Brooks Ghost vs. Brooks Glycerin

They are well-known running shoes for their level of cushioning and feature 3D Fit Print and Knit Overlays to provide structure to the shoe uppers. 

Looking deeper into these qualities and the pros and cons of the Brooks Ghost vs. Brooks Glycerin will help you decide which of these shoes you may be interested in.

Who Glycerin & Brooks are NOT For:

These two well-cushioned neutral running shoes provide little to no pronation support however there is a stark difference between the two.

If you find that your shoes are wearing unevenly on the outside or inside edges of the soles, you may want to visit a running store to see if you need some support for pronation.

If this uneven wearing-out pattern isn’t a problem for your shoes as you wear them, then Glycerin or the Ghost would be great picks for you. 

A little pronation is a natural way that your body disperses force when striking the ground, but too much can often lead to biomechanical inefficiencies and ultimately injuries. If the overpronation is an issue for you and you are still interested in Brooks running shoes, then check out the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21, as it is a premier support shoe on the market today.

Cushioning:

It's no secret that cushioning is often held on a pedestal when it comes to conversations about good running shoes.

If you are training and racing on hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, cushioning is of notable importance to preserve your legs over the miles and miles of work.

Brooks DNA midsole foam specializes in making shoes that are specially cushioned. This foam offers some plush and luxurious cushioning while maintaining responsiveness and durability for lasting premium quality.

Bottom line is that the Brooks Ghost and Brooks Glycerin offer plush feeling in their running shoes have outstanding levels of cushioning.

Conversely, if you are someone who has ankle or joint instability, foot pronation, or numbness when running, cushioned shoes may not be the best option for you. Opt for something a little more firm so you can get some more feedback from the ground.

Price Comparison:

New runners are often shocked at the price of running shoes and are tempted to buy shoes strictly based on price.

This can be a mistake.

Design:

The Two-color knitted upper in the Brooks Ghost delivers softness and breathability while also offering a fresh new look for those familiar with previous models. This is simpler than the upper of the Brooks Glycerin, which is built with a Double Jacquard

Mesh to be breathable and offer adaptable flexibility, but with some added support compared to the Brooks Ghost.

Weight:

Some runners, especially those with hip and knee problems, can be concerned with the weight of their running shoes

Breathability:

There are a few seemingly minor improvements that the Brooks Glycerin has over the Brooks Ghost.

Even though these appear to be small differences, they make the Brooks Glycerin a much more desirable shoe for most dedicated runners who aren’t as concerned about price.

For example, the broader 3D Fit Print Overlays provide added support throughout the single mesh upper on the shoe.

Sole:

Another primary difference that sets the Brooks Glycerin ahead of the Brooks Ghost is the sole.

Featuring deeper grooves and more ground contact, the Glycerin soles are designed to reduce impact while simultaneously improving comfort, flexibility, and traction.

You can’t really go wrong when you’re deciding between the Glycerin and Ghost running shoes.

Remember, there is no need to make sacrifices when you have advanced engineering and years of experience on your side, which is exactly what Brooks offers the running world.

Based on our simple pros and cons list, the Brooks Glycerin comes out slightly ahead of the Brooks Ghost. Both are solid neutral running shoes. 

A good running store will have both shoes available for you to try on.

Some people notice an immediate difference, while others will only notice the difference if they have been training in one for a long time and then switch to the other.

Just beware – once you move to the more expensive shoe, you’ll have a hard time adjusting back to the lower cost ones.

Although how much you’re willing to spend on shoes is a personal decision, we think the slightly higher price of the Brooks Glycerin is worth it when you consider the benefits you’ll receive.