By Noel Paine
“You train best when you are the happiest.” – US Olympian and marathoner Frank Shorter.
Today we stack up two neutral running shoe styles from Brooks, the Ghost 15 against the Glycerin 20 and provide you with the necessary data to decide, which one is best suited for your feet.
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Brooks Ghost 15
Your feet will be happiest when you find a shoe they like. Brooks running shoes offer a number of cushioned options including the Brooks Ghost. This running shoe has been around for quite a while in the Brooks line-up but not as long as the Brooks Glycerin we will be comparing to it.
This shoe has been designed to have a soft feel, smooth ride, and trusted fit (Classic fit) and is classified as a shoe you can use for regular training. The upper that wraps around your foot is made up of air mesh, which is supposed to make your foot comfortable, allow the foot to breathe and uses a 3D Fit Print for added structure and support to the foot while running.
The Ghost comes in A LOT of colors including my favorite is the orange, blue and yellow. You can find many color choices online but remember each store may only order one or two colors.
Brooks Ghost 15 Reviews
From going online and doing some research, runners who have tested and reviewed the shoe say that the new Ghost 15 feels a bit heavier than the Ghost 14 and the foam (DNA Loft 2) feels a bit firmer. In general, it seems the updates from the last model were pretty mild and people seem to like this as a choice for a good training shoe.
Who Should try the Ghost 15?
I think this Brooks shoe is for someone who needs a width option and wants a well-cushioned shoe that feels soft but still stable, this is the one. It has been in the lineup for quite a while and is a reliable cushioned running shoe. You should have a neutral foot (no foot issues) and be looking for a shoe for everyday training.
If you are a really heavier runner, you may be better trying the Addiction or Adrenaline for added support, but feel free to test out the Ghost.
I have tried many Brooks shoes over the years and love their RunHappy campaign and gear!
Brooks Glycerin 20
The Glycerin is another neutral cushioned shoe in the Brooks running shoe arsenal and the number 20 at the end means it has been around for quite a while. I have tried on a number of versions of this shoe. So looking at a wall of shoes, you may not be able to tell how soft or cushioned they are, you will need to try it on. Softness is also relative.
The Glycerin uses a new version of the Brooks Loft cushioning and should be a softer feeling than last year’s model and shoes using Loft 2. It is described as being super soft. It has a soft upper and has a wide option for people who need more room in the forefoot. It is a very well-cushioned running shoe for people with no foot issues.
Do your research but always feel free to ask your specialty running store staff (if not buying online) about how the shoe has been fitting and what other customers have thought of the shoe. More information is better than not enough.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Reviews
From going online, it seems some seem to think the newest Glycerin is one of the best versions of the shoe, but they think it could have more cushion (that takes a while to feel right) and could be more responsive for such a pricey shoe.
Who Should Try the Glycerin 20?
You should throw this shoe on your foot if looking for a neutral cushioned running shoe that has a bit more cushion (soft cushion) for everyday training. The price is getting up there, so its not a budget trainer but one that advertises super soft cushioning with Brooks's newest version of their Loft cushion. You may want to avoid this shoe if you a heavier runner or like something firm.
I think this shoe is a good training shoe with a good cushion but if looking for something a bit speedy for faster running, I would try other models on and compare.
The story of the Glycerin begins in the late 1990s — the name was actually inspired by the song “Glycerine” by the English band Bush. The shoe also uses recycled materials in the upper (32%).
Brooks Ghost 15 Vs the Glycerin 20
Brooks | Ghost 15 | Glycerin 20 |
|---|---|---|
Weight | 10.1 oz | 10.1 oz |
Cushioning | DNA Loft V2 | DNA Loft V3 |
Drop | 12 mm | 10 mm |
Softness of Cushioning | Medium Softness | Super Soft Cushioning |
Level of Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Fit | Classic Fit | Classic Fit |
Available in Widths | Yes | Yes |
Suggested Retail Price | $180 | $200 |
Really these two shoes are very similar. They have a similar shape and use the same type of cushioning. For those who want a wider number of width options, the Ghost wins. For those who want a softer cushion, the Glycerin should have that.
If a drop of 12mm seems a bit much, you get 2mm less with the Glycerin. I think anyone looking for a neutral cushioned Brooks running shoe for regular training runs, you should try both and let your feet decide.
The other thing to consider is if you are doing a lot of long and slow runs or doing a fair amount of speed work in your training. The Glycerin may have more cushion but may or may not feel speedier.
Ghost and Glycerin Price
The other factor is price; you have to decide if the $20 difference (Glycerin being more expensive) is worth it or $20 may not be a showstopper for you. The other thing to consider is that may “super shoes” cost $200, and is the $200 Brooks regular training shoe giving you the bang for the buck it should? Things to evaluate.
General Advice
Your shoe should fit snugly, not tight and should be comfortable in the store. A running shoe should never need breaking in. Make sure you have room at the toe, so your toes do not touch the end and have room to expand when your foot moves while running and when they expand a little when hot and sweaty!
Pick a shoe for your feet, your weight, your type of training, your budget and what feels best for you.
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