Brooks Ghost 18
The Ghost 18 is highlighted as the most balanced shoe for everyday mileage, combining durability and comfort, and is praised by Runner’s World and RTINGS for its smooth, supportive ride and excellent long-term durability.
Consolidated from 56 cited sources across 45 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 1 enthusiastic source
- 36 positive sources
- 14 mixed sources
- 1 unconvinced source
Pros & cons
- ✓ Smooth, supportive ride
- ✓ Excellent durability for long-term use
- ✓ Great cushioning and stability
- ✓ Comfortable
- ✓ Neutral fit
- ✗ Loses the top spot only on ride excitement
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 32 articles, 21 video reviews and 3 community sources
36 positive sources
Reviews consistently highlight the shoe’s smooth underfoot feel and accommodating fit, making it approachable for both longtime Ghost fans and newer runners. The updated upper provides a secure fit through the midfoot while maintaining enough flexibility and room in the forefoot for all-day comfort. The step-in feel remains soft and approachable without feeling overly plush or unstable.Read T
The very popular, very dependable, very durable daily trainer has not changed much from the previous model. I'll say that now for those who want to skip the rest of the review and are already very well acquainted with the Brooks Ghost 17, but I've put the miles in to see exactly what the differences might be and how it compares to other shoes on the market.Watch P
Overall, I think the Brooks Ghost 18 is an excellent option for beginner runners, casual runners, and anyone who spends a lot of time walking. The shoe has solid support, breathability, and comfort while maintaining a lightweight feel. Although I would have liked slightly softer cushioning for longer runs, I found the shoe great for walking long distances around New York City.Read R
You can't go wrong with this shoe. It has everything you need, perfect balancing of cushioning and upper, and now we've got a new update. Tell us about this shoe, what it's all about. >> Yeah, I mean, you hit the nail right on the head. The Ghost is kind of our or not kind of, it is our bestseller. It's a it's a staple within the range and it's really the workhorse for us.Watch R
Brooks wasn’t messing around when they released their line up this year with two brand new shoes, which might be why they also decided to play it safe with the beloved Brooks Ghost 18. We’ve already given you a preview of the Brooks Ghost Amp coming this Fall (so exciting) and done a full review on the new Brooks Glycerin Flex , basically their big WOW moments for the year.Read R
>> I kind of see why they're on their 18th version. It's just a really good all-around daily trainer. >> Yeah, feels like it's a very balanced shoe. You know, you got those 4-5 mile easy runs. Where you just want to feel good, comfortable, supportive. Just like a solid shoe. >> Okay, so now we're going to try on the Brooks Ghost AM.Watch S
The running community is currently abuzz with anticipation regarding the upcoming iteration of one of the most reliable daily trainers on the market: the Brooks Ghost 18. As we move closer to the official unveiling, industry insiders and biomechanical analysts are scrutinising every leaked specification to determine how Brooks intends to evolve its flagship neutral shoe.Read F
It's really just known for its smooth ride and consistent all around reliability. And with this 18th version, Brooks really isn't trying to reinvent the wheel here. Though they are somewhat refining it.Watch =
Yeah, it's legitimately one of the better ones out there, even though it's marketed as a running shoe. The Ghost line has been a walker favorite for years, and the 18's plusher tongue and cleaner upper make it even better for long walks. Pairing it with a supportive insole is a nice upgrade if you're standing or walking for whole shifts.Read R
So really props to Brooks for having a shoe that's been around for so long that so many people have logged miles in. And it's a shoe that sort of has led the way for a lot of other brands and manufacturers inside this mid-cushion everyday category by making some strategic changes without completely reinventing the wheel. So, the Brooks Ghost 18. This is an everyday mid-cushion neutral shoe.Watch M
For me, the Ghost 18 has the edge in comfort and cushioning over the Pegasus 42. Neither is particularly zippy or packed with energy return. I have been wearing both for runs and as daily walk around shoes, I think in this battle the Ghost 18 takes it because I find it more comfortable on foot for the whole day.Read A
