Both are reliable daily trainers; Ghost 15 feels lighter, smoother, and more modern.
I’ve put many miles into both shoes, often back-to-back on the same loop. If you’re weighing the brooks ghost 14 vs 15, you’re picking between two safe, cushioned, neutral workhorses. The Ghost 14 is steady and familiar. The Ghost 15 is a touch lighter and softer. I tested them in rain, heat, and on long easy days. Here’s what actually matters so you can pick the right Ghost for your runs.
Is Brooks Ghost 14 Good?
Yes—for most runners who want a stable, cushy daily trainer, the Ghost 14 is still a great pick. It has the classic Ghost feel: balanced cushioning, a secure upper, and a smooth roll. It suits new runners, high-mileage runners, and anyone who values predictable comfort over the flash of the newest foam.
On wet fall mornings, I’ve leaned on a Ghost 14 GTX pair for steady traction and dry feet. It felt planted on paint lines and kept my cadence calm on recovery days. On a hilly 10K loop, it muted the downhills just enough without turning mushy, which helped my form stay tidy late in the run.
Brooks Men’s Ghost 14 GTX Waterproof Neutral Running Shoe – Black/Black/Ebony – 9.5 Medium
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Full-length DNA LOFT midsole for consistent, balanced cushioning
- Segmented Crash Pad for smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- 3D Fit Print engineered mesh upper for structure without bulk
- Durable rubber outsole with flex grooves for easy flex
- Multiple widths and optional GTX waterproof version
What I Like
- Reliable ride that feels the same on mile 1 and mile 10
- Upper locks the heel without hot spots
- Great traction on wet roads (especially the GTX)
- Works for easy runs, midweek miles, and long runs
- Wide size range fits many foot shapes
What Could Be Better
- Heavier and firmer feel than the Ghost 15
- Less lively for uptempo work
- Breathability is only average in warm climates (non-GTX helps)
My Recommendation
If you value stability, durability, and a classic Ghost feel, the Ghost 14 is a smart buy—especially if you find it at a discount or want a GTX option.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily easy miles | Stable and consistent cushioning that never surprises |
| Wet or cold weather (GTX) | Waterproof upper keeps feet dry and warm |
| Budget-minded runners | Often discounted now that Ghost 15 is out |
Is Brooks Ghost 15 Good?
Yes—the Ghost 15 improves the formula with a lighter, slightly softer midsole and a more refined upper. It is the better choice if you want a smoother, more modern ride without losing that classic Ghost stability. It suits daily miles and light tempo work.
On a sunny 12-miler, the Ghost 15 rolled along without fuss. I clicked off steady splits and never felt beat up. On a treadmill progression, it felt a bit quicker than the 14. The updated foam helped me turn over faster, and the forefoot felt more breathable during longer indoor runs.
Brooks Men’s Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe – Peacoat/Nightlife/Grey – 7 Medium
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- DNA LOFT v2 midsole for lighter, softer cushioning
- 12 mm drop with a very smooth transition feel
- Refined 3D Fit Print upper for better breathability and fit
- Durable rubber outsole built for high-mileage training
- Multiple widths; consistent sizing with earlier Ghost models
What I Like
- Lighter feel than the Ghost 14 without giving up stability
- Comfortable upper that breathes well on warm days
- Ride feels a touch livelier for strides and progressions
- Great out-of-the-box comfort with minimal break-in
- Still a do-it-all daily trainer for most runners
What Could Be Better
- Not a true tempo/race shoe; tops out at moderate paces
- Price can be higher with fewer discounts than Ghost 14
- Slightly softer forefoot may feel vague to runners who like firm
My Recommendation
If you want the latest Ghost with a lighter, smoother ride, choose the Ghost 15. It’s the better “brooks ghost 14 vs 15” pick for most runners.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily training with some pace | Lighter foam and smooth transition help turnover |
| Warm-weather runs | Upper breathes better than Ghost 14 |
| Runners wanting newest tech | DNA LOFT v2 feels modern and soft |
brooks ghost 14 vs 15: Side-by-Side Test
I ran the same routes in both to compare ride, fit, durability, and value. Below is how the brooks ghost 14 vs 15 stack up when you look at the features that matter day after day.
Cushioning & Ride: Which Feels Better Over Miles?
Both are cushioned. The Ghost 15 is a bit lighter and softer.
| Aspect | Ghost 14 | Ghost 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | DNA LOFT (original blend) | DNA LOFT v2 (lighter/softer) |
| Ride Feel | Balanced, slightly firmer | Smoother, slightly softer |
| Long-Run Comfort | Very good | Excellent |
| Recovery Runs | Calm and steady | Pillowy but stable |
Rating: Ghost 14 – 8/10 | Ghost 15 – 9/10
Edge: Ghost 15 for its lighter, smoother DNA LOFT v2.
