These supportive Brooks running shoes helped me cross the finish line — and walk back home pain-free. (Ellie Conley/Yahoo)(Ellie Conley/Yahoo)
I just ran a half-marathon! To be honest, 13.1 miles doesn't feel like that big of a deal now, but when I signed up four months ago, it was pretty daunting. I started training in January and was often running (and sometimes gliding) in snowy weather and whipping wind. But I did it — and I truly believe my running shoes played a big part. I tried various brands and lines and landed on the Brooks Ghost 16. These are supportive and stable and they helped keep my ankles and knees aligned to prevent injuries.
The Brooks Ghost 16 is the brand's 2024 version of its bestselling line. They're comfortable, supportive and help keep your feet stable as you run. The 16s have also earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance.
The Ghost 17s are available for preorder, so the 16s are on sale.
The Brooks Ghost 16 sneakers are available in four widths and 10 colors.
I found the Brooks Ghost 16s to have soft-yet-lightweight cushioning (more on this in a sec) and a breathable upper. They also felt like they were cradling me for a more balanced step, and the insole had the perfect amount of arch support to keep my feet from rolling inward as my legs got tired.
As for other specs, at 8.5 ounces, they're light, but there are certainly lighter options for runners who require that. These have a 12mm midsole drop — the difference in height between the heel and toe box — which is generally considered good for heel strikers or those with calf or ankle issues.
Now, about that cushioning: Support-wise, the 16s are neutral — not the most stabilizing option in the Brooks' lineup and probably not the shoes you want if you're inclined toward overpronation or have high arches. And yes, compared to other options I tried, they are not the cushiest, a fact that many buyers also point out in reviews.
But — hear me out — that's why I like them. When I'm walking around town or running errands, I appreciate a soft, memory-foam insole. But for running, I like something firmer. Think of it like this: Is it easier to run on sand or pavement? I wear these strictly for training, longer walks in the park and other workouts. If you need a cushier shoe, these might not be the option for you.
When I looked around at other people's feet at the race, the majority were wearing Brooks. The brand's sneakers have long been a favorite among runners and the Ghost line is its most popular. They hold the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance, a credential awarded to products "found to promote good foot health," and numerous "best" lists give them accolades.
I've been wearing them on runs for years. Pre-pandemic, I completed a full marathon in my Ghost 9s. Since then, I've jogged more casually in other shoes like the Brooks Adrenaline, Brooks Glycerin, Hoka Clifton and Lululemon Blissfeel. All of them are comfortable, great options, but the Ghost 16 took my running to the next level and helped me PR across the finish line. After the race, a friend even commented that I seemed OK walking home when other runners were struggling, and I credit the shoes.
Most Brooks reviewers love these shoes too. One nurse wrote: "I am not a runner in the true sense, unless you count running in the hospital hallways. I do [walk] many steps during the day and these are the sneakers that I can put on and don't have to break in. These are also my favorites for long days in the Disney World Parks!"
Another said the shoes helped with foot pain. "I had developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot and wearing the Ghost 16 has nearly eliminated the problem. Nice arch support."
As for serious runners, well, they like them too. "Brooks Ghost are definitely the best running trainers I have bought and I've bought a few pairs now over the years," said one fan. "I love the comfort, the fit is great and I run hundreds of miles in them. Always a winner with me."
Some buyers prefer the brand's older versions. A coworker, Lily Herman, also ran a half-marathon this month and said she likes the 15s better. "There wasn't as much cushioning within the [16] shoe, which I really loved about previous iterations ... and this version feels a lot stiffer overall," she noted. "I'm also coming back from an injury, and I noticed that my knee was feeling irritated with each stride — something I didn't have with several previous pairs of Ghost 14s and 15s."
On Brooks' website, others agreed. "This was the first time I had a longer break-in period with [this] style ... [and] I had ankle and knee pain, which never occurred [with] the other Ghost shoes," one customer lamented.
That said, whether you're signing up for your first half-marathon, 5K or just want to run around the block a few times, I stand behind my 16s. I'll continue wearing them until they bite the dust — and then I'll likely go for the Ghost 17.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
