Fashion & Footwear › Running Shoes
Ghost 15
Model timeline
Running shoes with cushioned midsole
Budget · bottom third of running shoes
Quick take
In short: what each side says
Reviewers · Buyers — each opened up in full further down ↓
A comfortable, reliable daily trainer with a plush upper and stable ride, let down by limited energy return and a high heel-to-toe drop that divides opinion.
Owners rave about the Ghost 15's comfort, fit, and arch support for daily running and walking, but durability concerns—particularly premature wear on heels and logo peeling—divide satisfaction.
All sides but one land high — Holds up — with one check: Midsole firmness vs. softness is contested: some reviewers find the ride firmer than the previous version, while one re….
Quick read · who it’s for
Main competitors
Top rivals in Running Shoes.
The verdict
What the panel makes of it.
The Ghost 15 ranks as the top beginner running shoe and delivers on comfort and all-weather grip, though its flat midsole and high drop limit responsiveness for faster paces. Buyers rate it highly for daily reliability and fit security, yet some report premature heel wear that tempers enthusiasm versus reviewers' more measured stance.
Act one
What the machines think.
Several AI models read the category and place this product — model by model, list by list, over time.
Act two · ★ new
What the people say.
The same product, judged by the owners who bought and filmed it — what they praise, what they knock, who it's for.
Video reviews?
What reviewers actually say.
AI summary of 5 reviews · as of Jun 2026
A comfortable, reliable daily trainer with a plush upper and stable ride, let down by limited energy return and a high heel-to-toe drop that divides opinion.
What they praise
- Generously padded, breathable upper with a locked-in heel fit that feels comfortable from the first run
- Stable, well-cushioned ride that suits neutral runners and mild overpronators equally
- Thick, soft outsole rubber delivers reliable grip on slick and wet surfaces
- Wide range of widths and sizes accommodates most foot shapes
- Recycled-material upper construction adds a meaningful sustainability element
What they knock
- DNA Loft V2 midsole returns little energy, making the shoe feel flat and uninspiring at faster paces
- Heavy construction due to extensive rubber outsole coverage
- Non-gusseted tongue allows lateral tongue movement during runs
- Aggressive 12 mm heel-to-toe drop is noticeable and may feel uncomfortable for runners accustomed to lower-drop shoes
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
Synthesised from: Alastair Running · Running Shoes Guru · EDDBUD · Road Runner Sports · FORDY RUNS
Brooks Ghost 15 Review
Alastair Running
Brooks Ghost 15 - Opinion after 50+ miles
Running Shoes Guru
BROOKS GHOST 15 - BEST VALUE DAILY SHOE OF 2022? - EDDBUD
EDDBUD
Brooks Ghost 15 Shoe Review: Now Lighter & More Comfortable Then Ever Before!
Road Runner Sports
Brooks Ghost 15 Review - Honest Feedback
FORDY RUNS
What buyers say?
What Google knows about it.
Beyond the video critics, Google pools 1,441 buyer ratings of the Ghost 15 from across retailers — a far wider, if blunter, jury. Here’s the shape of that opinion.
1,441 ratings · 7 written
across 7 retailers
What owners single out
Buyers' weakest aspect (durability) doesn't directly overlap the video reviewers' criticisms about energy return, foam firmness, drop, or versatility.
In their words
“I walk 7-8 miles per day so I am very demanding on the comfort of my sneakers. I have tried every major brand until 3 years ago when I bought the Brooks Ghost. It was in a class by itself for comfort. I have been a loyal Brooks Ghost customer starting with the 12 and now with the 15. I would recommend these to everyone.”
gtdad · verified purchase · dsw.com
“Pros: comfortable shoes that work well with custom orthotics. They provide cushioning while allowing the orthotics to do their job. Cons: Bad quality. The Brooks logo print on the side of the shoe has started to peel off, and I only bought these shoes on the 12/05/23. I haven't even run in them, just walked on pavement. Perhaps Brooks has cut down on their craftsmanship ship to save costs?”
Isaac · verified purchase · ewavedemo.com
as of June 11 · 1441 buyer ratings?
Act three · ★ new
Do they agree?
Put the machine's rank and the owners' score in one frame, settle it with a verdict, and answer the only question that matters: should you buy it?
The disagreement
Where the juries actually split.
Alastair Running
4.0/ 5
the warmest read in the room
Running Shoes Guru
2.5/ 5
the toughest read in the room
What splits them
Midsole firmness vs. softness is contested: some reviewers find the ride firmer than the previous version, while one reviewer describes it…
owners 4.7★ doesn't share the critics' split.
owners 4.7★Per-critic scores from the video reviews above?
Find your situation?
Made for some — wrong for others.
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
You want a reliable daily trainer without spending much on premium features.
At ~$57, the Ghost 15 delivers strong comfort, fit, and stability ratings at a fraction of premium trainer costs, with no obvious cheaper rival doing the same job as well.
You need a proven shoe you can trust for consistent, injury-free running.
1441 reviews at 4.7/5 from an established brand (Brooks tier 3/3) show broad consensus on comfort and stability; the shoe is mature and settled, not experimental.
You want a shoe that works straight out of the box without fussing over fit.
Reviewers praise the locked-in heel fit and comfortable upper from the first run; wide range of widths means most feet find their size without trial-and-error.
You demand top-of-class performance across every dimension.
While comfort and fit are strong, the DNA Loft V2 midsole returns little energy and the 12 mm drop divides opinion—clear compromises prevent a perfectionist fit. Consider Clifton 10.
You want the newest generation with cutting-edge features.
No data confirms Ghost 15 is the latest model or that it features cutting-edge tech; reviewers note the high drop and flat energy return, not innovation. Consider Cloudmonster 2.
You seek prestige and flagship design from an established luxury maker.
Ghost 15 is a utilitarian daily trainer at a budget price; it lacks the premium positioning, design language, or brand prestige that connoisseurs expect.
Grounded in our buyer-review, reviewer-video, price and successor signals — a poor fit names a closer pick · as of Jun 30.
Frequently asked
What buyers want to know.
What is Brooks Ghost 15 good for?
The Ghost 15 is built for steady-paced easy miles and long runs. Reviewers say it excels at impact protection, stability, and durability in varied weather. It ranks as a top pick for beginner runners and those seeking maximum stability for comfortable daily training.
Who should buy the Brooks Ghost 15?
It suits beginner to intermediate runners who prioritize stability, comfort, and durability over energy return. The shoe works well for slight overpronators and comes in wide sizing. Reviewers note it's not designed for tempo work or faster-paced running.
What are the main drawbacks of the Ghost 15?
Reviewers say the DNA Loft V2 foam feels firm underfoot with minimal softness, and the firm ride may not suit runners wanting bounce or energy return. The 12mm drop creates noticeable heel elevation that some find extreme. It lacks versatility for faster-paced workouts.
How comfortable is the Ghost 15 for long runs?
Reviewers praise the luxurious, well-padded upper with excellent heel and ankle comfort. The shoe is designed to manage impact stress over long distances. However, reviewers are split on whether the foam feels soft or firm for extended mileage.
Is the Ghost 15 durable?
Yes. Reviewers highlight outstanding outsole durability and wet-weather grip as key strengths. The shoe performs well in varied weather conditions.
Does the Ghost 15 have good cushioning?
The Ghost 15 uses DNA Loft V2 cushioning, which reviewers describe as well-padded overall but firm underfoot. Some reviewers felt it lacks foreground cushioning softness and energy return compared to other daily trainers. Opinion varies on whether the updated foam is softer or firmer than the previous model.
The recap
Where it stands today.
- MakerBy Brooks — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.