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Short answer: Brooks positions the Ghost as a soft, dynamic daily shoe with a balanced feel, while the Glycerin is its more explicitly plush option, including for long runs. For current models, that means comparing the Ghost 18 with the Glycerin 23—but the available official specifications do not support a complete current-generation weight-and-drop comparison. The right choice depends on how each feels on your foot, not on the model name alone.
How the Ghost and Glycerin differ
Brooks’ current US product pages surface the Ghost 18 and Glycerin 23. The clearest distinction is the cushioning character Brooks assigns to each: soft and dynamic for the Ghost 18, and plush, tuned cushioning for the Glycerin 23. That is the manufacturer’s positioning, not the result of an independent head-to-head test.
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| Comparison | Brooks Ghost 18 | Brooks Glycerin 23 |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning description | Soft, dynamic cushioning; Brooks’ detailed description of the previous Ghost 17 called its cushioning balanced. See Brooks Ghost 18 and Ghost 17. | Plush cushioning with dual-cell DNA TUNED, described by Brooks as supporting soft landings and powerful toe-offs. See Brooks Glycerin 23. |
| Fit language | Brooks describes the Ghost 18 fit as secure. Current width availability is not established here. | Brooks describes the Glycerin 23 fit as accommodating and identifies an engineered knit upper. Current width availability is not established here. |
| 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 figures: not stated on the surfaced product-page result. The prior Ghost 17 men’s page lists 10.1 oz / 286.3 g and a 10 mm drop; those are predecessor specifications, not Ghost 18 figures. | The Glycerin 23 men’s product page lists 10.6 oz / 300.5 g and an 8 mm drop. These figures are for the men’s model. |
Brooks’ official comparison page, published April 30, 2024, discusses the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 21, not the current Ghost 18 and Glycerin 23. Its older-generation comparison can provide background, but it should not be treated as a direct current-model test or as proof that every generation has the same feel. Read Brooks’ Ghost vs. Glycerin comparison with that model-year distinction in mind.
Which shoe to try for your running or walking
Try the Ghost 18 if you want a balanced daily option
The Ghost is the more natural first try if you want the soft, dynamic feel Brooks describes and want a shoe Brooks also lists for walking and recovery runs. Those are manufacturer-stated use cases, not a guarantee that the shoe will suit your pace, gait, or preferences.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 if you want a more plush feel
The Glycerin is the more natural first try if plush cushioning is your priority or you are looking for a shoe Brooks lists for long runs. Its product page also describes an accommodating fit and engineered knit upper. Neither description establishes that the shoe will fit every foot or feel better over a particular distance.
How to compare fit and feel in person
Family names and brand fit descriptions cannot predict a specific runner’s fit. Compare both shoes in the exact model, sex-specific version, and width you might buy. Walk or run at a pace representative of how you will use them, and pay attention to:
Rank #2
- 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: Does your heel feel secure without uncomfortable pressure or slipping?
- Forefoot room: Can your toes spread comfortably, with no pinching or unwanted movement?
- Underfoot feel: Does the cushioning feel appropriately soft and responsive to you, rather than simply matching a product description?
- Width and size availability: Check the live listing for the specific model and version. Ghost 17’s US page listed medium, wide, and extra-wide widths, but that is predecessor information and does not establish Ghost 18 availability. Do not assume the same choices apply to Ghost 18 or Glycerin 23.
What the available specifications can—and cannot—tell you
The Glycerin 23 men’s listing gives a weight of 10.6 oz / 300.5 g and an 8 mm drop. For the Ghost, the figures available here are for the previous Ghost 17: 10.1 oz / 286.3 g and a 10 mm drop. Because these numbers are from different generations, they are not a valid like-for-like comparison of the Ghost 18 and Glycerin 23. The current Ghost 18 weight and drop remain unstated in the available product-page information.
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Rank #3
- 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.
Check the exact version before buying
Model names, stock, sizes, prices, and return terms can change by region and over time. Confirm that you are looking at Ghost 18 or Glycerin 23—not an older version—and verify the current price, width options, and return policy on the listing for your market before purchasing. Do not carry forward details from the April 2024 comparison as if they describe today’s models.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- 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.
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.
