Brooks Ghost Vs Levitate – Which One Is Best For You In [2022]

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Brooks Ghost Vs Levitate. These two running shoes are very similar in terms of weight, price and other things.

Then how are they different and when you should use each of them?

If you are confused about picking the right one for you, then the information provided below will definitely help you to make a more informed decision.

We have gathered as much information as possible so that you can choose the one that is suitable for your needs.

So, without further ado, let’s jump into the detailed comparison of Brooks Ghost vs Levitate.

This is our winner

Brooks Ghost Vs Levitate – An Overview

Both Books Levitate and Brooks Ghost is both neutral running shoes and provide you with an ample amount of cushioning.

Then how are these two running shoes different?

The simple answer is their sole.

Brooks Levitate is more focused on providing you with a higher energy return whereas, Brooks Ghost, will provide you with more cushy comfort.

Although this is one of the main differences, there are many. We will look into all these differences in great detail so that you have an easier time while doing your own research. 

So, without further ado, let’s begin…

Brooks Ghost Vs Levitate – Features at a glance

The main differences between Brooks Levitate Vs Brooks Ghost

• Brooks Levitate is a neutral running shoe meant for runners more focused on energy-return. Brooks Ghost, on the other hand, is also a neutral running shoe but is more focused on cushioning.
• Along with other types of running, Brooks Levitate can also be used on tracks whereas Brooks Ghost is not at all suitable for tracks.
• The latest generation of Brooks Levitate is 3 wheres the current version of Ghost is 12.
• Brooks Levitate comes only in one width whereas Brooks Ghost comes in a lot of fits ensuring more comfort for its users.
• Brooks Levitate uses energize level 3 cushioning. Brooks Ghost on the other hand has cushion level 2 cushioning.
• Brooks Levitate 3 has a flexible, arrow-point pattern on the outsole to move quickly from heel to toe without losing energy. Brooks Ghost 12, has the segmented crash pad at the forefoot of the outsole to serve as a cushioning for any kind of foot landing.

Meet Brooks Ghost and Levitate

Now we know more about the differences between Brooks Ghost and Levitate.

However, before we go into a more detailed comparison of Brooks Ghost Vs Brooks Levitate, we should understand Brooks Ghost and Levitate in more detail.

This will give you more clarity of what exactly these products are and whether it will suit your needs.

Brooks Ghost 12 Running Shoes

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Technically, the cushioning of Brooks Levitate is much more than Brooks Ghost as Brooks Ghost’s cushioning is at 2, and Brooks Levitate is at 3.

However, Brooks Levitate’s cushioning feels more firm due to the type of cushioning it uses.

Brooks Ghost’s cushioning for the same reason feels more flexible and the heel to toe transition feels more natural.

On the other hand, Brooks Levitate provides you with more energy return and helps you to move faster.

Size-wise, Brooks Levitate supports sizes 7.0 to 15.0 for men and with only one width (Normal). For women, Levitate’s size starts at 5.0 and goes up to 12.0 and also with only one width choice of normal.

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 come with the upgraded look and feel of Brooks with a lot of color choices to suit your taste.

Brooks Levitate has the flat-knit upper with breathable zones, providing it with a more premium look.

Also, Levitate has DNA AMP in the midsole while Ghost has BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT in their midsole, both of which are adaptable to your stride.

You can use both of these shoes for your daily running.

That’s it for the basic introduction of Brooks Ghost and Brooks Levitate. Now let’s look at them for more detailed differences and similarities.

Core Specifications: Brooks Ghost Vs Levitate

In this section of Brooks Levitate vs Ghost, we will take a look at the technologies that are being used to build these shoes.

First we will look at Brooks Levitate and then we will look into Brooks Ghost in more detail.

Brooks Levitate Specifications

The Brooks Levitate 3 is a running shoe that can be used for your daily runs. It will help you to run faster by providing you with ample amount of energy return.

This is the 3rd generation of Levitate and it has been adapted to have a more premium look by having a stitched pseudo tongue and a flat-knit upper.

