Brooks Ghost Vs Trace: Which One Is The Best For You? [2021]

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Brooks Ghost Vs Trace is a tough comparison. Both of these running shoes are neutral running shoes from Brooks. Also, they are comfortable and provide you with a pleasurable ride.

If you observe them closely, they are similar to look at as well. Then what is the difference between these two running shoes?

To find out, we have compared Brooks Ghost 14 and Brooks Trace in this post. At the time of writing this post, these are the latest versions of the running shoes.

In the following sections, we have tried to compare these two running shoes as objectively as possible. By the end of this post, you should be able to make up your mind about which one to go for.

Let’s proceed…

This is our winner

Differences between Brooks Ghost Vs Trace

• Brooks Ghost is a bit heavier than Brooks Trace. For women, Brooks Ghost weighs around 9oz or 255.1g whereas Brooks Trace weighs around 7.9oz or 224g. For the men’s version, Brooks Ghost weighs around 9.9oz or 280.6g whereas Brooks Trace weighs around 8.9oz or 252.3g.

• Brooks Ghost uses DNA LAOFT in the midsole whereas Brooks Trace uses BioMoGo DNA cushioning in the midsole.

• For the women’s version of the shoe, Brooks Trace has one fewer size available than Brooks Ghost.

• Brooks Ghost has multiple toe-box widths available whereas for Brooks Trace there is only one toe-box width available for both versions.

• Brooks Ghost is carbon neutral whereas Brooks Trace is not.

• The latest generation of Brooks Ghost is 14 whereas this is the first generation of Brooks Trace.

Brooks Trace Vs Brooks Ghost – An Overview

Brooks Ghost and Brooks Trace are neutral running shoes with a good amount of cushioning and shock absorption.

Both will provide you with good mileage and will last you for around 300-500 miles.

In the following sections, we are providing you with an in-depth comparison of Brooks Ghost and Brooks Trace.

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

Brooks Ghost 14 Vs Brooks Trace – Features at a glance

Brooks Trace Vs. Brooks Ghost – A head to head comparison

In the above sections, you will find some major differences between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Trace.

In the following sections, we are covering a more in-depth comparison of these two running shoes.

Outsole

The outsole of Brooks Trace is made from blown rubber. This rubber is resilient and will provide you with excellent grip and cushioning during running.

It doesn’t wear off easily and will provide excellent protection to the softer midsole. This way the wear and tear of the midsole are also reduced.

However, if you observe the outsole of Brooks Trace, it looks very similar to Brooks Ghost. It has multiple flex grooves on the forefoot, however, the area under the first metatarsal is fused to provide a bit of additional support during toe-off.

The outsole of Brooks Ghost is also made from blown rubber. This blown rubber provides the same function to the shoe as Brooks Trace while protecting the soft DNA LOFT material.

This is a soft rubber that provides you with excellent flexibility and will help you to move with ease.

Like Brooks Trace, it is also a full-contact outsole and provides you with a softer heel-to-toe transition.

Midsole

The midsole of Brooks Trace is made from BioMoGo DNA. This is a cushy and adaptive material that adapts to your stride. This provides you with a truly customized cushioning that adapts to your feet.

This midsole also works with the outsole and adapts itself to the changing terrain. This provides you with stable cushioning and excellent shock absorption.

Also, this material is lightweight and will not weigh you down. You will be able to perform at your best while wearing these running shoes.

The midsole of Brooks Ghost is made from DNA LOFT. This foam material is soft and cushy and will provide you with plush and luxurious cushioning.

This soft material is not squishy and will provide you with good responsiveness and durability.

Also, it has Omega Flex Grooves that improve the forefoot flexibility without compromising the cushioning.

The segmented crash pad flexes with your foot providing you with customized cushioning. It also provides you with good stability during the heel-to-toe transition.

Upper

The upper of Brooks Trace is made from engineered mesh. This mesh stretches with your feet to provide you with a roomy yet secure fit.

