Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
While we may know Brooks for its world-renowned running shoes, this wasn’t always the case. In 1914, when Brooks first got its start in a small factory in Philadelphia, running wasn’t even on their minds. Believe it or not, they made ballet shoes!
As the years went on, Brooks created and sold a variety of other shoes, including cleats, roller skates, and bath shoes. It wasn’t until the 1970s that running as an activity became popular and they shifted their focus.
By the early 2000s, Brooks then became a company dedicated solely to developing the best running shoes on the market, which is how we think about the company to this day.
Contents
Once they made the switch to focusing on helping runners and only making running shoes, Brooks continued to exceed expectations and remained a top competitor in the shoe running game.
If there’s one thing runners are particular about, it’s their shoes! Think about it. Especially when you are getting into longer runs where you’re on your feet for 1, 2, or even 3 hours at a time, shoes are important!
If you don’t have the right shoe and fit, you can find yourself with missing toenails, blisters, and a myriad of injuries. So, if you’re in the market for a new running shoe, Brooks is a great place to start, and today, we’ll be comparing the Brooks Ghost against the Brooks Adrenaline to see which one is best for you!
IN A HURRY?
Key Differences in Brooks Ghost and Adrenaline
Because they are both Brooks shoes, they’re both incredibly well made with lots of details to bring you comfort. For example, both have BioMogo DNA and DNA Loft, which are specially designed cushionings to help with your stride and balance. They equip both of their uppers with Engineered Air Mesh for breathability.
The biggest difference to point out is their intended functionality. They specifically designed the Brooks Adrenaline to be a shoe focused on stability with its GuideRails support. On the other hand, the Ghost is more of a neutral, lightweight shoe.
So, as we dive deeper into the specifics, it’s important to keep in mind these key differences.
Comparison of Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
Outsole – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
The outsole of a shoe is essentially the bottom portion. They make the outsoles of both shoes from blown rubber, meaning they injected them with air, which makes them lightweight.
The Ghosts have some deep grooves, making them flexible all around, whereas the Adrenalines have smaller grooves through the forefront because they want more flexibility for pushing off. This gives more stability and more of a focus on moving forward.
Midsole – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
While there may not be an enormous difference in the Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline in the outsole, we find the biggest difference in the midsole. Keep in mind, the midsole is typically the part of the shoe that is attached (or on top of) to the outsole.
The Ghost has DNA Loft, which is a cushioning throughout the shoe for comfort and landing, as well as BioMoGo DNA that works with the DNA Loft to bring both comfort and overall stability.
For the Adrenaline, it has all the Ghost offers, along with GuideRails support, to provide an extra cushion to help you stay more stable with less unnecessary movement.
Upper – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
There isn’t much difference in the Ghost vs Adrenaline with their uppers. The upper is the part of the shoe that is on top of your toes. It’s important to find a shoe that has a comfortable, breathable upper that isn’t too tight or restricting.
Both shoes have Engineered Air Mesh for breathability and comfort, and they are both comparable in size and shape.
Weight – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
If you want a shoe that is lighter, then you may opt for the Ghost, though both are very light. The Ghosts weighs in at 8.8 ounces while the Adrenaline is 9.1 ounces.
The biggest reason I see the Adrenaline weighing 3 ounces more is because it has the extra cushioning for support. So, be sure to consider that into your decision!
Comfort – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
As mentioned earlier, comfort is incredibly important for runners. You are on your feet for long periods of time, so the goal is to not even realize you’re wearing shoes. If you have to stop and think about your toes going numb or your heel feeling uncomfortable, you’re destined to have a run that is less than desirable.
On top of this, most runners know that comfort comes with time for some shoes. What I mean is that most running shoes need to be “broken in” instead of simply throwing them on and running 10 miles.
Because Brooks makes them mostly of the same cushioning, both shoes are relatively comfortable. Both the Ghost and the Adrenaline have many reviews on their website that mention comfort as a big pro for the shoe, with some for the Adrenaline even mentioning that they were comfortable from their first run, which is huge!
Traction – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
Whether you are a short distance runner or a longer distance runner, traction is equally important. Traction is all about keeping us running by providing us with enough grip to prevent us from slipping and falling. While this is incredibly important if you’re going on a run after a rain, it can be just as important on sidewalks or on gravel roads.
Essentially, all noteworthy running shoes will have some hard rubber treads on the outsole to provide the runner with plenty of traction between their feet and the ground.
Similar to comfort, you can’t go wrong with either the Ghost or the Adrenaline for traction. If you look at the images of both outsoles, you see they designed them both to provide a great deal of traction where your feet most come in contact with the ground.
Stability – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
As I shared at the beginning, if you are looking for a shoe that provides the most stability, the Adrenaline is your shoe.
There are several reasons someone may need a more stability-centered shoe. Maybe your ankles are weaker and the added support provides comfort and confidence? Maybe you’re an overpronator? Or maybe you pronate past the neutral point? You may even have low arches!
The list could go on. So, if you know you need more stability with a running shoe, go with the Brooks Adrenaline, which is specifically designed and tested to include the GuideRails support for this specific purpose.
