How to Choose Between the Ghost 18 and Ghost Amp

Brooks released the Amp, a lightweight daily trainer made with PEBA and EVA foam, in August 2026. It’s the first of its kind in the Ghost series.The Ghost 18 is made of DNA Loft v3 foam and provides secure ride, while the DNA Hype Foam in the Ghost Amp is super bouncy. We spoke with the product team, and collected valuable feedback from our editors to help you better decide which shoe is for you based on composition, fit, comfort, and more. Nearly 50 years after introducing EVA foam to running shoes and almost 20 years after the Ghost hit the shelves, Brooks has finally added PEBA foam to the shoe’s midsole with the Ghost Amp. The trainer is lightweight and springy, good for easy runs or faster paced miles.In many ways the Ghost Amp is a reliable workhorse that some runners need, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a sure pick for everyone. For other runners, the Ghost 18 is more than capable of handling daily workouts.Our editors racked up miles in both the pairs. We gathered their feedback, and spoke with the product team at Brooks, here’s how both shoes differ on fit, comfort, and overall ride.Ghost 18 Specs vs. Ghost AmpSpecsBest forDaily training, easy, and long runs.FoamNitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam (combination of Eva foam, rubber, and air)Weight10.2 oz (M9), 8.7 oz (W7)Drop10 mmShop Men’s | Shop Women’sSpecsBest forDaily training, tempo workouts, and long runsFoamNitrogen-infused DNA HYPE cushioning (PEBA-EVA foam)Weight9.1 oz (M9), 7.4 oz (W7)Drop6 mmShop Men’s | Shop Women’s What is the Difference Between the Ghost 18 and Ghost Amp?Brooks promotes the cushioning system in the Ghost 18 as “balanced”, but it’s unclear exactly what that actually means, so I spoke with Chad Mullavey, a product line manager at Brooks, to get a better understanding. “With the core Ghost, it’s all about how can we give a cushioning system that compresses, attenuates shock, but then still gives a little bit back at toe off, ” Mullavey said. The Ghost 18 is the brand’s take on achieving that sensation, and that’s what makes the trainer with a nitrogen infused, EVA-based midsole such a good option for a wide range of runners, he said.The Amp, on the other hand, is a propulsive daily trainer, thanks to the SpringRamp technology integrated in the midsole. The actual foam is also infused with nitrogen, blended with PEBA—a foam commonly used in super shoes—and EVA. While it’s no race day shoe, you’ll certainly feel an extra oomph as you push off the ground.Winston ZhouThe gusseted tongue on the Amp keeps the foot locked in place, while the flat knit tongue on the Ghost 18 provides more security.The uppers differ in a way that makes the Ghost Amp feel wider than the Ghost 18. However, since both shoes are in the same series, they’re made with the same last (a foot-shape mold used to stretch the upper material of a shoe), but not with the same materials. The Ghost 18 is made of an engineered air mesh that’s flexible, and the Amp is engineered with a jacquard mesh that gives it more of a tailored fit. Many of our testers said the Ghost 18 feels stiff at first, but that doesn’t last long since the material stretches over time, whereas with the Amp, there’s zero break-in.Mallory Creveling, deputy health and fitness editor, said of the Ghost 18, “I do appreciate the low profile and rebound of the shoe. It’s nice to have a daily trainer that isn’t all about max cushioning and they are really comfortable for walking.” I also prefer the Ghost 18 for walking because they’re firm yet comfortable and I can wear them all day long.Winston ZhouThe DNA Hype foam is plush and comfy just like a pillow top mattress, but the DNA Loft v3 foam is more like a memory foam that gets softer over time.Runner-In-Chief Jeff Dengate is a fan of the Amp’s fit. “[The Amp] is plush in all the right areas and hugs the foot so comfortably. It’s a little warmer, but not a bother.”The new tongue on the Ghost 18 is subtle, it hugs your instep just as a sweater would hug your neck. The tongue on the Amp is gusseted and much more noticeable since it’s padded. It’s soft to touch and seamless, so it doesn’t irritate your instep.How Does the Ghost 18 Compare to the Ghost Amp on the Run?Slipping on either of these trainers feels like pressing cruise control on a long car ride, but at different speeds. Bottom line, both are more than capable of handling daily miles whether you’re running or walking.The cushioning in the Ghost 18 provides the well-rounded support runners need on the road. “The relatively firm foam gives a good platform to stabilize without any real structure or radical geometry, ” Dengate said. “It’s not a stability shoe—and I don’t require any usually—but it’ll keep the majority of runners moving forward comfortably.” The wide base especially comes in handy when rounding corners and navigating uneven paths.Winston ZhouHeel strikers can turn corners with ease, knowing their foot is locked in place.“I really like easy cruising, when I lay back on my heels and float,” Dengate said when describing what he enjoyed most about the Ghost 18. “I think that’s where this shoe works best, and probably why it’s going to work for newer runners and the majority of us who heel strike.”The Amp has a bit more sass, and I enjoy lacing them up for tempo and long runs. Gear editor Amanda Furrer agreed, the Ghost Amp can handle a wide range of runs. “The PEBA-EVA midsole foam is also more responsive and provides a more energizing ride than the Ghost 18. It’s a versatile shoe that can serve as a daily trainer, long run shoe, or speedwork shoe.”Winston ZhouIn the Ghost Amp, faster runners can easily maintain speed while turning and navigating uneven paths.The midsole is neither too firm or too cushioned, noted Cat Bowen, senior gear editor. “As someone who fluctuates between heel and midfoot striking depending on my body that day, the midsole and heel cup really play nicely together to maintain my comfort and speed no matter how my body balances that day.”So, Which Shoes Are Right for You?Some brands use price as a way to distinguish between models, but the Ghost 18 and Amp are both priced at $150, forcing you to focus on fit when deciding between the two. As with purchasing any running shoes, we encourage you to actually visit a local running store, and take the shoes on a light jog before buying them so you know how they really feel on foot.Winston ZhouA stable workhorse for two different kinds of runners.If you’re just getting started with running… try the Ghost 18. It’s a durable, neutral trainer that will help you avoid overdoing it when it matters most. The cushioning is firm and that helps absorb shock, so you can breeze through your easy and long runs. If you’re a seasoned runner, who is a fan of the Ghost line, our testers said this iteration of the shoe feels familiar, so you can’t go wrong with it.If you’re a seasoned runner, fan of the Ghost series, who is in search of a wider shoe with bounce…try the Ghost Amp. It’s very lively on foot and that makes completing faster miles feel easier. If you usually go for trainers with PEBA foam, this shoe is a good contender because it’s a PEBA-EVA blend.Monique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.