New Balance 880v14 vs Brooks Ghost 15: Which is the Better Running Shoe?

New Balance 880v14 vs Brooks Ghost 15: For runners seeking a perfect blend of comfort, support, and performance, the New Balance 880v14 and Brooks Ghost 15 are two of the most popular options on the market.

Both shoes boast impressive features, from superior cushioning to enhanced stability, making them top contenders for runners of all levels. But, which one reigns supreme?

In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll dive into the key similarities and differences between the New Balance 880v14 and Brooks Ghost 15, helping you make an informed decision on which shoe is the better fit for your running needs.

New Balance 880v14 vs Brooks Ghost 15: A Quick Overview

New Balance 880v14:

• Supportive Ride: Designed for runners with medium to high arches, the 880v14 offers a supportive ride with a comfortable balance of cushioning and stability.
• Fresh Foam Midsole: Features a Fresh Foam midsole for a soft, smooth ride and excellent shock absorption.
• Segmented Crash Pad: A segmented crash pad ensures a smooth heel-to-toe transition and a more natural stride.
• Breathable Upper: A lightweight, breathable upper provides a comfortable fit and excellent ventilation.
• Weight: 10.4 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)

Brooks Ghost 15:

• Soft and Smooth Ride: The Ghost 15 is designed for runners who need a soft, smooth ride with excellent cushioning and support.
• DNA Loft Midsole: Features a DNA Loft midsole for a soft, smooth ride and excellent shock absorption.
• Segmented Crash Pad: A segmented crash pad ensures a smooth heel-toe transition and a more natural stride.
• Engineered Mesh Upper: A lightweight, breathable upper provides a comfortable fit and excellent ventilation.
• Weight: 10.9 oz (men’s), 9.5 oz (women’s)

Design and Fit: How Do They Compare?

Here’s a comparison of the design and fit of the New Balance 880v14 and Brooks Ghost 15:

Upper Design

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a lightweight, breathable upper with a comfortable fit
  • Uses a combination of mesh and synthetic materials for a secure fit
  • Has a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added stability
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts an engineered mesh upper for a comfortable, breathable fit
  • Features a more minimalist design with a focus on comfort and flexibility
  • Has a more relaxed fit in the heel and midfoot for a comfortable ride

Fit

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers a comfortable, secure fit with a slightly more snug heel
  • Suitable for runners with medium to high arches
  • Has a more substantial toe box for added roominess
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides a comfortable, relaxed fit with a roomy toe box
  • Suitable for runners with medium to low arches
  • Has a more accommodating fit in the midfoot and heel for runners with wider feet

Heel-to-Toe Offset

• New Balance 880v14: 10mm heel-to-toe offset
• Brooks Ghost 15: 12mm heel-to-toe offset

Weight

• New Balance 880v14: 10.4 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)
• Brooks Ghost 15: 10.9 oz (men’s), 9.5 oz (women’s)

Cushioning and Support: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Cushioning

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a Fresh Foam midsole for a soft, smooth ride
  • Offers excellent shock absorption and cushioning in the heel and forefoot
  • Provides a comfortable, smooth transition from heel to toe
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a DNA Loft midsole for a soft, smooth ride
  • Offers superior cushioning and shock absorption in the heel and forefoot
  • Features a segmented crash pad for a smooth heel-to-toe transition

Support

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Designed for runners with medium to high arches
  • Offers supportive ride with a comfortable balance of cushioning and stability
  • Features a supportive heel counter for added stability
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Suitable for runners with medium to low arches
  • Provides a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support
  • Features a BioMoGo DNA midsole for customized cushioning and support

Stability Features

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a supportive heel counter for added stability
  • Offers a more substantial and supportive ride
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Features a BioMoGo DNA midsole for customized cushioning and support

Midsole and Outsole: A Closer Look at the Technology

Midsole Technology

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a Fresh Foam midsole for a soft, smooth ride
  • Offers excellent shock absorption and cushioning in the heel and forefoot
  • Provides a comfortable, smooth transition from heel to toe
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a DNA Loft midsole for a soft, smooth ride
  • Offers superior cushioning and shock absorption in the heel and forefoot
  • Features a BioMoGo DNA midsole for customized cushioning and support

Outsole Technology

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a blown rubber outsole for durability and traction
  • Offers a supportive and stable ride with a comfortable balance of cushioning and support
  • Has a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added stability
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a BioMoGo DNA outsole for customized traction and durability
  • Features a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Offers a soft, smooth ride with superior cushioning and support

Additional Features

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a supportive heel counter for added stability
  • Offers a more substantial and supportive ride
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a BioMoGo DNA midsole for customized cushioning and support
  • Features a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-to-toe transition

Weight and Responsiveness: How Do They Feel on Foot?

Weight

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Men’s: 10.4 oz (294g)
  • Women’s: 9.2 oz (261g)
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Men’s: 10.9 oz (309g)
  • Women’s: 9.5 oz (269g)

Responsiveness

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers a responsive ride with a comfortable balance of cushioning and support
  • Features a Fresh Foam midsole for a smooth, responsive feel
  • Has a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added stability
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides a smooth, responsive ride with superior cushioning and support
  • Boasts a DNA Loft midsole for a soft, smooth ride
  • Features a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-toe transition

On-Foot Feel

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers a comfortable, supportive ride with a more substantial heel counter
  • Provides a smooth, responsive feel with excellent cushioning and support
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides a soft, smooth ride with superior cushioning and support
  • Offers a comfortable, responsive feel with a smooth heel-toe transition

Overall Ride

• New Balance 880v14: Offers a comfortable, supportive ride with a balance of cushioning and support
• Brooks Ghost 15: Provides a soft, smooth ride with superior cushioning and support

Stability and Support: Which Shoe is Best for Runners with Pronation Issues?

