Brooks has been all over the map when it comes to delivering comfortable and reliable footwear. It started as a bath and ballet shoe company. It’s created a huge range of sports cleats. It even produced roller skates back in the day.
But in 1972, Brooks shifted its focus to high-performance running shoes. And with this focus in the running industry, the brand truly took off.
Today, Brooks is one of the most popular running brands around. Several of its shoe models have distinguished themselves as premium options for a huge range of runners. And one of these standout, world-renowned models is the Brooks Ghost.
Now on its 18th iteration, the Brooks Ghost is a cornerstone of the running shoe world. It’s become well known as a reliable and dependable running shoe option that works for a huge range of runners.
But each new shoe update brings lots of curiosity and questions, especially a shoe with as much fanfare as the Brooks Ghost. You may be wondering what Brooks changed with the Ghost 18, and whether this updated running shoe is the right choice for you.
And if this sounds like you, you aren’t alone in your eagerness and curiosity. Our review team couldn’t wait to try out the new Ghost 18. We wanted to put this updated model to the test and see if the well-established shoe lives up to its reputation.
Our Review Process
Our goal at Marathon Sports is to keep you moving, no matter where you are in your running or walking journey. We want to make sure you have the right shoes, apparel, and any other tools you need to get outside and meet your fitness goals.
To succeed in this goal, our team needs a solid understanding of every new shoe model and update that comes through our doors. We have a rigorous review process, putting every shoe to the test on a variety of different runs.
We know that no two runners are the same. So we can’t just test out the Ghost 18 on one type of run. Our review team headed out on speed workouts, long recovery runs, and everything in between wearing the newest Ghost.
We crossed different terrains and tackled all kinds of runs. Throughout this testing process, we gained a complete picture of how the shoe performs to provide you with the best possible recommendation for your running needs.
Brooks Ghost 18: Some Fast Facts
Throughout this review, we’ll highlight the Ghost 18’s key features and summarize our road test findings. We’ll also highlight some alternative shoe options so you can feel confident you’re finding the best shoe for you.
But first, let’s take a quick look at some specs and features you can expect when you slide the Brooks Ghost 18 on for the first time.
- Neutral, moderate cushion daily training shoe
- Stack height: 36 mm in the heel, 26 mm in the forefoot
- 10 mm heel-to-toe offset
- Weight: 10.2 oz (M), 9.2 oz (W)
- Midsole made from nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning
- Enhanced upper design features an air mesh fabric and flexible flat-knit tongue
- Full-coverage RoadTack rubber outsole improves versatility and durability
- Reflectivity on heel helps you stay safe and seen in low-light conditions
- Price: $149.95
A Deeper Dive Into the Brooks Ghost 18
Now that you have an overview of the Ghost, let’s dive into all the features that make it such a longstanding favorite.
Well-Balanced DNA Loft v3 Midsole
In a running shoe market constantly striving for more soft cushioning underfoot, the Brooks Ghost has remained a reliable option for those who prefer a more grounded underfoot feeling.
The shoe boasts a moderate stack height – 36 mm in the heel and 26 mm in the forefoot – so there’s no shortage of comfort and shock absorption. But the foam offers a relatively firm, stable feel for smooth and secure landings.
The midsole is made from Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 foam, an airy and solid nitrogen-infused cushion. While the shoe itself is a neutral shoe, meaning it doesn’t alter or correct your gait at all, the firmer foam and wide base adds some inherent stability that allows you to feel the ground underneath your feet.
Refined Upper
The Ghost has always been a fan favorite, but that doesn’t mean every update and iteration was without its faults. In the Ghost 17, our review team found the upper was relatively stiff and a bit too structured for a neutral shoe.
So when we pulled the Ghost 18 out of the box, we were happy to see that Brooks made some significant improvements in the upper. The refined air mesh is soft and breathable, with extra padding around the heel for more comfort during daily miles.
The soft flat knit tongue is another major upgrade. This stretchy tongue wraps the top of the foot and helps reduce any excess movement or pressure throughout workouts.
