Brooks Ghost Vs New Balance 880: Which Is Better For You?

Ever wondered what sets apart two of the most acclaimed running shoes in the market today? The Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 have long been favorites among seasoned runners for their dependability and performance. Each model offers unique features tailored to enhance the runner’s experience, making the choice between them a critical decision for any dedicated athlete.

Brooks Ghost’s cushioning technology and lightweight design have made it a staple since its debut in 2008. On the other hand, the New Balance 880, known for its durable construction and balanced support, continues its legacy since 2011. Both shoes offer impressive mileage, but the key differences lie in their cushioning and fit, which largely influence a runner’s preference.

Feature	Brooks Ghost	New Balance 880
Cushioning	Soft and responsive cushioning	Balanced, firm cushioning
Weight	Lightweight	Moderate weight
Fit	Snug and secure fit	Wider fit, more room for toes
Durability	High durability	Very durable
Price	Higher price	More affordable

Overview of Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880

The Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 are popular running shoes loved by runners. They offer different features to suit varied running styles and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at each shoe.

Overview of Brooks Ghost

The Brooks Ghost has been a favorite since 2008. It is known for its soft cushioning and smooth ride. Runners enjoy its flexibility and support.

Brooks Ghost shoes are designed with high-quality materials. These materials make the shoes long-lasting and durable. They are ideal for long-distance runs.

The cushioning in Brooks Ghost shoes is excellent. It helps absorb the impact when running. This reduces stress on the feet and legs.

The shoes are also lightweight, which makes running easier. They fit comfortably on most foot shapes. Many runners appreciate this feature.

Overall, Brooks Ghost shoes provide a balanced experience. They are suitable for beginners and experienced runners. Their blend of comfort and durability is hard to beat.

Overview of New Balance 880

The New Balance 880 series is another top choice for runners. It has been popular since 2011. The shoes are known for their reliable performance.

New Balance 880 shoes are built to last. They offer great support and stability. This helps runners stay comfortable on longer runs.

The cushioning in the 880 series is well-balanced. It provides just the right amount of softness. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride.

The shoes also feature a secure fit. They hug the foot snugly, preventing slipping. This is important for maintaining control while running.

Overall, the New Balance 880 is a solid option. It combines durability with comfort effectively. Runners of all levels will find these shoes dependable.

Key Features Compared

When comparing the Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880, several key features stand out. Each feature helps runners decide which shoe is best for them. Let’s look at these features closely.

Cushioning

Brooks Ghost is well-known for its amazing cushioning. The foam used is soft and bouncy. This makes running feel gentle on your feet.

New Balance 880 also has great cushioning. It uses a different type of foam. This foam feels more firm and stable.

Some runners prefer the soft feel of Brooks Ghost. Others like the firm support of New Balance 880.

According to this resource, both shoes offer excellent comfort. Your personal preference will help you choose the better fit.

In the end, whether you like softer or firmer cushioning will decide your choice. Both shoes excel in this area.

Weight

Brooks Ghost is lighter than the New Balance 880. This can make running easier for some people. You will notice the difference especially on long runs.

New Balance 880 is a bit heavier. But this weight adds to its stability. It helps keep your foot steady while running.

Many runners enjoy the lightness of Brooks Ghost. It feels like you are running on air.

Those who need more support might prefer the New Balance 880. The extra weight can be a good thing.

Ultimately, whether weight matters to you will affect your choice. Everyone has different needs.

Fit

Both shoes have a good fit, but they feel different. Brooks Ghost fits snugly around the foot. This tightness can feel secure and supportive.

New Balance 880 offers a wider fit. There is more room for your toes to move. This is good for those with wider feet.

Brooks Ghost provides a hug-like fit. This is great for narrow feet.

New Balance 880 offers more space. It is better for wider feet.

Choosing between the two depends on your foot shape. Both provide excellent comfort.

Durability

Brooks Ghost uses durable materials. These materials last long even after many runs. Runners find them reliable.

New Balance 880 is also very durable. It is built to handle tough conditions. Both shoes will last a long time if you take care of them.

Durability is important for runners. You want shoes that will not wear out quickly. Brooks Ghost excels in this area.

New Balance 880 also offers great durability. The sturdy materials ensure they stay intact.

Both shoes are a good investment in terms of lasting quality. It’s hard to go wrong with either.

Price

Brooks Ghost is a bit more expensive. The quality and features account for the higher price. It is worth the investment for many runners.

New Balance 880 is more affordable. It offers great value for its price. This can be a deciding factor for some people.

Price plays an important role in choosing shoes. Brooks Ghost might be expensive but it offers premium features.

New Balance 880 provides good features at a lesser price. It is more budget-friendly.

Deciding between the two often depends on your budget. Both offer great value at their respective prices.

Brooks Ghost Vs New Balance 880: Feature Comparison

Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 are both excellent running shoes, each with unique features. Comparing these features can help you choose the right shoe for your needs. Here is a detailed comparison of their features.

Feature	Brooks Ghost	New Balance 880
Cushioning	Soft, responsive cushioning	Balanced, firm cushioning
Weight	Lightweight	Moderate weight
Fit	Snug and secure fit	Wider fit, more room for toes
Durability	High durability	Very durable
Price	Higher price	More affordable
Support	Good support	Excellent support
Traction	Great traction	Excellent grip on surfaces
Breathability	High breathability	Moderate breathability
Flexibility	Very flexible	Moderate flexibility
Heel Drop	12mm	10mm

The Good and The Bad of Both Models

Every running shoe has its strengths and weaknesses. Comparing the good and the bad of Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 can help you choose the right one. Here’s a detailed look at both models.

