Brooks Ghost Vs Asics Kayano: Which One Is Best For You? [2021]

Brooks Ghost and Asics Nimbus are both neutral running shoes. They are comfortable cushy and both are high-mileage running shoes.

Then how are these two running shoes different?

To find that out, we have compared Brooks Ghost 14 and Asics Gel Nimbus 23 in this post. At the time of writing this post, these two are the current versions of the shoes.

Below you will find a very detailed comparison of Brooks Ghost Vs Asics Nimbus. We have compared their features, changes in the latest models, and overall how it feels to run in them.

So, without further ado let’s proceed.

This is our winner

The main differences between Brooks Ghost Vs Asics Kayano

• The heel-to-toe drop of Brooks Ghost is 12mm and the heel-to-toe drop of Asics Kayano is 13mm for women and 10mm for men.
• Brooks Ghost is a bit heavier than Asics Kayano. For women, Brooks Ghost weighs around 9oz or 255.1g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 8.8oz or 249g. For men, Brooks Ghost weighs around 9.9oz or 2880.6g whereas Asics Gel Kayano weighs around 11.1oz or 315g.
• For the men’s version of the shoe, Asics Gel Kayano has two more sizes available than Brooks Ghost.
• Brooks Ghost has more toe-box widths available than Asics Gel-Kayano.
• The latest generation of Brooks Ghost is 14 whereas the current generation of Asics Gel-Kayano is 28.

Asics Gel Kayano Vs Brooks Ghost – An Overview

Brooks Ghost and Asics Kayano are neutral running shoes with Asics Kayano being able to support moderate underpronators as well.

These two running shoes are consistent performers throughout their different versions and this new genration is not different.

They are high on cushioning and comfort and you will get a very ride in them.

In the following sections, we are going into little more depth and comparing Brooks Ghost and Asics Kayano in as much detail as possible.

So, let’s check out what we have in store for you…

Brooks Ghost 14 Vs Asics Gel Kayano 28 – Features at a glance

Asics Kayano Vs. Brooks Ghost – A head to head comparison

In the above sections, we have covered an overview, some broader differences and some feature comparison of Brooks Ghost and Asics Kayano.

In the following sections, we have done and much in-depth analysis of these two running shoes.

Outsole

Asics Kayano has AHAR or Asics High Abrasion Rubber on the outsole. This s a wear resistant outsole material that will improve the longevity of your running shoe.

Also, the outsole of Asics Kayano stretches from the heel to the forefoot providing you with afull-length outsole although not a continuous piece of rubber.

This rubber provides with solid grip and will keep you  stable while running.

Also, this outsole provides you with a full ground contact providing you with a more stable and comfortable running experience.

To provide you with a bit more smoother heel to toe transition, this version of Asics Kayano has more flex grooves in the forefoot.

The outsole of Brooks Ghost is made from blown rubber and it is a full length outsole although not a continuos piece of rubber.

The heel is laced with durable rubber and will provide protection against early wear and tear.

The forefoot of Brooks Ghost has three groves in the previous version of Ghost. However, this version has two and a half grooves. The groove area under the first metatarsal is fused to provide a bit of additional support to the underpronating runners.

This outsole will last you for a considerable amount of tiime and in turn will prolong the life of this running shoe.

Midsole

The midsole of Asics Kayano is made from FlyteFoam Blast. This is lighter and softer than previous versionss’ cushioning and will provide you with a responsive ride.

On the medial side, you have the Dynamic DuoMax Support System. This will provide the required support to a moderate overpronating runner. Also, this will help you to have a smoother heel to toe transition.

It has the space trusstic which reduces the overall weight of the shoe while providing you with stability and retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.

The gender-specific trusstic suppors the bomechanical needs of both men and women and provides you with a smooth, protective ride.

To improve on the cushioning and to provide you with excellent shock absorption, Asics Gel Kayano has silicone based gel cushioning system in both forefoot and rearfoot.

Also, it has the IGS or the Impact Guidance System which provides you with a smooth and balacne heel-to-toe transition.

The midsole of Brooks Ghost is made from DNA LOFT. This is a soft cushioning that will provide you with a luxurius ride.

It is shock absorbing, resilient and will not pack out under your weight. Also, it is very durable. In this version of Brooks Ghost you have same density foam in the medial and lateral sides. This provides you with a uniform softness under your feet.

However, having same density foam throughout is not ideal for underpronators. So, to increase their support, that fusing of the outsole groove is done by Brooks.

