Brooks Ghost Series vs ASICS Gel Series

Brooks Ghost Series vs ASICS Gel Series

The ASICS Gel series and the Brooks Ghost series are 2 groups of daily trainers that share similar qualities. The Gel series from ASICS tends to be a little more plush underfoot is and is good for those that like that extra softness underfoot and has a leg up on the Ghost series on recovery runs. The Ghost series has three great options for different intensities of daily training. The pace pushing daily runner would love the Ghost AMP, the runner that like to run for their daily cardio would be best fit for the classic Ghost 18, and those who want a smoother, softer experience would love the Ghost Max 4!

Quick Comparison Overview


  • Weight

  • Ride feel

    • Brooks Ghost 18: The ride is consistent and fluid, with smooth transitions that make it ideal for everyday mileageBrooks Ghost 18
    • Brooks Ghost Max 4: The ride is smooth, efficient, and highly cushioned, with GlideRoll Rocker technology helping move runners naturally.Brooks Ghost Max 4
    • Brooks Ghost AMP: Smooth, balanced, and versatile. The Ghost AMP delivers a reliable daily training experience with a slightly livelier feel underfoot.Brooks Ghost Amp
    • ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: Smooth and balanced with cushioned impact absorption and natural heel-to-toe transitions.Asics Gel Nimbus 28
    • ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28: The Gel-Cumulus is a balanced, consistent ride with smooth transitions for daily miles.Asics Gel Cumulus 28
    • ASICS Gel-Kayano 33: Smooth, stable, and highly cushioned. The Kayano 33 delivers a consistent, efficient transition for longer efforts.Asics Gel Kayano 33

  • Fit

    • Brooks Ghost 18: feels soft, smooth, and balanced underfoot, offering a cushioned ride that isn’t overly plush.Brooks Ghost 18
    • Brooks Ghost Max 4: The Ghost Max 4 feels exceptionally soft and protective underfoot, combining plush cushioning with a stable platform.Brooks Ghost Max 4
    • Brooks Ghost AMP: The upper offers a comfortable, accommodating and the ride feels smoother and slightly more energetic than previous versions.Brooks Ghost Amp
    • ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: Soft and comfortable with a true-to-size fit that feels secure without being restrictive.Asics Gel Nimbus 28
    • ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28: True to size with a secure, comfortable fit that feels breathable and accommodating across a wide range of foot shapes.Asics Gel Cumulus 28
    • ASICS Gel-Kayano 33:  The engineered mesh upper provides breathable comfort and solid midfoot lockdown, while the platform feels stable underfoot without the stiffness of traditional posting.Asics Gel Kayano 33

  • Best use case

    • Brooks Ghost 18: Workhorse daily trainer good for all daily miles. Great for consistency and balance.Brooks Ghost 18
    • Brooks Ghost Max 4: A smooth cruiser for easy daily miles. More cushion and stability than the Ghost 18.Brooks Ghost Max 4
    • Brooks Ghost AMP: More energetic cushion to push the pace and run for longer. Feel more performance on your daily runs with the Ghost AMP.Brooks Ghost Amp
  •  
    • ASCIS Gel-Nimbus 28: Plush cushion to make your daily miles feel more comfortable than ever.Asics Gel Nimbus 28
    • ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28: Balanced cushion and light weight design make this an easy, consistent feel for daily miles.Asics Gel Cumulus 28
    • ASICS Gel-Kayano 33: Great daily trainer for those who need an extra bit of stability for their overpronation.Asics Gel Kayano 33


The Brooks Ghost Series Overview


The Brooks Ghost series is known for its balanced cushioning which is great for powering through daily miles. They are made up of different feels of versatile daily trainer. The AMP is for those who want more energy and more pace in their runs. The Ghost 18 is your middle ground of comfort and performance, your classic feel. The Ghost Max 4 is for those who want a smoother, more comfortable feel on their run.

The balanced cushion of the ghost paired with the different levels of meta-rocker technology provide smooth transitions from heel-to-toe allowing for easy runs. The Ghost series is a great choice for those who wear a neutral shoe. The Ghost Max 4 is a good choice for those who need a little more stability.



The ASICS Gel Series Overview

Key Talking Points

The ASICS Gel series is known for their plush, comfortable cushion. This makes for a very soft underfoot feel great for comfortable everyday miles. The premium comfort of the Gel-Nimbus makes it perfect for all runs, from long runs, to recovery runs. The Gel-Kayano is incredibly plush for being a stability shoe. Most stability shoes are stiffer to support the overpronation, however, the Gel-Kayano is a leader in stability comfort. The Gel-Cumulus's high cushion is a little less plush for a similar feel to the Brooks Ghost 18.



Which Shoe Is Better for You?

For those who are looking for a more plush feel in their footwear, look toward the ASICS Gel series, more specifically the Nimbus 28. If you are someone who is looking for consistency in their daily runs, a shoe that will power through tough miles, and a true workhorse trainer; look at the Brooks Ghost 18. 


Why Trying Both Shoes Matters

Not sure which is best for you? Come in to your nearest Fit2Run location and try the one of a kind Fit Experience! With 3D foot scans, exact data driven metrics and shoe recommendations as well as gait analysis, we are guaranteed to get you in the right fit!

Q1: Is the Gel-Nimbus softer than the Brooks Ghost?

Yes, the Nimbus generally has a softer ride feel.

Q2: Which shoe is better for daily training?

Both work well, though the Ghost is often considered more versatile.

Q3: Is the Nimbus heavier than the Ghost?

Typically yes due to added cushioning.

Q4: Which shoe is better for long runs?

Many runners prefer the Nimbus for maximum comfort.

Q5: Are both shoes neutral?

Yes, both are neutral running shoes.


— Ethan Steffensmeier
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