The main component that Brooks Levitate that differentiates it from Brooks Ghost is its midsole.

Brooks Levitate’s midsole is made from DNA AMP which is what we will discuss in this section.

What is DNA AMP?

The main midsole material of Brooks Levitate’s midsole is DNA AMP.

DNA AMP provides you with the best-in-class energy return. The energy return standard of running shoes is somewhere between 50-60% whereas, for DNA AMP, it is close to 70%.

To achieve this, Brooks coated the already responsive polyurethane material in a skin.

This resists horizontal expansion and harnesses more energy.

Here is how it works:

Brooks Ghost Specifications

 Brooks Ghost 12 differs a lot from Brooks Levitate 3 in terms of technology.

Brooks Ghost has a much softer sole and provides you with a lot of cushioning.

The flip-side to that is, it’s energy return is less.

While Levitate uses the cushioning of type ‘Energize’, Ghost uses cushioning type ‘Cushion’.

For long distances, Ghost is always a preferred choice as it provides you with a much plush comfort.

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

As you can see, there is not much of a similarity between Brooks Ghost and Levitate in terms of technologies.

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

3D Fit Print

Brooks Ghost’s upper is made with screen printing technology.

This technology creates the 3D Fit Print engineered mesh that provides you with a more customized fit.

This printing technology provides you with seamless, irritation-free construction.

With this type of mesh, you will remain comfortable and breathable throughout your entire run.

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.

BioMoGo DNA

BioMoGo DNA is an adaptive material that blends BioMoGo and DNA material from Brooks to create a more dynamic cushioning.

This material adapts to yourself and provides you with a plush ride.

You will find this material only in Brooks Ghost and not in Levitate.

For more information, you may read: Brooks Launch Vs Ghost – Which one is best for you?

Segmented Crash Pad

This is present in the forefoot area of Brooks Ghost 12. Here there is a layer of segmented blown rubber under the segmented midsole.

This makes these shoes bend and stretch when needed.

Forefoot flexibility of Brooks Ghost comes from this area and also this helps in your heel to toe transition.

If you take a look at Brooks Levitate, this area has an arrow-point pattern. This makes it quicker for the heel to toe transition.

Now that you understand better the core technological differences between these two shoes, let’s understand the subtle difference between them.

Let’s proceed to the complete showdown of these two running shoes.

Brooks Ghost Vs. Levitate – A head to head comparison

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

These are more subtler differences and you will get to know a lot more information about Brooks Ghost 12 vs Brooks Levitate 3.

There will be a lot of information in the following sections. If you don’t want to read, then refer then above image.

If not, let’s read on…

Outsole

Both Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Levitate 3 have HPR Plus and blown rubber. Brooks Ghost has it at the high impact zones and Brooks Levitate has it on almost the entire outsole.

You can find this rubber on the edge of the heels and the crash pad of Brooks Ghost 12.

However, for Brooks Levitate 3, this rubber is present on almost the entire sole and has the arrow-point shape on the forefoot.

This helps you to have a quick heel-to-toe transition in Levitate.

Also, this HPR plus and blown rubber of the forefoot in both the shoes are segmented, providing you with a good amount of firmness and flexibility.

However, some of the runners mentioned that Levitate’s sole doesn’t have as much traction.

Both Brooks Ghost and Brooks Levitate are road running shoes and can work on treadmill and concrete. Brooks Levitate can also work on tracks.

However, they will not work on rough terrains and trails and may get eroded very fast if you try to. This will also decrease their overall life span.

Midsole

The midsole of these two running shoes is completely different. It could be because of how these two running shoes are intended to be used.

The midsole of Brooks Ghost 12 is made from BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT. This makes this running shoe soft and cushy.

Whereas, Brooks Levitate 3 has DNA AMP as the midsole. This helps this running shoe to provide a higher energy return. Brooks claims that the energy return of this running shoe is close to 70%.

However, surprisingly, these two running shoes are very similar in weight and you cannot feel the difference (weight-wise) despite being made completely different.

