Jun 18, 2026 5 min read

Reviews Running Brooks

Brooks Ghost 18 review: the dependable everyday running shoe gets more comfortable

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.

Some running shoes chase headlines; the Brooks Ghost has never been one of them, instead it has nailed consistency in comfort and ride.

It appeals to beginner and intermediate runners, and it simply works for the majority of daily training runs. It's for that exact reason they remain one the best-selling running shoes in the world .

The Ghost 18 is the latest version of that long-running neutral daily trainer, and Brooks has taken its usual approach of refining rather than reinventing. The parts that already worked are left alone. The parts that needed attention, mainly the upper, tongue, and overall comfort, have been improved meaningfully.

The result is a Ghost that feels more comfortable on foot and, somewhat surprisingly, a little softer and with a lower drop 'feel' on the run than the spec sheet suggests...

If you purchase through links in this article, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Key specifications

Price: $150 at Brooks
Weight: 10.6oz / 301g (US men's 9)
Drop: 10mm
Stack height: 36mm heel / 26mm forefoot
Midsole: DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam
Outsole: RoadTack rubber
Upper: two-color engineered air mesh, flat-knit pillow tongue, OrthoLite X-60 sockliner
Notable extras: available in Narrow, Standard, Wide (2E), and Extra Wide (4E); removable insole; reflective heel accent

Sizing and fit

The Ghost 18 runs true to size in length, and step-in comfort is noticeably better than the previous version thanks to the new tongue and sockliner. Heel lockdown is secure without feeling tight, which resolves any slipping issues some runners had with the Ghost 17.

One thing to note is that the forefoot runs slightly tapered. If you have a wider or higher-volume foot, the Wide (2E) or Extra Wide (4E) options are worth trying before assuming the standard width is right for you.

The availability of four width options is one of the Ghost's quiet strengths, and a genuine advantage for runners who struggle to find a comfortable fit elsewhere.

Features I love

The ride feels softer and more natural

This was the biggest surprise of testing the Ghost 18. On paper it keeps the same 10mm drop and identical stack height as the previous version. Underfoot, it doesn't ride that way.

When testing Ghosts in the past, the high drop tends to be the first feature that stands out to me on the run; it wasn't this time.

Something about how the DNA Loft v3 foam compresses and how the new upper sits on the foot makes the whole platform feel more planted, with a touch more softness too; it's more coherent, and transitions are smoother.

The combined effect is that it's more comfortable in motion than its predecessor, even with nearly identical geometry. It's a reminder that how a shoe actually feels matters more than spec sheets.

The cushioning stays smooth and consistent over distance

The Ghost has always been a shoe that fades into the background on slightly longer efforts, and the 18 keeps that quality intact. Shock absorption through the heel is very good, and the ride stays consistent rather than breaking down or feeling mushy as the miles add up.

It's protective without ever feeling like you're running on a mattress, which is exactly the balance a good everyday training shoe needs for recovery days, long walks, and easy runs alike.

For anyone who values steady, predictable comfort over flashy responsiveness, this is the sweet spot.

The upper and tongue are a genuine comfort upgrade

The new two-color engineered air mesh and flat-knit pillow tongue are the most noticeable improvements on this shoe, and they matter more than they might sound.

Breathability is meaningfully better, which counts for a lot in heat and humidity.

The tongue wraps the foot without any pressure or front-of-ankle rub, and the refined heel counter keeps things locked in without feeling restrictive.

None of this changes the ride, but it changes how the shoe feels to live in across a long day. That's a meaningful distinction for anyone who wants a shoe for both running and everyday wear.

It doubles as a genuinely comfortable everyday shoe

This is worth calling out for the broader audience. The Ghost 18 is as comfortable for walking and all-day wear as it is for easy running miles.

The cushioning, the improved breathability, and the secure-but-relaxed fit make it a strong pick if you want one pair that handles workouts, errands, travel days, and time on your feet without feeling like a compromise in either direction.

What could be improved

This isn't a shoe built for speed, and it doesn't pretend to be.

There's no rocker geometry and energy return sits on the modest side, so you won't get a propulsive or bouncy feel at faster paces. For easy-to-moderate running and daily wear that's exactly right, but if you want something lively for fast sessions, look for a good pair of tempo running shoes.

The tapered forefoot is the other consideration. Flat-footed runners and anyone with a higher-volume forefoot may notice some pressure on longer efforts in the standard width, so the wide options are worth considering if you know you need the extra space.

It's also a neutral shoe, which means it isn't the right tool if you overpronate and need stability. Brooks makes the Adrenaline GTS, and its my favorite stability shoe from the brand.

My verdict

The Brooks Ghost 18 doesn't reinvent anything, and that's largely the point.

It takes the balanced, reliable ride that made previous versions so popular and refines the parts that affect daily comfort most; a better tongue, better breathability, and a more secure heel, and on the run, it also simply feels softer and more natural, which was the nicest surprise of testing it.

Shop Men's & Women's

At $150 it remains one of the easiest running shoes to recommend for anyone who wants something trustworthy, and it's just as comfortable for walking and all-day wear as it is for easy miles.

If you haven't already, signup for our free newsletter, for more quality outdoor content like this. -Alastair