Brooks Ghost 18 Review: Still a Reliable Daily Trainer, But Is It Being Left Behind?

The Brooks Ghost 18 arrives as the latest version of one of the best-selling running shoes of all time. For many runners, the Ghost was their first proper running shoe and remains a trusted training partner thanks to its comfort, durability and predictable ride. The challenge for Brooks in 2026 is that the daily trainer market has evolved dramatically, and while the Ghost 18 remains a very good shoe, it now faces more competition than ever before.

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The good news is that Brooks hasn't messed with a formula that continues to work for countless runners. The Ghost 18 stays true to its roots as a neutral daily trainer designed to handle a bit of everything. The bad news, depending on how you look at it, is that very little has changed from the previous version.

The biggest update comes in the upper. Brooks has introduced a new triple jacquard mesh that improves comfort and gives the shoe a more premium feel on foot. Alongside that, the brand has made subtle tweaks to the tongue and sockliner, all aimed at creating a more comfortable experience straight out of the box.

Underfoot, however, things remain unchanged. The Ghost 18 continues to use Brooks' DNA Loft v3 midsole, a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam that provides a balanced and dependable ride. Stack heights stay at 36mm in the heel and 26mm in the forefoot, delivering a traditional 10mm drop that many runners still prefer.

On the run, the Ghost 18 feels exactly as you'd expect a Ghost to feel. It's comfortable, stable and reassuringly consistent. The DNA Loft v3 foam isn't particularly soft or exciting by modern standards, but that's not necessarily a criticism. Instead, it offers a controlled level of cushioning combined with enough responsiveness to handle everything from easy runs to daily mileage.

One of the biggest improvements introduced in recent generations of the Ghost was the increase in forefoot cushioning. Earlier versions could feel a little sparse under the front of the foot, but that issue has largely been addressed. The result is a more balanced ride that feels better over longer distances and more comfortable for a wider range of runners.

What continues to impress is the versatility. The Ghost doesn't excel in any one area, but it does a lot of things well. It remains one of those shoes you can lace up without thinking too much about pace, distance or workout type. It simply gets the job done.

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Durability is another area where the Ghost continues to shine. The generous coverage of high-abrasion rubber on the outsole suggests this is a shoe capable of handling hundreds of miles without complaint. Grip is dependable, wear rates should be minimal and, as with previous versions, the Ghost feels built to last.

Brooks also deserves credit for modernising the look of the Ghost over recent years. Previous versions often felt dated compared to their rivals, but the latest generation has a cleaner, more contemporary appearance. The updated styling and colourways help the Ghost feel more relevant in a crowded marketplace.

The problem isn't the shoe itself. The problem is the market around it.

The daily trainer category has changed significantly over the past few years. Shoes like the Adidas Evo SL, Puma Velocity Nitro and newer superfoam-equipped trainers have raised expectations about what a daily trainer can be. Runners now have access to lighter, more energetic and often more versatile options at similar or even lower price points.

At £135, the Ghost 18 enters a highly competitive segment. For similar money, runners can find shoes with more advanced foam compounds, lighter weights and a noticeably more exciting ride experience. That's where the Ghost starts to feel slightly old-fashioned.

This doesn't mean the Ghost is a bad shoe. Far from it. In fact, the Ghost 18 is probably one of the best versions Brooks has ever produced. The ride is refined, the comfort is excellent and the updates to the upper are genuinely worthwhile. It remains an incredibly safe recommendation for runners who value reliability above all else.

The question is whether that's enough anymore.

For my personal preferences, I'd still choose the Ghost Max over the standard Ghost. The additional cushioning and more modern ride simply make it a more enjoyable shoe to run in. Likewise, there are now several daily trainers on the market that offer more versatility and a greater sense of fun without sacrificing comfort.

Ultimately, the Brooks Ghost 18 succeeds because it continues to deliver exactly what Ghost fans expect. It's comfortable, durable, stable and easy to run in. Brooks has refined the formula once again, and for many runners, that's exactly what they want.

However, if you're looking for the most exciting daily trainer available today, or if you're trying to maximise value for money, it's worth considering the alternatives. Better still, with the changes being relatively minor, the discounted Ghost 17 may actually represent the smarter buy.

The Brooks Ghost 18 is a very good running shoe. The challenge is that in 2026, being very good may no longer be enough when the competition is becoming exceptional.

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