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Comparing two very popular Brooks models is never easy. However, we have tried to keep this post as objective as possible. After reading this post you will be equipped with all the details you need to make the correct decision for yourself. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the detailed comparison of Brooks Beast vs Ghost.

The main difference between Brooks Beast Vs Brooks Ghost

  • Brooks Beast is motion control shoe and is meant for runners and walkers with severe overpronation. Brooks Ghost, on the other hand, is a neutral running shoe and can support runners with neutral or mild underpronation.
  • Brooks Beast is a running shoe whereas Brooks Ghost is suitable for both running and cross-training.
  • The latest generation of Brooks Beast is 20 wheres the current version of Ghost is 12.
  • Brooks Beast is around 70 grams (comparing the same sizes) lighter than Brooks Ghost.
  • Brooks Beast comes with GuideRails to protect your knees injury. Brooks Ghost on the other doesn’t have any GuideRail, assuming that the neutral runner’s knees will not roll inwards.
  • Brooks Ghost 20 has a fully segmented crash pad stretching all over the outsole. Brooks Ghost 12, on the other hand, has the segmented crash pad at the forefoot.

Brooks Beast Vs Ghost-min

This is our winner

Brooks Beast 20

Why it is better?

  • Luxurious cushioning.
  • Excellent protection.
  • Caters to runners with severe overpronation.
  • Wide toe box
  • Good for both long and short distance running.

Brooks Beast Vs Ghost – An Overview

Both Books Beast and Brooks Ghost are a fine pair of running shoes. However, the runners that they cater to are completely different.

The main difference where these running shoes differ is how they handle pronation. Also, the amount of cushioning and the feel of each of them are different.

Also,  Brooks Beast is a pure running shoe as is promoted by Brooks but can also be used for walking, however, Brooks Ghost on the other hand can be used as a cross-training shoe as well.

Our purpose in this post is to provide you all the differences between Brooks Beast and Brooks Ghost so that you may select the best running shoe for your need.

If you don’t select the one that is made for you, you risk the chances of getting injured as these two running shoes are somehow the polar opposite of each other and cannot be used interchangeably.

So, without further ado, let’s begin…

Meet Brooks Beast and Ghost

Before we go into a more detailed comparison if Brooks Beast Vs Brooks Ghost, we should understand who are Brooks Beast and Ghost.

Once, we understand this, we will be able to consume the following details more easily.

Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoes
  • THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Neutral runners looking for a lightweight shoe and a smooth ride without sacrificing cushioning. Whether you’re a Ghost loyalist or are lacing one up for the first time, you’ll find plenty to like.
  • SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 11
  • BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever.

Last update on 2024-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Both of these shoes are made for running. However, as was previously mentioned, Brooks Beast can be used for walking as well.

Also, other than running you can use Brooks Ghost for cross-training as well.

We would prefer to use Brooks Ghost 12 rather than Brooks Beast 20.

Why?

For the same size, Brooks Beast is a tad heavier than Brooks Ghost.

However, the flexibility of the Brooks Beast is better as it has a fully segmented crash pad at the outsole.

Size-wise, Brooks Beast supports sizes 8.0 to 16.0 for men and three width choices (Normal, Wide 2E, Extra Wide 4E). For women, Beast’s (or Ariel as Brooks call them) size starts from 6 and goes up to 13.0 and also with three width choices of normal, wide D, and extra-wide 2E.

For Brooks Ghost, the sizes run from 7.0 to 15.0 and in widths normal, narrow B, wide 2E, and extra-wide 4E. For women, the size runs from 5.0 to 12.0. Available widths are normal, narrow 2A, and wide D.

Both of these running shoes comes with the upgraded look and feel of Brooks. However, they are colors available for Beast are very limited and somewhat boring.

Ghost on the other hand flaunts a lot of colors and will better cater to a runner’s taste.

Since both of these running shoes has BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT in their midsole, both of them will adapt to your entire stride.

This makes both of these shoes very comfortable.

Now that we have a decent introduction of both Brooks Ghost and Brooks Beast, let’s look at the core specifications and the technologies used in building these running shoes.

Core Specifications: Brooks Beast Vs Ghost

Up until now, you have seen the main differences and similarities between these two running shoes.

