Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin (And Adrenaline)

If you’re considering a shoe from Brooks, you may be torn between the Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin. While both shoes are designed to provide a comfortable and supportive running experience, they have different features that cater to different runner needs. We’ll also throw in the Brooks Ghost Max and Brooks Adrenaline for comparison!

The great news is these are both long time favorites of many runners, so you’re already heading down the path of choosing a running shoe that you should enjoy for many miles.

AND a shoe that will likely be around for many more models. Because let’s be honest, nothing is worse than falling in love with a shoe and having it disappear (been there!).

Over the years, I’ve run in a variety of Brooks running shoes, including both of these.

In this article, we’ll compare the Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerine vs Brooks Adrenaline to help you determine which shoe is the right fit for your running needs. We’ll examine the fit, feel, and specific features of each shoe, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your next pair of running shoes.

Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin Overview

Brooks Ghost and Brooks Glycerin are two shoes that seem to keep getting more and more similar, especially using the same cushioning system.

The Brooks Ghost is a great option for runners who value cushion and comfort in daily trainer.

The Glycerin without the GTS label is a neutral shoe with a little more cushion, a little more weight and a little more stability with the wider base than the Ghost.

• Glycerin is more cushioned
• Ghost is a better all around trainer for easy to pick up the pace for the mid pack runner

And the Glycerin Max is a WHOLE different shoe. We love it. But it’s softer and springier than either of these.

Here are some key differences in the Ghost vs Glycerin vs Adrenaline:

• Same cushioning system, 3mm more cushion in the Glycerin
• Additional 1mm of cushion in the Ghost Max to make it highest stack height
• Similar in weight
• 10mm drop in Glycerin
• 12mm drop in Ghost and Adrenaline (next model of the Ghost will be 10mm!)
• Glycerin is higher price point due to more cushion
• Glycerin has a slightly wider toebox than the Ghost
• Adrenaline is the firmest of the 4 shoes
• Glycerin upper feels a bit warmer

Both shoes run true to size compared to other brands.

When to Choose the Glycerin over the Ghost?

As noted these two are really similar, but I think the deciding factor may come down to what you want from your shoe.

If you want an all around daily trainer that you could also use for some tempo work, then the Ghost is going to be your winner. The main downside is the 12mm heel to toe drop can be an issue for knee pain or IT band issues.

When you want a little more cushion and a light feeling of stability (not the GTS model) then the Glycerin is going to be your winner.

If you want stability first and foremost then you’ll go with the Adrenaline, though it will feel the least soft of the 4 shoes.

As I said to start, all of these shoes can be great options. So a lot of it comes down to what feels good for you because that is actually a big piece of avoiding injury.

Comparing the Stability Options

On the other hand, the Brooks Glycerin GTS is a shoe designed for stability and support. It features a GuideRails support system that helps keep the body aligned and reduces excess movement while running.

Both shoes utilize the same cushioning system, so we’ll touch more on that below. The Glycerin has a higher stack height and thus more of the v3 cushion which can make it feel a tad more plush. My Ghost’s are pretty broken in at this point and feel plenty soft to me, so this wasn’t a huge difference.

But with the addition of the stability to the GST model, the shoe is going to feel firmer. It’s a true stability shoe, compared to some newer models like HOKA which are using a wider base and stack height to create stability without controlling foot motion.

Brooks DNA Loft Cushioning

Brooks DNA Loft is a cushioning technology used in some of Brooks’ running shoes that combines their DNA foam with a soft, air-filled rubber compound. This combination results in a plush, responsive feel that’s designed to provide maximum comfort and support during a run.

The foam used in the DNA Loft technology adapts to the runner’s stride, providing cushioning where it’s needed most while also delivering energy return to propel the runner forward. The air-filled rubber compound is strategically placed in the midsole to provide additional cushioning and shock absorption without adding extra weight to the shoe.

But it’s so much more than just air here. There is a lot of technology happening, “Using the proprietary DNA LOFT cushioning as our base, we infuse it with nitrogen through a supercritical foaming process that heats the liquid nitrogen until it turns to gas.”

Here’s how this stacks up to their other shoe cushions:

• DNA AMP provides the most energy return of all Brooks cushioning technologies, giving runners a lively, springy ride that propels them forward during their runs.
• BioMoGo DNA strikes a balance between softness and responsiveness, offering a comfortable feel that’s softer than DNA AMP, but firmer than DNA LOFT.
• DNA FLASH is Brooks’ lightweight cushioning technology, designed for speed. It’s not as plush as DNA LOFT, but still offers a soft, comfortable ride that’s ideal for racing and fast-paced training. Additionally, DNA FLASH is infused with nitrogen for added performance benefits.

Technically the Glycerin uses the DNA Loft v3 version where the Ghost uses the v2 version and so the Glycerin should be softer. They often call it plush, but having tested a TON Of cushioned running shoes, I wouldn’t call it plush.

Brooks Ghost 16 Overview

If you love a neutral daily trainer that can handle some mileage, I think the Brooks Ghost 16 is going to make you very happy. Though the heel drop is higher than I typically use, I found it less noticeable than in other running shoes.

