Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Ultraboost 5 vs Brooks Ghost 18: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 18: 49% of 92 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

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

Adidas Ultraboost 5

35%of 34 owners recommend

35% recommend · 21% neutral · 44% don't

Owners praise

Many owners call them among the most comfortable shoes they've owned, day to day and out of the box
Durability holds up well for years of regular wear when the pair isn't defective
Well suited to distance running, including high weekly mileage and marathon training

Owners complain about

Sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase
Comfort and cushioning have declined across generations, with older versions (1.0, 3.0, 4.0) feeling comfier than the newer 19/5
Divisive looks, especially the caged design and redesigned heel cup, which some owners find ugly

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 Ultraboost 5 if

✓Casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage
✓Distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness
✓Buyers who want an all-around comfortable everyday sneaker for gym or casual wear
✓Shoppers grabbing them on sale who value fashion and comfort over ultimate durability

Skip it if

High-mileage runners doing serious weekly distance or fast sprint training
Anyone wanting a shoe to double as regular walking or travel footwear

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 Ultraboost 5 owners say

“Say what you want about the design, these are insanely comfortable shoes. IMO look better in person.”
— ridukosennin on Reddit

“I have Allbirds and UB 3.0s and I can say definitively my UBs are far more comfortable for me. It’s a treat to wear them haha”
— SunriseMoon on Reddit

“Anyone have the issue of the footbed moving around in their Ultraboost 19s? It makes mine nearly unwearable. (It slides back constantly. No matter how tight or loose they are.)”
— Easy-Lucky-Free on Reddit

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 Ultraboost 5 vs Brooks Ghost 18: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Ultraboost 5 or the Brooks Ghost 18 better?

Real owners lean toward the Brooks Ghost 18: 49% of 92 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

Who should get the Adidas Ultraboost 5?

Owners point the Adidas Ultraboost 5 at casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage, and distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness.

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 Ultraboost 5 is sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase. For the Brooks Ghost 18, it's heel collar digs into and irritates the ankle.