Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Brooks Ghost 18 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: 62% of 60 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 5

62%of 60 owners recommend

62% recommend · 13% neutral · 25% don't

Owners praise

More stable and planted than past versions and rivals like the Evo SL
Versatile do-everything trainer that handles tempo, speed work, and longer runs
Improved fit with roomier toe box and more secure upper than the 4

Owners complain about

Firmer, more muted ride that lost some of the bounce and punch of earlier Speeds
Outsole and midsole wear early, going flat by roughly 230-350 km
Happiest at shorter, faster efforts; feet ache past the half marathon

Full owner report →

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 5 owners say

“find it good for pretty much everything”
— @TimGrose on YouTube

“More pep, more bounce, more comfort, very pleasant overall”
— @destrucciondeldiablo on YouTube

“I wanted so badly to love the ES4 but the toe box taper made it unbearable just crushing my pinky toe.”
— @nate_collins on YouTube