The Brooks Ghost 18 is a dependable neutral daily trainer that feels much like its predecessor. The main changes are in the upper, so buy it if you want a stable, moderately firm shoe for everyday miles and walking. If you run fast or want a softer, more responsive ride, look elsewhere. Whether it is good value depends on the current price, especially against a discounted Ghost 17.
What Brooks says the Ghost 18 is
Brooks positions the Ghost 18 as a neutral road shoe for daily training. Its official U.S. product page lists DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, an engineered air mesh upper, balanced support, and a secure fit, with a listed U.S. price of $150.
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In its model-history article dated May 15, 2026, Brooks says the Ghost 18 keeps the Ghost 17’s claimed 10 mm drop and familiar ride. The notable changes are:
- Flat-knit tongue: a soft, flexible tongue intended to add comfort.
- Engineered air mesh upper: described by Brooks as supportive, and reviewers describe it as a two-color material meant to improve comfort and fit security.
- Ortholite X-60 sock liner: Brooks says it gives a softer ride.
Tom’s Guide reached a similar conclusion: the upper is the main update, and its reviewer found the running experience very similar to the Ghost 17.
#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.
Ride: traditional, firm-leaning, and built for easy miles
Independent reviewers consistently describe the Ghost 18 as a stable, traditional ride with relatively firm cushioning. Doctors of Running calls it moderately cushioned, stable for a neutral shoe, and flexible through the forefoot. It also notes limited responsiveness at faster paces. Tom’s Guide reaches the same conclusion from a different angle: the shoe is best at easy paces, comfortable for walking and all-day wear, and less capable when pushed harder.
In practice, that means the Ghost 18 suits easy runs, recovery days, commuting, and time on your feet. If you want a shoe that feels lively at tempo pace or races, the reviews point toward other options.
RTINGS calls the 18 a slight update and says most runners will notice little difference. Its comparison says the Ghost 18 adds some cushioning and responsiveness, while the Ghost 17 is marginally more stable.
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- 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.
Fit: reviewers agree on length, but not on feel
Fit impressions vary by reviewer and foot shape, so treat them as observations rather than sizing rules.
- Doctors of Running (David Salas, May 22, 2026): fits true to size in men’s US 9.5. The reviewer found the forefoot and midfoot volume low at first and reports the shoe became more comfortable after use.
- Tom’s Guide: fits well in its reviewer’s normal running-shoe size.
If you have a wide forefoot or a high instep, the early-volume comment is the detail to weigh. Try the shoe on at the end of the day, and wear the socks you run in. Check Brooks’ return policy before you buy online.
Measured specs: where the numbers differ
Brooks’ claimed 10 mm drop is not the only figure in circulation. RunRepeat’s lab measured a 12.2 mm drop, from a 37.3 mm heel stack and 25.1 mm forefoot stack. Doctors of Running lists 36 mm heel and 26 mm forefoot with a 10 mm drop. These are different measurements taken by different methods, so do not treat them as one spec.
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.
RunRepeat’s other lab readings use its own scale and testing method, so compare them only with each other:
| Measurement | Value | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Heel stack | 37.3 mm | RunRepeat, 2026 |
| Forefoot stack | 25.1 mm | RunRepeat, 2026 |
| Drop (measured) | 12.2 mm | RunRepeat, 2026 (Brooks claims 10 mm) |
| Heel shock absorption | 135 SA | RunRepeat, 2026 |
| Forefoot shock absorption | 101 SA | RunRepeat, 2026 |
| Heel energy return | 52.4% | RunRepeat, 2026 |
| Forefoot energy return | 58.1% | RunRepeat, 2026 |
| Midsole softness | 40.5 AC | RunRepeat, 2026 |
The energy-return and softness numbers help explain the reviewers’ “relatively firm” impression, but they are one lab’s readings, not a universal benchmark.
Ghost 18 or Ghost 17?
The Ghost 17 is the direct predecessor, and the two shoes share the same claimed drop and general ride. The comparison comes down to upper, cushioning, and price.
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.
| Factor | Ghost 18 | Ghost 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Engineered air mesh with flat-knit tongue (per Brooks) | Predecessor upper; Brooks describes the 18 as the refinement |
| Sock liner | Ortholite X-60 (per Brooks) | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Cushioning feel | Adds some cushioning and responsiveness (RTINGS) | Marginally more stable (RTINGS) |
| U.S. price | $150 (Brooks listing) | Around $109 on sale at the time of Tom’s Guide’s review |
If a discounted Ghost 17 is in stock at a reputable retailer, it is the better buy for most people who only want the core ride and do not care about the new upper. The 18 makes more sense if you want the refined tongue and upper at full price, or if the 17 is no longer available in your size.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and availability
Tom’s Guide reports a launch price of $150 in the U.S. and £135 in the U.K., matching the Ghost 17’s launch price. Sources differ on the launch date, so check Brooks’ official site for the current listing. Retailer prices change often, and the Ghost 17 figure above is a snapshot from one review, not a guarantee.
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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.
Who should buy the Ghost 18
- Good fit: daily trainers, easy and recovery runners, walkers, people who stand all day, and anyone who wants a traditional neutral ride.
- Poor fit: runners who want a soft, bouncy feel, faster-pace training, or anyone who needs a clearly different ride from the Ghost 17.
- Check first: your forefoot and midfoot volume, whether you prefer firmer or softer foam, and whether the 17 is available at a lower price.
Scope of this review
This review draws on Brooks’ official U.S. product page and model-history article, plus published reviews from Tom’s Guide, Doctors of Running, RTINGS, and RunRepeat. It does not report firsthand testing. Prices, sizes, colors, and stock are volatile, so verify them before you buy.
Verdict: the Ghost 18 is a reliable, unremarkable neutral trainer. It is worth buying for easy daily miles and walking at full price if you want the updated upper, and worth it at a discount if you want a stable ride for less.
No hidden sources or unpublished testing underpin these conclusions.
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Brooks Ghost 18 review verdict: a dependable daily trainer, not an exciting one.
The rest of this page is for readers who want a deeper look.
Quick Recap
Verdict repeated: buy it for steady miles.
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The Bottom Line
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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.
