ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs Brooks Ghost 18
Gel-Cumulus 28 or Ghost 18? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a soft, smooth everyday trainer? Get the Gel-Cumulus 28.
Want the classic Ghost ride with a comfier upper? Get the Ghost 18.
Get the Gel-Cumulus 28 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want more foam underfoot (2.5mm more at the heel)
- You need a roomier fit
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.1 oz
Get the Ghost 18 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (10mm vs 8mm)
On the run
Gel-Cumulus 28: The soft, smooth everyday pick. Soft and smooth, with a softer gel heel and a gentle rocker. It’s comfortable, but there isn’t much bounce at faster paces, and its heel sits much higher than its forefoot.
Ghost 18: The classic, steady trainer. Moderately cushioned, steady and grounded. There’s no dramatic rocker or bounce, just a natural, familiar ride for easy and steady miles.
Specs side by side
| Gel-Cumulus 28 | Ghost 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $149.99 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 38.5 / 30.5mm* | 36 / 26mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 10mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.1 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.9 oz | 9.2 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 250–350 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Gel-Cumulus 28. True to size, with noticeably more toe room than the Cumulus 27. Narrow feet may find the midfoot loose. Wide available.
Ghost 18. True to size with a secure heel. It’s roomier than older Ghosts, but the forefoot still tapers, so wider feet should take the wide. Narrow through extra-wide.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Gel-Cumulus 28 · Shop the Ghost 18 · Compare other running shoes