Ghost 17 vs Ride 18

The Ghost 17 is Brooks doing what Brooks does best: a dependable neutral daily training shoe with no drama and no surprises. This is not a carbon racing shoe or a plush max-cushion pillow. It sits right in the middle, the running shoe you reach for on most days of the week when you just want to get the miles done. The DNA Loft v3 nitrogen foam gives it a softer, smoother feel than older Ghosts, so easy runs and steady miles roll along comfortably without feeling mushy. At 289g with a 10mm drop and a 36mm heel, it is a traditional, protective daily trainer built for consistency over flash. We rate it as one of the safest first-choice trainers for everyday runners, and if you liked the Ghost 16 you will feel at home instantly. It will not win you a personal best, but that is not the job. Reliable mileage is.

The Saucony Ride 18 is a do-everything daily training shoe, the kind of neutral road runner you buy once and reach for on most days of the week. It is not trying to be fast, plated or exotic. It is trying to soak up your easy miles, your commute jogs and your steady long runs without drama, and it does that well. At 266g in a UK men's sample with an 8mm drop, it sits right in the middle of the daily-trainer class: cushioned enough to feel protective, not so soft that it wallows. The ride is smooth and predictable rather than exciting, with a rocker that keeps you rolling forward at conversational pace. At £130 RRP it is priced fairly for the category. If you want one honest, comfortable neutral trainer for the bulk of your week, the Ride 18 is an easy shoe to recommend. For genuine pace work you will want something snappier, like the Nike Pegasus 42 or a dedicated tempo shoe.