Brooks Levitate vs. Brooks Ghost

The Ghost proves to be one of the most popular running shoes every year because of its soft landing, smooth transition, and tenacious durability in the midsole and outsole.

Seeking to grow upon the positives of the previous versions, the Ghost 13 builds off of the Ghost 12 but offers an even softer landing with increased amounts of the Brooks DNA LOFT midsole foam.

This contributes to a soft, yet more springy toe-off compared to previous versions.

This midsole design also comes with a Segmented Crash Pad, which offers customizable cushioning stability through the heel-to-toe off cycle.

This Crash Pad also pairs with Omega Flex Grooves, which are implemented to offer forefoot flexibility without compromising cushioning in that area.

This will offer greater mobility to complement your springy toe-off.

Continuing to surpass its predecessors, the Ghost 13 implements a Two-Color Knitted Upper to deliver an even softer instep feel that holds your foot into the shoe well without any excessive tightness around the top of the foot.

This revamped upper also comes with a reimagined heel counter to provide a more supportive heel fit.

Let’s take a closer look at the specs of the Ghost 13 (full review).

Improving upon its less impressive predecessors, the Brooks Levitate 4 reformulates the cushioning system for a lighter ride that doesn’t hinder performance.

Continuing with its overhaul, the Levitate 4 also features a new upper with the intent to increase softness and breathability, as well as an updated outsole pattern for greater flexibility and a speedier transition.

The Levitate 4 continues to sport its DNA AMP midsole, which is Brooks' most responsive midsole technology that offers strong energy return by encasing a polyurethane-based foam inside a thermoplastic polyurethane skin.

This midsole is complemented by an Arrow Point outsole design pattern designed to allow a swift transition from heel-to-toe off.

The updated Fit Knit upper is Brooks’ knit construction, it is specifically designed to move with your foot and provide close to a sock-like fit. This knit upper is paired with Brooks’ Wraparound integrated collar to enhance the sock-like fit.

The uppers on these shoes are pretty different by design, the Ghost is made with a more standard engineered mesh upper known to reliably hold your foot securely and provide a comfortable daily fit.

This is in contrast to the Levitates Knit upper, which is made to feel lightweight and sock-like but will often lead to a rather unstable feel going around turns or uneven surfaces.

The lacing system feels good for both of these models, although the biggest difference is that the Ghost 13 has plusher laces and the Levitate 4 has some flatter laces to offer a lighter and sleeker feeling shoe.

The Brooks Ghost 13 offers a more supportive fit through the upper, as the Two-Color Knit engineered upper mesh paired with a solid heel counter will hold your foot securely without sacrificing any breathability.

By contrast, the Brooks Levitate 4 will not feel quite as supportive through the upper, this is in part to the upper knit material, which is designed to feel sleeker, but less supportive.

The verdict on this sole unit between the Brooks Ghost 13 and Levitate 4 will depend on what sort of ride you are looking for in a daily trainer.

The outsole designs are comparable in durability and traction, but the slight edge may go to the Levitate 4 in terms of a seamless transition. This is in part due to the Arrow-Point design that comes with this shoe, as it just feels fun to “push-off” in this one.

However, if you are seeking a more standard outsole design without too many frills, then the Brooks Ghost 13 will probably be the better shoe for you.

Brooks Levitate vs. Brooks Ghost Verdict