Brooks Glycerin Flex vs Ghost 18

Glycerin Flex 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 Glycerin comfort with a more flexible, connected feel? Get the Glycerin Flex.

Want the classic Ghost ride with a comfier upper? Get the Ghost 18.

Get the Glycerin Flex if

• You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.1 oz
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 10mm)
• You’d rather spend $20 less

Get the Ghost 18 if

• You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
• You need a touch more room than the Glycerin Flex gives
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (10mm vs 6mm)
• You need an extra-wide width

On the run

Glycerin Flex: The flexible Glycerin. Comfortable and stable at the heel, with a midfoot flex groove that makes it more flexible than the regular Glycerin. The ride is on the firm side with little bounce.

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

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

Glycerin Flex. True to size with a premium knit upper and secure lockdown. Best for narrow feet; the toebox is narrow.

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 Glycerin Flex · Shop the Ghost 18 · Compare other running shoes