Brooks Ghost vs Ricochet – Which one is best for your in [2022]

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Brooks Ghost Vs Ricochet is not very different after all. If you do a little research on both of these shoes, you will find that, they are very similar…also, they serve the same category of runners.

Both of these are very fine running shoes suited for similar terrains.

Performance, durability, etc., all seem to be similar…

Then how are they different?

There are some nuances, that make these shoes very different from one another and we will cover them in every detail in the below section.

We have done a thorough research and have distilled our findings below. This will help you to pick the right one for yourself so that you can have an excellent running session each time you step out for running.

So, let’s find out what we have in store for you in the detailed comparison of Brooks Ghost vs Ricochet.

This is our winner

Brooks Ghost Vs Ricochet – An Overview

Both Books Ricochet and Brooks Ghost are both neutral running shoes and will provide you with an excellent ride.

However, the kind of ride that provides is what makes these two shoes so different.

But why is this difference?

Apart from other things, one very significant difference of these shoes are their soles.

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

So, when if you choose Brooks Ricochet 2, expect a snappy and energy-full ride. Whereas, for Ghost, you will get a cushioned and soft running experience.

Now, let’s look into the similarities and differences between Brooks Ricochet and Ghost in more detail.

So, without further ado, let’s begin…

Brooks Ghost Vs Ricochet – Features at a glance

The main differences between Brooks Ricochet Vs Brooks Ghost

• Brooks Ricochet is a neutral running shoe that will provide you with a very energized ride. Brooks Ghost, on the other hand, is also a neutral running shoe but you will feel more softness under your feet.
• Brooks Ricochet can also be used on tracks and for speed workouts whereas Brooks Ghost is not at all suitable for tracks.
• The latest generation of Brooks Ricochet is 2 wheres the current version of Ghost is 12.
• Brooks Ricochet comes only in one width whereas Brooks Ghost comes in a lot of toe-box widths. This ensures, that you get a truly customized fit.
• Brooks Ricochet uses “energize” level 2 cushioning. Brooks Ghost on the other hand has “cushion” level 2 cushioning.
• Brooks Ricochet 2 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. This serves as a cushioning and can handle your unique kind of foot landing.

Meet Brooks Ghost and Ricochet

Those were the broad differences between Brooks Ghost and Ricochet.

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

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

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Brooks Ricochet and Brooks Ghost have the same level of cushioning, so to speak. Both of them have a cushion-level of 2 where 3 is the highest level of cushioning in any category.

However, Brooks Ricochet’s cushioning feels more firm due to the type of cushioning it uses. Also, this makes Ricochet a very good running shoe for speed workouts as it helps you to move faster using the energy return.

Brooks Ghost’s cushioning, however, feels much softer, however, you will feel that the pep under your feet is a bit dampened.

The number of sizes supported by Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ricochet 2 is the same.

Brooks Ricochet supports sizes 7.0 to 15.0 for men and with only one width (Normal). For women, Ricochet’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 making these shoes very stylish to look at.

However, Ricochet doesn’t have a lot of variation in colors and you will have to adjust with whatever is available.

The flat-knit upper will provide you with very comfortable fitting and the suede heel tab prevents any kind of irritation.

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

Also, you can use both of these shoes for your daily running.

This is in the gist about Brooks Ghost and Brooks Levitate. In the following sections, we will go into much details about the differences and similarities of these two running shoes.

Core Specifications: Brooks Ghost Vs Ricochet

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

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

Brooks Ricochet Specifications

The Brooks Ricochet 2 is a running shoe that you can use for your daily runs. You can use them on the tracks, treadmills, or on the roads. It will help you to run faster by providing you with an ample amount of energy return.

Look-wise Ricochet 2 looks very sophisticated with flat-knit upper, hidden heel counter, and suede heel tab.

However, the main area where Brooks Ricochet differs from Brooks Ghost is the midsole.

Brooks Ricochet’s midsole is made from DNA AMP and BioMoGo DNA. We will discuss this in detail in the next section.

What is DNA AMP?

One of the main components of the midsole of Brooks Ricochet is DNA AMP.

This is the material that will provide you with that much expected pep under your feet.

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

Which is much higher and is much appreciated by the runners.

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

This resists horizontal expansion and harnesses more energy. However, this makes the sole somewhat stiffer than the DNA LOFT kinds.

Here is how it works:

Brooks Ghost Specifications

Brooks Ghost 12 differs at many places Brooks Ricochet 2 in terms of technology.

Brooks Ghost has a much softer sole and provides you with a cushier feeling.

On the flip-side, Brooks Ghost’s energy return is somewhat dampened.

While Ricochet 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 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 are some completely different technologies used for Brooks Ghost and Ricochet.

In the following sections, 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

3D Fit Print maintains the shoe structure but increases its flexibility and makes it lightweight.

This is a revolutionary process that uses screen-print technology to apply engineered mesh to the upper of the shoes.

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

DNA LOFT

This is what makes Brooks Ghost‘s midsole so soft.

It is a blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air.

Here is how it works:

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 in both Brooks Ghost and Ricochet.