In the next sections, we will be providing you with more core information about the technologies used, what they can and cannot do.

This will help you decide which one of these two is the best fit for your needs.

So, sit tight and make sure you read all the information and understand it fully.

Otherwise, you are about to make a costly mistake that will not only cause you financial but also physical pain.

So, get some munchies and be comfortable on your sofa, this is going to be a long read…

Let’s begin…

Related: Brooks Beast Vs Asics Kayano: Which One Should You Choose?

Brooks Beast Specifications

The Brooks Beast 20 is a premium looking shoe and this iteration of Beast comes with an all-new look and feel.

Brooks has been upgrading the look of their shoes from some time now and the now look more stylish.

Beast is also no exception and there is a lot of changes that Brooks Beast has gone through this year.

The upgraded and slicker look, more comfort, and efficiency.

Below is a list of innovative technologies that Brooks uses in this running shoe to give you a pleasurable running experience.

  • GuideRails
  • BioMoGo DNA

Overall, Brooks Beast 20, has done a lot of upgrades to provide you with a more comfortable ride.

GuideRails

This is a major shift that we are seeing in all running shoes for overpronation that Brooks is releasing.

They are meant to provide your knees with more support and will help runners to avoid knee injuries.

Brooks Beast 18 didn’t have this feature and solely use to achieve pronation control through motion control.

Knee focused design was missing. As Brooks and Beast are evolving, so is their technology.

GuideRails seems to be working great as per the runners and they like it.

Guide Rails are built based on ‘Run Signatures’ which are nothing but key insights that Brooks gathered from its extensive study.

From this study, Brooks derived three key points:

  • The knee is the most essential aspect of the body while running.
  • Each person has their own motion path of their knees.
  • The Body will oppose any external factor that doesn’t promote this motion path.

BioMoGo DNA

In the previous model of Brooks Beast, the midsole was made from Super DNA. To enhance the experience and feel, from Beast 20, it has been changed to BioMoGo DNA.

This provides you with ultra-softness and durability to the midsole. 

So, the cushioning of these running shoes are very good.

Another great thing about BioMoGo DNA is that it is environment friendly. It is made from non-toxic materials and is breaks down 50 times faster.

Brooks Ghost Specifications

Now that we have seen the specifications for Brooks Beast 20, let’s take a look at Brooks Ghost 12.

Brooks Ghost is a neutral running shoe and doesn’t have those GuideRails. They have a premium look and feel and will make your feet very comfortable.

It has a diagonal short thin stripes along the sides of the shoe that provides a gradient color to it.

Thick collar and tongue provide your ankle joint the much-needed stability.

Like Beast, it also has a lace-up closure and keeps the shoe secured to your feet.

As was stated earlier, the major difference between Brooks Beast and Ghost is that Ghost doesn’t have the capability to deal with overpronation.

Also, Ghost can be used for both short and long runs including the marathon. Brooks beast on the other hand is more suitable for walking and running. Long-distance may be more tiring as Beast is heavier than Ghost. 

Here are the technologies that are being used by Brooks Ghost 12 to provide you with a more premium running experience:

  • 3D Fit Print
  • Segmented Crash Pad
  • DNA LOFT
  • BioMoGo DNA

We have already described BioMoGo DNA above and we will not repeat it here.

We will take a closer look at Books Ghost 12‘s 3D Fit Print, Segmented Crash Pad, and DNA LOFT technologies and how it will keep you comfortable.

3D Fit Print

To provide you with a customized fit, Brooks Ghost’s upper is made with screen printing technology.

This technology creates an engineered mesh which is also known as 3D Fit Print.

This kind of upper not only provides you with a customized fit but also will help you to get the required stretch when and where needed.

DNA LOFT

To make running shoes shock absorbing and well-cushioned, most of their midsoles are made with EVA foam.

However, this foam although shock-absorbing, doesn’t provide you with a soft and plush feel.

So, Brooks came up with a new technology called DNA LOFT.

This is the upgraded version of Super DNA and is plusher in feel.

Why DNA LOFT provides you with such softness?

DNA LOFT is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air.

The usage of rubber in the blend makes it durable whereas the other two components make this midsole very soft.

This makes this sole withstand your weight and it doesn’t pack out and makes it more durable.

