Comparisons / Daily trainer

Nike Pegasus 42 vs Brooks Ghost 18

Two workhorses with the same 10 mm drop and almost identical weight. The Pegasus has a little more pop from its full-length Air Zoom unit; the Ghost is the softer, calmer ride. Reviewers score the Ghost slightly higher.

By the RunShoeRotation team. Written October 2026; specs, scores and prices updated October 2026. How we compare shoes.

Nike Pegasus 42Nike Pegasus 42: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
NikePegasus 42Daily trainer84/100 · 2 reviews
Brooks Ghost 18: photo coming soon PHOTO INCOMING
BrooksGhost 18Daily trainer88/100 · 2 reviews

Which should you buy?

Choose the Pegasus 42 if you like a bit of responsiveness for the odd faster run, and your feet suit a roomy toe box (size up half a size: it runs short).

Choose the Ghost 18 if you mostly run easy and want a soft, smooth, no-surprises shoe, with a narrow option if you need it.

The Pegasus 42 is 3 g lighter than the Ghost 18. It costs £5 less at full price.

Side by side

SpecPegasus 42NikeGhost 18Brooks
Review score84/100 (2 reviews)88/100 (2 reviews)
TypeDaily trainerDaily trainer
Weight (men's UK 8.5)286 g289 g
Heel stack37 mm36 mm
Drop10 mm10 mm
CushioningBalancedSoft
BounceBouncyLively
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitRuns smallTrue to size
Widthsstandard, wide, extra widenarrow, standard, wide, extra wide
Waterproof versionNike Pegasus 42 GORE-TEXBrooks Ghost 18 GTX
UK RRP£130£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

Pegasus 42

  • Durable, versatile everyday trainer
  • Softer, more forgiving forefoot than before
  • Roomier, more generous fit
  • The Air Zoom plate adds weight
  • Heel landings can feel firm

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

Nike Pegasus 42: Swaps the Pegasus 41's two Air Zoom units for a full-length curved Air Zoom plate and a roomier, more anatomical fit. Same ReactX foam, stack and 10 mm drop.

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 Pegasus 42 Prices for the Ghost 18

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