The Brooks Ghost is one of the most popular daily trainers in the world. For 2026, Brooks offers two faces: the Ghost 18, the soft, faithful evolution of the line, and the brand-new Ghost Amp, a livelier, more dynamic version. Same price, two very different feels. After more than 10 years fitting runners, we'll help you decide.
Brooks Ghost Amp or Ghost 18? Both are neutral daily trainers at the same price, but they aren't aimed at the same runner. Here are their differences, which to choose for your profile, and who each one is for.
In short
The Ghost 18 is classic comfort: soft, smooth, consistent and versatile. The safe daily trainer for (almost) everyone.
The Ghost Amp is the faster version: PEBA foam (DNA Hype), a lower drop and more energy return, with no plate — for a daily trainer with some snap.
Same price ($179.95): the choice comes down to feel, not budget.
Contents
The Brooks Ghost 18 at a glance
The Ghost 18 is the worthy heir to the line: a neutral, soft and versatile daily trainer. Its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam delivers plush cushioning and smooth, consistent transitions, with that "no surprises" feel that made the Ghost a success. It's the comfort choice par excellence — perfect for starting out, piling up the kilometres, or for a runner who wants one reliable pair for everything.
The Brooks Ghost Amp at a glance
The Ghost Amp is a 2026 newcomer that shakes up the recipe. Brooks builds it with its DNA Hype foam (PEBA-based, the same family as super shoes) and SpringRamp forefoot technology to add energy return without a carbon plate. The drop is lower (6 mm) and the build sits closer to the foot for a more direct feel. The result: a lighter, livelier, more dynamic Ghost that can pick up the pace, while staying comfortable on longer runs.
The key differences
| Ghost 18 | Ghost Amp | |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | DNA Loft v3 (nitrogen-infused) | DNA Hype (PEBA-based) |
| Feel | Soft, smooth, consistent | Lively, responsive, dynamic |
| Technology | Balanced cushioning | SpringRamp (energy return, no plate) |
| Drop | 10 mm | Lower (6 mm) |
| Weight | 289 g | 226 g |
| Best for | Comfort and everyday versatility | A daily trainer that picks up the pace |
| Price | $179.95 | $179.95 |
Which one to choose for your profile
Choose the Ghost 18 if…
- you want maximum comfort and a soft feel underfoot;
- you're starting out or want one reliable, versatile pair for everything;
- you prefer a higher drop (familiar to most runners);
- you mostly log kilometres at a steady pace.
Choose the Ghost Amp if…
- you like feeling dynamism and energy return in your daily trainer;
- you vary your paces and want to pick up the pace without changing shoes;
- you're comfortable with a lower drop (6 mm);
- you want the PEBA super-shoe foam technology, but in a comfortable daily trainer.
When in doubt, the best move is to try them side by side: the difference in feel is clear from the first steps. That's exactly what we offer in the store. You can also browse all our daily trainers for men and for women, or our neutral shoes for men and for women.
Want the Ghost without the new-release price? The Brooks Ghost 17 (women) remains an excellent comfort option, on sale while stocks last.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to choose your Ghost?
Ghost 18 for comfort, Ghost Amp for dynamism: the best judge is your own foot. Explore the Ghost 18 and the Ghost Amp, or come try them side by side in the store.
Read also
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