This version of Brooks Ghost’s midsole has omega flex grooves. This provides you with optimal forefoot flexibility without compromising the cushioning.

Also, the segmented crash pad flexes with the foot providing you a customized cushioning and stability for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

Upper

The upper of Asics Gel Kayano is made from Engineered Mesh. Apart from being lightweight, it is also breathable and provides you with a customized fit.

This mesh material moves with your feet and provides you with a natural and non-restrictive movement.

Apart from the internal heel counter, it also has the external heel clutch. It is an exo-skeleton structure in the shape of X and lined with memory foam. This provides your heel with a secure fit and due to the memory foam the fit gets customized to your heel shape.

For an added level of cushioning, Asics Gel-Kayano has a EVA sockliner.

The upper of Brooks Ghost is made from 3D Fit Print mesh. This mesh is a tad bit lighter and a bit more bretahable than its previous version. They will provide you with a customized fit and provides you with a great running experience.

With this version of Brooks Ghost, a new flat lace has been introduced. They will secure your feet and will not come undone while running.

Brooks Ghost has more number of toe-box widths avaialble and will be able to cater a wider range runners.

Weight

Brooks Ghost is a bit heavier than Asics Kayano.

Brooks Ghost weighs around 9.2oz /255.1g for women and 9.9oz/280g for men.

Asics Kayano weighs around 8.8oz/249g for women and 11.1oz/315g for men.

Price

Brooks Ghost is cheaper than Asics Kayano by atleast $20. (At the time of writing this post).

This is what I’ve observed in general. Asics shoes in a similar category is priced a bit higher than Brooks’ shoes…Reason? I couldn’t fine any and both of these running shoes are fantastic.

If you are not ready to shell out a lot of cash, you can go for the previous version of these shoes. Since new models are launched recently, you should be able to get the previous models at a 20-30% discount.

In the above sections, you will find a lot of similarities and differences between Brooks Ghost and Asics Kayano.

However, tthere are a few alternatives that may be worth looking into.

We have mentioned a couple of them below for you to take a look.

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Ghost 14

Brooks Ghost 14 has a soft cushioning that is excellent at shock absorption. It will provide you a plush ride and will provide you with a pleasurable running experience.

A running shoe that may be able to provide you with a similar running experience is Saucony Endorphin Shift. It will provide you with a cushioned ride and is great at shock absorption.

1,168 Reviews

Saucony Endorphin Shift Running Shoes

• More PWRRUN cushioning underfoot provides just-right softness that’s feels forgiving without feeling squishy
• The SPEEDROLL an always-forward geometry, creates a lively rolling feel underfoot; it’s a brand-new, practically effortless ride quality that feels as if the shoe is doing the work for you
• FORMFIT surrounds feet with a made-for-me feel that gently guides feet as you ease on down the road in light weight comfort

Find on Amazon!

Last update on 2023-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also, here is a list of other alternatives of Brooks Ghost.

Running Shoes Similar To Asics Gel-Kayano 28

Asics Gel Kayano is a neutral cum verpronation running shoe. It will provide you with a cushioned ride and will keep you comfortable throughout you running.

A running shoe that can provide you with a similar running experience is Mizuno Wave Inspire. It is an overpronation running shoe with excellent cushioning. It will provide you with a comfortable in-shoe experience.

1,708 Reviews

Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Running Shoes

• Enerzy Foam: Mizuno Enerzy Foam is more responsive and has more springy qualities compared to former Running EVA technologies - U4ic and U4icX.
• U4ic Midsole: Delivers optimal shock reduction, durability, and a superior ride.   Innovatively light, well cushioned, responsive, and resilient.
• X10 Outsole: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear.

Find on Amazon!

Last update on 2023-10-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

In the above sections, you will find a lot of similarities and differences between Brooks Ghost Vs Asics Kayano. We found one running shoe to be a bit more comfortable than the other.

Brooks Ghost 14 has an overall softer cushioning and multiple toe-box widths. It will provide you a soft underfoot without a squishy feeling. Also, being in a similar category this is a bit cheaper than Gel-Kayano. 

These are the reasons that we chose Brooks Ghost over Asics Gel-Kayano.

However, Asics Gel-Kayano is an excellent shoe in its own right. If you are a fan of Gel-Kayano, then let us know in the comment section below. Otherwise let us know what do you think about this comparison. Would love to hear about it…

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