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The Brooks Ghost 18 is a neutral daily trainer with a traditional, relatively firm ride. Its changes from the Ghost 17 are mostly in the upper, so if you liked the Ghost 17, expect a very similar run. It suits easy running and walking better than faster sessions. At the $150 list price, it makes sense if you want that stable, familiar ride; if you can find a discounted Ghost 17, that is the main value question to weigh.
What the Ghost 18 is built to do
Brooks markets the Ghost as a road shoe for daily training. The Ghost 18 pairs DNA LOFT v3 cushioning with an engineered air mesh upper, balanced support, and a secure fit. Brooks lists the U.S. price at $150 on its official product listing.
Think of it as the shoe you run in most days rather than the one you race in. Reviewers consistently describe it as a stable, neutral option for ordinary miles, with enough structure to feel predictable underfoot.
What changed from the Ghost 17
Brooks calls the 18 an incremental update. Its model-history article, dated May 15, 2026, says the Ghost 18 keeps the Ghost 17’s claimed 10 mm drop and familiar ride while changing the upper and comfort details. Tom’s Guide, reviewing the shoe after its June 2026 launch, identifies the new two-color air mesh upper as the main visible update and reports the on-run experience as very similar to the Ghost 17. RTINGS calls the 18 a slight update and says most runners will notice little difference.
#1 Best Overall
- THIS MEN’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.
| Feature | Ghost 17 | Ghost 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Not described as changed in the sources reviewed | Engineered air mesh, described by Brooks as supportive; new two-color material per Tom’s Guide |
| Tongue | Not stated | Soft, flexible flat-knit tongue (Brooks) |
| Sock liner | Not stated | Ortholite X-60 (Brooks) |
| Claimed drop | 10 mm (Brooks) | 10 mm (Brooks) |
| Cushioning and responsiveness | Marginally more stable, per RTINGS’ comparison | Adds some cushioning and responsiveness, per RTINGS’ comparison |
| Launch U.S. price | $150 at launch (Tom’s Guide) | $150 (Brooks listing; Tom’s Guide reports the same launch price) |
The practical takeaway: the upper and tongue are the parts you will notice first on the foot. The ride itself is intended to stay close to the previous version.
Ride, cushioning, and pace
Doctors of Running describes the Ghost 18 as traditional, moderately cushioned, relatively firm, and stable for a neutral shoe. Its forefoot flexes easily, but the reviewer finds limited responsiveness at faster paces. The reviewer calls it a daily workhorse that can also suit walking and long periods of standing. Tom’s Guide reaches a similar conclusion, finding it best at easy paces and comfortable for walking and all-day wear.
Rank #2
- THIS MEN’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.
Who it suits
- Runners who want a predictable, neutral shoe for most training miles
- People who prefer a firmer platform over a soft, bouncy one
- Anyone who walks, stands, or works on their feet and wants a shoe that is not overly plush
Where it falls short
- Faster sessions: both reviewers say it is less capable when pushed to quicker paces
- Riders who want a soft, springy ride will likely find it too firm; reviewers describe it as relatively firm rather than plush
Fit: what reviewers actually reported
Fit impressions vary by foot, and the two reviews below are individual experiences rather than sizing rules.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- David Salas, writing for Doctors of Running on May 22, 2026, says the Ghost 18 fit true to size in his men’s US 9.5. He felt low volume in the forefoot and midfoot at first, and says it became more comfortable with use.
- Tom’s Guide’s reviewer reports a good fit in their normal running shoe size.
If you have a wide forefoot or a high instep, the early-volume comment from Doctors of Running is the one to test in person. Check the toe box and midfoot after a short walk in the store, not only while standing still.
Rank #3
- 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.
Measured stack height and drop
Independent lab figures do not match Brooks’ stated drop, so treat each number as belonging to its source. RunRepeat’s 2026 testing measured a 12.2 mm drop, while Brooks claims 10 mm. Doctors of Running lists 36 mm heel and 26 mm forefoot, which gives the same 10 mm drop as Brooks. Brooks does not state stack heights in the material reviewed.
| Source | Heel stack | Forefoot stack | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks (official) | Not stated | Not stated | 10 mm claimed |
| Doctors of Running | 36 mm | 26 mm | 10 mm |
| RunRepeat (2026 lab test) | 37.3 mm | 25.1 mm | 12.2 mm measured |
RunRepeat also reported these cushioning measurements using its own test method:
Rank #4
- THIS MEN’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.
| Measure | Heel | Forefoot |
|---|---|---|
| Shock absorption (SA, RunRepeat units) | 135 SA | 101 SA |
| Energy return | 52.4% | 58.1% |
| Midsole softness | 40.5 AC (RunRepeat’s reading) | |
These are single-lab readings. Use them to compare the Ghost 18 with other shoes tested the same way, not as absolute specifications. For most buyers, the reviewer impressions above are the more useful guide to how the shoe feels.
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Price and the Ghost 17 decision
Brooks lists the Ghost 18 at $150 in the U.S. Tom’s Guide reports a £135 U.K. price and says the launch price matches the Ghost 17 at its own launch. Tom’s Guide also reported the Ghost 17 widely available around $109 on sale when it published its review. That is a snapshot from one review, not a current price, so check retailers directly before deciding.
Best Value
- THIS MEN’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.
- Choose the Ghost 18 if you want the newer upper and tongue, and you can buy it at or near list price.
- Choose a discounted Ghost 17 if the ride is what you want and the price gap is significant. Based on the reviews, you will give up little on the road.
- Choose neither if you need a soft, responsive shoe for faster training, since both reviewers flag limited speed performance in this design.
Retail stock, sizes, colors, and prices change, so confirm them before buying.
Alternatives named in reviews
Tom’s Guide names the Asics Novablast 6, Puma Deviate Pure Nitro, and Saucony Endorphin Azura as alternatives to consider. The sources reviewed do not include head-to-head tests against those models, so any comparison between them and the Ghost 18 should be based on your own fit and running needs.
How much weight to give these sources
This assessment draws on Brooks’ official product listing and model-history article, plus published reviews from Tom’s Guide, Doctors of Running, RTINGS, and RunRepeat. It is not based on our own testing. Reviewer fit notes describe individual experiences, not guarantees, and lab numbers reflect each source’s method. Where sources disagree, such as on drop, the article reports each figure with its source.
Brooks’ official line on the change is that the Ghost 18 features “a soft and flexible flat-knit tongue for added comfort, a supportive engineered air mesh upper, and an Ortholite X-60 sock liner for a softer ride.” Doctors of Running summarizes the shoe as “a neutral training shoe for those wanting moderate cushioning and a more traditional ride.”
Quick Recap
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.
