
The Brooks Ghosts are a no-brainer daily trainer, if not for millions, definitely for thousands of runners out there. The series that started in 2008 continues to be the hot favourite daily trainer. Spoiler alert - Ghost 16 takes this series a step above. The popularity of Brooks in India is quite good with many rocking the Ghosts, Glycerin and Adrenaline for their training. In fact, we see many cricketers now wearing Brooks. 

Like its predecessors, the Ghost 16 sticks to its legacy, i.e. a premium experience, courtesy of its comfortable cushion ride. I’m someone who prefers lightweight trainers, but there is something in Ghost that makes me pick them day in and day out. The cost or the pricing also matters massively for me, and getting this pair during the festive sale back in October 2024 for under ₹5,000 was a massive steal deal. I remember training for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2024 edition massively using the Ghost 15 ([review here](https://shoegeeks.in/review/brooks-ghost15-007002015/)), and that didn’t change for the 2025 TMM cycle, except for now lacing up the Ghost 16 (until I was forced to be off schedule), and have run over 275 KMs already on them. I have run over 275 KMs on the 16th, and here’s my in-depth review of this classic daily trainer. 

<ShoeCard shoeCode="007002016M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Brooks Ghost 16?

The Ghost series remains a classic neutral daily trainer, built for comfort. On the surface, there aren't any visible changes from its predecessor. The biggest update in the 16 is in the midsole —something I had on my wishlist when reviewing the Ghost 15. DNA Loft V3 replaces the traditional V2 (used in Ghost 15), whereas the stack height at 12mm, remains unchanged, targeting the heel strikers and to those who seek more cushioning. Brooks checked two off two from my wishlist, shedding some weight while keeping all the loved elements intact, with the Ghost 16 weighing 278g (UK 8), down from 286g in the Ghost 15. 

In India, the Ghost 16 has a max retail price of ₹15,499, but even at the time of writing this review, it was available at a 50% discount, making it a steal deal from all fronts. 


**Midsole**

The midsole of Ghost 16, uses DNA Loftv3, the one used in super-cushion shoes like the Glycerine, and an upgrade from DNA Loftv2 used in Ghost 15. The DNA Loftv3 uses nitrogen-infusion technology, where nitrogen gas is injected into EVA foam to make the foam more lighter, softer and responsive. The increased softness of the midsole is evident with a durometer score of 25, as against 27 in its predecessor. 

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Ghost 16 also sees a mild increase in stack height, both in heel and forefoot, at 36mm and 24mm respectively (against 35mm and 23mm), continuing with its traditional offset of 12mm, largely benefitting the heel strikers. There’s an insole, though without any characteristics for relevant reasons, unlike we see on the other trainers which uses a more softer component than the primary midsole to give a plush-feel to an otherwise firm ride.

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      caption="Heel drop good heel strikers, with limited ankle mobility"
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**Upper**

Brooks continues to ace in comfort with its upper, which uses a dual-layered engineered mesh. The upper is well structured and while at glance it doesn’t look breathable, this is where it surprises us, courtesy hundreds of vertical perforations which enhances airflow. The toebox gets roomier, giving your toes some much-needed space to wobble around during your long runs.

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      caption="Comfortable upper with standard eyelet design"
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The eyelet design is also pretty standard. It has 6+1 configuration, with 6 eyelets for regular use and an extra eyelet for heel lock lacing. The tongue is non-gusseted and wobbles around sometimes, specially in the longer runs, but feels plush and comfortable.     

**Heel**

Like its predecessor, the heel counter in the Ghost 16 feels firm and secure. The TPU base on the heel counter is quite rigid to make sure your ankle isn’t wobbling around while running.  The heel counter is generously padded and spacious enough, making sure comfort isn’t sacrificed either. For someone with haglund deformity, I did not feel any sensitivity issues on my achilles, even with all those padding. The heel also gets an additional external reinforcement, with reflectors over them for visibility when running in the dark. 

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      src="/images/ghost16_3.jpg"
      caption="Firm heel counter"
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**Outsole**

The outsole remains the same like the Ghost 15, and it's good news. They are still thick, almost spanning through the outer, making it durable. The rubber pattern also remains unchanged, featuring several segments, rather than one piece of rubber, which the brand calls is segmented crash pad, put in there to offer smoother transition through the gait. 


