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Choose the Brooks Ghost if you want a balanced, soft-and-dynamic everyday shoe that Brooks also lists for walking; try the Glycerin if you want a plusher feel and a shoe Brooks specifically lists for long runs. That is Brooks’ positioning, not a guarantee that one model will fit your foot or feel better. The current US product pages surfaced for this comparison are Ghost 18 and Glycerin 23, so check the model number before comparing specs or prices.
How do Ghost 18 and Glycerin 23 differ?
Brooks describes the Ghost 18 as soft and dynamic, while the Glycerin 23 is built around plush cushioning with dual-cell DNA TUNED. In practical terms, Ghost is the balanced daily option in Brooks’ lineup; Glycerin is the more explicitly plush option. That shorthand reflects manufacturer descriptions, not a current-generation head-to-head test.
| Comparison | Brooks Ghost 18 | Brooks Glycerin 23 |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Brooks describes soft, dynamic cushioning. [Brooks Ghost 18] | Brooks describes plush dual-cell DNA TUNED cushioning, with soft landings and powerful toe-offs. [Brooks Glycerin 23] |
| Fit description | Brooks calls the fit secure. Current width options were not established in the available product-page details. | Brooks calls the fit accommodating and describes an engineered knit upper. |
| Stated uses | Road running, daily and recovery runs, and walking, according to Brooks. | Road running, everyday runs, and long runs, according to Brooks. |
| Men’s weight and drop | Current Ghost 18 specifications were not stated in the available product-page details. The preceding Ghost 17 men’s page lists 10.1 oz (286.3 g) and a 10 mm drop; those are not Ghost 18 figures. [Brooks Ghost 17] | 10.6 oz (300.5 g) and an 8 mm drop, as listed on Brooks’ US men’s product page. |
Brooks’ official comparison article is dated April 30, 2024, and discusses Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21. Its older-generation comparison should not be treated as a direct test of Ghost 18 against Glycerin 23. [Brooks Ghost vs. Glycerin comparison]
Which shoe should you try first?
Try the Ghost 18 for a balanced everyday feel
The Ghost is the more natural starting point if you want one road shoe for everyday running and walking, or if Brooks’ balanced, soft-and-dynamic description matches what you prefer underfoot. Brooks lists daily and recovery runs among its suggested uses. Comfort at your own pace matters more than the category label.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Brooks Men’s Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Primer Grey/Ebony - 12.5 Medium
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Offering the perfect balance of comfort and protection, the Ghost Max 3 features a high stack of DNA Loft 3 cushioning and a wide base that reduces pressure underfoot. Its GlideRoll Rocker actively supports smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making it an ideal choice for both runners and walkers. The Ghost Max 3 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. This is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost Max 2.
- BREATHABLE, COMFORTABLE UPPER: The new high-fidelity textile with a soft hand feel is paired with engineered mesh to enhance breathability, providing a comfortable and well-ventilated fit for all-day wear.
- PROTECTIVE CUSHIONING: A high stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning reduces underfoot pressure, allowing for natural movement. It helps lower the risk of injury, minimizes energy absorption, and ensures a more comfortable, effortless, and efficient stride.
- STABLE RIDE: A wide base provides built-in stability, ensuring a secure feel that supports your natural stride. Raised sidewalls enhance bending stiffness for a snug, supportive fit, while the unique linear last construction adds volume to accommodate a variety of foot shapes and orthotics, offering lasting comfort.
- EASY, ASSISTED TRANSITIONS: The low offset and GlideRoll Rocker work together to actively support smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making every step feel effortless and enhancing your overall stride.
Try the Glycerin 23 for a plusher feel
The Glycerin is worth trying if you are seeking Brooks’ explicitly plush cushioning or want a shoe Brooks names for long runs. Its product page also describes an accommodating fit and engineered knit upper. Those labels do not establish that it will suit a particular foot shape or distance better for every runner.
How to compare fit and feel in person
Do not choose by family name alone. Try both in the exact version you intend to buy, using your usual running or walking socks, and assess:
Rank #2
Sale
Brooks Men’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 11.5 Medium
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 17 is for runners and walkers alike looking for an everyday companion that provides smooth, reliable comfort. Now featuring an extra 1mm of DNA LOFT v3 in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot to help every mile feel as good as the first. This Brooks Ghost 17 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 17 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 16.
- SOFT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: The Ghost 17 offers neutral support with premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight softness and feel-good comfort after every mile. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, travel, and the gym.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The newly designed midsole incorporates precise flex grooves that enhance the shoe's ability to promote smooth transitions. This innovative feature allows for a more natural flow during toe-off, enabling runners to maintain speed and momentum with ease.
- COMFORT & BREATHABILITY: The double jacquard air mesh upper provides premium comfort and breathability, while the kick-back collar adds support and structure. This design ensures optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry during intense activities, while adapting to your foot’s natural movements for a comfortable snug fit.
- RUBBER OUTSOLE: The innovative rubber compound, crafted with recycled silica, offers a perfect balance of durability, lightweight performance, and responsive rebound, making it ideal for any terrain.
- Heel hold: the heel should feel secure without uncomfortable pressure or rubbing.
