Brooks Ghost 18 Review: Better Than the Ghost Max 4?

PROS	CONS
+ Responsive, efficient ride + Improved upper + Good price + Better than Ghost Max 4	– Tight-fitting upper for some

The latest Ghost returns with a completely redesigned upper and unchanged midsole. How does it compare to the beefier Ghost Max 4? I detail the similarities and differences between the two pairs and share my preference, in this Brooks Ghost 18 review.

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Brooks Ghost 18

STACK	WEIGHT	PRICE
36/26 mm (10 mm drop)	M9: 10.2 oz/289 g W8: 9.2 oz/261 g	$150

It’s easy to dismiss the Brooks Ghost as an unserious shoe for unserious runners. Or, worse yet, a serious shoe for serious walkers [gulp]. The Ghost is, after all, the most frequently recommended neutral running shoe for beginner runners by running stores. Source: step inside your local running establishment. Hell, the shoe has been the butt of my countless jokes over the years. Running humor for the win! But you know what they say, mockery is the sincerest form of flattery; or something like that.

Truthfully, the Ghost was the first shoe that finally made me start enjoying running back in my early years on the roads. Much like an abusive kid tormenting his crush during recess, I make fun of the shoe because it holds a special place in my heart. Alas, the shoe was shoved to the side of my dumpster fire of a closet as more exciting pairs were introduced over the years. Fast forward more than a decade and a half, and I’m here to say the Ghost 18 deserves to be taken seriously.

Ghost 18 vs Ghost Max 4

It took me just over a mile to realize I far prefer the ride of the $150 Ghost 18 to the $165 Brooks Ghost Max 4. On my very first run with the Ghost 18, I turned what was supposed to be an easy 6 miles into a 10-mile run, my longest since running a marathon a few weeks prior. Despite the brutal Virginia summer heat, I just wanted to keep running in the shoe. It felt that good. In contrast, I was looking for any way to cut my miles short on each run with the dull Ghost Max 4.

It’s hard to pinpoint what makes the ride of the Ghost 18 feel much more responsive than the Ghost Max 4. They both share the same nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole and have near identical weights, the Ghost 18 just a negligible tenth of an ounce (0.1) lighter at 10.2 oz/289 grams (US M9) and 9.2 oz/261 grams (US W8). What makes my preference of the Ghost 18 even more confounding is that there’s no Glideroll Rocker geometry, unlike in the Max. And although I typically opt for more cushioning, I find the Ghost 18’s slightly shorter 36/26 mm stack preferable to the Ghost Max 4’s 40/34 mm.

Both pairs lie closer to the “firm” end of the scale and while I typically favor softer shoes, the Ghost 18’s ride feels much more efficient than some of its softer counterparts, New Balance 1080v15 included. Put simply, there’s no wasted energy when running in the Ghost 18 and I receive considerably more energy return than in the Ghost Max 4. Even on tired, sore legs, during recovery runs I would slog through in other shoes, it felt easier to push the pace faster than I normally would in this shoe.

Uses

Although it’s not a shoe designed for speed work, it’s surprisingly easy to accelerate in for some light tempo work and strides. I was shocked at how effortless it felt to run miles at 20 seconds faster than my marathon pace and maintain 6:30 per mile pace. Especially considering I always do speed work in plated shoes.

In addition to a reliable daily trainer, the Ghost 18 is a very solid choice for long runs, as evidenced by my couple of 10-mile runs during testing. And while some will contend 10 miles isn’t “long,” I would’ve gladly run farther but I’m limiting my miles as I continue marathon recovery. Speaking of recovery, when it comes to easy days, there are more cushioned, softer options I’d reach for.

As silly as it sounds, perhaps my love of the Ghost 18 can be attributed to its 10 millimeter heel-to-toe drop. As a heel striker, I’ve never disliked a shoe with a 10 mm drop. The Ghost cut two millimeters from its previous 12 mm drop starting in the 17th edition and it’s been a welcome change.

In comparison to other Brooks shoes, I prefer the Ghost 18 over the more cushioned Glycerin 23 (38/30 mm) and most cushioned Glycerin Max 2 (45/39 mm), both of which have DNA TUNED foam. In fact, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Ghost 18 is my favorite Brooks shoe and one of my favorites of the year. I’m as shocked as you are!

Upper

Nothing irritates me more than when a shoe’s update consists solely of an upper modification; except, of course, for a shoe update consisting solely of an outsole modification. 

But the changes to the Ghost 18’s upper are significant. Don’t worry, thankfully there’s still no heel pull tab to add unnecessary weight and no discernible purpose. There’s a new triple jacquard engineered air mesh upper with what Brooks calls roundlight yarn. The new upper material has improved breathability and the non-gusseted tongue is amazing. It’s a flat knit tongue that’s very soft and quite padded to help ensure a secure lockdown. One of the few pairs I never need to retie. There’s an Ortholite X-60 sockliner that gently cradles the feet for added comfort.

Similar to the previous edition, the upper does fit snug from heel to forefoot. If you’re between sizes, you may consider going a half size up for some more breathing room.

Price

$150 is about as low as it gets for a quality pair of running shoes, and a much better deal than the $165 Ghost Max 4. Additionally, the Ghost has always been known for durability, and judging by no wear and tear on the outsole’s ample rubber coverage after 40 miles, I expect the shoe to last past 500 miles, providing great value.

Conclusion

There’s nothing inherently special about the Ghost 18, but what it lacks in innovation it makes up for with a dependable, surprisingly efficient and versatile ride that conquers miles with ease. 

The Ghost 18 is now available on Brooks’ website…or wherever you get shoes.

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Brooks graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Brooks Ghost 18 review and they didn’t get an opportunity to see this Brooks Ghost 18 review before I published.

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