The Brooks Ghost 16 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Ghost 16 is a reliable everyday running shoe, particularly suited for heel strikers due to its **12 mm drop**. Lab tests revealed enhancements in cushioning and stability, contributing to its overall performance. The firm **31.5 HA foam** offers a stable platform, while the spacious toebox and durable outsole add to its practicality.

Overall, the data indicates that the Brooks Ghost 16 remains a strong contender among daily trainers, demonstrating notable value in the current market.


Pros

  • Dependable
  • Optimal for heel strikers
  • Long-lasting outsole
  • Great stability
  • Improved responsiveness
  • Versatile for multiple activities
  • Maintains affordable price

Cons

  • Tongue not gusseted
  • Stiff heel counter
  • Low toebox volume
  • Still needs better energy return

Key Features

  • Soft Cushioning: Equipped with nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, these shoes provide lightweight comfort ideal for various activities beyond just running.
  • Smooth Transitions: The soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad facilitate seamless transitions from landing to toe-off, ensuring distraction-free support.
  • Breathable Upper: The engineered air mesh upper combines stretch and structure for optimal breathability, keeping your feet comfortable during runs.
  • RoadTack Rubber Outsole: This innovative outsole includes recycled silica, enhancing durability while maintaining a lightweight feel and excellent rebound.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Rubber
  • Inner material: Nylon

Brooks Ghost 16 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Ghost 16 Hoka Mach 6 Brooks Ghost 17 ASICS Gel Excite 10
Price $140 $140 $150 $85
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9.4 oz / 266g 8.2 oz / 232g 10.2 oz / 289g 9.5 oz / 268g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 12.4 mm 9.6 mm 10.4 mm 11.8 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Heel
Size True to size True to size Slightly large True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Soft Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Big Normal Small
Toebox durability Decent Decent Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Good Bad Good Good
Outsole durability Good Good Good Good
Breathability Moderate Breathable Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Narrow Narrow Medium
Stiffness Flexible Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 35.1 mm 36.0 mm 36.2 mm 35.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 22.7 mm 26.4 mm 25.8 mm 23.4 mm
Widths available Narrow Normal Narrow Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons Summer All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 14% Top 42% Bottom 7% Top 49%
Popularity Top 4% Top 4% Top 5% Top 23%