Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Brooks Ghost 16: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 45% of 67 for the Brooks Ghost 16.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Adidas Adizero Boston 13

55%of 309 owners recommend
55% recommend · 20% neutral · 25% don't
Owners praise
  • Much-improved upper over the 12
  • Versatile do-everything trainer
  • Great for tempo and faster paces
Owners complain about
  • Too firm for easy, slow long runs
  • Laces and lockdown are fiddly
  • Narrow, tapered toe box
Full owner report →

Brooks Ghost 16

45%of 67 owners recommend
45% recommend · 10% neutral · 45% don't
Owners praise
  • Comfortable, plush ride with no hotspots
  • Holds up well over high mileage
  • Solid, supportive daily trainer
Owners complain about
  • Causes blisters, sore knees or arch pain
  • Tight, narrow fit that runs poorly
  • Feels worse and made differently than previous Ghosts
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 if
  • ✓Runners doing tempo and faster workouts
  • ✓Those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer
  • ✓Runners who like a firm, stable ride
  • ✓Heavier runners needing stability and durability
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting soft cushioning for slow long runs
  • Wide feet or those needing a roomy toe box
Get the Brooks Ghost 16 if
  • ✓Runners wanting a plush, supportive daily trainer
  • ✓People on their feet all day needing cushioning
  • ✓Road runners mixing easy miles and speed intervals
Skip it if
  • Wide-footed runners (narrow forefoot causes blisters)
  • Fans of the Ghost 15 who dislike the reworked fit

What Adidas Adizero Boston 13 owners say

“I love the 12 so much I will choose the 13 over EVO SL any time”
— @olsa2k on YouTube
“So i bought the Boston 13 and like it much more.”
— @marcojo111 on YouTube
“i found the 12’s. WAY too hard.”
— @neilhulme8426 on YouTube

What Brooks Ghost 16 owners say

“the ghost and adrenaline shoes by brooks have saved me”
— @Mackham63 on YouTube
“This shoe is not given enough credit for how well it performs *in what it is good at*”
— @aconcernedcitizen1 on YouTube
“The Ghost is so outdated compared to modern daily trainers”
— @ianpshuffles on YouTube

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Brooks Ghost 16: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Brooks Ghost 16 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 45% of 67 for the Brooks Ghost 16.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 at runners doing tempo and faster workouts, and those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer.

Who should get the Brooks Ghost 16?

Owners point the Brooks Ghost 16 at runners wanting a plush, supportive daily trainer, and people on their feet all day needing cushioning.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 is too firm for easy, slow long runs. For the Brooks Ghost 16, it's causes blisters, sore knees or arch pain.