er-distance efforts as well, and maybe you want to use it as a lifestyle shoe for working all day or going to Disney, whatever your tipple may be, then I think the Ghost 18 is going to be a very versatile shoe, making it even better value for money. Well, I really hope this review helped you decide whether or not this is going to be for you. &nbWatch R
The Ghost 18 is your dependable daily training shoe. If you want something that’s going to hold up run after run without making you think too hard about it, this is it. It’s not your race shoe; it’s not your speed workout shoe. It’s the one you reach for the rest of the time, and it does that job really well.Read Q
So, I chose a colorway that first and foremost that I love I love this particular colorway. The color blocking that they chose. Um it has I don't know what they're they're calling it coconut coconut pearl and tiger lily. So, I'm going to assume the upper is coconut. Um not sure what color they're considering to be the black part. But this black outsole I thought was pretty cool.Watch R
The Ghost 18 is your dependable daily training shoe. If you want something that’s going to hold up run after run without making you think too hard about it, this is it. It’s not your race shoe; it’s not your speed workout shoe. It’s the one you reach for the rest of the time, and it does that job really well.Read R
This is going to be your reliable everyday neutral trainer built for easy runs and some of your longer runs. In the heel we're going to have 36 mil in the forefoot. We've got 26 mil. This is a 10 mil heel to toe drop. This is almost as traditional as you're going to get. For a men's size 9 that we're looking at about 283 grams. For a women's size 8 we're looking at about 261 grams.Watch S
But the exact opposite is true for this year's Ghost 18: We welcome the small improvements to an already great shoe. Basically, the padded tongue was swapped for a new woven-tongue sock liner, which improves upper fit and feel (we also think it looks better, too). Otherwise, the shoe is basically unchanged.Read I
I also really like how this shoe looks. I know it's not about the looks, it's supposed to be about the performance, but if you've seen my videos, you know that I prefer a relatively clean upper and I like a colorful foam. I think this does everything that I like in a shoe and it just I think this looks real nice. Another thing that I've liked is kind of the step-in feel of the shoe.Watch F
The Brooks Ghost 18 earns high marks—and a spot atop this list—for its combination of support, breathability and dynamic comfort. From the mesh upper to the grippy outsole and the truly vast selection of colors and widths, Brooks made sure to check every box when updating this classic trainer.Read F
It's a little bit plusher, feels a little bit softer all the way around the foot, locks down on the foot very well.Watch N
I found the Brooks Ghost 18 to be more flexible and therefore a little more natural to run in than the previous version, which took a bit of breaking in. This might be due to manufacturing, or it could be because the new upper is more pliable and flexible.Read F
It's offers a good combination of cushioning, performance, versatility, and great value in kind of an easy to get along with package. So, let's have a look at what's changed with the new Ghost 18. First up, the weight. The men's weighs in at 10.2 oz, the women's at 9.2 oz. That's approximately 290 g, 260 g. Stack height is 37 mm in the heel, 27 mm in the forefoot. So, that's a 10-mm drop.Watch R
The Brooks Ghost 18 still delivers everything a runner could ask for: just the right amount of cushion in midsole, a durable rubber outsole and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet feeling comfortable mile after mile.Read R
The Ghost is a fantastic everyday neutral running shoe. This is going to work well for people who are walking, people who are just starting to get into running, and people who have been running for a long time and and for running up to about probably a half marathon.Watch T Tiktok @amysbalancingact
I like them better than the 17! 2. They seem to have more cushion. 3. I’m digging the fit and these will be a good shorter, easy mile training shoe for me!View post D
If you want to go-to running shoe that offers dependable comfort, long-lasting durability, and a smooth ride day after day, the Brooks Ghost 18 is a strong choice. The Ghost 18 continues the legacy of one of Brooks running's most popular neutral running shoes.Watch T
The Brooks Ghost 18 is a softer, more comfortable update to one of the world's most popular daily running shoes. Here's how it runs and who it's best for.Read R