This stretching, allows you to have more airflow during running, provides you with a breathable and comfortable fit.

Also, this helps to keep the in-shoe temperature down and keep you cool and comfortable during your running. This mesh material also helps the moisture to escape providing you with an even lighter shoe.

The upper of Brooks Ghost is made from 3D Fit Print mesh. This provides you with a seamless fit and keeps you cool and dry during running.

This mesh material is very breathable and your feet will not feel suffocated in this shoe.

Unlike Brooks Trace, Brooks Ghost comes in a lot of toe-box sizes. This provides a good fit for a large number of runners. Also, the stretching of the mesh along with your feet provides you with a very natural and unrestrictive movement.

Weight

In terms of weight, Brooks Ghost is a bit heavier than Brooks Trace.

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

Brooks Trace weighs around 7.9oz/224g for women and 8.9oz/252.3g for men.

Price

Brooks Ghost will cost you more than Brooks Trace. If you compare the prices of Brooks Ghost 14 and Brooks Trace (the latest versions at the time of writing this post), you will find a price difference of around $30 or 30%.

However, this may be due to the kind of material that is used in these two shoes. also, it has to do with the category that these two running shoes belong to. 

The choice will boil down to only these two factors. Do you want to spend an extra $30 on a pair of running shoes, and whether you want more cushioning or reponsiveness.

In the above sections, you will find almost all the similarities and differences between Brooks Ghost and Brooks Trace.

However, we have picked a couple of alternatives for these running shoes that will provide you with similar comfort and running experience. You may consider them if you like to have more options for your shoe rotation.

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Ghost 14

Brooks Ghost 14 is using DNA LOFT as its primary cushioning material. This makes the cushioning soft and stable. Also, it is not squishy and will not pack out under your weight. It has a very comfortable in-shoe environment and will provide you with a pleasurable running experience.

My preference as an alternative to Brooks Ghost is New Balance 1080. It has a soft fresh foam cushioning and a comfortable in-shoe environment. Also, being a neutral running shoe, it is excellent for runners with neutral or mile to medium underpronation.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 Running Shoes

• This model runs large, compared to previous versions. You may consider ordering down from your normal size.
• Fresh Foam X cushioning delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort
• Hypoknit upper designed to provide strategic areas of stretch and support

Find on Amazon!

Last update on 2024-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Trace

Brooks Trace is a neutral running shoe that is comfortable, responsive, and cushy. It will provide you excellent shock absorption and is great for your daily runs.

The midsole of Brooks Trace is slightly stiffer than Ghost and provides you with a good energy return. Also, the in-shoe experience is also very comfortable.

Mizuno Wave Rider can be a good alternative to Brooks Trace. It is responsive, cushy, and will provide you with an excellent energy return.

It is great for heel strikers and will provide a very stable running environment for neutral runners.

Mizuno Wave Rider 25 Running Shoes

• MIZUNO ENERZY (FOAM): Offering versatility in its application, while still maintaining softness and resilience. It will help enhance performance capabilities.
• MIZUNO WAVE: The MIZUNO WAVE plate disperses energy from impact to a broader area providing a stable platform and a superior cushioning.
• X10 Outsole: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear.

Find on Amazon!

Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

In the above sections, we have tried to cover almost all the differences and similarities between Brooks Ghost Vs Brooks Trace in as much detail as possible. However, we loved one of them a little more than the other.

Brooks Ghost 14 is using DNA LOFT as the primary cushioning material and it runs from heel to toe. This makes Brooks Ghost provide a softer cushioning than Brooks Trace. Brooks Ghost also has multiple toe box widths available which are absent in Brooks Trace. This way, Brooks Ghost can cater to wider foot widths. Also, the flat laces, and upbeat upper makes you stand out from the crowd.

These are the reasons that we chose Brooks Ghost over Brooks Trace.

If you run in any of these shoes, let us know in the comment section below. We would love to feature you in this post and share your experience with our readers.

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