New Balance 1080 vs Brooks Ghost: Which One Will Suit You [2021 Guide]

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New Balance 1080 and Brooks Ghost are both neutral running shoes.

However, despite this similarity, there are a lot of differences between these two running shoes which you will find in the detailed comparison below.

As a reference point, we have compared Brooks Ghost 13 and New Balance 1080v11 as they are currently the latest models of these two shoes in the market.

Being said that, here are the differences between New Balance 1080 Vs Brooks Ghost.

This is our winner

The main differences between New Balance 1080 Vs Brooks Ghost

• In New Balance 1080, the heel-to-toe drop is 8mm, and in Brooks Ghost, it is 12mm which is a standard.
• New Balance 1080 is a bit lighter than Brooks Ghost. Women’s version of Brooks Ghost weighs around 8.8oz / 249.5g and for New Balance 1080 it is 8.1oz/230g. Men’s version of Brooks Ghost weighs around 10.1oz / 286.3g and for New Balance 1080 it is 9.3oz/263g.
• Brooks Ghost has a cushion of type DNA LOFT. It is made from rubber and air blending. New Balance 1080 has Fresh Foam X which is a modern version of EVA which is a uniquely formulated compound injection in a heat press.
• In New Balance 1080, you have a size range from 6.0-20.0 for men and a 5.0-13.0 size range for women. In Brooks Ghost, you have a size range from 7.0- 15.0 for men, and for women, you have a size range of 5.0-13.0.
• New Balance 1080 has an ultra heel and infuse heel tab for more ankle stability. Brooks Ghost is a more traditional running shoe with decent padding in the heel collar.
• The latest generation of Brooks Ghost is 13, and the current New Balance 1080 is 11.

New Balance 1080 Vs Brooks Ghost – An Overview

Brooks Ghost and New Balance 1080 are excellent running shoes for neutral runners.

Not only you can use both of these shoes for daily runs, but you can also use them for training as well.

In the above sections, we have covered the major differences between Brooks Ghost and New Balance 1080.

Below we will dive into a little more detail.

So without further delay, let’s proceed…

Related: New Balance 1080v12 Vs 1080v11: What Changed?

New Balance 1080 Vs Brooks Ghost- Features at a glance

Brooks Ghost Vs. New Balance – A head to head comparison

Till now we have seen some distinctive features and some major differences between Brooks Ghost 13 and New Balance 1080.

In the following sections, we will dive a little deeper and compare each part of these running shoes.

Outsole

New Balance 1080 has blown rubber on the outsole. However, if you closely observe, you will find that there are clear segments of this rubber on the outsole. This rubber is present in all the high-impact areas and has a honey kind of pattern.

This makes these shoes durable and keeps you stable while you are out on a run.

Now compare that to Brooks Ghost. It resembles to some extent the marking of a tire and also has some segments throughout the outsole.

Due to this the stability and grip of Brooks Ghost are fantastic. Overall the durability of these shoes is also good and will last you somewhere from 300 miles to 500 miles.

Midsole

New Balance 1080 uses EVA foam which is heat pressed and forms a very lightweight foam called Fresh Foam. New Balance claims to have formulated this foam from inputs from various athletes.

Also, this is a single-piece foam that will provide you with springy comfort from heel to toe.

However, if you look at Brooks Ghost, this is an entirely different story. The midsole is made from a blend of rubber and air and provides you with excellent comfort. It will provide you not only soft cushioning but also, buttery soft transitions.

Overall, it is an excellent cushioning that will provide you with maximum comfort without damping the return.

There is also a difference in the hee-to-toe drop of these shoes. New Balance 1080 has a drop of 8mm whereas Brooks Ghost has a drop of 12mm.

Also, the widths also differ in these running shoes. Brooks Ghost has normal, narrow 2A, wide D for women and Normal, Narrow B, Wide 2E, Extra Wide 4E for men. In New Balance 1080 you will find narrow, standard, wide, and x-wide.

Upper

Both Brooks Ghost and New Balance 1080 have bootie construction and engineered mesh in the upper. That way, they are very similar. Also, they are very comfortable and breathable and has required stretch in proper areas.

They are lightweight and will almost disappear on your foot. However, the styles that these two running shoes have are completely different. Brooks Ghost has a very traditional running shoe look whereas New Balance 1080 is completely trendy.

Also, the collar padding of Brooks Ghost is like any other traditional shoe, whereas New Balance 1080 has ultra heels with infused pull tab and a raised tongue. Together they reach a little above the ankle providing a bit more stability.

The pattern that is present on New Balance 1080 is more intricate than Brooks Ghost. Overall, although both have bootie construction and engineered mesh, they will provide you with different styles…

Now, which is better?

 That will be dependent on your choice…However, I like the look of New Balance 1080 more…

Weight

New Balance 1080 is a bit lighter than Brooks Ghost. This may be due to the fact that they have upgraded the way EVA foam is being used in New Balance 1080.

The weight of New Balance 1080 men’s shoes is 9.3oz/263g and that of women’s shoes is 8.1oz/230g. Whereas the weight of Brooks Ghost is 10.1oz / 286.3g for men and 8.8oz / 249.5g for women.

Price

Brooks Ghost will cost you less than New Balance 1080 by around 30 bucks. Since both are neutral running shoes, for me, Brooks Ghost is a better choice.

However, if you find Brooks Ghost to be too boring, (it surely is) then you may want to pick up New Balance 1080.

Above we have provided you with almost all the details and differences of  Brooks Ghost and New Balance 1080.

However, if you want to continue your research and find some alternatives, below are some that we think will suit your needs.

Similar Shoes

Running Shoes Similar To Brooks Ghost 13

Brooks Ghost is a very good neutral running shoe. However, we have found some of them which can be very good alternatives.

Here is the list of the best Brooks Ghost alternatives that you may try.

Running Shoes Similar To New Balance 1080v11

New Balance 1080 also has some alternatives. However, we are yet to come up with a list.

While we are at it, here is the best alternative that you can continue your research on.

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Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 Running Shoes

• Engineered Mesh Upper: Multi-directional mesh material improves ventilation and stability.
• Engineered mesh upper improves breathability:
• GEL Technology: Cushioning provides excellent shock absorption

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Last update on 2023-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

Both Brooks Ghost and New Balance 1080 are excellent running shoes.

However, due to better style, lightweightedess, and excellent stability, we have chosen New Balance 1080 as the winner.

Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

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