Both are excellent daily trainers: Ride is snappier; Ghost feels plusher and higher-drop.
You’re choosing between two workhorse shoes that can handle most runs. In my testing, the saucony ride vs brooks ghost boils down to feel and fit: the Ride leans lively and balanced, while the Ghost leans soft and classic. I’ve logged easy miles, tempo efforts, and long runs in both. Below I share what stood out so you can pick the one that matches your stride and goals.
Saucony Women’s Ride 17 Sneaker,…
PWRRUN+ cushioning offers supreme comfort and puts a spring to your daily movement Engineered mesh design offers more breathability across the toes, improved midfoot wrap,…
Brooks Men’s Ghost 17 Neutral…
THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 17 is for runners and walkers alike looking for an everyday companion that provides smooth, reliable comfort. Now…
Is Saucony Ride Good?
Yes—for many runners. The Saucony Ride is a dependable daily trainer with an 8 mm drop and a balanced feel. It suits neutral runners who want a lively, stable ride without going soft or squishy. If you rotate one shoe for easy days, steady runs, and the odd pickup, the Ride hits that “do-it-all” sweet spot.On an early-morning loop with rolling hills, the Ride felt light on my feet and turned over fast. The midsole gave me pop on gentle upticks without feeling harsh on the downhill. On a humid long run, the upper held my midfoot snug, and the outsole gripped wet pavement well. It’s a steady companion that disappears under you—in a good way.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Balanced cushioning with a touch of snap for daily miles
- Approx. 8 mm drop for a natural, centered feel
- Durable rubber outsole with confident road grip
- Breathable engineered mesh upper with secure midfoot hold
- Versatile geometry that handles easy, steady, and light tempo runs
What I Like
- Easy transition from heel to toe without being too soft
- Great lockdown—no heel slip during uptempo efforts
- Outsole durability that stands up to high-mileage weeks
- Comfortable for long runs but not dull at moderate paces
- Reliable sizing and consistent fit across versions
What Could Be Better
- Not as plush as max-cushion shoes on very long recovery days
- Forefoot could flex a bit more for pure tempo work
- Midsole feel may be too “neutral” if you want dramatic softness
My Recommendation
If you want a balanced daily trainer with a natural feel and solid grip, pick the Ride. It’s widely available and a good value for a one-shoe rotation.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily training | Balanced cushioning works for most runs |
| Mixed-pace weeks | Handles easy miles and moderate uptempo |
| Neutral runners | Stable, centered ride without added support pieces |
Is Brooks Ghost Good?
Yes—the Brooks Ghost is a classic neutral trainer, ideal if you like a plush step-in feel and a traditional 12 mm drop. It shines on easy days, recovery runs, and long aerobic efforts where comfort and predictability matter more than pop.I wore the Ghost on back-to-back easy days when my legs were beat. The soft cushioning and higher drop eased my calves and Achilles. On a drizzly evening, the outsole traction felt safe on painted crosswalks. The fit is accommodating, especially in the toe box, making it a great pick if you value comfort first.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Soft, approachable cushioning for comfort-first runs
- Approx. 12 mm drop supports a classic heel-to-toe roll
- Engineered mesh upper with generous toe room
- Segmented crash pad for smooth landings
- Durable outsole that grips well on roads and light paths
What I Like
- Immediate comfort and easy break-in
- Great for recovery and long easy miles
- Reliable traction in wet conditions
- Consistent sizing; accommodating for wider feet
- Quiet, cushioned ride that reduces leg fatigue
What Could Be Better
- Less pop at faster paces compared to snappier trainers
- Higher drop may not suit mid/forefoot strikers
- Can feel bulky if you prefer a ground-connected feel
My Recommendation
If comfort and a classic, soft ride are your top priorities, choose the Ghost. It’s easy to find and often discounted.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Recovery and easy runs | Plush cushioning and smooth transitions |
| Runners who prefer higher drop | Reduces strain on calves and Achilles |