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      caption="Retains good traction and durability from the previous edition"
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##### Why did I consider this shoe?

Like said earlier, the Ghosts are a no-brainer, primarily for its comfort and durability. I have had the Ghost 15 during my marathon training and loved them, so picking up Ghost 16 was an easy choice. Add the affordability with discounts in India, it becomes a solid value for money that's hard to ignore.

##### Ride In Ghost 16

I have already logged over 275 KMs on Ghost 16 over a couple of months, putting these through a variety of runs on them, mostly easy and the long runs, because that’s where they bring life. The Ghost 16 introduces a new nitrogen-infused midsole and gains some stack. This made the ride a little more plush compared to its predecessor, yet the plush was apt enough and didn’t feel like an overdose. There’a a marginal response as well. 

Since I have already run in the Ghost series, the experience here didn't surprise me. Ghost 16 did not require any break-in, and felt comfortable right from the first run. The longest run with the Ghost 16 was the 30K, and it felt comforting throughout. I remember the Ghost 15 giving me a dragging feeling once the exhaustion kicked-in, but fortunately that wasn’t the case here. Unlike the previous one, I did feel that running on my forefoot was a bit of a struggle but I got used to it. Probably the increase of stack height is playing a role here. My easy runs are typically negative splits, with the last few KMs typically dipping under 5:00 min/km, and the Ghost 16 does well. I even laced them up for speed intervals, and they felt okay for occasional uptempo runs but not certainly built for speed. 

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**Fit & Comfort**

I’m just saying it's a 10 on 10 here. Let’s move on to the next section. Should we? ;)

The comfort kicks in the moment you unbox the Ghost 16. First and foremost, they fit true to size for my UK 7. I had no issues slipping into the shoes and lacing up, a problem I have had with trainers like the Saucony Endorphin series. My feets are narrower, and while the Ghost 15 I recon gave me a snug fit, the Ghost 16 feels spacious on the forefoot, which is definitely a plus.The wide variant is usually available in India, but as of this review, I couldn't find one. The heel counter, upper, and tongue are all generously padded, adding an extra layer of comfort. Though such padding compromised breathability, the Ghost 16 felt more breathable than its predecessors. A very few times I felt that the shoes felt a bit warm were on a hot day in Mumbai when the temperature soared beyond 30°c. With the summers kicking in, the Ghost 16 will be my go-to trainers for the next couple of months.

**Stability**

While the Ghosts are technically a neutral trainer, the stability they have offered has always been a bonus, despite being a high-stack shoe with 36mm on the heel. The wide base on the forefoot, subtle arch support, structured upper, flared midsole and the rigid heel counter work together to provide a stable ride. 

**Durability**

After comfort, if there’s another contributor for the success of the Ghost series would be its durability. The outsole rubber is over 4mm thick, and in my mileage on them of over 275KMs, there is barely any wear and tear. Saying that, I did see some wear and tear in the medial side of the midsole, more towards the forefoot. This is likely due to my gait, where my shoes tend to brush against each other during runs. The outsole rubber has a good amount of traction, and my occasional runs over some wet or muddy surfaces were satisfactory. I expect the Ghost 16 to comfortably go-beyond 800 KMs.

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="007002016M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Feels comfortable throughout",
    "Highly durable and offers good traction",
    "Feels stable",
    "Lighter than predecessor",
    "Breathable",
    "Responsive than predecessor",
    "Affordable with round the year discounts",
    "Accommodates wide foot"
  ]}
/>


<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Less versatile",
    "No gusseted tongue",
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Brooks Ghost 16 stays true to its legacy as a dependable neutral trainer. It checks most of the boxes for a solid daily trainer. The comfort continues to be top-notch here. The ride feels stable and the overall build sounds durable. More importantly, it doesn’t drill your pocket. These factors make Ghost 16 an all-weather easy-to-recommend trainer. 

For beginners, this can be a one shoe do-all, whereas for experienced runners, this can be an easy effort and recovery effort trainer. II would pair it with the Asics Noosa Tri for short intervals, Saucony’s Endorphin Speed series for long intervals and tempo workouts, and Nike’s Alphafly or Vaporfly for the race day. 

