Brooks Ghost 17 vs Brooks Ghost 18

Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .

• Kofuzi says the Ghost 17 is basically the same shoe as the Ghost 18 (the tongue being the main difference), and at its $110 sale price he calls it a very good deal for a Ghost.

  In their words: "pretty much the exact same shoe" · "a very good deal for a Ghost"

  — Kofuzi , source

• A decent, lighter daily shoe than the Ghost Max 3, but its DNA Loft foam can't match modern ATPU compounds from other brands.

  In their words: "not a patch on the ATPU stuff that's out there right now" · "good foam for durability"

  — EDDBUD , source

• A reliable, stable, firmer daily trainer with the versatility to handle slightly faster miles; good value and durable, though not the most exciting ride.

  Ride:Firmer, poppier DNA Loft v3 midsole with a snappier, more traditional flat-feeling ride; more versatile than the Nimbus with a bit more pop off the toes; one reviewer finds the heel-to-toe transition not smooth

  Fit:True to size with a roomy toe box; narrower midfoot than the Nimbus; improved heel collar over the Ghost 16 with no Achilles rubbing

  In their words: "It's like a workhorse shoe" · "spritlier ride by far" · "lighter, more kind of poppy foam"

  — The Run Testers , 35 mi tested , source

• Brooks added more forefoot foam and it transformed the shoe into a very good, versatile daily trainer.

  In their words: "extra foam under here has transformed it" · "right amount of softness" · "very good daily trainer"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

Ride profile: medium cushion , neutral stability .

• Lost round one to the Skechers Aero Burst 2-1; reception was mixed, with one panelist reporting early ankle pain and another ultimately voting for the Ghost after break-in for its durability and structure.

  Ride:One panelist experienced significant lateral ankle pain during the first several runs that resolved after break-in; another found it firm but durable and a solid firmer/higher-drop option.

  Fit:Sizing described as running smaller than before; one panelist needed to go up a half size.

  In their words: "significant amount of lateral ankle pain"

  — Doctors of Running , source

• Kofuzi describes the Ghost 18 as denser and heel-strike-oriented with a thicker outsole than the Ghost Max 4, and suggests loyal Ghost fans stick with it to save money.

  — Kofuzi , source

• Nick slightly prefers the Ghost 18 over the Pegasus 42 for its marginally more poppy and lively foam, though the two are very similar in feel, price, and use case.

  Ride:Snappy ride with cushy heel protection and slightly more pop off the toes than the Nike; DNA Loft v3 feels a bit lighter underfoot than ReactX; not a rockered shoe

  Fit:True to size with good room around toes and hold around heel and midfoot; upper is slightly more breathable than the Pegasus but both run warm

  In their words: "a bit more pop off the toes" · "feels a bit lighter under foot" · "snappy ride"

  — The Run Testers , 31 mi tested , source

• The Ghost 18 is a safe, reliable daily trainer with a comfortable, balanced ride and excellent versatility across runner types, though its traditional lower-stack feel and slightly heavier weight may not appeal to those seeking more modern max-stack cushioning.

  Ride:Foam is balanced — not too soft, not too firm. Smooth transition through the stride with minimal rocker. Firmer out of the box, softening after 20-30km. Lower stack gives good ground contact feel and predictable stability.

  Fit:True to size with four width options available; tongue and heel nicely padded with good lockdown

  In their words: "bang in the middle there" · "very predictable and dependable ride" · "no fear of turning an ankle"

  — Ben Parkes , source