Fit & Upper: Which Locks Down Better?
Upper fit can make or break comfort.
| Aspect | Ghost 14 | Ghost 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Heel Lock | Secure and plush | Secure with better contour |
| Toe Box | Standard Ghost room | Slightly roomier feel |
| Breathability | Good | Better |
| Widths | Narrow/Regular/Wide | Narrow/Regular/Wide |
Rating: Ghost 14 – 8.5/10 | Ghost 15 – 9/10
Edge: Ghost 15 for breathability and a refined shape.
Stability & Support: Which Feels More Planted?
Both are neutral, yet stable.
| Aspect | Ghost 14 | Ghost 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Wide and steady | Wide and steady |
| Transition | Segmented Crash Pad | Segmented Crash Pad (smoother) |
| Cornering | Predictable | Predictable and a touch smoother |
| Overpronation Help | Neutral only | Neutral only |
Rating: Ghost 14 – 9/10 | Ghost 15 – 9/10
Edge: Tie—both are very stable for neutral shoes.
Durability & Outsole: Which Lasts Longer?
Rubber coverage and foam resilience matter over months.
| Aspect | Ghost 14 | Ghost 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Outsole Rubber | Thick, durable | Thick, durable |
| Wear Pattern | Even wear past 300 miles | Even wear past 300 miles |
| Midsole Life | Holds shape well | Holds shape well |
| Traction (Wet) | Strong; GTX option shines | Strong |
Rating: Ghost 14 – 9/10 | Ghost 15 – 9/10
Edge: Tie—both are built for high mileage.
Weight & Specs: Which Feels Lighter?
Small weight changes can shift feel.
| Aspect | Ghost 14 | Ghost 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (men’s) | Similar, slightly heavier | Slightly lighter on foot |
| Drop | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Stack Feel | Balanced, modestly cushioned | Softer underfoot feel |
| Perceived Agility | Stable and steady | More nimble |
Rating: Ghost 14 – 8/10 | Ghost 15 – 9/10
Edge: Ghost 15 feels lighter and more agile.
Speed & Versatility: Which Handles More Workouts?
Daily trainers should cover easy miles and some pace.
| Aspect | Ghost 14 | Ghost 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Easy/Recovery | Excellent | Excellent |
| Long Runs | Very good | Excellent |
| Strides/Progressions | Good | Very good |
| Tempo Efforts | Fair | Good |
Rating: Ghost 14 – 8/10 | Ghost 15 – 9/10
Edge: Ghost 15 for livelier feel at moderate pace.
Price & Value: Which Is the Better Buy?
Value depends on deals and your needs.
| Aspect | Ghost 14 | Ghost 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Price | Often discounted | Closer to MSRP |
| Tech Per Dollar | Strong if on sale | Strong due to updated foam |
| Use Case | Budget daily trainer | Best all-around Ghost |
| Availability | Varies by size/color | Broad size runs |
Rating: Ghost 14 – 8.5/10 | Ghost 15 – 9/10
Edge: Ghost 15 for performance; Ghost 14 wins if you score a big discount.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For most runners in the brooks ghost 14 vs 15 debate, pick the Ghost 15. It feels lighter, smoother, and a bit softer with DNA LOFT v2. It handles easy days and moderate pace with ease.
Choose the Ghost 14 if you want proven stability at a lower price or prefer the secure, slightly firmer classic feel. If you need waterproofing, the Ghost 14 GTX is a bonus.
FAQs Of brooks ghost 14 vs 15
What is the biggest difference in the brooks ghost 14 vs 15?
The Ghost 15 uses DNA LOFT v2, which feels lighter and a touch softer. The ride is smoother with a more breathable upper.
Is the Ghost 15 worth upgrading from the Ghost 14?
Yes if you want a lighter, smoother feel and better breathability. If your Ghost 14s are new and you love them, you can stick with them.
Which is better for long runs: brooks ghost 14 vs 15?
Ghost 15. It keeps legs fresher thanks to the softer foam and smooth transition.
Which is better for tempo days: brooks ghost 14 vs 15?
Ghost 15. It feels a bit more lively. For true speed days, a tempo/race shoe is still best.
Which is the better value in the brooks ghost 14 vs 15?
If you find the Ghost 14 on sale, it’s a strong value. If prices are close, the Ghost 15 gives better performance for the money.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