| Wider feet | Roomy fit and multiple width options |
saucony ride vs brooks ghost: Side-by-Side Test
I ran the same routes in both shoes to compare cushion, fit, stability, grip, speed, and value. Below is how saucony ride vs brooks ghost stack up when you need one shoe to do most things well.Cushioning & Ride Feel: Comfort vs Energy
Both are cushioned, but they feel different underfoot.| Feature | Saucony Ride | Brooks Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Overall feel | Balanced, slightly lively | Soft, comfort-first |
| Road feedback | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Fatigue over long runs | Low | Very low |
| Best pace zone | Easy to moderate | Easy to steady |
Fit & Upper: Lockdown vs Room
I looked at lockdown, toe room, and breathability.| Feature | Saucony Ride | Brooks Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Toe box | Standard, secure | Roomy, more splay |
| Midfoot hold | Snug, confident | Comfortable, relaxed |
| Breathability | Good | Good to very good |
| Widths available | Standard | Multiple widths |
Stability & Drop: Neutral vs Classic Heel-To-Toe
Both are neutral; drop shapes the feel.| Feature | Saucony Ride | Brooks Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Drop (approx.) | 8 mm | 12 mm |
| Centered feel | High | Moderate |
| Support pieces | None (neutral) | None (neutral) |
| Underfoot guidance | Smooth, balanced | Smooth, traditional |
Outsole & Grip: Wet-Weather Confidence
I tested on dry asphalt and damp sidewalks.| Feature | Saucony Ride | Brooks Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Dry traction | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wet traction | Very good | Very good |
| Durability | High mileage | High mileage |
| Noise | Quiet | Very quiet |
Speed & Versatility: One-Shoe Quiver?
Can they handle more than easy miles?| Feature | Saucony Ride | Brooks Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Uptempo response | Good | Fair |
| Tempo comfort (5–10K pace) | Solid | Serviceable |
| Long run comfort | Very good | Excellent |
| Daily trainer flexibility | High | High |
Weight & Feel Underfoot
Perceived weight across runs matters more than numbers alone.| Feature | Saucony Ride | Brooks Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived weight | Light-to-medium | Medium |
| Ground feel | Moderate | Lower |
| Responsiveness | Medium-high | Medium |
| “Disappears on foot” factor | High | High at easy pace |
Value for Money
I compared durability and versatility to the typical price.| Feature | Saucony Ride | Brooks Ghost |
|---|---|---|
| Mileage potential | High (daily-trainer standard) | High (daily-trainer standard) |
| Versatility per dollar | Excellent | Very good |
| Discount frequency | Occasional | Frequent, multiple widths |
| Overall value | Excellent | Excellent |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a balanced, slightly snappy daily trainer with an 8 mm drop, choose the Saucony Ride. It handles easy miles and moderate uptempo days better and feels centered underfoot.If you want plush comfort, a higher 12 mm drop, and an easy, cushy ride for recovery or long aerobic runs, choose the Brooks Ghost. For the saucony ride vs brooks ghost debate, match the shoe to your stride and goals.
FAQs Of saucony ride vs brooks ghost
What is the main difference in feel between the Saucony Ride and Brooks Ghost?
The Ride feels balanced and slightly lively. The Ghost feels softer and more traditional. If you like a centered, responsive ride, pick the Ride. If you want plush comfort, pick the Ghost.Which has a higher drop in the saucony ride vs brooks ghost?
The Brooks Ghost has a higher drop (about 12 mm). The Saucony Ride sits around 8 mm. That difference shapes how each rolls from heel to toe.Which is better for uptempo or moderate-speed runs?
Saucony Ride. It turns over faster and feels more responsive. The Ghost can do it, but it shines most on easy and recovery miles.Which fits wider feet better?
Brooks Ghost. It generally has a roomier toe box and comes in multiple widths. The Ride is secure and true to size, but less roomy.How should I decide in the saucony ride vs brooks ghost if I run mostly easy miles?
Go Ghost if you want maximum comfort and a gentle roll. Go Ride if you want comfort with a bit more energy and versatility for occasional pickups.
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.