One major difference in the midsole is the drop in these shoes. Brooks Levitate 3 has a drop of 8 mm and Brooks Ghost 12 has a drop of 12 mm.

The difference is significant and you will be able to feel it. However, this is important to know, if you are trying to make a transition from a high drop shoe to low drop shoe.

In that case, Levitate can serve you as a transition shoe and can make this switch go much easier on you.

One more key difference between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Levitate is that Brooks Ghost is less responsive compared to Brooks Levitate.

The amount of cushion present in these two are also different. 

Brooks Levitate has a cushion-level of 3 which is the highest in any category of cushioning. Whereas, Brooks Ghost has a 2 which is a mid-level cushioning.

This may be difficult to believe as Ghost’s overall feel is plushier than Levitate, which is on the firmer side.

Durability wise also, these two running shoes are almost at par and follows the standard as laid out by Brooks.

According to Brooks, any of its running shoes last for around 300 to 500 miles or for 3 to 6 months.

However, this depends on the amount of usage of these shoes.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Ghost uses 3D fit print and that of Brooks Levitate is engineered flat-knit mesh.

Both of them will provide you with a comfortable fit and will not make you uncomfortable in any way.

Levitate has special breathable zones in the upper and this will keep your feet comfortable during the entire run.

Brooks Ghost has traditional collar and tongue whereas, Brooks Levitate comes with pseudo-tongue which is stitched to the upper. Also, the upper has a socklike fit.

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

However, none of these shoes are waterproof and is completely different to look-at. Brooks Ghost has a premium look but more traditional. Whereas, Brooks Levitate has a more modern look which somewhat falls in-line with Bedlam.

One of the big differences in the upper of these two shoes are the number of widths that are available. Brooks Ghost 12 has more widths in both men’s and women’s categories.

This makes it more comfortable for a much wider range of runners.

However, arch-support wise, both of these shoes are the same. They support medium to high arches. Any less than that, you will have to deal with severe pain during running.

Look-wise, both of these shoes are very pleasant with Levitate having a refreshing appearance. Brooks Ghost flaunts a more elegant look and is more traditional in apprearence.

The breathability of these shoes is also very good. However, I found here also, Brooks Ghost is a bit better than Brooks Levitate. It is much airier and you will not feel hot inside this shoe at all.

Some of the runners mentioned that their Achilles rub against Brooks Levitate’s collar and you may develop a boil initially. However, after a couple of uses you will not have this issue.

However, Brooks Ghost will not cause any kind of irritation to your skin and you will be comfortable in it, right from the start.

Weight

In terms of weight, both Brooks Leviate and Brooks Ghost are very similar.

Brooks Leviate weighs around 10.3oz/292.0g whereas Brooks Ghost weighs 10.4oz/294g.

Brooks Ghost weighs around 10.4oz/294g and Brooks Launch weighs around 8oz/226.8g.

So, while using either of them, you will not be held down by excessive weight and in both, your performance will not suffer due to weight of the shoe.

Price

Price-wise also, there is no difference between Brooks Ghost Vs Levitate.

Eash of them is priced around $130, when they were initially launched.

However, currently, both, Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Levitate 3 selling at a heavy discount.

If you want to sweeten the deal, go for the earlier version of these two running shoes.

Since the launch of both of these shoes, prices of the earlier versions, that is, Brooks Ghost 11 and Brooks Leviate 2 has come down significantly. You should be able to get an additional 10% discount if not more.

That’s all with the differences and similarities between Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Levitate 3.

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

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Levitate 3

A lot of running shoes can serve as a good alternative to Levitate.

We are still working on the list of similar shoes to Brooks Levitate. Once done we will update this section and will inform you of the same.

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.

Conclusion

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

You will get all the required information to make the correct decision for yourself.

However, we found that, due to certain characteristics like a probable initial Achilles rub by Brooks Levitate, Brooks Ghost steals the show.

This is the reason we liked Brooks Ghost better than Brooks Levitate.

Let us know if you have any further questions.

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