Brooks Ghost 18

Known for its soft cushioning, snug feel and simplistic overall design, the Ghost 18 is a great option as a traditional daily running shoe. Wide fittings available.

The Brooks Ghost 18 is ideal if...

You are a neutral runner that prefers a less cushioned, closer to the ground, feel
You are looking for a lightweight all-round versatile running shoe
You need a comfortable, relatively stable option for everyday runs or walking

Feature	Details
Category	Neutral Running Shoes
Cushioning	Balanced
Weight	M 286g / W 255g
Drop	10mm (26/16mm)
Fit	True to size, snug fit
Width Options	Standard & Wide

Men's Brooks Ghost 18

£135

Women's Brooks Ghost 18

£135

Pros:

Strips of reflective material featured on various areas of the shoe
Moderate cushioning, very comfy for everyday wear and longer runs
The heel, midfoot and toe-box are all precisely shaped in width, without significant variation
Very stable neutral shoe – can even correct slight over-pronation
Built for longevity – up to approx 400 miles
This item is carbon neutral!

Cons(iderations):

The heel counter is shallower to minimise ankle rubbing, but won't accommodate orthotics

Improvements on Ghost 17

Upgraded mesh upper, lighter and more breathable
A more secure, fitted heel-counter
Softer and thinner tongue, for sock-like comfort
Overall lighter, with a sleek design

Features:

New midsole features soft and lighter DNA LOFT V3 cushioning with infused nitrogen
Triple-jacquard air-mesh upper provides comfort and breathability, with 3D Fit Print for added structure
Flex-grooves on the outsole for a smooth, flowing ride
Durable rubber outsole for improved grip
Wide fittings available (men's 2E & 4E / women's D)

In Testing

I was not entirely sold on these shoes when I first tried them on because they felt a little firmer than I was expecting. However, they were comfortable enough for me to take them out for a run, and I am glad I did.

One thing that really stands out to me is how secure the new Ghost feels around my ankle. As someone who regularly experiences heel slippage, I usually have to use the extra eyelet to create a runner’s loop for a more secure fit. With the Ghost 18, I didn’t need to do this at all, as I had no issues with my heel slipping.

Compared to the Ghost 17, the older model has a slightly snugger fit, whereas the Ghost 18 offers a little more room in the toe box. This has been particularly beneficial on my longer runs, giving my feet more space as they naturally expand. I have also noticed that the tongue is thinner and wraps more comfortably around the top of my foot.

While serving customers, I have had feedback that the tongue on the Ghost 17 was not particularly comfortable and made the laces difficult to tighten. It sounds like Brooks has really listened to customer feedback and made some thoughtful improvements with the Ghost 18.

As someone who has run in a few Brooks shoes in the past, it’s difficult for the brand to disappoint me. Their shoes tend of offer a more grounded and natural feel, which I like. Although the Ghost 18 initially felt a little firmer underfoot, they softened up after a few runs and became noticeably more comfortable. I would also recommend them for casual walking.

Verdict

The wider toe box makes this the perfect shoe to wear on longer runs. Though wider at the front, the shoe itself is not too loose, and the heel feels very secure. Additionally, the grounded feel makes the Ghost 18 more natural and suitable for casual walking as well as running.

Men's Brooks Ghost 18

£135

Men's Brooks Ghost 18 2E Wide

£135

Men's Brooks Ghost 18 4E Extra Wide

£135

Women's Brooks Ghost 18

£135

Women's Brooks Ghost 18 D Wide

£135

Ghost 18 Comparison

Product	Comparison
On Cloudsurfer 2	Firmer underfoot sensation, with a smooth, rolling transition and slightly more responsive, quicker feel. Lighter and more streamlined, with a lower 9mm drop and stack. Less cushioned and less stable. Similar price point.
New Balance 880v15	Higher cushioning, softer, with a more stable and broader outsole platform. A bit bulkier and heavier. Much higher stack and a lower 6mm drop. Similar price point.
Topo Atmos 2	A lot softer, more cushioned and lighter. More responsive and bouncy, still relatively stable. Much lower 5mm drop and a higher stack. Wider atomical toe box. Higher price point.
Hylo Impact 2	Softer and bouncier, offering more energy-return and propulsive feel. Similar cushioning level but a higher stack and lower 8mm drop. Slightly lighter, with a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Higher price point.