Since you’ve googled “Brooks Ghost 10 vs Glycerin 15”, you certainly have some decent knowledge about these two great series and looking for a verdict.
Since they’re in their 10th and 15th iterations, this means they’ve been quite popular and have managed to satisfy their fans.
These are both road running shoes, they’re both really popular and you see them all over the place.
But what are the major reasons somebody should get one over the other. This will apply to most of the shoes in this lineup and it’s not just about the the Ghost 10 or the Glycerin 15.
Unfortunately, the Brooks Ghost 10 and the Glycerin 15 can only serve neutral runners. But a lot of overpronators just slide their orthotics in and they’re good to go.
I’m going to uncover everything you need to know about the Brooks Ghost 10 and the Glycerin 15.
I’m going to focus more on what’s changed and give you my take on whether those changes are meaningful enough for you to pull the trigger on the upgrade.
Related:
Brooks Glycerin 19 GTS vs Regular
Brooks Ghost 13 vs Saucony Ride 13
Brooks Ghost 14 vs Mizuno Wave Rider 25
Brooks Ghost vs Adrenaline
Bottom Line
So, the main similarities and differences between the Brooks Ghost 10 and the Glycerin 15 are:
- run a half size smaller.
- serve the exact same purpose.
- are breathable, flexible, and comfortable.
- offer good lockdown.
- feature not too aggressive of an arch.
- feature the same engineered mesh.
- have an adjustable saddle consrcution.
- Ghost 10 has thinner overlays and Glycerin 15 has wider overlays.
- Ghost 10 features 2 guiding eyelets.
- Glycerin is more expensive than the Ghost.
- Glycerin has a 10mm drop and the Ghost has 12mm drop.
- The Ghost is a little bit lighter than the Glycerin.
- The cushioning is firmer on the Ghost 10 and a little bit softer on the Glycerin 15.
- The Glycerin is more comfortable than the Ghost.
Without further ado, let’s dive right into it.
Related: Brooks Ghost 14 vs Nike Pegasus 38
Comparison Chart
Terrain | Road, packed dirt trails, treadmill. | Road, pavement, flat, hard soil/cinder trail, treadmill |
Arch | Neutral cushioning | Neutral cushioning (good for medium to high arches) |
Arch type | Medium-high | Medium-high |
Good for | – New runners, casual runners, fast runners, heavyset runners, 5ks, 10ks. | – New runners, casual runners, fast runners, heavyset runners, 5ks, 10ks |
Use | – Daily running, light training, tempo runs, long runs, and everyday use | – High mileage training, daily running, light training, tempo runs, long runs, light workouts, easy-paced training, and everyday use |
Weight | W: 8.5oz / M: 10oz (lighter because of thinner toe bumper, sleeker design, less reflective overlays on the front) | W: 9.5oz / M: 10.6oz |
Heel-to-toe drop | W: 12mm / M: 12mm (less responsiveness and ground feel) | W: 10mm / M: 10mm (pretty standard, great for heel strikers) |
Heel height | W: 30mm / M: 30mm | W: 29mm / M: 29mm |
Forefoot height | W: 18mm M: 18mm | W: 19mm M: 19mm |
Width | M: narrow, normal, wide W: narrow, normal, wide | M: narrow, normal, wide W: narrow, normal, wide |
True to size | Runs a half size smaller | Runs a half size smaller |
Midsole | – Signature BioMoGo DNA foam (adapts to landing and displaces pressure on feet.) + newly crash pad for softer landing | – Brooks full length Super DNA foam (adapts and offers customized soft and smooth cushioning) |
Outsole | – Softer forefoot rubber for smooth ride, – Carbon rubber at the back against wear and tear, – Deeper forefoot grooves for better transitioning | – Segmented crash pad (smoother heel to toe transiton)- Brooks Ideal Pressure Zones in the forefoot (disperse impact) – Omega Flex Grooves offer good flexibility for the amount of rubber. |
Upper | – 3D Stretch Print Seamless Enginnered Mesh (breathable and flexible) – Flexible overlays (very secure but poor choice for wet conditions) | – Redesigned 3D Print Four-way stretch air mesh (very thin and has nice fit)- Less roomy than the Ghost 10- Smooth collar – Thick plush tongue (no irritation while tightening laces)- Plush heel (comfortable fit around both side of the ankle and the heel) |
Sock liner | Removable Profile Sock liner | Removable fixed S-257 Cushsole insole (creates little depressions for toes, heel) |
Breathability | Streamlined overlays (better air circulation) | – Very breathable – Thin overlays allow for air circulation |
Protection | – Grippy outsole- Shock absorption- Toe cap- No overheating- Heel crash pad (protection from impact for heel strikers) | – Good protection for feet and joints- Shock absorbing – Cushioning protects from impact |
Key features | – New upper – New roomy toe box construction – Lightweight- Smoother- New crash pad- New deeper flex grooves – Improved arch support- 3D Stretch Print Engineered Mesh Upper, – Carbon rubber / blown rubber outsole, – BioMogo DNA cushioning – BioMogo sock liner- Round laces- 2 guiding eyelets (secure upper and tongue) – sShoelace holder at the top of the tongue | – New Super DNA midsole- 3D Fit Print technology – Ideal Pressuer Zones – Omega Flex Grooves – Segmented crash pad – Removable fixed S-257 Cushsole insole – Plush collar and tongue – Plush heel – Thin overlays |