Honestly, I think that if you are looking for a versatile daily trainer, maybe looking for a little bit more versatility than what the normal Brooks Ghost can give you, this is 100% your option. You're still not losing that Brooks feel that we all know and love. You're just adding a little bit of extra flavor to the recipe. Definitely come in store, try these on. They're going to be online.Watch T
In fact, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Ghost 18 is my favorite Brooks shoe and one of my favorites of the year. I’m as shocked as you are!Read B
Famed for its comfort, its versatility, and reliability, it's a shoe that works really well for so many different runners out there, making it a very safe and easy recommendation.Watch M
The versatility of the Ghost 18 makes it worth the cost to get a single pair that you can use for most types of general training.Read J
So, from the 17 to the 18, we are keeping the same tread pattern and that's kind of a good thing because you get a huge chunk of rubber down here on the bottom. They aren't quite lugs like you would think about in a traditional sense for a trail shoe, but dag on if you're not getting quite a bit of rubber here. That means it's going to be really durable as you are putting a lot of miles in.Watch F
The Brooks Ghost remains, as it has done for many years, one of the most popular shoes on the market.Read F
For walking, I prefer the Brooks Ghost 18 over the Ghost 17.Read M
Overall, it is one of our top-rated walking shoes of 2026.Read B r/brooks u/subwrx18 · owner
Ghost 18 all day.Read thread
14 mixed sources
The Ghost 18 is no exception. I tend to lean more towards the Ghost Max, a shoe that I will also be reviewing, given the lower drop. But if you loved the Ghost 17 and all of the Ghosts before, this one will do the trick again.Read T
This is a foam I have come to like, if not necessarily love, on lots of Brooks shoes. It gives you a good balanced drive with a bit of pop. It's reasonably lightweight, I would say as well, even though this is a fairly heavy shoe all round. The Ghost 18, I think a lot of that is down to the fairly thick and padded upper and the really thick outsole you have on the shoe.Watch F
A new Ortholite sockliner is used in the Ghost 18 , and this improves the step-in comfort a little, it’s better than the Ghost 17, but it is not a significant upgrade.Read F
So those of you who are upset about the Ghost 16 moving to the Ghost 17 and changing from a 12 mil to a 10 mil drop, you can be really happy because this truly is now a 12 mil drop again. The weight stays similar at 289 g for a size 9 men's US. However, we've been told that the cushioning is the same with the DNA Loft v3 nitrogen infused, but it does feel different compared to the Ghost 17.Watch B
Pros : Great starter shoe that won’t break the bank. Stable neutral ride. Durability. Cons : Volume might be too low for some. Lacks versatility into faster paces.Read M
The Ghost 18 is comfortable, but not in that soft sink-in max cushion way. The shoe is definitely firmer and a more responsive ride. And that's the main thing you need to understand before buying it. If you're coming from something like the Glycerin Max 2, Ghost Max 3, or another big plush walking shoe, the Ghost 18 is going to feel a lot more grounded.Watch A
If you overpronate, the Ghost 18's neutral platform isn't the right tool. Brooks' own Adrenaline GTS 25 is the stability equivalent worth a look instead.Read R
Daily trainers like the Ghost 18 feel soft, stable, and supportive. The drawback of that is is a lot of shoes in this category aren't necessarily the most poppy and responsive. If that's not what you're looking for, then these are phenomenal shoes. But for those of you who want a daily trainer that's a little bit more running only focused, the Ghost Amp is the type of shoe that you would like.Watch R
Our women testers experienced hot spots, especially below their big toe in the bunion-prone area of their foot.Read F
The bad news, depending on how you look at it, is that very little has changed from the previous version.Read I Instagram Instagram post
Not crazy about the 12mm drop. Better shoes out there for the knees.View post R
A hot spot developed underfoot for a more flat‑footed reviewerRead R
Pros: Comfortable and refined upperRead R
Feels initially stiffRead
4 stance not read sources
Today I've got two of Brooks' most popular daily trainers, the Ghost 18 and the Glycerin 23. Most runners looking to buy a Brooks running shoe agonize over deciding between these two.Watch R
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #3 of 17 on our running shoes tier list, in A tier. That placement draws on 56 cited sources across 45 outlets.
1 of the 52 sources with a clear view is critical of it: The Pickleball Gang. Loses the top spot only on ride excitement.
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