The Ghost 18 doesn’t try to pretend to be a new shoe. It’s more of a refinement of a familiar and much-loved model than a total revolution. It’s still an interesting shoe for those looking for balanced, yet not excessive, cushioning. It remains a soft, comfortable, and uncomplicated training shoe for everyday running. The differences are found only in the upper – new materials and a redesigned tongue are meant to improve fit and comfort while running. The result? Very familiar, but a little more snug.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a well-cushioned shoe designed for running on hard surfaces – such as road, sidewalks, or compacted gravel. It works particularly well for runners weighing up to about 90 kg, offering a soft yet still springy landing. It also features a fairly balanced level of softness and doesn’t feel too soft or “mushy,” like some maximalist models. Another strength of the Ghost 18 is its stability – even though it’s a typically neutral shoe, it gives the foot a sense of secure guidance.
Pros
- well-balanced cushioning
- very versatile characteristics
- good stability and foot support for a neutral shoe
- exceptional comfort in the heel area
Cons
- low performance
- may feel somewhat stiff and not very supple
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
Brooks Running Shoes – Lineup
The Brooks Ghost 18 is one of the most versatile and, at the same time, most popular models in the brand’s lineup. Within the Brooks training shoe range, it still sits roughly in the middle of the pack – both in terms of cushioning and overall running feel. It’s a classic “daily trainer,” without leaning too heavily toward maximum softness or performance.
If you’re looking for more cushioning, the natural step up would be the Ghost Max or the Glycerin series. On the other hand, runners needing extra stability and control for overpronation should consider the Adrenaline GTS model.
Looking for the perfect Brooks running shoes? Check out a shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Glycerin Max 2  Gliceryn 23 |  Glycerin GTS 23 |
| very high cushioning |  Ghost Max 3  Ghost 18 |  Adrenaline GTS 25 |
| high cushioning |  Trace 4 |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
The Brooks Ghost 18 serves as the “middle ground” in my running shoe rotation. It strikes the perfect balance between performance and maximum cushioning. It’s ideal for most daily workouts. However, for my longest runs, I’d prefer something with more cushioning, like the Glycerin Max 2, which is the top choice for long-distance cushioning. On the other hand, for faster workouts, intervals, and speed work, you’d want something much “liverly” like the Hyperion Max 3, which is very clearly geared toward pace. Thanks to this, each of the three shoes has a distinct role and doesn’t overlap with the others.
| GLYCERIN MAX 2 | GHOST 18 | HYPERION MAX 3 |
|---|---|---|
| |  |
| easy, long runs | daily running | speed training, raceday |
Similar to Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a classic example of the most popular category of running shoes – all-around training shoes. Competition in this segment is fierce, as virtually every brand has its own favorite model here. The Ghost stands out above all for its excellent balance – it doesn’t excel in any single category, but maintains a solid, high standard in nearly every one. Cushioning, stability, traction, durability, and overall comfort – everything is just right here. When you choose the Ghost, you get a little bit of everything you need for your daily runs.
Want to see more shoes like this? Check out our shoe guide for daily training.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Rise 3 | 35/28 | 7 | 272 | 230 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 | 37/30 | 8 | 259 | 223 | 160 |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | 36/26 | 10 | 289 | 260 | 150 |
| Brooks Ghost Max 3 | 39/33 | 6 | 317 | 283 | 160 |
| Diadora Equipe Nucleo 2 | 38/32 | 6 | 280 | 210 | 150 |
| Hoka Clifton 10 | 42/34 | 8 | 278 | 228 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 29 | 38/30 | 8 | 265 | 225 | 160 |
| New Balance 880 v15 | 38/32 | 6 | 304 | 238 | 160 |
| Nike Pegasus 42 | n/a | 10 | 300 | 243 | 140 |
| Nike Vomero 18 | n/a | 10 | 325 | 263 | 150 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Puma Magnify Nitro 2 | 40/30 | 10 | 275 | 245 | 150 |
| Saucony Ride 19 | 36/30 | 8 | 270 | 220 | 150 |
DNA Loft v3 Cushioning and Outsole Geometry
The sole of the Brooks Ghost 18 remains very similar to that of its predecessor. It still features the proven DNA Loft v3 foam, infused with nitrogen for better bounce. This material handles shock absorption well and provides a soft, comfortable landing. But…
The stack isn’t very high. Under the heel, the Ghosts have 36 millimeters of stack, and under the forefoot, 26 millimeters. For today’s running shoes, these are fairly average figures. This also translates to the cushioning, which is definitely not soft and squishy. It has a certain springiness to it, but I’m not surprised that compared to competitors’ models that feel very soft, these come across as quite… firm. If you’re looking for a great training shoe with a balanced level of softness – these are a good option. If you’re only looking at perceived softness?! Then no!!
