Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs Brooks Ghost 18: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 49% of 92 for the Brooks Ghost 18.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Adidas Adizero Boston 12

56%of 230 owners recommend
56% recommend · 14% neutral · 30% don't
Owners praise
  • Excels at tempo and speed work
  • Extremely durable, high mileage
  • Firm, stable, responsive ride
Owners complain about
  • Stiff, unforgiving upper
  • Laces won't stay tied
  • Narrow forefoot causes blisters
Full owner report →

Brooks Ghost 18

49%of 92 owners recommend
49% recommend · 22% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Fits noticeably better than the Ghost 17
  • Wider, roomier toebox
  • Comfortable for all-day wear and long shifts
Owners complain about
  • Heel collar digs into and irritates the ankle
  • Ankle pain isn't fixed by sizing up to wide/2E
  • Runs firm, clunky, or low to the ground
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 if
  • ✓Runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts
  • ✓Those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer
  • ✓Runners who prefer a firm, low-stack ride
  • ✓Bargain hunters buying at sale prices
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting soft cushioning for easy or long runs
  • Narrow or blister-prone forefeet
Get the Brooks Ghost 18 if
  • ✓Runners upgrading from the Ghost 17
  • ✓People on their feet through long work shifts
  • ✓Wide or flat feet needing a roomier toe box
  • ✓Runners wanting a firm, versatile daily trainer
Skip it if
  • Runners who want a soft, plush ride
  • People with low arches or narrow-instep issues

What Adidas Adizero Boston 12 owners say

“la recomiendo ampliamente”
— @King_Therion on YouTube
“ya puedo decir que disfruto con la 12”
— @juanluiscalvo6838 on YouTube
“Adidas parece que sigue sin darse cuenta de las grandes mejoras y evoluciones que el resto de marcas hace”
— @davidbelmonte2305 on YouTube

What Brooks Ghost 18 owners say

“Kudos to Brooks for offering various different widths.”
— @UnclPhilly on YouTube
“As a Amazon van driver that runs alot, I give praise to the ghost 18”
— @jamesehlers6994 on YouTube
“I like Brooks, but why are Brooks shoes still so heavy in 2026?”
— @RTB1910 on YouTube

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs Brooks Ghost 18: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 or the Brooks Ghost 18 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 49% of 92 for the Brooks Ghost 18.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 at runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts, and those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer.

Who should get the Brooks Ghost 18?

Owners point the Brooks Ghost 18 at runners upgrading from the Ghost 17, and people on their feet through long work shifts.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is stiff, unforgiving upper. For the Brooks Ghost 18, it's heel collar digs into and irritates the ankle.