As a 10k-steps-a-day-person (and footwear expert in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab), I have worn nearly every brand of walking shoes from Altra to Zamberlan, but I find myself always going back to Brooks. Out of the five iterations of Brooks Ghosts I have tested, this one truly feels like walking on clouds.
| Weight | 9 oz |
| Heel drop | 10 mm |
| Cushioning level | Medium |
| Sizes | 5–13 with narrow, wide, and X-wide sizing |
| Colors | Eight |
They offer a blend of comfort and support
To test this shoe, I wore them on five outdoor walks, two treadmill runs, and most days in the office for the past week. Each time I laced up these sneakers, I was impressed with the supportive fit through the arch support and well-padded heel counter. On runs, the cushioning was especially comfortable.
Previous iterations of the Brooks Ghost had less cushioning with a stiffer base. This shoe is stable and supportive with middle-of-the-road cushioning. After walking all over NYC, I found the cushioning beneficial to help take the strain off my joints. The higher 10-millimeter heel drop is ideal for me as an overpronator, but isn’t too high so it’s still approachable for anyone more used to a 4- to 6-millimeter drop. The higher heel drop also helps relieve strain on your Achilles tendon and calves—very helpful as someone with tight calves.
I appreciate that I barely notice the Brooks Ghost 18’s while wearing them because they’re so comfortable; like a ghost, they truly stay invisible with a comfortable underfoot while still offering a stylish look.
They’re available in a range of colors from basic neutrals to bold hues like orange, purple, and bright blue. I chose a white pair with subtle rose gold detailing. I like how they look for a walking shoe, but I wouldn’t pick them for appearances alone.
How the Brooks Ghost 18’s are different
In the newest update, the brand focused on the upper: There’s a new flexible flat-knit tongue and updated sock liner (the thin layer that is directly under your foot). The tongue made a major difference in the shoe’s comfort in my experience by staying flush to my foot and not bunching or rubbing. The new sock liner is lighter weight and is designed to offer a “softer ride,” according to the brand.
Compared to previous iterations in the Ghost line, this style has much more cushioning. Several online reviewers said that they wished the update had less cushioning and was more streamlined. Some sneakers with very thick cushioning can feel too plush for my liking, but these sneakers are still responsive, so I can feel the ground beneath me. The foam isn’t too bouncy or bulky either.
Who they are best for
Whether you’re a marathon runner or an everyday walker, the Brooks Ghost 18 sneakers are designed for you. The supportive footbed and medium cushioning make this a great option for someone who is investing in a quality walking or running shoe. And for overpronators, heel strikers, or anyone with Achilles tendon or calf tightness, the higher heel drop will make a huge difference.
I have a narrow foot, but I found the regular width fit me well without a cramped toebox. If your feet are on the wider side (even if you don’t wear wide sizing), I would recommend trying this pair in wide sizing. It’s also available in narrow and X-wide too.
Who should avoid them
The heel drop may be too high for underpronators or someone who strikes at the front of their foot. If you prefer minimal cushioning, this pair may have too much for you.
Bottom line: Brooks Ghost 18’s are my favorite walking shoes
In my testing, I found the Brooks Ghost 18’s incredibly comfortable and will be my new go-to shoes for walking. I especially liked the new flat-knit tongue that stayed invisible in the best way. The plush cushioning felt cloud-like, but was too thick for some online reviewers. I would recommend opting for wide sizing if you have a wider foot as the standard size width fit my narrow foot well.
