The Brooks Ghost 15 and New Balance 880v14 represent two of the flagship neutral cushioned trainers from their respective brands, appealing to high mileage runners who want a comfortable yet durable daily rider. The Ghost 15 delivers the DNA LOFT cushioned ride Brooks is known for along with a smooth, accommodating fit.
While both shoes cater to neutral pronators requiring lots of shock absorption, the Ghost favors softness while the 880 focuses more on stability and security. Read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature and performance-based comparison highlighting key similarities and differences to reveal which model better fulfills your preferences as an everyday trainer.
Comparison Table between Brooks Ghost 15 and New Balance 880v14:
| Feature | Brooks Ghost 15 | New Balance 880v14 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2022 | 2024 |
| Weight | 9.84 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Drop | 13.2 mm | 10 mm |
| Cushioning | Plush | Versatile |
| Stability | Neutral | Stable |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Midsole | DNA LOFT | Fresh Foam X |
| Outsole | Rubber | Blown rubber |
| Retail Price | $140 | $140 |
Features Comparison:
Materials:
The Brooks Ghost 15 utilizes a full-length DNA LOFT cushioning midsole which provides an exceptionally smooth and soft feel from foot strike through toe-off, combined with an engineered mesh upper for breathability and structure, along with a hard-wearing rubber outsole for traction and durability.
In contrast, the New Balance 880v14 features the Fresh Foam X midsole foam which balances cushioned comfort and energetic responsiveness with a dual-density design for stability, an engineered mesh upper for strategic support, and blown rubber on the outsole for added cushioning.
Durability:
The high quality rubber utilized on the outsole of the Ghost 15 ensures it holds up well to abrasive road surfaces, while the DNA LOFT cushioning midsole foam maintains its properties even after hundreds of miles of use for most runners.
Similarly, durable materials like the Fresh Foam X cushioning and thick blown rubber outsole rubber make the New Balance 880v14 a shoe that can last over the 300-500 mile mark for the majority of runners as an everyday trainer before signs of significant wear begin to appear. Both models are very durably constructed using premium materials.
Fit:
Sizing of the Ghost 15 runs true-to-size through the midfoot for most runners, with a roomier toe box in both standard width and wider 4E width options to accommodate swollen feet or splaying toes during longer miles.
The 880v14 fits slightly long and may require sizing down half a size, but provides a secure heel and midfoot wrap while allowing some toe splay room in the forefoot, available in medium or wide widths.
Trying both on is ideal, but the Ghost 15 overall caters to more neutral runner foot shapes with its additional sizing configurations.
Cushioning:
The Brooks Ghost 15 delivers exceptional cushioned comfort from its full-length DNA LOFT midsole foam, which provides a supremely soft and smooth ride that retains its energy return and pillowy quality even over higher mileages, keeping runs comfortable.
In contrast, the Fresh Foam X foam utilized in the New Balance 880v14 gives reasonably plush cushioning but with a bit more inherent responsiveness and firmness for pronation support, though not quite as soft feeling as DNA LOFT foam. For pure cushioning, the DNA LOFT midsole in the Ghost 15 wins out.
Stability:
While the Ghost 15 still allows for some natural guidance for neutral runners, its platform remains flexible without pronounced correction features. In contrast, the dual-density midsole design in the 880v14 integrates a firmer foam on the inside edge to gently prevent overpronation and excessive foot collapsing for mild overpronators requiring a bit more support, classifying it as a soft stability shoe.
So for runners needing enhanced pronation control and a stable base, the targeted support technologies implemented in the New Balance 880v14 deliver better.
Value:
Considering the $140 retail price tags, both the Brooks Ghost 15 and New Balance 880v14 deliver strong value given the quality of materials, construction and technologies incorporated. The Ghost 15 provides exceptional comfort and longevity from its DNA LOFT cushioning platform along with renowned Brooks craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, the 880v14 integrates both durable cushioning and enhanced stability elements like its dual-density midsole at this reasonable price making it a stability shoe bargain. Most runners get hundreds of miles out of both models, underscoring the value.
Performance Comparison:
Walking:
The lasting DNA LOFT cushioned softness of the Ghost 15 makes it more comfortable for longer walks, conforming smoothly underneath the foot with each step. However, the slightly firmer stability features of the 880v14 provide a stable base if you need to walk moderate distances on uneven terrain while carrying loads.
Running:
Over slower paced long runs, the Brooks Ghost 15 better maintains leg comfort and energy return thanks to its constant DNA LOFT cushioned consistency at any mileage. But when speeding up or striding out, the snappier transition of the New Balance 880v14 promotes a smoother gait cycle.
Standing All Day:
The Ghost 15 wins for prolonged standing sessions thanks to its long-lasting DNA LOFT pillowy quality and multiple widths to reduce foot pain over time. But the 880v14’s Fresh Foam X technology still cushions reasonably well on hard surfaces without packing out as quickly.
Plantar Fasciitis:
The instant pressure relief from DNA LOFT foam helps the Ghost 15 combat plantar fasciitis flare-ups out the box. But some overpronators may receive more targeted relief long-term in the stability-enhanced 880v14 when combined with orthotics to control excess arch collapse.
Conclusion:
As two of the top options on the market for neutral runners seeking comfortable cushioning for high daily mileage, the Brooks Ghost 15 and New Balance 880v14 perform similarly yet differ in finer details that could change which is better for you.
For those whose priority is uncompromised softness and smoothness in an accommodating package, the Ghost 15 and its DNA LOFT midsole brings this signature ride in spades.
However, runners who log plenty of slow to moderate pace mileage while still needing some extra pronation guidance or stability through the gait cycle will likely appreciate the added support elements of the versatile 880v14’s Fresh Foam X platform. So decide if pure comfort or mild stability control aligns with your preferences more closely. Both deliver quality durability and value regardless