Asics Gel-Cumulus vs Brooks Ghost
Comparing the current Gel-Cumulus 28 and Ghost 18. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Drop is the real difference: 8 mm on the Gel-Cumulus 28 against 10 mm on the Ghost 18. Coming off the Ghost 18, the Gel-Cumulus 28 loads your calves and Achilles harder for the first couple of weeks. Both sit in the same role (daily trainer). The Gel-Cumulus 28 lists $5 lower.
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 28Men's at AmazonWomen's
- Brooks Ghost 18Men's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Sep 1, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Gel-Cumulus 28 | Ghost 18 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 10.2 oz |
| Widths | D, 2E, 4E | B, D, 2E, 4E |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with large ventilation holes and reflective detailing | Engineered mesh with a plush collar |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 36 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 26 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | FF Blast Max with a PureGEL heel insert | DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $145 | $150 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The Gel-Cumulus has done it 2 times in 8 versions, most recently with the Gel-Cumulus 26 in 2024, and the Ghost has done it once in 6 versions, most recently with the Ghost 17 in 2025. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Ghost has the steadier record.
Buy the Gel-Cumulus 28
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Sep 1, 2026.
Buy the Ghost 18
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Jul 28, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Asics Gel-Cumulus lineage and the Brooks Ghost lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Brooks Ghost lighter?
- The Gel-Cumulus 28, by 0.5 oz in a men's US 9 (9.7 oz against 10.2 oz).
- Can I switch from the Asics Gel-Cumulus to the Brooks Ghost?
- Yes, but ease into it. The drop moves 2 mm (8 mm on the Gel-Cumulus 28, 10 mm on the Ghost 18), which changes where your foot loads at landing. Give it two weeks of easy running before a hard session.
- Which is more cushioned, the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Brooks Ghost?
- The Gel-Cumulus 28, on stack height: 38 mm under the heel against 36 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which comes in more widths?
- The Ghost 18. The Gel-Cumulus 28 runs in D, 2E, 4E for men's sizes; the Ghost 18 runs in B, D, 2E, 4E.
- Which costs more, the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Brooks Ghost?
- The Ghost 18, by $5 at list ($145 against $150). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated September 1, 2026.