Pros | – Offers good balance of high performance, comfort, cushion, and support.- Brings runners a more cushioned, smoother, and adaptive ride.- Delivers smooth and silent transition from heel strike to toe-off.- Toe box is roomy but not sloppy (great for bunions)- Solid lockdown- Corrects supination- Prevents knee pain- Isn’t bulky – Comfortable and supportive for plantar fasciitis- Weather resistant and can dry over night | – Excellent in durability, ride and comfort. – Provides a sock-like fit- Stretchy mesh offers enhanced breathability and comfort- Helps diminish foot and leg problems – Does not need to be broken in – Balanced ride quality (a shoe without the outwardly leaning character which is often present in stability shoes and even certain neutral shoes) |
Cons | – Not a great choice during rain running- Not super responsive- Less reflective material- Outsole durability issues- Tiny pebbles can get stuck in flex grooves | – Squeaky during the first 10 miles or so – Outsole durability Lacks support- Midfoot may be narrow for some people |
Intro
Ghost 10
The Ghost line is probably Brooks’ most popular neutral running shoe. Maybe the Glycerin line will take that crown, but regardless, people seem to love this shoe.
The Brooks Ghost 9 was already a solid running shoe and the Ghost 10 does keep the same foundation so to speak as the 9.
The 12mm drop stayed the same and the initial pricing also stayed the same. It’s kind of expensive but honestly not as bad as a lot of other premium cushioned running shoes out there.
The Brooks Ghost 10 will be a workhorse for you and it actually might not be that bad of a value. Of course now that the Ghost 10 has arrived, the 9s is being discounted heavily. Check its current prices here.
Brooks didn’t make any significant overhauls but I do like the slight changes they did make. The thinner overlays, the two-layer midsole and the heel cushion on the outsole make for an extremely comfortable experience and a smooth ride. I have no doubt in my mind you would end up loving these shoes.
Similar: Brooks Ghost 14 vs Brooks Ghost 13
Glycerin 15
With a 10mm heel-to-toe offset, the Glycerin series is definitely Brooks’s high-end softest premium running shoe. It’s best for runners with a neutral gait looking for maximum cushion and have little to zero pronation.
Yet, if you’re a runner who overpronates, you can get the Glycerin 15 and use an orthotic insert to get the support needed.
Model after model, the Glycerin series has become known for its plush feel, and the 15th version is no different. It got a lot sleeker visually, which seems to be the trend these days.
Here we have some awesome updates to an already great shoe from Brooks. Other than the updates, Brooks has made sure to continue the success of last year’s features as well as stay true to what has made the Glycerin such a solid daily running shoe.
While the weight has stayed just about the same in this shoe, the Glycerin 15 managed to soften the ride even more with added cushioning in the up stack, right underfoot.
It really sticks out more compared to its previous version. This is due to the new plush transition zones and improved full-length segmented crashpad that is designed to make those heel-to-toe transitions as smooth as possible, therefore becoming a quicker stride.
Related: Brooks Glycerin vs New Balance 1080
The upper
Ghost 10
Brooks have improved the upper on the Ghost 10. You still get the mesh in the forefoot which is really nice, breathable, flexible and super comfortable. But the 10s now utilize what Brooks calls its 3D Fit Print material for the back half of the shoe which makes for much thinner overlays.
Also to note here is that the 10s have a much thinner lace size and a smaller toe cap and a less thick heel counter compared to the 9s as well. These changes are probably part of the reason why the 10s are about 1oz lighter than the men’s Glycerin 15 and about .6oz lighter than the women’s. It’s tough to complain about shoes getting lighter.
Overall, the upper on the Ghost 10 is great. It was good on the 9s and I say it’s slightly improved on the 10s. Yet, the toe cap is a lot better, which was one of the things that kind of bothered me with the Ghost 9.
Related: Brooks Glycerin 19 vs Saucony Triumph 19
Glycerin 15
There’s a new stripped down 3D Printed mesh upper that utilizes a new overlay design to add structure while also creating a more secure fit.
The printed saddle and the four-way stretch material expand with your foot offering improved glove-like fit, better ventilation, and more flexibility.
The heel counter provides some support for the heel and giving you that security while the inside has that kind of Transcend 1 if you’re familiar with the Brooks line of shoes.
The back of the collar has so much padding and that might push your foot forward and require you half size up.
Lastly, you’ll get a lot of plush comfort in the interior of the shoe and you can even see it in the tongue pretty easily.
