Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Brooks Ghost 18: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 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 13

55%of 309 owners recommend

55% recommend · 20% neutral · 25% don't

Owners praise

Much-improved upper over the 12
Versatile do-everything trainer
Great for tempo and faster paces

Owners complain about

Too firm for easy, slow long runs
Laces and lockdown are fiddly
Narrow, tapered toe box

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 13 if

✓Runners doing tempo and faster workouts
✓Those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer
✓Runners who like a firm, stable ride
✓Heavier runners needing stability and durability

Skip it if

Runners wanting soft cushioning for slow long runs
Wide feet or those needing a roomy toe box

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 13 owners say

“I love the 12 so much I will choose the 13 over EVO SL any time”
— @olsa2k on YouTube

“So i bought the Boston 13 and like it much more.”
— @marcojo111 on YouTube

“i found the 12’s. WAY too hard.”
— @neilhulme8426 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 13 vs Brooks Ghost 18: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Brooks Ghost 18 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 49% of 92 for the Brooks Ghost 18.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 at runners doing tempo and faster workouts, and those wanting one versatile do-it-all 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 13 is too firm for easy, slow long runs. For the Brooks Ghost 18, it's heel collar digs into and irritates the ankle.