our carbon footprint when making such purchases as many of us have more than one running pair in our rotation. The Brooks 15 is a perfect example of how Brooks contributes to a more sustainable environment through its products.
What’s next for the Ghost series?
As a traditional daily trainer, the pair delivers what it promises to deliver. There is no carbon plate or anything else fancy in the shoe as compared to other modern daily trainers. However, there are some upgrades that can be made to the pair that will enhance the experience for users of the Ghost series.
Although the overall grippiness of the shoe is fine, the outsole rubber is a little soft. This may not be durable enough for high mileage runs. The foam of the shoe can also be further improved by making it even softer as I feel that this shoe has firmer landings. You may not feel as much energy return or the added ‘boost’ to assist you in your runs as the shoe does not have any plates.
Final Thoughts And Ratings
Overall, the Brooks 15 aims to be a go-to daily trainer that provides a neutral and balanced ride for runners. While there are certain aspects of the shoe that can still be improved on, I believe that the Ghost 15 is taking steps in the right direction with its current upgrades.
By identifying your own needs in a running pair first, you can definitely decide whether the Ghost 15 is the right fit for you!
Here are Jia Xuan’s final ratings for the Brooks Ghost 15:
Sole Mates Overall Shoe Rating
Comfort: 4/5
Stability: 4/5
Responsiveness: 3/5
Grippiness: 3/5
Value for Money: 3/5
This would result in an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 soles for the Brooks Ghost 15!
You can purchase the latest Brooks Ghost 15 at SGD $209 from any iRun Store or online at iRun.com.
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