Overall Geometry and Design
Brooks didn’t steer too far from its winning formula when it comes to the Ghost 18’s geometry and overall construction. Like the previous iteration, it features a stable platform and a high 10 mm offset.
Brooks shoes tend to be on the high end when it comes to drop, and the Ghost 18 is no exception. With 10 mm more cushioning in the heel than in the forefoot, there’s a lot of padding and protection for anyone who heel strikes. High drop shoes can also help reduce stress on the calf and achilles, so anyone with previous lower body injuries may enjoy the Ghost’s high drop.
The shoe may feel relatively firm underfoot, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t incorporate elements to increase softness and flexibility. The flex grooves throughout the midsole aid flexibility and promote natural movement and smooth transitions through each stride.
Value and Durability
The Ghost 18 is advertised as a daily trainer, and we found it worked best for everyday miles or shorter runs. That said, the balanced foam makes the Ghost 18 incredibly versatile. It has enough cushioning to support you through longer easy runs, but you don’t sink into the foam or lack efficiency when it comes to picking up the pace.
At $149.95, the Ghost 18 offers exceptional versatility for an affordable price. The high-coverage RoadTack outsole is another big plus, as it improves the grip and durability so you can enjoy miles and miles of wear.
Sustainability
Brooks has consistently been a leader when it comes to sustainability in the running shoe industry. In fact, the Brooks Ghost 14 was one of the very first carbon-neutral running shoes.
The brand has continued this environmentally-conscious approach to footwear with the Ghost 18. This newest Ghost incorporates recycled materials throughout nearly every element of the shoe. The manufacturing process as a whole is also focused on reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Ghost 18 in Action: Road Test Results
All of these features have played a key role in the Ghost 18 becoming the dependable pillar running shoe it is today. But the only way to really evaluate these features is to take the newest Ghost for a spin. So our review team unboxed the Ghost 18, laced them up, and hit the roads, trails, treadmill, and more for an in-depth look at this new daily trainer.
One of the immediate standouts sliding on the Ghost 18 for the first time was the new and improved upper. The overly stiff and structured feel of the Ghost 17 was gone. While the Ghost 18 still has some structure in the upper, it’s softer and more accommodating for more immediate step-in comfort. The stiff tongue was also replaced with a flexible flat knit tongue that reduced hot spots and pressure around the foot, particularly during longer runs.
Despite these improvements in the upper, we found the new Ghost 18 both looked and felt remarkably similar to the past iteration. The Ghost has always been renowned for its consistency, so our review team was happy to see that Brooks didn’t reinvent the wheel with this newest update. Loyal Ghost fans will also be happy to hear that it maintains its moderate stack height, firm DNA Loft v3 midsole construction, and high 10 mm drop.
Runners who don’t want an overly plush shoe will appreciate what the Ghost 18 has to offer on daily miles or longer runs. The nitrogen-infused midsole foam is light and airy, but doesn’t have the same high platform and cloud-like softness found in many running shoes today. Members of our review team who prefer soft landings found the Ghost 18 a bit firm while racking up longer mileage. But our runners who enjoy a more secure feel appreciated the Ghost 18’s stable, grounded ride.
We found that with this balanced cushioning, the Ghost 18 worked best as a standard, middle-of-the-road daily trainer. While the shoe could handle speed workouts or long runs, it lacks the dynamic energy return or ultra-cushioned feel found in more niche categories of running shoes. Where this traditional shoe really excelled was in providing reliable comfort and stability during everyday miles.
Another standout feature was the durable RoadTack outsole. This full-coverage outsole made a huge difference in grip and traction, particularly in rainy conditions or when our runs took us through dirt roads and light trails. While the shoe excels on roads, this grippy outsole makes it incredibly versatile on a variety of different terrains.
One hit-or-miss element in the Ghost 18 is the high 10 mm drop. The Ghost has dropped from a 12 mm to a 10 mm heel-to-toe offset in recent iterations. This 10 mm drop is slightly more natural, but it’s still on the higher end when it comes to daily trainer offsets.
