Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe review – verdict, price, comparison, who it suits

Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe upper

The upper of the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe uses a 3-layer jacquard mesh, meaning its thickness varies with the weave. The upper clearly prioritises comfort: the thicker, softer-than-average mesh adds weight and is less breathable, but feels comfortable as a result. Your feet may get hot on warmer days or in the gym, but outside the summer months it can be comfortable throughout the year, both for running and all-day wear.

The shoe fits true to size in length, but the tapered toe box makes it worth trying a size up as well. The upper has a medium-width fit, but alongside the standard width (1D), it is also available in narrow (1B), wide (2E) and extra-wide (4E) versions.

The tongue uses a stretchier knit material and is thicker and more padded than average, distributing lace pressure effectively. Its tip uses a thinner, stretchy material that conforms very comfortably. The tongue is not gusseted, but thicker tongues like this tend to move around less because you can tighten the laces more firmly. The heel collar is also more padded and stiffer than average, providing comfortable, secure foot hold.

The sockliner is thick and comfortable, and it is not glued into the shoe, making it easy to replace. The midsole extends only slightly up around the upper, but this does not compromise the shoe’s foot hold.

Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe midsole

The midsole of the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe uses a single foam, DNA Lidt v3, which strikes a middle ground between firm and soft. It is a nitrogen-infused foam, with nitrogen introduced in a supercritical state to create more numerous, smaller gas bubbles within the material, making it lighter and more resilient. The same foam features in earlier Glycerin models (the newer versions now use something different) and earlier Ghost models. It is not a sink-in foam and feels somewhat firm instead, but this gives it slightly better-than-average impact protection and stability. The sufficiently wide midsole further improves stability. The foam has a break-in period and softens slightly after ~30 km. The midsole is 36 mm high at the heel, which is sufficient, but the 10 mm drop leaves only 26 mm under the forefoot, making the front feel less responsive. The higher drop and the foam’s better performance under the heel make this shoe primarily suited to heel strikers. Since the midsole is not particularly tall, it is more flexible and less rigid than average, with better torsional flexibility too, making it a particularly good choice for lower-intensity runs.

Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe outsole

The outsole of the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe uses Brooks’ proprietary RoadTack rubber compound, which has a medium level of hardness. Its abrasion resistance is excellent, and the rubber is thicker than average, making this a particularly durable outsole. The Ghost 18’s outsole is segmented but covers a large proportion of the midsole. The transverse segmentation at the forefoot allows the midsole to flex freely without the outsole making it stiff. The deeper-than-average grooves and extensive rubber coverage provide good traction.

What is it like to run in the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe?

The Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe is a typical daily trainer, best suited to easy, lower-intensity runs. It is understated and lacks bounce, but delivers a predictable, consistent ride. It feels a little firm at first, although the midsole does soften somewhat. Its energy return is more modest than average, but not low. The midsole does not have a pronounced rocker, yet transitions are smooth enough and it flexes well. You can pick up the pace when needed, but this is not a shoe that makes you want to run fast. Cushioning at the heel feels comfortable, and the shoe is primarily designed for heel strikers. Cushioning is noticeably lower when landing on the forefoot, however, so if that is how you land, there are better options for longer distances.

Who should buy the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe – and who should avoid it?

The Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe is recommended for runners looking for a predictable, durable shoe for their lower-intensity daily runs. Its comfortable upper and sufficient flexibility also make it suitable for all-day wear and walking. It can be a good first running shoe for beginners as well. Since it runs slightly warmer than average, it can work well for winter runs or running in colder weather.

The Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe is not recommended if you are looking for a lightweight, fast shoe for faster runs or races. Its thicker upper also makes it unsuitable for hot weather. If you land on your forefoot, it will not be the ideal choice for your longer runs either, as cushioning is lower at the front. If you want a soft shoe for lower-intensity runs, the Ghost 18 will likewise not be the best option.

What has changed from the previous version? Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe vs Brooks Ghost 18.

Almost all the changes to the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe are in the upper; essentially, the new version is a facelift of the Brooks Ghost 17 running shoe.

The previous upper used a two-layer jacquard fabric, to which another layer has now been added. This makes it softer and more comfortable, but reduces breathability. The tongue has been completely redesigned, with the previous thick, foam-padded tongue replaced by a stretchier knit tongue. The laces are longer and stretchier, and the sockliner is also softer and more comfortable.

According to the official specifications, the midsole is 0.5 mm lower, but the difference is not noticeable on foot.

There are no changes to the outsole

Alternatives to the Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe – comparison

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe?

There is no difference in materials or construction between the women’s Brooks Ghost 18 running shoe and the men’s version. According to the official weight specifications, the women’s version is almost 30 grams lighter. This is partly because the women’s Ghost 18 is weighed in a smaller size than the men’s shoe, and partly because the men’s version has a standard D width, while the women’s Brooks Ghost 18 has a B width, making it somewhat narrower.