The overall level of cushioning in the Brooks Ghost 18 fits well within the everyday training shoe category. This shoe is a good fit for runners weighing up to about 85 kg, but also for lighter runners who are simply looking for a soft, predictable shoe for the road and longer, relaxed runs.
As usual, the Ghost 18 performs well in terms of stability. This model is designed for runners with a neutral foot type – that is, those who don’t need additional support or systems to correct overpronation. The sole features a classic, uniform construction, and the shoe itself doesn’t utilize any of the stabilizing features found in GTS-type models.
However, the slightly reduced perceived softness and wide platform make a solid foundation and stability possible while running. As a result, the foot does not tend to “float” excessively from side to side, and the entire shoe feels very predictable. These are some of the major advantages of the Ghost series. Although it is not a stabilizing model, many runners will appreciate the sense of security it offers.
Durability and Reliability on Hard Surfaces
The outsole of the Brooks Ghost 18 is made of RoadTack Rubber, and like the previous version, it’s quite aggressive for a classic road running shoe. The tread grooves are up to 2.3 millimeters deep, which is uncommon for shoes in this class. Additionally, numerous rubber segments with a distinct checkered texture make for good traction on roads, but also allow you to venture onto compacted park paths, gravel, or easier forest trails without worry. If you frequently switch from paved roads to dirt paths, this will be one of the best options in this class.
Although the Ghost 18 remains primarily a shoe for running on hard surfaces, its traction doesn’t end at the road. Of course, this isn’t a model for demanding trails, but it performs surprisingly well during daily workouts outside the city.
Refined Details in the Upper’s Construction
In the Ghost 18 model, it’s the upper that has seen the most significant changes. Brooks has incorporated a new, three-layer Air Mesh, designed to improve ventilation and provide an even better fit. Does it work? To some extent, certainly, though the breathability itself is roughly on par with what’s standard for this type of shoe.
The interior of the shoe makes quite a bit of space. At its widest point, the upper is 105.8 millimeters wide, which is slightly above average. This should fit most runners well. The Ghost 18 is not a tight-fitting model. On the contrary – it retains the roominess in the forefoot characteristic of this series. However, this is not a shoe for runners with exceptionally wide feet. Such individuals may opt for the Wide version, built on a wider last.
The midfoot features a completely brand-new tongue. It’s thin, constructed as if from two flat pieces of fabric sewn together, with foam panels in the middle. Its flat shape makes it feel like a better fit than the tongue on the Ghost 17. The foam panels, meanwhile, distribute the pressure from the laces evenly across the top of the foot. Combined with the new upper, this translates to greater comfort and a more refined fit. But you have to try it on your own foot to see.
The rear of the shoe remains one of the Ghost’s strongest points. The interior is quite stiff, which positively affects the shoe’s overall stability. It’s also soft and generously padded with foam, making it possible to achieve a high level of perceptible comfort. For years, Brooks has featured a solution in many of its everyday running shoes that could be described as “sponge luxury.” The Ghost 18 is no exception.
A Stable Weight Among Daily Trainers
According to the producer’s data, the Brooks Ghost 18 weighs 289 grams in the men’s version and 260 grams in the women’s version. These figures are very similar to those of the previous edition, which should come as no surprise, since the sole construction has remained virtually unchanged. The weight may therefore have increased slightly, but the differences are so minor that they are hardly noticeable while running.
It’s similar in my size as well, and the weight for the US size 12 model is 321 grams. This is standard for everyday running shoes in this size. So, looking more broadly at the segment of well-cushioned training shoes for the road, the Ghost 18 still stands out favorably. It isn’t an ultralight model, but given the amount of foam underfoot and the high level of comfort, it’s hard to call it a heavy shoe. While running, the weight doesn’t draw attention to itself.
Final Thoughts
The Ghost 18 doesn’t try to be the softest, fastest, or flashiest shoe in its class. Instead, it relies on proven solutions and a well-known character, thanks to which the Ghost series has enjoyed such popularity for years. It’s a versatile training shoe that offers a very good balance between cushioning, stability, and comfort, without feeling heavy or clunky. If you’re looking for a reliable shoe for your daily runs and prefer refined, classic constructions, the Ghost 18 remains one of the safest choices on the market.