Runners who heel strike or have dealt with achilles or calf injuries in the past will likely enjoy the Ghost’s raised heel. However, mid and forefoot strikers, or anyone who simply prefers a more natural drop in their running shoes, may find that the Ghost 18 feels unnatural or uncomfortable after a few miles.
As a whole, it’s easy to see how the Ghost has earned its place as a staple daily trainer in the running shoe world. The consistent comfort, paired with the modern tweaks and upgrades, makes this a top choice for a huge range of runners. Whether you’re a novice runner or are looking for a durable shoe that can withstand everyday mileage, the Ghost 18 is a fantastic choice.
Pros and Cons
As we highlighted throughout our road test results summary, the Ghost 18 has both some upsides and downsides to consider. If you’re deciding if the Ghost 18 is your ideal next running shoe, here are the pros and cons you need to know:
Pros:
- DNA Loft v3 offers an incredibly balanced and grounded experience. There’s enough cushioning to absorb shock and impact on runs, but it doesn’t feel overly soft and wobbly
- New air mesh upper saw some major improvements, now offering more comfort and breathability than before
- Rubber RoadTack outsole makes the Ghost 18 incredibly durable and adds grip and traction for more versatility
- Design is neutral and flexible, but the firm cushioning and wide base offer stable landings that work for all types of runners and gaits
Cons:
- May feel too firm for runners who prefer plush cushioning
- High 10 mm drop can feel unnatural for those who prefer a low-to-moderate offset
Is the Ghost 18 Right for You?
One aspect our team loves about the Ghost 18 is that it maintains the comfort, dependability, and reliability of a more traditional daily trainer. Brooks keeps the overall feel of the Ghost consistent, while making minor tweaks and improvements with each update. So if you’ve loved previous iterations of the Ghost or simply want a reliable daily trainer, the newest version of the Ghost will likely work for you.
Overall, we found this shoe was a great choice for beginner runners. The Ghost has got you covered if you’re looking for a first running shoe option to carry you through your training miles.
But that’s not to say the Ghost is only for new runners. Part of the reason the model is so popular is because countless runners can enjoy the reliable comfort and balanced cushioning. If you want a heavy-duty shoe that will hold up throughout easy miles and recovery runs, the Ghost 18 can work for that too.
However, while there’s nothing wrong with sticking with what’s trusted and dependable, there are a few other options that might be worth trying on if you’re looking for a new daily trainer.
Hoping for a bit more versatility from Brooks? Try the new Glycerin Flex. While it may be more outside your running shoe comfort zone than the standard Ghost, this lightweight and flexible shoe is more adaptable to all sorts of runs. It has the same Brooks comfort and cushioning, but with a more dynamic, flexible underfoot feel.
And if you want to try a slightly softer moderate cushion daily trainer, we suggest comparing the Ghost 18 to the Hoka Clifton 10. The Clifton has slightly more cushioning and has a softer feel compared to the Ghost. However, with a more pronounced rocker and higher platform, some runners may find the Clifton too soft and unstable compared to the Ghost.
The daily trainer running shoe category is pretty saturated, so it can be difficult to narrow down your options and know what works for you. At Marathon Sports, we suggest testing out different options to determine what feels best on your feet.
Brooks Ghost 18: Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Finding the right shoe is a crucial part of staying healthy and reaching your fitness goals. And while shopping around can seem overwhelming, just know you don’t have to go at it alone. The Marathon Sports team did a deep dive into Ghost 18 and the other top running shoes today to give you the clearest possible picture of every model.
Overall, the Ghost 18 maintained the reliability and comfort that made it a household name among runners, walkers, gym-goers, and more. Between the moderate stack height, durable build, and stable cushioning, the shoe has everything you need in a traditional daily trainer.
But don’t just take our word for it. Swing by your nearest Marathon Sports and test it out for yourself. With nearly 30 locations and counting, we have a vast group of footwear experts ready to use the Right Fit process to help you find your perfect running shoe.
Our goal is to get you off and running in comfort. And whether that’s in the Ghost 18, another Brooks shoe, or something totally different, our team is ready and excited to be a part of your running or walking experience.
