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Gear and Technology

The evolution of the Brooks Ghost running shoe

Close-up of someone’s feet wearing the Ghost 18 and tying one of the shoes while sitting on the concrete stairs
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The Brooks Ghost is a road running shoe designed for daily training, combining soft foam cushioning, a breathable engineered upper, and a stable, predictable ride trusted by everyone from beginning runners to experienced marathoners.

These features have helped the Ghost collection maintain a dedicated following over multiple iterations of the shoe, the latest of which is the Ghost 18. Here’s a quick rundown of recent Ghost models and how they compare to one another, so you can better understand how we’ve fine-tuned the design to create the best shoe for your needs.

Brooks Ghost 18

Close-up of someone’s feet wearing the Ghost 18 on the concrete stairs

The Brooks Ghost 18 is designed around cushioning, balanced support, and comfort. The focus on comfort extends from the soft nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam to the engineered air mesh upper for improved breathability. However, the shoe doesn’t sacrifice support in favor of soft landings. The Ghost 18 delivers a secure fit to keep you firmly in control over the miles. This combination of features makes the Ghost 18 an ideal pick for both casual and serious runners.

Ghost 18 vs. Ghost 17

The Ghost 18 features several refinements compared to the Ghost 17, including a soft and flexible flat-knit tongue for added comfort , a supportive engineered air mesh upper, and an Ortholite X-60 sock liner for a softer ride. Rather than a full reimagining, the Ghost 18 builds on what runners love about the shoe, maintaining the 10mm midsole drop and ride with a renewed emphasis on a comfortable upper.

Brooks Ghost 17

Close-up of two people’s feet wearing the Ghost 17 on the sidewalk

The Ghost 17 is designed for the runner who wants its signature balanced ride. It features premium nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning for lightweight softness and feel-good comfort, mile after mile. With a 10mm offset, it provides a smooth, traditional feel that remains grounded and versatile for everyday training. If you’re looking for a reliable, breathable road shoe that offers a distraction-free experience, the Ghost 17 is a winning choice.

Ghost 17 vs. Ghost 16

The primary update that differentiates the Ghost 17 from the Ghost 16 is a focus on enhanced comfort underfoot. The optimized midsole drop of 10mm in the Ghost 17 versus 12mm in the Ghost 16 was a significant structural change to benefit heel-strikers and those with Achilles-related concerns. We also added 1mm of DNA LOFT v3 cushioning to the heel and 3mm to the forefoot. This increase in stack height is meant to help make every mile feel as good as the first, offering a slightly softer ride while maintaining the reliable performance fans of the Ghost 16 love.

Brooks Ghost 16

Close-up of someone's feet wearing the Ghost 16 with bright green socks

The Ghost 16 kept soft, smooth, balanced comfort at its core, and was the first Ghost shoe to feature nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning. A flexible midsole and Segmented Crash Pad ensured an easy flow from contact to toe-off. Many runners who also owned previous models recall that the Ghost 16 marked a distinct transition into a more comfortable shoe courtesy of the DNA LOFT v3 foam.

Ghost 16 vs. Ghost 15

The Ghost 16 utilized nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning as compared to the Ghost 15’s DNA LOFT v2 EVA foam. An enhanced air mesh upper blended flexibility, structure, and breathability for a truly unique fit that many runners found to be a noticeable improvement on the Ghost 15.

Brooks Ghost 15

Close-up of someone's feet wearing the Ghost 15 on a sidewalk or trail and mountains in the background

The Ghost 15 delivered the comfort and performance runners had come to expect from the popular line. Released in late 2022, the Ghost 15 featured DNA LOFT v2 EVA foam, a soft midsole and Segmented Crash Pad, and an enhanced, breathable upper with 3D Fit Print for structure.

Ghost 15 vs. Ghost 14

The Ghost 15 used lighter DNA LOFT v2 foam while the Ghost 14 featured the first version, simply called DNA LOFT. As a result, the Ghost 15 offered a more lightweight ride. Both Ghost shoes benefitted from soft midsoles, a Segmented Crash pad, and 3D Fit Print uppers.

Choosing a Ghost shoe for you

To explore the full lineup of Ghost shoes and see the latest colorways, view the Ghost collection. If you’re still unsure which version suits your stride best, our Shoe Finder can help. You can also find a local retailer using our store locator and try them on in person.

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Woman running on the sidewalk in the city in shorts, a workout tank, a hat, and the Ghost 18

Disclaimer: Our writer's advice is intended for informational or general educational purposes only. We always encourage you to speak with your physician or healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your running, nutrition, or fitness routines.

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