Brooks Ghost 18 vs Brooks Ghost Amp

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

Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .

• A significant upgrade over the standard Ghost — light, springy, stable, and versatile across paces — that the reviewer considers a clear buy over the base Ghost, though less fast-feeling than the Evo SL.

  Ride:DNA Hype PEBA/EVA midsole blend feels springy and light, firmer than expected but not harsh, with a spring-ramp forefoot geometry that aids toe-off and a smooth roll-through stride.

  Fit:Wide, stable fit; true to size in UK 9.5.

  In their words: "a cracking shoe" · "Jesus, this thing's unbelievable" · "very stable and very versatile"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• Called out favorably as a bright spot in the Brooks lineup, seen as closer to what the panel wants the standard Ghost to feel like.

  In their words: "that's a great shoe"

  — Doctors of Running , source

• Both reviewers gave it consistent B grades, liking the new DNA Hype foam and upper but wishing for more forefoot cushioning and a rocker; still called one of their favorite shoes in the Ghost line and rated a green light.

  Ride:New DNA Hype PEBA/EVA foam gives a nice sink-in, bounce-back feel, but both reviewers felt the forefoot was thin and the shoe lacked a rocker, making the ride feel a bit flat on longer runs.

  Fit:True to size for both reviewers, breathable warp-knit upper, gusseted tongue with nice padding around collar, no lockdown issues.

  In their words: "feels a little flat" · "sink-in and bounce-back feeling" · "one of my more favorite Ghost"

  — Believe in the Run , source

• Kofuzi calls the Ghost Amp an understated, 'sleeper car' of a daily trainer that handles everything from easy runs to fast tempo/VO2max work smoothly at a fair $150 price, though he personally missed a bit more dynamic 'carbon pop' excitement in the ride.

  Ride:Balanced PEBA/EVA foam that isn't especially soft or hard, with a subtle pop at easy paces; stays smooth and surprisingly nimble at fast paces despite the 9 oz weight, though the reviewer wanted a bit more 'carbon pop' excitement.

  Fit:True to size; a padded heel cup with an internal heel counter gives shape and accommodates varied heel widths.

  In their words: "not what I was expecting" · "quiet, understated excellence" · "sleeper car of daily trainers"

  — Kofuzi , source