Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Brooks Ghost 18 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 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

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 →

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

75%of 134 owners recommend
75% recommend · 6% neutral · 19% don't
Owners praise
  • Versatile do-it-all daily and tempo shoe
  • Great for uptempo, tempo and race-pace runs
  • Nice bounce, pop and protective cushioning
Owners complain about
  • Narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe
  • Firm, dead-feeling midsole with little bounce
  • Toe numbness or circulation issues mid-run
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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
Get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 if
  • ✓Runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe
  • ✓Those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts
  • ✓Runners with narrow to medium-width feet
  • ✓Runners wanting one versatile do-everything trainer
Skip it if
  • Wide-footed runners (narrow, pointed toe box)
  • Runners wanting soft, bouncy cushioning

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

What Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 owners say

“Endo Speed 4 being great”
— @dhgpan on YouTube
“i love them so much i decided to run the marathon i was preparing with”
— @jeremybmxfr on YouTube
“Speed 4 is by far my least favourite version. I loved version 1-3 but this one just doesn't feel right on my foot.”
— @nickskier1 on YouTube

Brooks Ghost 18 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: frequently asked questions

Is the Brooks Ghost 18 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 better?

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 owners recommend it, vs 49% of 92 for the Brooks Ghost 18.

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.

Who should get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

Owners point the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 at runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe, and those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Brooks Ghost 18 is heel collar digs into and irritates the ankle. For the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, it's narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe.