This Brooks Ghost 18 review is for anyone choosing a neutral everyday shoe. It costs about $150 at full price, the same as last year, and keeps the balanced, easy ride Ghost fans know. It comes in four widths. Independent testers say the foam and weight are a step behind newer rivals, so the Ghost is better for steady daily miles and comfort than for excitement. Best for: beginners and everyday runners who want a dependable neutral shoe with wide options.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Brooks Ghost 18 Review (2026): Worth $150?
3.8/5
our rating
our rating
$150Full price on Brooks’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Beginners and everyday runners who want a dependable neutral shoe with wide options.
Skip it if: You want a modern bouncy foam or a lightweight ride.
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What we like
- Familiar, easy Ghost ride
- Four widths (Narrow to X-Wide)
- Upgraded knit tongue
- Price held at about $150
- Good for beginners and casual runners per testers
Watch out for
- Foam rated below average for rebound
- Feels heavy for its class
- Tapered toebox
- Non-gusseted tongue
On this page
Fit and sizing
RunRepeat's owner votes call the Ghost 18 true to size, and Brooks sells Narrow, Regular, Wide and X-Wide, though availability varies by colorway and country. The knit tongue is upgraded, but the toebox is tapered and the tongue is not gusseted. Check widths in the running shoe finder.
Cushioning and ride
Brooks lists a 36 mm heel and 26 mm forefoot stack with a 10 mm drop; RunRepeat's lab measured a higher drop and slightly different stack. The DNA Loft v3 midsole tested slightly firm, and RunRepeat rates rebound below average. The result is a familiar, flexible and stable ride.
How it performs for daily running and walking
It suits easy and daily miles and heel strikers, and reviewers say it is good for beginners and comfortable for daily wear. Tom's Guide calls it dependable and durable but feels outdated against the best rivals. For a bouncier alternative, try the ASICS Novablast 6.
Price and value
At about $150 at full price it matches last year. Because the Ghost 17 is widely discounted, price-focused shoppers may prefer it. Brooks offers a 90-day Run Happy trial.
Alternatives
The Saucony Ride 19 and Nike Pegasus 42 are the closest rivals. For more cushion, see the Brooks Glycerin 23. The HOKA vs Brooks guide compares the brands.
Who should skip it
Skip the Ghost 18 if you want the newest foam, a light shoe or a roomy toe box in the standard width.
Specs
| For | Men & women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Extended fits | Wide widths |
| Weight | 289 g (10.2 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 36 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 26 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced |
| Support | Neutral |
| Widths | Narrow, Regular, Wide, X-Wide |
| Plate | None |
| Midsole foam | DNA Loft v3 |
| Surface | Road |
| Best use | Daily |
| Good for | Running, Walking, Everyday wear |
The verdict
A reliable neutral daily trainer with wide widths and a no-surprises ride. It is not the most exciting, but it is an easy, comfortable pick at about $150. Skip it if you want a modern bouncy foam or a lightweight ride. Ratings here are editorial estimates, not our own testing.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ghost 18 good for beginners?
Reviewers commonly say yes. The balanced cushioning, wide width range and familiar ride suit new runners. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Ghost 17 or Ghost 18?
The 18 has an upgraded tongue and a similar price; the 17 is widely discounted. If budget matters, the 17 is a reasonable deal. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Does the Ghost 18 run small?
RunRepeat's owner votes say it fits true to size. Fit is personal, so try it on with your usual socks if you can, and buy from a retailer with an easy return policy. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
What is the Ghost 18's drop?
Brooks lists 10 mm. RunRepeat's lab measured about 12.2 mm. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Price: the Brooks men's page on 2026-10-07 showed Ghost 18 as pre-order with no price (scope.md row 37); Tom's Guide and RunRepeat report a $150 US price and a June 2026 launch, so price_list 150 is from those. Weight 10.2 oz / 289 g men's, 9.2 oz / 260 g women's per RunRepeat quoting Brooks; Tom's Guide gives 10.7 oz for US 10. Drop and stack: RunRepeat brand 10 mm drop, 36/26 mm; lab 12.2 mm, 37.3/25.1 mm. Widths Narrow/Normal/Wide/X-Wide. Prior-gen Ghost 17 is widely discounted. Ratings estimated; we have not tested this shoe.
- brooksrunning.com/en_us/mens-running-shoes/
- runrepeat.com/brooks-ghost-18
- tomsguide.com/wellness/running/brooks-ghost-18-review
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.