Brooks Ghost 14 vs Adrenaline 21

The Ghost and the Adrenaline are the most popular running shoes in the Brooks lineup. Here we will be comparing the latest version of each shoe: the Brooks Ghost 14 vs Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Brooks Ghost 14 vs Adrenaline 21

The Brooks Ghost 14 and Adrenaline GTS 22 are very similar shoes on the surface. So much so that the Ghost was initially knowns as "a neutral Adrenaline GTS".

This might give away the biggest difference of them all: the Ghost is a neutral trainer while the Adrenaline is a stability shoe. Both sitting at a similar price point, these shoes are trusted workhorses for logging lots of mileage.

Similarity and differences: Ghost 14 vs Adrenaline GTS 22

Verdict

The Ghost 14 is far from an exciting daily trainer but it's a dependable workhorse that has the perfect balance of long-distance cushioning and ride stability. It excels on long-distances and steady-paced runs.

Version 14 has been updated with a more streamlined upper and a snappier forefoot, making it a small improvement over version 13.

The Brooks Adrenaline 22 is a solid daily trainer. Its tried and true approach along with the small changes made in the 22 results in the Adrenaline becoming one of the most stable and comfortable trainers out there.

Recommended for

Daily training

Daily training

Cushioning type

balanced

balanced

Cushioning amount

Highly cushioned

Medium cushioning

Flexibility

flexible

medium

Stability

very stable

very stable

Sizing

true to size

true to size

Retail price

US$130

US$139.95

Sole unit: Ghost 14 vs Adrenaline GTS 22

The Ghost and the Adrenaline share a very similar sole unit, especially when it comes to the outsole and the patterns of the flex grooves.

The Adrenaline’s midsole is made of DNA Loft foam – providing a soft, but not squishy ride. The Ghost’s midsole is also made of only DNA Loft. These sole units are made for logging long miles in comfort.

Ride transitions are super smooth in both shoes due to the fact that they both use only DNA Loft foam in their midsoles.

The main difference is in the presence, in the Adrenaline, of the GuideRail system that was first introduced in the Transcend. Think of them as of the bumpers in a bowling alley: they let the ball roll on its normal path, but if the ball goes too much on the side – they save it. Same here with the Adrenaline: the GuideRails system keeps your foot in place while you run.

The Ghost 14 is a neutral shoe but still very stable and supportive however not as stable as the Adrenaline GTS 22 with its GuideRails.

The outsoles of the Ghost 14 and the Adrenaline GTS 22 feature harder rubber in the heel and softer, blown rubber in the forefoot and midfoot. While being very thick pieces of rubber, they aren’t as durable as the rubber used by other brands. Both shoes have excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, wet and dry.

Upper unit: Ghost 14 vs Adrenaline GTS 22

Once again, the upper of these too shoes is really really similar.

They are both made of engineered mesh and they both provide a secured but comfortable fit. During our tests, the Adrenaline felt a little smaller than a Ghost of similar size, but your mileage might vary.

Overall no big differences in the uppers of these two shoes.

Which one to buy: Ghost 14 vs Adrenaline GTS 22

In this case, we can say this is a pretty easy choice.

Both shoes are indicated for both beginners and seasoned runners who are looking for a daily trainer to log most of the mileage in comfort. The excel as marathon training shoes.

The Adrenaline has a very similar ride to the Ghost with the addition of the GuideRails system: this makes them a stability shoe and we recommend it to runners with instability in their ankles. The Adrenaline will help you keep your foot in a proper gait.

If you don’t need any extra stability, by all means go for the Ghost 14: it’s one of the shoes we most often recommend.

This expert review is written by

Ruggero Loda

Founder and Publisher, Running Shoes Guru

Ruggero is the founder and publisher of Running Shoes Guru.

After earning his degree in Business Administration in Milan, he moved to the Netherlands where he worked in companies such as Nike, and Adidas/Reebok where he expanded and cultivated his interest for running shoes.

Originally a swimmer, Ruggero started running in 2009 while preparing for his first triathlon and has not stopped since.

He launched Running Shoes Guru in 2009 because he could not find a reliable, independent and trusted source of running shoe reviews elsewhere on the internet.

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So much so that the Ghost was initially knowns as "a neutral Adrenaline GTS". This might give away the biggest difference of them all: the Ghost is a neutral trainer while the Adrenaline is a stability shoe. Both sitting at a similar price point, these shoes are trusted workhorses for logging lots of mileage.

Is the Brooks Ghost 14 good for walking?

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What's the difference between adrenaline 21 and 22?

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Is the Brooks Ghost a stability shoe?

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