Just as I said at the start of this review, the Ghost 16 is a no-brainer and is a must have for seasoned runners. The improvements over  its predecessors builds more confidence, and makes them a year-round dependable choice. *The Virat Kohli of running shoes, maybe? ;)* Saying that, I do agree that there’s always a scope for improvement. I would love to see the Ghost 17 with improved versatility and an even more reduced weight. But hey, we all have seen the rumours of what’s coming a few months away. Fingers crossed\!
</InfoCard>


Ghost 16 is a classic daily trainer, with top-notch comfort, apt cushioning, breathable upper, good stability and a durable construction

Brooks Ghost 16 Review


Over the past few years, a select few shoes have truly revolutionized the daily trainer landscape, setting new standards for performance and experience. Asics Novablast, New Balance Rebel, Puma Deviate Nitro, and Saucony Endorphin Speed come to my mind as these innovative shoes.  Among these Puma Deviate Nitro is my personal favorite, which I have run in all the three editions so far. 

Following the success of Deviate Nitro 2, the much anticipated Deviate Nitro 3 finally made its debut in India after a long wait by Puma India. Having put the Nitro 3 to the test over the past 12 weeks, logging over 400 kilometers, here's an in-depth review of this versatile daily trainer.


<ShoeCard shoeCode="005001003M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Deviate Nitro 3?

Deviate Nitro 3 has a very classic running shoe profile.  The rocker is very subtle and has a flared heel which is quite common among running shoes.  On the surface,  it doesn’t look that different from the previous edition.  The major visible change is the shape of the heel at the bottom.

Deviate Nitro 3 has a very classic running shoe profile.  The rocker is very subtle and has a flared heel which is quite common among running shoes.  On the surface,  it doesn’t look that different from the previous edition.  The major visible change is the shape of the heel at the bottom. Interestingly, the heel to drop has been increased by 4mm to 10mm, which makes it much more suitable for heel strikers.  

However, there are quite a few changes beyond the surface.  The weight has been increased by 10 grams, and now is at 270g for UK 8. The midsole got a major make-over and so is the bottom sole. The upper has also got quite a few changes, which may not be visible at first glance.  

__Midsole__

The Deviate Nitro 3 boasts a 39mm stack height, which is a millimeter below the world athletics legal limit of 40mm. The midsole features a dual-layered Nitro Foam system.  The top layer consists of Nitro Elite Foam, now enhanced with Aliphatic TPU which is supposed to offer better durability and energy return.  The bottom layer is an upgraded Nitro Foam, which now uses PEBAX.

With a 10mm drop and a traditional profile complemented by a subtle rocker, the midsole is as good as it can get. The inclusion of a carbon plate completes a modern daily trainer.

<LightBox src="/images/nitro4_1.jpg" caption="Dual layered midsole" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Upper__

The shoe's engineered mesh upper offers very good breathability, keeping feet comfortable during the longer workouts. Despite its lightweight construction, the upper maintains a rugged feel, enhancing durability without compromising flexibility.  The tongue is quite well designed though not heavily padded, it is soft and comfortable.

<LightBox src="/images/nitro4_4.jpg" caption="Rugged yet breathable upper" alt="" ></LightBox>

The eyelets also got an upgrade with a loop at third eyelet for extra reinforcement. The number of eyelets remain at 6 as with the earlier edition.

<LightBox src="/images/nitro4_6.jpg" caption="Upgraded eyelets" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Heel__

The heel cup is well designed with ample padding for added comfort. A groove in the bottom sole around the heel (similar to one in Novablast) gives it a character, but the purpose probably add extra bounce. There is also a TPU cup in the back for extra stability. The extended bevel caters specifically to rear-foot strikers, with a smoother transition.

<LightBox src="/images/nitro4_7.jpg" caption="Well padded heel & supportive heel system" alt="" ></LightBox>


__Bottom Sole__

Constructed from Puma Grip ATR rubber, the outsole design is much simpler than the earlier editions. The outsole also feels much softer.