You will only find this in Brooks Ghost and not in Revel.

Segmented Crash Pad

To provide your forefoot the required flexibility, and shock absorption, the outsole of Ghost 12 has a crash pad.

This is present in the forefoot area and is completely segmented.

This will not only provide excellent cushions, but it will also help you to have a much easier heel-to-toe transition.

Now that you understand better the core technological differences of these two shoes, let’s look into the subtleties more.

Let’s have a showdown between these two running shoes.

Brooks Beast Vs. Ghost – A head to head comparison

We have covered all the broad differences between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Beast.

Here we will take up subtler differences. This will be a long read, so if you are already bored, refer to the below picture.

This has all the difference you need to know to make your purchase decision.

Outsole

Both Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Beast 20 has a segmented crash pad.

However, Brooks Ghost’s Crash Pad is only at the forefoot whereas, for Brooks Beast, it runs the entire length. It improves the overall flexibility of Brooks Beast a bit.

Also, those rubberized bits are present at the high impact zones of the heels of Brooks Ghost 12.

Midsole

The midsole of both the running shoes is not much different as they both use a similar set of materials.

Brooks Ghost has a cushion-level of 2 of 3 and Brooks Beast also has the same cushion level.

However, the sockliner of Beast is of type Ultimate Sockliner. This enhances the cushioning of these running shoes.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Ghost uses 3D fit print and that of Brooks Beast is engineered mesh.

Both of them provides a customized fit and keeps you comfortable.

These running shoes are both sufficiently padded at the heels and the collars to keep your feet stable.

Also, since these running shoes comes with a traditional lacing system, it provides a very secured fit at the mid-foot.

The front of both the shoes are sufficiently perforated and will keep these shoes breathable.

However, due to the same reason these shoes are not water proof. 

Weight

Brooks Beast as we have come to expect is heavier than Ghost.

A size 8.0 Beast will weigh around 11.7oz/331.7g, whereas a size 8.0 Ghost will weigh around 10.4oz/294g.

Why is this weight difference we really don’t really know. However, we think that this is due to the presence of GuideRails in Brooks Beast that it is a bit heavier.

This weight difference will not make much of an impact on your daily running. However, for long runs, you will get more tired with Beast that Ghost.

In such cases, you may use Brooks Adrenaline GTS rather than Beast.

Breathability

Although the uppers of both these shoes are a bit different, the breathability is almost at par.

We will give an 8 for the breathability to both these running shoes.

Both flaunt engineered mesh and have a lot of perforations.

This allows air to easily flow inside the running and will keep your feet cooler and drier.

That means Brooks Ghost 12 vs Brooks Beast 20, no one is superior to the other, as far as breathability goes.

Comfort

As mentioned earlier, Both Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Beast 20 have the same cushioning level and it stands at 2 of 3.

Out of the four types of cushioning available at Brooks, these two uses cushion type “Cushion”.

This is a soft type cushioning and is recommended for runners who want soft runs with cushion.

So, the energy returns of both of these running shoes are lesser that the ‘Energize’ type cushion.

Style

In terms of style, to each his own.

But I’m a die-hard fan of Brooks Ghost.

Brooks Ghost has a faded diagonal pattern on its side with a contrasting color.

That creates a nice gradient of colors and gives a more premium look to this running shoe.

However, Brooks Beast has always been very boring looking and gives off a “huge-shoe” vibe.

A bit has changed with this iteration and Beast has become a little bit less beasty.

The look is more modern but somehow all those boring colors remain.

It is available only in Black and Grey whereas in Ghost you have as of now 19 color combinations.

Durability

Like any other running shoes from Brooks, the life expectancy is around 300 to 500 miles.

In terms of the month, it is around 3 to 6 months. 

The number of months these shoes will last is not at all absolute. It typically depends on the amount of usage.

So, lifespan in terms of miles is more accurate.

Protection

The cushion level of these two running shoes seems to be on par. This means you will get a soft protective cushioning while you are running.

Since the midsole has materials like BioMoGo DNA, the midsole has optimum flexibility.

It will adapt to your every stride, stretching or contracting as and when needed.

In all, you get a comfortable running experience which is also protective.

Responsiveness

The midsole of Broks Ghost and Brooks Beast are softer in nature. They belong to the ‘cushion’ category and not the ‘responsive’ category.

