Brooks Ghost 16 VS New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
Two of the most popular everyday training shoes — which cushioned runner wins for daily miles?
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Our Pick: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 — Softer Fresh Foam X cushioning and lighter weight make it the better high-mileage daily trainer
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | Brooks Ghost 16 | New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | 12 mm | 8 mm |
| Stack Height | 29 mm heel / 17 mm forefoot | 36 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot |
| Weight (Men’s 9) | 9.4 oz | 8.8 oz |
| Midsole | DNA LOFT v3 foam | Fresh Foam X (full bootie construction) |
| Upper | 3D Fit Print engineered mesh | Hypoknit engineered mesh |
| Outsole | Blown rubber (full coverage) | Blown rubber |
| Best For | Daily trainer, beginner to intermediate runners | High-mileage daily trainer, long runs |
| Feel | Protective, slightly firm | Plush, rocker feel |
| Durability | Excellent (500+ miles typical) | Very good (400–500 miles) |
| Price | ~$140 | ~$165 |
Brooks Ghost 16
- ✓ $25 cheaper
- ✓ 12mm drop helps heel strikers transition
- ✓ Trusted Ghost legacy — consistent across 16 versions
- ✓ Excellent durability (500+ miles)
- ✓ Great for beginners
- ✗ Less stack height than 1080
- ✗ Slightly firmer feel
- ✗ Higher drop (8mm vs 12mm affects form)
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13
- ✓ Plush Fresh Foam X cushioning — softer underfoot
- ✓ Lower 8mm drop (better for form)
- ✓ Lighter at 8.8 oz
- ✓ 36mm stack for long-distance comfort
- ✓ Bootie construction for better fit
- ✗ $25 more expensive
- ✗ Slightly shorter durability window
- ✗ Bootie fit can feel snug for wide feet
Final Verdict
Both are excellent daily trainers, but they serve slightly different runners. The Brooks Ghost 16 is the better beginner shoe — the 12mm drop is forgiving for heel strikers, it’s $25 cheaper, and the consistent Ghost DNA means you know exactly what you’re getting. The NB Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is the better high-mileage trainer — the extra stack height and plush Fresh Foam X cushioning reduce fatigue on 10+ mile runs, and the lower 8mm drop promotes better running form.