The Brooks Ghost has been around for 18 versions, which is impressive when you consider how many running shoes have come and gone in that time. When I worked in run specialty, the Ghost was one of those shoes that almost everyone knew. You could recommend it to someone training for their first 5K or someone who had been running marathons for decades. It has never been the most exciting shoe on the wall, but Brooks has built an enormous following around it.
I reviewed the Brooks Ghost 17 last year and questioned the $150 price tag. Well, the Brooks Ghost 18 is here, and the price hasn’t changed. Neither has much of the shoe. That’s good when it’s one of the most popular shoes in the industry and people don’t cling to it for drastic changes.
The Ghost 18 keeps the DNA LOFT v3 cushioning and 10 mm drop, with updates to the upper, tongue, and sockliner. Brooks has made changes to improve comfort, but if you were hoping for an entirely new running experience, you aren’t getting one. As you can guess, I’m not convinced that is a bad decision. There are plenty of runners who purchase the Ghost because they know what they’re getting. The question is whether Brooks can keep charging $150 for a traditional trainer when the competition has changed so much.
Let’s get into an honest Brooks Ghost 18 shoe review.
Brooks Ghost 18 Quick Facts
- Price: $150
- Weight: 10.2 oz men’s / 9.2 oz women’s
- Stack Height: 36 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
- Best For: Easy runs, recovery runs, walking, and everyday training
You can find the shoe on the Brooks Ghost 18 men’s product page or the Brooks Ghost 18 women’s product page.
Brooks Ghost 18 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brooks Ghost 18 good for long runs?
Yes. It can be used for long runs, although runners who prefer more forefoot cushioning or a more responsive midsole may want another option for marathon training.
Is the Brooks Ghost 18 a stability shoe?
No. The Ghost 18 is a neutral shoe with a stable platform. It does not have the structured support system found in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS.
Is the Brooks Ghost 18 good for wide feet?
Brooks offers wide options, making it worth trying for runners with wider feet. The standard-width model may feel snug through the midfoot for some runners.
Can you use the Brooks Ghost 18 for speed workouts?
You can, but it isn’t designed for fast running. The weight and traditional foam make it a better choice for easy mileage.
Is the Brooks Ghost 18 worth upgrading from the Ghost 17?
If your Ghost 17 fits well and still has mileage left, I would keep wearing it. The Ghost 18 has comfort updates, but the underfoot experience remains close to the previous model.
Brooks Ghost 18 Fit and Upper
The biggest changes to the Brooks Ghost 18 is in the upper. Brooks updated the engineered air mesh upper, introduced a new flat-knit tongue, and changed the sockliner. The heel collar has also been adjusted, with a lower profile at the back. I appreciate that Brooks continues to put effort into fit. When I worked in run specialty, the Ghost was one of the shoes I could bring out for a wide range of foot shapes. It was never perfect for everyone, but Brooks has done a better job than many brands of giving runners width options.
The updated tongue is designed to reduce pressure across the top of the foot. The new sockliner adds cushioning when you step into the shoe, while the mesh upper is intended to provide ventilation.
One thing worth mentioning is that the Ghost 18 is not an especially spacious shoe through the midfoot. Runners with high-volume feet may find the upper snug, even when the length is correct.
Does the Brooks Ghost 18 run true to size?
I would start with your normal Brooks running shoe size. If you have a wider foot, I would try the wide version before increasing the length. As someone who wears between a women’s 10 and 11 wide, the size 11 fits me the best and that has been pretty consistent throughout the years.
Brooks Ghost 18 Midsole and Ride
The Ghost 18 uses DNA LOFT v3, the same nitrogen-infused cushioning technology found in the Ghost 17. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, DNA LOFT v3 offers the balanced cushioning that Ghost fans expect. On the other hand, running shoe foam has changed a tremendous amount over the past few years, and $150 gets you quite a few options. More exciting and interesting options too.
The Brooks Ghost 18 has a 36 mm heel and 26 mm forefoot. Compare that to the Mizuno Wave Rider 30, which has 42.5 mm in the heel and 34.5 mm in the forefoot. Both cost $150, but they take different approaches to cushioning. Of course, more foam doesn’t mean a shoe is better. Plenty of runners don’t want towering midsoles, and some prefer a traditional running shoe that has more ground contact and less exaggerated geometry.
