The Brooks Ghost has been a trusted neutral running shoe for years. Now Brooks has added a new family member: the Ghost Amp.
So what's different? In this guide, we compare the Ghost 18 and the Ghost Amp to help you find the better fit for your running, walking, and training needs.
The Rise of the Responsive Daily Trainer
Over the last few years, running brands have found an interesting gap in the market. Traditional daily trainers have always prioritized comfort, protection, and durability. They're fantastic for logging miles but can sometimes feel a little flat when you want to pick up the pace.
That's where the responsive daily trainer comes in.
These shoes are designed to provide the cushioning you expect from a daily trainer while adding a more energetic, springy ride that makes tempo runs and faster workouts feel easier. The Ghost Amp is Brooks' answer to this growing category.
So how does it compare to the classic Ghost 18?
Brooks Ghost 18 vs. Ghost Amp at a Glance
|
Feature |
Ghost 18 |
Ghost Amp |
|
Cushioning |
Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 |
Nitrogen-infused DNA HYPE |
|
Ride |
Soft, stable |
Soft, responsive |
|
Stack Height |
36 mm / 26 mm |
36 mm / 30 mm |
|
Heel-to-Toe Drop |
10 mm |
6 mm |
|
Weight |
9.2 oz |
8.0 oz |
|
Best For |
Daily running, walking, travel |
Daily running, workouts, tempo runs |
Cushioning & Ride Feel
Brooks Ghost 18
The Ghost 18 uses Brooks' DNA Loft v3 foam, which creates a ride that feels: stable, predictable, well-cushioned, and slightly firmer underfoot.
It's the kind of shoe that disappears beneath your feet. There's no dramatic bounce or aggressive energy return; it just feels dependable mile after mile. Because of this stability, the Ghost 18 also makes an outstanding walking shoe, travel shoe, and comfortable option for people who spend long hours on their feet.
And to be clear: being a great walking shoe does not mean it's a poor running shoe. Plenty of runners, including members of our run club, train for everything from 5Ks to full marathons in the Ghost.
Brooks Ghost Amp
The Ghost Amp introduces an entirely different experience.
Its DNA HYPE midsole combines EVA with PEBA to produce a ride that feels: softer, bouncier, more energetic, and more responsive. Instead of simply absorbing impact, the foam aims to return some energy. That makes the Ghost Amp a much more exciting shoe when your pace increases.
The trade-off? Because the foam is more compliant, it feels slightly less stable when you're standing still or walking around. It's designed to shine while running—not while spending eight hours standing at work.
Fit & First Impressions
Fortunately, Brooks kept the fit familiar.
|
Feature |
Ghost 18 |
Ghost Amp |
|
Sizing |
True to size |
True to size |
|
Toe Box |
Generous |
Slightly narrower |
|
Heel Lockdown |
Secure |
Secure |
|
Upper |
Deeper fit |
Slightly shallower fit |
The Ghost Amp's slightly narrower forefoot is typical of shoes designed with faster running in mind, while the Ghost 18 offers a roomier fit that's ideal for everyday comfort.
My Experience Running in Both Shoes
Ghost 18
The Ghost 18 feels solid and dependable.
It's the shoe I'd grab if I wanted:
-
Comfortable everyday miles
-
Walking around town
-
Travelling
-
Working long shifts
-
A stable daily trainer
It has a denser feel underfoot, which some runners actually prefer over softer, bouncier foams.
I've even had customers enjoy them for light gym workouts because of that added stability—although they aren't designed as dedicated lifting shoes.
Ghost Amp
The Ghost Amp feels noticeably livelier.
This is the shoe I'd choose when I want to:
-
Pick up the pace
-
Run tempo workouts
-
Add speed intervals into my training
-
Have one shoe that handles both easy and faster runs
It's responsive without feeling overly aggressive.
Unlike many modern speed-focused daily trainers, the Ghost Amp also has a relatively moderate stack height. That means you still get some ground feel instead of feeling perched high above the road.
No shoe is perfect, where each shoe falls short
Ghost 18
The Ghost 18 isn't built to be exciting. If you're looking for noticeable energy return or a shoe that encourages faster running, you'll probably find it a little flat.
Ghost Amp
The Ghost Amp sacrifices some stability in exchange for responsiveness. Because of that, it isn't the best choice if you primarily want a shoe for:
-
Standing all day
-
Walking
-
Working long retail or healthcare shifts
-
Gym workouts requiring a stable platform
Who Should Choose Each Shoe?
Choose the Ghost 18 if you want:
-
A dependable daily trainer
-
A shoe for both running and walking
-
A comfortable work or travel shoe
-
A stable, predictable ride
-
Slightly firmer cushioning
Choose the Ghost Amp if you want:
-
A daily trainer with extra energy return
-
One shoe for easy runs and speed workouts
-
A lighter, more responsive feel
-
A shoe that makes tempo runs more enjoyable
-
A lower-stack responsive trainer with better ground feel than many competitors
Similar Shoes to Consider
If you're considering the Ghost 18
If you have a favorite shoe by another brand, the Ghost 18 competes/compares directly with:
-
ASICS Gel-Cumulus
-
New Balance 880
-
Mizuno Wave Rider
-
HOKA Clifton
Compared with these, the Ghost 18 generally feels a little firmer and more solid underfoot.
If you're considering the Ghost Amp
If you are a fan of or interested in any of the following shoes, the Ghost Amp would a great match for you:
-
ASICS Novablast
-
New Balance Rebel
-
Mizuno Neo Zen
-
HOKA Clifton Pro
How the Ghost Amp stands out from these other responsive daily trainers is its lower stack height. While many runners are continuing to get taller, the Ghost Amp provides a bit more connection to the ground, making it an excellent option for runners who don't want to feel like they're running on stilts.
Final Thoughts
Both shoes are awesome, but they're designed for different runners.
If your priority is comfort, stability, walking, and everyday versatility, the Brooks Ghost 18 remains one of the best daily trainers available.
If you'd like a shoe that feels quicker, livelier, and makes faster running more enjoyable without jumping into a plated racing shoe, the Brooks Ghost Amp is a great new option.
Overall, neither shoe is "better" than the other, and they simply serve different purposes.