So, the overall responsiveness of these running shoes is a bit less. However, this is not a deal-breaker and provides a decent amount of overall responsiveness.

Support

Brooks Beast and Brooks Ghost are two very different running shoes. Brooks Beast is for overpronation while Brooks Ghost is a neutral running shoe.

The way they provide support is also different. Brooks Beast has GuideRails and it restricts the motion of your knees and focuses on its protection.

It is also good for runners with flat to medium arches.

Brooks Ghost being a neutral shoe doesn’t have to restrict motion of your knees.

However, due to thick padding in the collar and the thick tongue, it actually makes your ankle joint stable. Also, it is meant for runners with medium to high arches.

Terrain

Both of these are road running shoes and you should not use them on rough terrains.

You may easily use them in other smooth and flatter surfaces like treadmills or concrete.

They will also work great on cobblestones.

Here are the surfaces you can run on wearing any of these two shoes:

  • Roads
  • Concrete
  • Treadmills
  • Cobblestones

Not so great for:

  • Tracks
  • Trails

Purpose

As mentioned earlier, both Brooks Ghost and Beast are meant for road running. Although the purpose of both shoes is the same, there are some minor differences.

Brooks Beast can be used for:

  • Road running (all kinds except tracks and trails)
  • Walking

Brooks Ghost can be used for:

  • Road Running (all kinds except tracks and trails)
  • Long Distance
  • Cross-training

Price

If you are looking to purchase any of these running shoes, it will cost you somewhere around $110 to $150.

Why?

Currently, Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Beast 20 are currently the latest models.

Since there is always more demand for the latest versions, prices are generally kept high.

For the reverse reason, prices go down on the previous models. Also, for stock clearance, just before/after the new launch, there are also heavy discounts given.

So, if you don’t like to spend top dollars and is fine with previous models, you will get a very good running shoe at a very low price.

For example, look at Brooks Ghost 11 or Brooks Beast 18. Their prices have come down by at least 10%.

Traction

For better traction, both of these running shoes have blown rubber on the outsole.

The blown rubber is present in the high impact zones of Brooks Ghost.

For Brooks Beast, it is present almost the entire length.

What else?

For better traction, you also have a segmented crash pad in both the shoes which improves the flexibility and grip of both of these running shoes.

Flexibility

The forefoot of Brooks Ghost 12 has a segmented crash pad which makes these running shoes decently flexible. It is present at the forefoot of this running shoe.

But this is not too flexible also which makes them perfect for running. This also provides you with additional protection as you don’t have to get injured due to high flexibility.

For Brooks Ghost, this crashpad runs the entire length of the running shoe providing it the required flexibility.

Stability

These two running shoes are very stable and you will never feel wobbly in any of these shoes.

Brooks Ghost 12 is a neutral running shoe and Brooks Beast is a motion control running shoe.

A runner will feel the stability in both of these shoes provided it matches her feet’s pronation.

Drop

There is no difference between Brooks Beast vs Brooks Ghost in terms of the heel-to-toe drop and have a 12 mm drop.

That’s all with the differences and similarities between Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Beast 20.

If you want to look at some alternatives to both the shoes, then read on…

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar to Brooks Beast 20

Finding alternatives for Brooks Beast 20 was not easy.

However, after doing some extensive research, we found couple of matches that closely resemble Brooks Beast 20.

Here is a list of running shoes similar to Brooks Beast.

Running Shoes Similar to Brooks Ghost 12

Brooks Ghost 12 also have some very good alternatives. Some are cheaper but have at par quality of Brooks Ghost 12.

You can find all the running shoes similar to Brooks Ghost 12 in this list.

Our Decision

Although Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Beast 20 are very different, Beast feels more stable.

It could be because it is a running shoe meant for overpronation. So, our winner is Brooks Beast. 

Conclusion

We have tried to provide you all the required details in this comprehensive “Brooks Beast Vs Ghost review”.

We are confident that you will be able to find the perfect match for yourself now.

However, the data comparison of both the shoes has tilted the scale in the direction of one shoe by a small margin.

Based on the comfort that it provides we liked Brooks Beast better.

Let us know if you have any further questions.

Madhusree Basu

Madhusree Basu

Author, Admin

Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.