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 Ricochet, 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. Ricochet – A head to head comparison

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

Let’s further dissect these two shoes and find out the subtler differences of Brooks Ghost 12 vs Brooks Ricochet 2.

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

Otherwise, read on…

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Outsole

Both Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ricochet 2 have durable blown rubber on their outsole. For Brooks Ghost, these rubber pieces are present in the high impact areas of the heel. It also extends from the tip of the toe-box to the middle of the shoe. 

This is also known as the crash pad and helps to absorb shock any way you land your feet.

However, for Brooks Ricochet 2, this rubber is present almost on the entire sole, with the exception being the center of the heels. The heels have a broad belt of rubber lining them to protect the midsole.

The outsole also has arrow-point shapes on the forefoot which helps in a quicker heel-to-toe transition in Ricochet.

Also, the forefoot area is segmented or has deep grooves and provides you with a good amount of firmness and flexibility.

Both Brooks Ghost and Brooks Ricochet are road running shoes and can work on treadmill and concrete. However, Brooks Ricochet can also work great on the tracks.

However, don’t run on the trails wearing them. You will not get enough grip on the ground and also, the outsole will be eroded fast, reducing the overall longevity of these running shoes.

Midsole

The midsole of these two running shoes is somewhat different. 

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

Whereas, Brooks Ricochet 2 has DNA AMP and BioMoGo DNA in its midsole. This combination provides you with a higher energy return.

There is a minor difference in the weight of these two running shoes with Brooks Ghost 12 being a bit heavier. Brooks Ricochet 2 weighs around 8.4oz for women and 9.7oz for men. Whereas, Brooks Ghost 12 weighs around 9.3oz for women and 10.4oz for men.

The difference is not that significant and you will not know the difference much.

One major difference in the midsole is the drop in these shoes. Brooks Ricochet 2 has a drop of 8 mm and Brooks Ghost 12 has a drop of 12 mm.

This is quite a difference as Ricochet is almost a low drop shoe. If you are used to high drop shoe, then at first you may need some time to get adjusted to Brooks Ricochet.

However, once you are comfortable, this pair will be able to serve you well.

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

As was previously mentioned, this is due to the type of cushioning being used in both shoes.

Technically speaking, both the running shoes have the same cushion-level of 2 which is the midlevel cushioning in any of the 4 categories of cushioning available from Brooks.

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

Both of these shoes have similar durability and will last you for 300 to 500 miles or 3 to 6 months.

This is pretty standard in for any Brooks running shoes. 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 Ricochet is engineered flat-knit mesh.

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

Ricochet comes with a hidden heel wrap and suede heel tab. This prevents irritation and will keep you blister-free.

To provide added structure to this running shoe, Brooks Ricochet comes with internal bootie. This is soft and comfortable and is lightweight. It will not cause you any discomfort.

Ricochet 2 has more of a sock-like fit at the collar and tongue. Whereas, Brooks Ghost is more traditional that way. It comes with a padded collar and tongue to keep your ankle joint stable.

Also, none of these shoes are waterproof and they will get wet if taken out on a rainy day.

One of the big differences in the upper of these two shoes is the number of widths that are available. Brooks Ghost 12 has more widths in both men’s and women’s categories. However, for Brooks Ricochet 2, only one width is available.

So, Brooks Ghost 12 is a more comfortable choice 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, I’m partial to Brooks Ghost 12. I love the elegance and texture of it. Brooks Ricochet is also a very pleasant looking shoe, but Ghost suits my style better.

The breathability of these shoes is also very good. However, I found here also, Brooks Ghost is a bit better than Brooks Ricochet. You will never have to deal with any hotspots in any of these shoes.

For Brooks Ricochet 2, some breaking in time may be needed. This may be more due to the kind of outsole. However, for Brooks Ghost 12, it is darn comfortable, right out of the box.

Weight

In terms of weight, both Brooks Ricochet and Brooks Ghost don’t differ much. However, Brooks Ghost 12 is a tad heavier.

Brooks Ricochet weighs around 8.4oz/238.10g for women and 9.7oz/275.0g for men. For Brooks Ghost, the weight stands at 9.3oz/263.7g for women and 10.4oz/294g for men.

However, with this minor difference in weight, you will not feel that your performance is affected in any way.

Price

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

Each of them is priced at around $130 when they were initially launched.

However, currently, both, Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ricochet 2 are 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 Ricochet has come down significantly. You should be able to get an additional discount for any of these excellent running shoes.

That’s all with the differences and similarities between Brooks Ghost 12 and Brooks Ricochet 2.

Below we have presented some alternatives for you for each of these shoes…

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Ricochet 2

A lot of running shoes can serve as a good alternative to Brooks Ricochet 2.

However, we are still working on the list and it will be available soon. Once it is available we will update this section, so that, you have a lot more choices.

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 Ricochet review”.

You now have all the required information to make the correct decision for yourself.

However, we found that Brooks Ghost is a bit more comfortable than Brooks Ricochet and also, doesn’t need any breaking in.

These are the reasons we liked Brooks Ghost better than Brooks Ricochet.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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