Brooks Ghost 14

We put on the Brooks Ghost 14, one of the famous shoes of the most famous running brand in the United States. I write this at the beginning, because I believe that the Hayppy Run philosophy brand in the Spanish market is not recognized with the value it deserves. Brooks is the brand with the largest market share in the country, where there is more competition among brands.

In my opinion, the Brooks Ghost 14 is one of the best running shoes for a neutral runner of about 60 kilos. They are much more competent than their Glycerin siblings, because, although they are a bit more cushioned, they are much heavier. We are going to analyze some very similar shoes and with direct competition with shoes like the Pegasus from Nike, Cumulus from Asics or Rider from Mizuno, very well known models and with a great name among all the most expert runners. In my opinion we are going with the best shoes of all those mentioned, not to say that the models mentioned are not competent shoes, the latest Cumulus have undergone a huge renovation, and have for example nothing to envy to this latest version of the Ghost.

What type of runners is Brooks Ghost 14 aimed at?

According to Brooks ' theoretical answer, it is aimed at runners who train for more than 30/35 minutes, (for the runner who runs less we have more economical options that a Brooks commercial would advise, such as Trace), who weighs less than 80 kilograms, and has a neutral stride.

This is the theoretical answer according to the brand, although according to my experience as a running shoes salesman, these shoes are in great demand in the USA, as simply shoes for walking or hiking, given their flexible and soft cushioning. This cushioning was achieved long before the soft and reactive cushioning craze with adidas Boost, for example.

Given their market price, my personal opinion would be the runner who meets the characteristics mentioned above, and also performs a significant volume of kilometers. That is to say that it takes or will take advantage based on kilometers.

It has an option with Goretex for the runner or user who wants to protect themselves either from the cold or rain.

What is the typical distance of the Brooks Ghost 14?

If we talk about distance, the limit is given by the lower part, or smaller number. If you meet the requirements mentioned above, especially the concept related to weight, the maximum kilometers will be set by your legs or ability in this sport. In my longer runs of over an hour, the performance has been more than optimal and perfect. If you do shorter workouts or are just starting out, I think there will be more options, even within the Brooks Running catalog.

What are the most similar models to these Brooks Ghost 14?

All neutral shoes that do not have maximum cushioning are competitors of the model we are going to analyze. I think that in Spain, the best placed competitor and with more market share would be the Nike Pegasus 38, but this is a niche full of competitors and with a lot of presence by brands. In addition to those discussed above, (Cumulus or Rider), we have options such as:

• adidas Ultraboost 21
• adidas SolarGlide 4
• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11
• Saucony Ride 14

And especially their pronator sisters, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21, since for neutral runners an extra support is not a bad thing.

Where can we improve these Brooks Ghost 14?

I can think of very few areas for improvement, and the truth is that this is the most complicated part of the review. These are the third Ghost I have on my feet, the first ones were white and blue Ghost 5, my first experience with this brand; and about 4 years ago I think I had a Ghost 9 or 10. I'm able now to see and run with the same model that has 5 years of renovation since the last time I put them on, and I think this is a very correct way to see and study how they are renewing this model.

After three versions tested, I think there is very little surprise with the previous models. It is true that there is not much to improve: they are comfortable, reactive, have a more than correct grip for a road running shoe; but it is true that a runner wants to notice that spark of improvement from time to time, and with these Ghost 14 I thought I would have that experience, and it has not been so.

RUNNEA tester's rating

• Lightweight: 10.
• Responsiveness: 9.
• Cushioning: 9.
• Flexibility: 9.
• Stability: 8.
• Grip: 9