Ghost 10
Glycerin 15
- Both feature engineered mesh (odor-free running)
- Both feature 3D Fit Print overlays (the Glycerin 15 has wider overlays and the Ghost 10 has thinner overlays)
- Both have an adjustable saddle construction (the saddle tightens when the laces are tightened)
- Ghost 10 features 2 guiding eyelets.
- Glycerin 15 has a thicker heel counter.
THE MIDSOLE
Ghost 10
The midsole on the Ghost 10 has two layers of foam compared to one with previous versions. This is designed to give your heel a little softer landing as it strikes the ground.
On that note, Brooks also added a new cushion system under the heel on the outsole. This is supposed to result in a much softer ride.
Honestly, I’m not sure the cushion on the outsole does much since it actually sits a little lower than the pods on the outsole. But I can’t really argue with the results.
The Ghost 10 still uses Brooks DNA foam which provides great energy return and is super comfortable.
The Ghost 10 is one of the most comfortable and cushiony shoes I’ve ever out on. My first word was literally when I tried them on and I still feel that way.
Bottom line, the new midsole and cushion result in a super comfortable running experience.
Glycerin 15
It features a super cushioned Super DNA midsole. But instead of a single layer you’re going to get stacked foam.
The Super DNA midsole is now segmented into two parts. The top section of the midsole is super soft cushioning vs the bottom section which is still very soft but a little bit a more stable platform of their Super DNA midfoot.
What this means is you’re going to have a more plush layer of the Super DNA right on the top of the midsole and that’s just going to give you that super soft instep feel while the bottom still provides that ultra soft underfoot sensation resulting in smooth transitioning.
Ghost 10
Glycerin 15
The Glycerin’s Super DNA foam provides 25% more in terms of adaptability to the changes in pace.
THE OUTSOLE
Ghost 10
Getting back to the rest of the outsole though, Brooks also added a couple more pods on the bottom and adde deeper flex grooves between those pods.
On the downside though, I did notice that little pebbles get stuck in those flex grooves, which can be a little annoying.
It’s still the same outsole design for the most part. There’s crashpad and a segmented forefoot for flexibility. When it comes to grip and traction, there’s definitely no complaints.
Glycerin 15
The outsole has some minor tweaks to just kind of help reduce the weight a bit and add some extra flexibility.
Brooks is using what they call a plush transition zone, essentially removing some of the blown rubber outsole and replacing that with and EVA foam. This is going to make the shoe a little bit lighter, softer and a little bit smoother in that midfoot stance.
The Ideal pressure Zones are evenly dispersed through the outsole to absorb the shock and reduce some of that extra stress under your body.
The forefoot of the outsole has four redisigned flex grooves which are good for flexibility when striding and allowing the runner to get through their stride with good motion.
Ghost 10
Glycerin 15
- Both outsoles offer great shock absorption, traction, and flexibility.
- The Ghost 10 has HPR Plus in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot.
- The Glycerin 15 has Ideal Pressure Zones in the heel (disperse impact when landing better) and blown rubber in the forefoot.
Conclusion
As I mentioned in the introduction, the Ghost 10 and the Glycerin 15 are both road running shoes.
They’re both neutral and not stability shoes and they’re built for people who have a neutral stance or maybe underpronate a little bit, meaning your foot rolls to the outside a little bit.
If you tend to roll inward or you have a flatter arch, you need to insert some orthotics to provide you with the stability and cushioning you need in the arch area.
Even if the Glycerin is more expensive than the Ghost, in reality I don’t think many people are going to find them that much better. I think you’re going to find them almost equal.
Obviously, there’s a little bit different feel to them and a slightly different upper and stuff like that. But the big stuff is really the drop. So you have a 10mm drop on the Glycerin and then you have a 12mm drop on the Ghost.
So the Ghost 10 is a little bit aggressive and you’ll feel you are popped forward a little bit more, but we’re dealing with millimeters and it’s not really that big of a deal.
The other thing is the weight. The Ghost tends to be a little bit lighter than the Glycerin, but I think it’s going be indescernible for a lot of people.
The big thing I think you’ll notice though is with regard to the midsole. Both models skewed towards being cushioning shoes, meaning they’re not really all about energy return as they’re more about cushioning as you go through your gait cycle.
So they both skewed towards cushioning and maybe more on the Glycerin than on the Ghost. But the biggest thing is the feel of that cushioning.
So the cushioning is firmer on the Ghost 10 and a little bit softer on the Glycerin 15. The Glycerin shoes are going to be probably more comfortable immediately for people, but I don’t actually if that’s btter though. I find that I get propelled forward more with the Ghost.
So inspite the fact they have a difference in drop, I actually like the Ghost a little bit more because it’s kind of pushes you forward because of that firmer foam. So the Glycerin is a little bit soft for me and I think this is the biggest difference runners will notice.If you have any more to add and you want to help out the other people that have read this article, make sure to write down below in the comments.
