Running shoes don’t reach 18 generations if they’re not beloved, and the Brooks Ghost line has been one of the most popular options with runners for almost two decades at this point.
The reason for this isn’t that it’s the fastest or flashiest among the best running shoes; it’s because it’s extremely dependable. It’s cushioned and comfortable, very durable, good value, and works well for a wide range of runners.
It’s a shoe that runners of all levels turn to for their daily training as a result, and Brooks doesn’t make major changes to each new version of the Ghost so returning runners get the familiar ride feel they’re expecting.
The Brooks Ghost 18 has just launched, and it’s an evolution of the Brooks Ghost 17, with updates to the upper creating a more comfortable fit.
What’s new with the Brooks Ghost 18?
The main updates to the Ghost 18 are found in the upper, which is made with a new two-color air mesh material to improve both the comfort and security of the fit.
Brooks shoes are renowned for their step-in comfort and the padding around the collar and on the tongue of the shoe will give a plush feel, while the updated mesh ensures the Ghost 18 is still breathable.
Underfoot there’s a new Ortholite X-60 sockliner sitting on top of the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, the same midsole foam used on the Ghost 17.
DNA Loft v3 is a foam used on many Brooks shoes that I’ve tested and it provides a well-balanced ride that’s comfortable but still responsive at faster paces.
It’s also a very consistent and durable material, in that it feels just as good at the end of a long run as it did at the start, and can stand up to hundreds of miles of running.
The outsole of the shoe sticks to the same long-lasting rubber as the Ghost 17 and the drop stays at 10mm, so runners who are long-term fans of the line should get a familiar underfoot feel from the Ghost 18 while enjoying the improved fit of the upper.
Join the Brooks Run Club for the chance to win a $30 gift code
The Brooks Run Club is free to join and brings with it regular rewards like early access to limited edition shoes and a free set of socks on your birthday when you spend $50.
Right now there’s also a promotion running that gives you the chance to win a $30 gift card if you sync your Brooks Run Club membership with your fitness tracker or Strava account.
The promotion runs through June 2026 and every month 100 members who have synced their accounts will win the $30 gift card, which you could use to knock the price of the Ghost 18 down to $120 if you’re keen to pick up the new shoe.
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