By Paul Freary
The Brooks Ghost has, for a long time, been one of the most popular neutral cushioned, daily training shoes on the market. It has also always been one of the most popular models that the brand makes.
With the latest version of the Ghost, the Ghost 18 being launched, what’s changed and is it worth upgrading?
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The Ghost is a long-time favorite for many runners thanks to its no-nonsense, neutral cushioning. The great blend of cushioning, all-around support and gently responsive feel has made it a go-anywhere, do-anything option for a wide range of runners.
Stats
Brooks | Ghost 17 | Ghost 18 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Good value daily training shoe for neutral runners | Good value daily training shoe for neutral runners |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | Mid-to high-level cushioning | Mid-to high-level cushioning |
Stack Height | 37mm heel | 37mm heel |
Drop | 10mm | 10mm |
Weight | Men 286g (10.1oz) | Men 289g (10.2oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 | $150 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 | 8.5/ 10 |
Design
The Brooks DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused midsole cushioning remains unchanged from the Ghost 17 to the Ghost 18.
A new Ortholite sockliner is used in the Ghost 18, and this improves the step-in comfort a little, it’s better than the Ghost 17, but it is not a significant upgrade.
The Ghost 18 is now using a triple-jacquard knit upper, and this is a significant update over the Ghost 17. A triple-jacquard construction offers a more premium, almost ‘padded’ feel to the upper. It’s similar to that used on the Glycerin 23 and lifts the overall fit, feel and general appearance of the shoe.
Other improvements to the upper include a new tongue design with a knitted section for improved comfort against the instep and a flared heel tab, which gently turns away from the Achilles to reduce any possible irritation and make the shoe easy to slide into.
Ghost 18
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Ghost 17
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Fit
Both the Ghost 17 and Ghost 18 fit true to size in both length and width and are consistent, as always, with Brooks models across the range.
The new upper of the Ghost 18 has a touch more ‘stretch’ to it in the toe box area, but it doesn’t affect the size; it simply adds to the overall comfort.
Being a Ghost, the shoe is available in a range of width fittings for both men and women.
In women’s, narrow (A width), regular (B width), wide (D width) and in men’s, narrow (B width), regular (D width), wide (2E width) and extra wide (4E width).
Performance
The ride of the Ghost 18 doesn’t, if being totally honest, feel any different to the Ghost 17. Yes, the fit is improved and more premium, but under the foot, the cushioning remains unchanged, as does the performance on the run.
This isn’t a bad thing, the Ghost 17 offered a great value for money ride, it’s just the Ghost 18 is a slight evolution in terms of the upper, rather than a revolution!
Competitors
The competitors to the Ghost 18 remain the same as those for the previous model, the Ghost 17. But, as the Ghost 18 is largely unchanged and some shoes have seen more significant upgrades, the competition increases.
Mizuno Rider 30
The new Mizuno Wave Rider 30 (coming in mid-June) is a significant upgrade over the previous model and offers a very lively performance. It is certainly worth holding out for if you are considering new neutral daily trainers this month! (review coming soon)
Ghost AMP
Brooks will also launch a new Ghost model next month, the Ghost AMP. This addition to the Ghost line is a lighter, faster and more responsive version of the Ghost and most definitely worth waiting for.
Saucony Azura
Saucony’s Azura is their latest neutral daily trainer and offers a very responsive and lightweight feel for a daily trainer.
Cellula 2
And if you fancy something a little different, I’ve recently been trying the Cellula 2 from Diadora, a high-stack neutral cushioned shoe that is bound to make inroads in this category in the coming months and years.
My Verdict
Overall, the Brooks Ghost 18 is only a small update from the previous model. The cushioning and ride of the show are virtually indistinguishable, and it’s just the upper that has been upgraded.
This isn’t a bad thing, after all, the Ghost 17 represented a great value for money daily trainer.
As always, the Ghost 18 is available in a wide range of colors, which, as usual include all-black, which is always a popular option for those who use the shoe as a daily walking and work shoe.
There will also be a waterproof, Gore-Tex model in the autumn.
As there has been no price increase (at least in the UK), the Ghost 18 is for me the better option, as I think the fit of the new shoe is better. That said, you may find the Ghost 17 discounted, in which case, go for it, as in that case it represents even better value for money!
My overall rating for both shoes is 8.5 / 10
The small improvements don’t make enough of a difference to justify a score increase, and the Ghost 18 remains a great, do-it-all option.
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