ASICS
BrooksWhich should you buy?
Choose the Gel-Cumulus 28 if you want a lighter, slightly livelier daily trainer with a lower 8 mm drop.
Choose the Ghost 18 if you want a proven, predictable ride with a 10 mm drop, or need a narrow or extra-wide fit.
The Gel-Cumulus 28 is 37 g lighter than the Ghost 18. It has 2 mm more foam under the heel. Its drop is 8 mm against 10 mm.
Side by side
| Spec | Gel-Cumulus 28ASICS | Ghost 18Brooks |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 88/100 (2 reviews) | 88/100 (2 reviews) |
| Type | Daily trainer | Daily trainer |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 252 g | 289 g |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 36 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft | Soft |
| Bounce | Lively | Lively |
| Plate | No plate | No plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Widths | standard, wide | narrow, standard, wide, extra wide |
| Waterproof version | No | Brooks Ghost 18 GTX |
| UK RRP | £135 | £135 |
Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.
What the critics say
Gel-Cumulus 28
- Softer, livelier ride from FF Blast Max foam
- Better heel grip and durability
- Slightly lighter at the same price
- May feel too soft if you like a firm ride
- A light update rather than a big change
Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.
Ghost 18
- More breathable upper
- Secure heel that doesn't slip
- Softer landings from the new insole
- Foam feels firmer than expected
- Only a small step on from the Ghost 17
Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.
Paraphrased from published reviews.
What's new in each
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28: Moves up to the softer FF Blast Max foam used in pricier ASICS shoes, adds AHAR LO heel rubber and gets a more breathable upper. A few grams lighter than the Cumulus 27.
Brooks Ghost 18: A comfort-focused refresh: new air-mesh upper, flat-knit tongue and a plusher sockliner. Same DNA Loft v3 foam and 10 mm drop, and a few grams heavier.
Prices for the Gel-Cumulus 28 Prices for the Ghost 18
More comparisons
- HOKA Clifton 11 vs Brooks Ghost 18
- Nike Pegasus 42 vs Brooks Ghost 18
- New Balance 880v15 vs ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
Still torn?
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