Stability Features

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Designed for runners with medium to high arches
  • Offers a supportive ride with a comfortable balance of cushioning and support
  • Features a supportive heel counter for added stability
  • Has a more substantial and supportive ride
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Suitable for runners with medium to low arches
  • Provides a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support
  • Features a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-toe transition
  • Boasts a BioMoGo DNA midsole for customized cushioning and support

Support for Pronation

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers excellent support for runners with mild to moderate overpronation
  • Features a supportive heel counter and a more substantial and supportive ride
  • Provides a comfortable, smooth ride with excellent cushioning and support
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Suitable for runners with mild overpronation
  • Provides a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support
  • Features a BioMoGo DNA midsole for customized cushioning and support

Recommendation

• New Balance 880v14: Recommended for runners with medium to high arches and mild to moderate overpronation
• Brooks Ghost 15: Suitable for runners with medium to low arches and mild overpronation

Breathability and Ventilation: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

Breathability

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a lightweight, breathable upper with a comfortable fit
  • Uses a combination of mesh and synthetic materials for excellent ventilation
  • Has a breathable tongue and collar for added airflow
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts an engineered mesh upper for excellent breathability and ventilation
  • Features a lightweight, breathable design with a comfortable fit
  • Has a breathable tongue and collar for added airflow

Ventilation

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers excellent ventilation through the upper material and tongue
  • Features a breathable midfoot and forefoot for added airflow
  • Has a comfortable, breathable ride with excellent cushioning and support
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides excellent ventilation through the engineered mesh upper
  • Features a breathable midfoot and forefoot for added airflow
  • Offers a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support

Moisture Management

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a moisture-wicking upper material to keep feet dry and cool
  • Has a breathable design to prevent moisture buildup
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a moisture-wicking upper material to keep feet dry and cool
  • Features a breathable design to prevent moisture buildup

Traction and Grip: How Do They Perform on Different Surfaces?

Traction

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a blown rubber outsole for excellent traction and durability
  • Offers a supportive and stable ride with a comfortable balance of cushioning and support
  • Has a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added traction
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a BioMoGo DNA outsole for customized traction and durability
  • Provides a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support
  • Features a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-toe transition

Grip

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers excellent grip on various surfaces, including roads, trails, and tracks
  • Features a unique tread pattern for added grip and traction
  • Has a comfortable, supportive ride with excellent cushioning and support
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides excellent grip on various surfaces, including roads, trails, and tracks
  • Features a unique tread pattern for added grip and traction
  • Offers a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support

Performance on Different Surfaces

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Performs well on roads, tracks, and trails with a comfortable, supportive ride
  • Offers excellent traction and grip on various surfaces
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Performs well on roads, tracks, and trails with a smooth, comfortable ride
  • Provides excellent traction and grip on various surfaces

Durability and Longevity: Which Shoe Will Last Longer?

Durability

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Features a durable blown rubber outsole for excellent traction and durability
  • Has a supportive and stable ride with a comfortable balance of cushioning and support
  • Offers a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added durability
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Boasts a durable BioMoGo DNA outsole for customized traction and durability
  • Provides a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support
  • Features a Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel-toe transition

Longevity

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers a longer lifespan due to its durable construction and materials
  • Can last for 300-400 miles or more with proper care and maintenance
  • Has a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added durability
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides a moderate lifespan due to its lightweight and breathable design
  • Can last for 200-300 miles or more with proper care and maintenance
  • Features a BioMoGo DNA outsole for customized traction and durability

Maintenance

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to extend its lifespan
  • Should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Requires regular cleaning and maintenance to extend its lifespan
  • Should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent damage

Price and Value: Is One Shoe a Better Investment Than the Other?

Price

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Typically priced between $130-$160
  • Offers a high-quality, durable design with excellent cushioning and support
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Typically priced between $130-$160
  • Provides a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support

Value

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers excellent value for its price due to its durable construction and materials
  • Provides a comfortable, supportive ride with excellent cushioning and support
  • Has a more substantial and supportive heel counter for added value
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides good value for its price due to its lightweight and breathable design
  • Offers a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support
  • Features a BioMoGo DNA outsole for customized traction and durability

Investment

• New Balance 880v14:
  • Offers a better investment due to its durable construction and materials
  • Can last for 300-400 miles or more with proper care and maintenance
  • Provides a comfortable, supportive ride with excellent cushioning and support
• Brooks Ghost 15:
  • Provides a good investment due to its lightweight and breathable design
  • Can last for 200-300 miles or more with proper care and maintenance
  • Offers a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between the New Balance 880v14 and Brooks Ghost 15?

A: The main difference is the level of support and stability. The New Balance 880v14 is designed for runners with medium to high arches and offers a more substantial and supportive heel counter, while the Brooks Ghost 15 is suitable for runners with medium to low arches and provides a smooth, comfortable ride.

Q: Which shoe is better for runners with pronation issues?

A: The New Balance 880v14 is recommended for runners with mild to moderate overpronation, while the Brooks Ghost 15 is suitable for runners with mild overpronation.

Q: How do the shoes compare in terms of cushioning and support?

A: Both shoes offer excellent cushioning and support, but the New Balance 880v14 has a more substantial and supportive heel counter, while the Brooks Ghost 15 provides a smooth, comfortable ride with excellent cushioning and support.

Q: Which shoe is more durable and long-lasting?

A: The New Balance 880v14 is more durable and long-lasting due to its durable construction and materials, while the Brooks Ghost 15 has a moderate lifespan due to its lightweight and breathable design.

Q: Which shoe is better value for the price?

A: The New Balance 880v14 offers better value for its price due to its durable construction and materials, while the Brooks Ghost 15 provides good value for its price due to its lightweight and breathable design.