- Forefoot room: check that toes have comfortable space while standing and moving.
- Width availability: confirm the current options for the exact model, men’s or women’s version, region, and size. Ghost 17’s US page listed medium, wide, and extra-wide widths, but those are predecessor-model details, not confirmation of Ghost 18 availability.
- Underfoot feel: walk and, if possible, run at your normal pace to decide whether Ghost’s described balanced feel or Glycerin’s plush feel is more comfortable to you.
Brooks’ fit language describes the products; it cannot predict an individual fit or establish an injury-prevention benefit. The available material does not provide an independent current-generation head-to-head laboratory test or reader-specific fit result.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What specifications are safe to compare?
The Glycerin 23 men’s US page lists a weight of 10.6 oz (300.5 g) and an 8 mm drop. The available Ghost 18 page details did not establish its current weight or drop, so a same-generation weight-and-drop comparison cannot be made from these figures. Ghost 17’s 10.1 oz (286.3 g) weight and 10 mm drop belong to that earlier model only.
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Rank #3
Brooks Men’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Pink Clay/Gecko - 12 Medium
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 17 is for runners and walkers alike looking for an everyday companion that provides smooth, reliable comfort. Now featuring an extra 1mm of DNA LOFT v3 in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot to help every mile feel as good as the first. This Brooks Ghost 17 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. The Ghost 17 is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost 16.
- SOFT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: The Ghost 17 offers neutral support with premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning to deliver lightweight softness and feel-good comfort after every mile. Ideal for road running, walking, cross training, travel, and the gym.
- SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The newly designed midsole incorporates precise flex grooves that enhance the shoe's ability to promote smooth transitions. This innovative feature allows for a more natural flow during toe-off, enabling runners to maintain speed and momentum with ease.
- COMFORT & BREATHABILITY: The double jacquard air mesh upper provides premium comfort and breathability, while the kick-back collar adds support and structure. This design ensures optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry during intense activities, while adapting to your foot’s natural movements for a comfortable snug fit.
- RUBBER OUTSOLE: The innovative rubber compound, crafted with recycled silica, offers a perfect balance of durability, lightweight performance, and responsive rebound, making it ideal for any terrain.
For either shoe, verify the exact generation and version on the live listing before relying on measurements. Specifications, sizes, and stock can differ by version, market, and time.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Sale
Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Skyway/Coconut/Sand - 8.5 Medium
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Offering the perfect balance of comfort and protection, the Ghost Max 3 features a high stack of DNA Loft 3 cushioning and a wide base that reduces pressure underfoot. Its GlideRoll Rocker actively supports smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making it an ideal choice for both runners and walkers. The Ghost Max 3 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. This is a certified carbon neutral product. Predecessor: Ghost Max 2.
- BREATHABLE, COMFORTABLE UPPER: The new high-fidelity textile with a soft hand feel is paired with engineered mesh to enhance breathability, providing a comfortable and well-ventilated fit for all-day wear.
- PROTECTIVE CUSHIONING: A high stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning reduces underfoot pressure, allowing for natural movement. It helps lower the risk of injury, minimizes energy absorption, and ensures a more comfortable, effortless, and efficient stride.
- STABLE RIDE: A wide base provides built-in stability, ensuring a secure feel that supports your natural stride. Raised sidewalls enhance bending stiffness for a snug, supportive fit, while the unique linear last construction adds volume to accommodate a variety of foot shapes and orthotics, offering lasting comfort.
- EASY, ASSISTED TRANSITIONS: The low offset and GlideRoll Rocker work together to actively support smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making every step feel effortless and enhancing your overall stride.
Rank #4
Brooks Women’s Ghost 18 Neutral Running & Walking Shoe - Peach/Grape/Coconut - 8 Medium
- THIS WOMEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Everyday runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts who want the perfect blend of soft cushioning, balanced support, and smooth comfort. Ideal for road running, gym workouts, or long daily walks, the Ghost 18 delivers reliable performance on every stride. This Brooks Ghost 18 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Ghost 17.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Powered by nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam for a soft, responsive ride and balanced support, plus a new Ortholite X-60 sockliner for plush step-in comfort from the very first run.
- SECURE, BREATHABLE FIT: Features a redesigned upper construction with a flexible flat knit tongue and triple jacquard engineered mesh, offering advanced breathability and a supportive fit to help lock your foot in place.
- MODERN DESIGN & PROTECTION: Two-tone engineered air mesh provides a stylish look and increased airflow, while the smooth, flat-knit tongue delivers pillow-like protection for the top of your foot.
- DURABLE OUTSOLE & ENHANCED VISIBILITY: Lightweight RoadTack rubber outsole, made with recycled silica for sustainable traction and longevity, plus 3M reflectivity on heel collar and lateral heel ensures increased safety during low-light runs.
What to check before buying
- Confirm that the listing is for Ghost 18 or Glycerin 23, not an earlier generation.
- Check the width and size offered for the exact men’s or women’s version and your market.
- Review the current price, stock, and return terms on the seller’s listing; no stable cross-model price comparison is established here.
- If you are deciding between them, prioritize which shoe feels more comfortable at your usual pace over the cushioning label alone.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