<LightBox src="/images/nitro4_5.jpg" caption="Excellent grip, one of the best out there" alt="" ></LightBox>


##### Why did I buy it?

Having extensively used the Deviate Nitro 2, clocking over 800 kilometers and making it a staple for my midweek long runs and tempo efforts, I was on the lookout for an upgrade to support my ongoing marathon training cycle. The Deviate Nitro 3 emerged as the perfect candidate to take on this role, promising enhanced performance and versatility.

##### Ride in Deviate Nitro 3

Step-in comfort of the Deviate Nitro 3, much better than the earlier editions. It feels different from the Nitro 2, it strikes a perfect balance between snug fit and comfort. The absence of the mild trampoline effect present in the previous edition is a disappointment, though not a deal breaker.  Deviate Nitro 3 still feels very responsive, especially during speed work. The shoe feels more firm, and the firmness enhances versatility, allowing the shoe to excel in both speed and easy runs. 

Though it has a carbon plate, personally, I barely notice the presence of it.  Most carbon plated shoes are hard to use during easy and recovery runs, but not this one.

The increased heel-to-top drop definitely has changed the ride. Combined with lack of trampoline effect from Deviate Nitro 2, the shoe is not as fun as Deviate Nitro 2. 

<LightBox src="/images/nitro4_8.jpg" caption="Deviate Nitro 2 and Deviate Nitro 3 side by side" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Fit and Comfort__

I have racked up 400kms in the shoe over the last 2 months.  I have run a half-marathon race in it, and it makes a decent racer at that distance. Though I haven't yet tackled a full marathon distance in it, it proved to be super comfortable up to 30 kilometers. During my long run of 30K that included surges towards the finish, the shoe maintained its speed and comfort consistently.

__Stability __ 

The Deviate Nitro 3 delivers top-notch stability. The firmer bottom layer of the mid-sole significantly enhances stability, making it easier to handle tight corners and navigate uneven road surfaces with confidence. Whether running on smooth pavements or rougher terrains, the shoe remains secure and supportive. Increased heel-to-drop also helps the stability.

__Road Grip __ 

One of the standout features of the Nitro 3 is its excellent road grip. Navigating the often slippery roads of Bengaluru, especially after rains when dry sand accumulates at the edges, posed a challenge for many of my other shoes. However, the Nitro 3 handled these conditions well, maintaining traction and providing a safe running experience even on slick surfaces.

<LightBox src="/images/nitro4_9.jpg" caption="Outsoles - side by side" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Durability __  

I've already put these shoes through 400 km, and they're still holding up like new. I reckon they'll easily last for 1000 km. Puma officially says they're built for 800 km, and I appreciate their transparency about it, it makes it so much easier for runners to make buying decisions. I wish other brands would also publish their mileage expectations (Decathlon is the other brand I know which does this).

__Aesthetics & Ergonomics__

While the aesthetic appeal of the Deviate Nitro 2 might edge out slightly over the Deviate Nitro 3 for some, the latter still offers a sleek and modern design. I opted for the black colorway, which I absolutely love. It retains the new look despite extensive use and is easy to clean and maintain. On the other hand, the Fireglow colorway is visually striking with bold Nitro text-graphic but may require more maintenance to preserve its vibrant appearance over time. The split outsole groove is a minor aesthetic deviation that doesn't detract from the overall look but might take some getting used to.


### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="005001003M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Exceptional comfort over long distances",
    "Enhanced stability",
    "Outstanding road grip, even on slippery surfaces", 
    "Durable construction with high-quality materials",
    "Versatile performance for both speed and easy runs", 
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Slightly snugger fit",
    "Higher price point without significant discounts"
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a compelling choice for runners seeking a versatile and reliable daily trainer. Building on the strengths of its predecessor, the Nitro 3 offers enhanced stability, superior road grip, and a comfortable fit that supports long-distance runs effectively. Its firmer midsole and carbon plate make it a versatile option, adept at handling both speed workouts and recovery runs with ease. While the fit is slightly snugger, the overall performance and durability make it a worthy addition to any runner's shoe rotation. If you're in pursuit of a shoe that blends performance, comfort, and durability, the Deviate Nitro 3 is certainly worth considering.
</InfoCard>


Reviews

Brooks Ghost 16 Review

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review