Brooks Ghost Review
Overall, the Brooks Ghost seems to continue with its reputation for being an all around solid and reliable shoe. It’s got everything you need to feel comfortable on long runs or short walks and comes in an array of different colors to match your personal taste as well.
When exploring the reviews section of their shoes from the Brooks Running website, you will find an array of positive comments discussing:
- Comfort from day 1
- True to size fit
- Great color options
- Great for everyday wear
- Great for running
Out of over 2300 reviews and an average of a 4.8 out of 5, there were 16 reviews that only gave the shoe a 1 out of 5. The most common complaints included…
- Thin heel cushioning
- Narrow fit
So, overall, these shoes are well-loved by the running community and other people who simply love the brand for everyday use. As with any shoe, there just seems to be a small population who see some room for improvement.
- Segmented Crash Pad
- Lightweight GORE-TEX Invisible Fit membrane
- Improved fit
- Simplified midsole construction creates more seamless transitions
Brooks Adrenaline Review
Similar to the Ghost, this new model of the Adrenaline seems to hold up the reputation of the brand. It’s a wonderful shoe that offers great comfort and support. It, too, comes in a variety of color options to match your personal style.
This shoe has a fantastic rating as well on the Review section of the Brooks Running website. It has an overall rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 with over 1040 reviews. Some of the most common positive comments mentioned the following…
- Amazing support
- Very comfortable
- No blisters
- Great for people who have past injuries
- Good for everyday use
- Excellent for running
While there were some amazing reviews, there were also some reviews that noted some needed adjustments or changes in the shoe. There were only 7 reviewers who gave the Adrenalines a one star. The most common comments discussed…
- Less room in the toe box
- Material less quality than previous models
Again, it’s overall an amazing shoe. From the reviews, it seems to be well loved and received by people of all ages and sizes, using them for anything from running to their shift at the hospital.
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride, with great cushion and trusted GuideRails support that won’t distract from the fun of the run. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a...
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: Provides just the right amount of stability and support, great for overpronation while providing high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or...
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: The updated midsole is now 100% DNA LOFT cushioning paired with the Segmented Crash Pad for an even softer, smoother ride and easier flow from landing to toe-off.
- MODERNIZED FIT: More strategic use of the 3D Fit Print upper technology offers the structure and proven fit the Adrenaline is known for without excess bulk.
- GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: We've shifted our focus beyond the feet to the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body: the knees. GuideRails keep you moving comfortably by keeping excess...
Alternatives to Brooks Ghost
Even though Brooks is an excellent company that is committed to making the best running shoes on the market, it really comes down to the fact that everyone is different. Every foot and body is unique, having different preferences and needs based on your experiences, your body composition, your running environment and more.
With this being said, Brooks may not be the best shoe for you at all. So, it’s important to explore other options if they don’t work out or the style doesn’t match your personal preferences.
If you’re looking for something comparable to the Brooks Ghost that offers comfort, but is a neutral, lightweight shoe, here are some alternatives…
Mizuno Wave Rider
Still lightweight and neutral, this is a great alternative to try if you aren’t sold on the Brooks Ghost. One thing that reviewers note is that the Wave Riders have CloudWaves, which provide an added cushion. This allows for a more bouncy and springy run.
ASICS Gel Nimbus 23
ASICS is another brand that is always mentioned on any “top running shoes” list. It’s a trustworthy brand with a great reputation. One thing that is cool about this shoe over the Ghost is that, while still being a neutral shoe, it has added cushioning that is gel.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus
Another great alternative for a neutral pronation. Nike is another well-known brand. Though they do not devote themselves to the running game like the others, it has that signature look with the signature swoop that you may prefer. It looks more like an everyday shoe than just a running shoe.
Alternatives to Brooks Adrenaline
Similar to above, you may really like the idea of the Brooks Adrenaline, but for whatever reason, it may not be best for you. If this is the case, we’ve got you covered with even more alternatives…
ASICS Gel-Kayano
Noted as one of the most similar to the Brooks Adrenaline, this shoe is great for overpronators. Not only is it great, it may be a better pick for people with severe overpronation. These ASICS have an Impact Guidance System that is specifically designed to help these types of runners improve their gait.
Saucony Omni
While the reviews for the Adrenalines mentioned a smaller toe box, the reviews for the Omni mentions a toe box that is more roomy. So, if that is something that is incredibly important to you as a runner, this may be the shoe for you! Other than that, everything else is comparable with cushioning, comfort, and support.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
Last, this is also another wonderful alternative to the Brooks Adrenaline. This Mizuno is great for all the reasons the Adrenaline is great, but if you have ever suffered from shin splints, this shoe may be a better fit for you.
Our Pick – Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
Overall, it’s really hard to pick one. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you’re specifically looking for in a shoe. But, since it is specific to the person, I will share my pick based on my own needs in a running shoe.
If I were someone who suffered from having low arches or specifically needed support, I would 100% go for the Adrenalines. But, because I have a neutral foot and enjoy a more lightweight option, I would go for the Brooks Ghost as my first pick.
Like I said, every runner has different needs and personal preferences, so you’ve got to pick which shoe makes the most sense to you!