It’s not the lightest shoe, which is why I say is a great training shoe, but not generally what I’d pick out for a PR race day. For example, the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 is actually a full 1 oz lighter. However, it’s also a more maximal shoe and not everyone enjoys that style.

A great pick for cushioned neutral Brooks shoe for daily easy runs with a higher heel drop.

Higher heel drop can be useful if you have Achilles pain while running or potentially for heel strikers. I’m not sure I always agree with that second point because maybe the shoe is contributing to the heel strike rather than just softening the landing…but chicken or egg my friends.

I found this shoe to be right in the middle in terms of cushion. Not so plush that I’m sinking in and not so thin on cushion that my legs are noticing it by the end of a run.

• 12 mm heel drop
• 8.8 oz women’s
• 9.8 oz men’s
• Moderate cushion
• Available in 7 colors
• Available in Wide (and extra wide in men’s)
• Available on Brooks, Amazon, Zappos and retail stores for $140
• Checkout our detailed Brooks Ghost 16 review >>

Brooks Ghost Max Overview

Feels like this has to be mentioned here because so many are now leaning in to the bigger stack and more cushion.

The Brooks Ghost is a hugely popular shoe, so of course they’d want to take advantage of that when launching a new shoe. But my first take was a swing and a miss. I’d much rather keep running in the Brooks Ghost.

That might not be a popular opinion and am I supposed to say that as someone who hopes they will keep sending me shoes to review? Dunno, but honestly is what you’ll get here.

I found the Ghost to be softer, while the Max might be more stable. So it could be the slightly more cushioned stable option if you aren’t wanting to pick up a support shoe. Though we have to say this shoe looks like an orthopedic support shoe.

It’s not that I didn’t enjoy my runs in this shoe! It simply didn’t seem like a better option than the Ghost, Glycerin or Adrenaline on any level except the lower heel drop.

• Neutral shoe
• 6 mm heel drop
• 9 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
• Moderate cushion
• Available in 7 colors
• Available in Wide
• Available on BrooksRunning.com, Amazon, Zappos and retail stores for $170

Brooks Glycerin 21 Overview

The plushiest model in the Brooks line features plenty of DNA Loft foam, plus the Ortholite sock liner. This is designed to be the plushest ride they have with not only their signature DNA, but a new nitro infused midsole.

To be clear while it might be their max trainer, as noted above it’s not the cushiest or softest daily trainer that I’ve run in recently. It is more cushion than the Ghost, but only marginally in my opinion.

So what really sets the two apart for me is the wider toebox and the difference heel drop.

A lot of people LOVE this shoe who spend all day on their feet and I can absolutely see why. It’s very comfortable for running, walking or standing around. And like many of the bigger stack heights, it seems to have a slightly wider base so it feels really stable.

This has been a go to recommendation shoe for running with bunions. It does have a wider toebox than the ghost.

The GTS version is their stability option, where the shoe without that label is neutral!

The overall cushion around the heel and tongue are maybe a little more than the Ghost, but very similar.

• Neutral and stability options
• 10mm drop
• 8.8 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
• Available in 7 colors
• Available in wide
• Find it on Brooksrunning.com for $160

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Overview

The “GTS” in Brooks Adrenaline GTS stands for “Go-To-Support.” It’s a nod to the fact that the Adrenaline GTS has become a go-to shoe for many runners who prioritize stability, support, and comfort in their running shoes. It’s simply gotten lighter and less rigid over the years!

The Adrenaline GTS has been a staple in Brooks’ running shoe lineup for many years, and its popularity among runners has made it a top-selling shoe in the industry.

One of the standout features of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS is its GuideRails support system. This technology helps keep the body aligned and reduces excess movement while running, which can be particularly important for runners who overpronate or have other gait issues. The GuideRails support system works by gently guiding the foot and ankle into proper alignment, helping prevent knee and hip pain and reducing the risk of injury.

It’s a shoe that’s well-suited for runners who need stability and support, particularly those with overpronation or other gait issues. It’s also a great choice for runners who want a comfortable, cushioned ride without sacrificing responsiveness or performance.

• Stability shoe
• 12 mm heel drop
• 9 oz women’s, 10.2 oz men’s
• Moderate cushion
• Available in 20 colors
• Available in Wide
• Available on BrooksRunning.com, Amazon, Zappos and retail stores for $140

Drawbacks to Brooks Running Shoes

As noted, every runner has a preference, so there are just a couple of things from my experience.

• They are not ideal for those with high arches or a high mid-foot
• Most of them run a bit more narrow than say HOKA or Altra, but not as narrow as Saucony and Nike
• Still a very traditional looking run shoe, not fashion forward
• Bright colors or white dominate the selections
• Limited wide selection

All right, hopefully this Brooks Ghost vs Glycerin breakdown gave you the insights you needed to pick the perfect shoe! The good news is, you’re never married to one running shoe for life! You can keep testing and testing til you find the one that works RIGHT NOW.

Your feet and body change, so you may change what shoes you prefer over time.

Looking for other running shoes??

• On Cloud vs Brooks Running
• On Cloud vs Hoka
• Adidas Vs Nike Running Shoes
• Altra vs HOKA Running Shoes
• How to Dry Running Shoes

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