Brooks Ghost 18 and Glycerin 23 Take Different Running Roles

Brooks’ latest Ghost and Glycerin shoes serve different purposes, according to a Women’s Health test. The Ghost 18 is the lighter, more breathable option for regular training runs and walks. It has a soft, supportive feel without a deeply cushioned ride, plus a foam crash pad that helps smooth each step. Its RoadTack rubber outsole also held up well across rainy road runs.

The Glycerin 23 feels softer and more substantial from the start. Added padding around the tongue and ankle gives it a secure, comfortable fit, while DNA Tuned foam under the front of the foot adds cushioning and a mild spring to each stride. A wider base helped keep the shoe stable during testing, including for a runner who tends to roll inward.

Both models handled five-mile runs, longer easy efforts, faster workouts and neighborhood walks. The tester preferred the Ghost 18 for most five- to six-mile training sessions, but reached for the Glycerin 23 more often on long runs and comfortable walks. Both shoes carry the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance, yet their firmer-lightweight and plush-heavier designs make them suited to different routines.