The Ghost 18 has a balanced ride with a stable base. It is designed for comfortable mileage rather than fast workouts. The foam provides cushioning without the large bounce you get from some newer trainers. At 10.2 ounces for the men’s version, the Ghost 18 isn’t a lightweight shoe, either. There are shoes with more cushioning that weigh less.
Would I choose the Brooks Ghost 18 for a tempo run or track workout? No. Brooks has other shoes designed for faster running, and I would rather use something that doesn’t require as much effort when increasing the pace.
For easy runs and recovery runs, the Ghost 18 has a much stronger argument. If you prefer a moderate amount of cushioning, a higher heel-to-toe drop, and a predictable ride, there is a reason this shoe has remained popular.
Brooks Ghost 18 Outsole and Durability
The Brooks Ghost 18 uses RoadTack rubber on the outsole. Brooks has kept substantial rubber coverage, which is good news if you want one shoe for hundreds of miles rather than something with exposed foam that starts wearing down after a few runs. The outsole is designed for road running, with coverage across the heel and forefoot. That should help protect the foam from abrasion. I’ve taken it out on light desert trails with no issues but I wouldn’t use it for an arduous trail run.
I would expect the Ghost 18 to offer respectable durability based on its construction and previous Ghost models. My expectation would be around 300–400 miles for many runners. I’ve found the Brooks Ghost cushioning wears out somewhat quickly in the forefoot of the shoe.
Brooks Ghost 18 vs. Brooks Ghost 17 (review here)
If you already own the Brooks Ghost 17, do you need the Ghost 18?
I don’t see a strong reason to rush out and purchase it.
The biggest differences are the upper, tongue, sockliner, and heel collar. The Ghost 18 keeps the same foam technology, 10 mm drop, and general running experience.
But if you loved the Ghost 17 and can find it on sale, I would have a hard time recommending that you spend an extra $30 or $40 for the newer version.
Brooks Ghost 18 vs. Other Running Shoes
The Ghost 18 has more competition than ever, and several shoes offer a different experience for a similar price.
The Hoka Clifton 11 costs $155 and offers a more pronounced rocker geometry with an 8 mm drop. If you prefer a rolling transition and a higher-stack midsole, I would consider the Clifton.
The Saucony Triumph 24 takes cushioning in another direction with its IncrediLUX foam. Consider the Triumph if you want a more bouncy experience underfoot and don’t mind spending more.
Then there is the Brooks Ghost Max. The Ghost Max line offers a wider platform, more cushioning under the forefoot, and a lower drop than the standard Ghost. If you prefer a larger shoe with substantial cushioning, the Ghost Max might be a better option.
Who Should Buy the Brooks Ghost 18?
- Runners who have worn previous Ghost models
- Beginners looking for a neutral running shoe for easy mileage.
- Runners who prefer a 10 mm drop and moderate cushioning.
- People who want one shoe for running, walking, and standing throughout the day.
- Runners who need width options.
Who Should Skip the Brooks Ghost 18?
- Runners looking for a fast shoe
- Runners who prefer an aggressive rocker or an energetic superfoam.
- Anyone hoping to get maximum cushioning for their $150
Brooks Ghost 18 Conclusion
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a modest update, and I suspect that is exactly what many longtime Ghost fans wanted. Brooks kept the cushioning, maintained the 10 mm drop, and adjusted the upper rather than redesigning the entire shoe.
My biggest complaint is still the $150 price. That is a lot of money for a shoe that has changed very little, especially when other brands are introducing new foams and lighter trainers at comparable prices.
Would I recommend the Ghost 18? Yes, for someone who likes traditional running shoes and wants a dependable option for easy miles. Would I tell someone who owns the Ghost 17 to upgrade? Probably not.
I’m curious how long Brooks can continue making small changes to the Ghost while the rest of the running shoe industry moves in a different direction. I think there will be a place for it for a while.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Ghost 18?
What is your favorite daily trainer?