Pros	Cons
Brooks Ghost: Soft cushioning	Brooks Ghost: Higher cost
Brooks Ghost: Lightweight	Brooks Ghost: Snug fit may not suit wider feet
New Balance 880: Great support	New Balance 880: Heavier weight
New Balance 880: Wider fit	New Balance 880: Moderate breathability
Brooks Ghost: High breathability	Brooks Ghost: Less firm cushioning

Price Comparison

Price is an important factor when choosing between Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880. Let’s see how they compare cost-wise. Here’s a detailed look at their prices.

Brooks Ghost	New Balance 880
Higher price	More affordable
Premium materials	Value for money
Excellent cushioning	Great support
Advanced technology	Reliable durability
Long-lasting	Cost-effective

Which Is Better: Brooks Ghost or New Balance 880?

Choosing between the Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 depends on your personal needs. Both shoes have their strengths, making them popular among runners. Let’s explore which one might be the better choice for you.

Brooks Ghost is known for its soft cushioning and lightweight design. These features make it ideal for runners who want a smooth and comfortable ride. The snug fit of the Brooks Ghost also provides excellent foot support.

New Balance 880, on the other hand, offers a firmer cushioning and a wider fit. This makes it a good option for runners who need extra support. The durability of New Balance 880 is also a notable feature.

Deciding which shoe is better comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Both models excel in different areas, so it’s crucial to consider what matters most to you when running.

3 Reasons to Choose Brooks Ghost:

• Soft and responsive cushioning
• Lightweight design
• Snug and secure fit

User Reviews Analysis

Analyzing user reviews provides valuable insights into the Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880. Many runners share their experiences, highlighting both the pros and cons. By looking at these reviews, we can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each shoe.

Users of the Brooks Ghost often praise its cushioning. Many note it offers a soft and comfortable feel, which is great for long runs. However, some mention that the snug fit may not suit those with wider feet.

New Balance 880 receives strong feedback for its durability. Reviewers frequently appreciate the firm support it provides. Yet, a few users find it heavier compared to other running shoes.

Common praise across reviews includes the excellent performance of both shoes. Many runners highlight their quality and reliability. These aspects make both models a popular choice.

Here’s a quick overview from user reviews:

• Brooks Ghost: Soft cushioning, lightweight, excellent traction.
• New Balance 880: Durable, firm support, wider fit.

Both models have their unique strengths. Ultimately, user preferences guide their final choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880

Many runners have questions about Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880. Here, we’ll address some of the most common queries. This can help you decide which running shoe is right for you.

1. Which shoe is better for long-distance running?

Both shoes are great for long-distance running. Brooks Ghost offers a softer, more cushioned feel, which can be more comfortable over long distances. New Balance 880 provides firmer support and durability.

2. Are these shoes suitable for people with flat feet?

Brooks Ghost is designed to offer support that helps many people with flat feet. New Balance 880 also provides good arch support but has a slightly firmer feel. It’s best to try both to see which feels more comfortable.

3. How do these shoes perform on different terrains?

Both models perform well on various terrains. Brooks Ghost has great traction for road and light trail running. New Balance 880 is also versatile, handling different surfaces with ease.

Here’s a quick comparison of features based on user questions:

• Comfort: Brooks Ghost wins for softer cushioning.
• Support: New Balance 880 offers firmer support.
• Durability: Both are highly durable but may differ in feel.

4. Which one is more cost-effective?

New Balance 880 is generally more affordable. Brooks Ghost, while more expensive, offers premium features that many runners find worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right running shoe is crucial for performance and comfort. Here are some common questions about Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 to help you decide.

1. What are the main differences in cushioning between Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880?

Brooks Ghost is known for its soft and responsive cushioning, which provides a plush feel underfoot. This makes it ideal for long-distance runs where comfort is essential.

New Balance 880, on the other hand, offers balanced and firm cushioning. It’s designed to provide adequate support without feeling too soft, making it suitable for those seeking stability during their runs.

2. How do the weights of Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 compare?

Brooks Ghost is generally lighter than the New Balance 880. This lightweight design makes it easier to achieve a faster pace and reduces fatigue during long runs.

New Balance 880 is a bit heavier but offers more stability and support. The additional weight can be beneficial for runners who need extra control, especially during endurance races.

3. Which shoe fits better for people with wider feet?

New Balance 880 is known for its wider fit, providing more room for those with broader feet. This can prevent discomfort and blisters during extended runs.

Brooks Ghost offers a more snug fit, which is great for runners with narrower feet. The tight fit ensures that the foot stays secure and doesn’t slip inside the shoe.

4. Are both shoes equally durable for long-term use?

Both Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 are made from high-quality materials, ensuring long-term durability. Runners appreciate the ability to log many miles without significant wear and tear.

However, the exact durability may vary based on individual usage and running conditions. Proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of both models.

5. Which shoe offers better value for the price?

New Balance 880 is often considered more affordable while still providing excellent features like firm support and durability. It offers great value for runners on a budget.

Brooks Ghost comes at a higher price point but includes premium features like advanced cushioning and a lightweight design. For those willing to invest a bit more, it can be a worthy choice.

Brooks Ghost 14 VS New Balance 880v11

Conclusion

Choosing between Brooks Ghost and New Balance 880 ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. The Brooks Ghost excels in providing soft cushioning and a lightweight design, making it ideal for long-distance runs and comfort. On the other hand, the New Balance 880 offers firm support and a wider fit, perfect for those needing extra stability.

Both shoes have their distinct advantages and are made from durable materials, ensuring longevity. Whether you prefer the plush ride of Brooks Ghost or the balanced feel of New Balance 880, both are strong contenders in the running shoe market. Consider your running style and personal comfort to make the best choice for your feet.