I’m a runner who’s logged countless miles, and I’ve always been on the hunt for the perfect shoe to carry me through long runs, tempo workouts, and recovery jogs. The Brooks Ghost and ASICS Gel Nimbus are two heavyweights in the running shoe world, both promising comfort, durability, and performance.
In this article, I’ll break down their pros, cons, and key features from a real user’s perspective, comparing fit, feel, and function to help you decide which shoe suits your stride. Let’s lace up and get into it.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Brooks Ghost | ASICS Gel Nimbus |
| Cushioning | DNA Loft v3 foam, balanced ride | FlyteFoam Blast+ ECO, PureGEL heel |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 12mm (Ghost 16) | 8mm (Nimbus 27) |
| Weight | Men’s: 9.8 oz, Women’s: 8.8 oz | Men’s: 10.7 oz, Women’s: 9.2 oz |
| Fit | Wider toe box, roomy fit | Snug midfoot, slightly narrow |
| Stability | Firmer midsole, subtle support | Wide base, flared midsole |
| Best For | Wide feet, high arches, versatile runs | Narrow feet, long runs, max cushion |
| Price | $140 | $160 |
| Durability | 400+ miles | 400-500 miles |
| Sustainability | 67.3% recycled upper (Ghost 16) | 20% bio-based foam |
| APMA Seal | Yes (Ghost Max) | Yes |
My Journey With These Shoes
I’ve been running for over a decade, tackling everything from city streets to trails, and I’ve worn out more shoes than I care to count. The Brooks Ghost and ASICS Gel Nimbus have been constants in my rotation, each earning a special place for different reasons.
I’ve run marathons in the Nimbus and logged easy miles in the Ghost, so I’m sharing my firsthand experience to give you a clear picture of how these shoes stack up.
Whether you’re a casual jogger or a seasoned marathoner, I’ll walk you through what makes each shoe tick.
Key Features of The Brooks Ghost
The Brooks Ghost series, now in its 16th iteration, is a neutral daily trainer designed for versatility. Its DNA Loft v3 foam is a blend of EVA, rubber, and air, creating a cushioned yet responsive ride.
I love how it feels plush without being mushy, striking a balance that works for both short sprints and long runs. The 12mm heel-to-toe drop suits heel strikers like me, and the wider toe box gives my toes room to splay naturally—perfect if you’ve got wide feet or bunions.
The Ghost’s upper is made with a breathable engineered mesh, and the Ghost 16 boasts 67.3% recycled materials, which is a nice nod to sustainability. It’s also durable, lasting me over 400 miles without significant wear.
The shoe’s broad base and firmer midsole provide subtle stability, even though it’s not a stability shoe. Podiatrists often praise its high arch support, and the Ghost Max variant even earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting foot health.
Pros of The Brooks Ghost
- Versatile Comfort: The Ghost handles everything from treadmill sprints to long road runs. I’ve worn it for 10-mile tempo runs and felt just as fresh as on 3-mile recovery jogs.
- Wide Toe Box: My wide feet breathe easy, and I’ve never had blisters or cramped toes, even after hours of running.
- Durability: I’ve pushed these shoes past 400 miles, and the outsole and midsole held up impressively.
- Sustainability: The recycled upper makes me feel good about my choice, and Brooks’ carbon-neutral Ghost 15 is a step toward greener running.
- Affordable: At $140, it’s $20 cheaper than the Nimbus, which adds up if you’re replacing shoes often.
Cons of The Brooks Ghost
- Less Responsive: The Ghost isn’t built for speed. If you’re chasing PRs, the foam lacks the “pop” of race-oriented shoes.
- Heavier Feel: At 9.8 ounces for men, it’s not heavy, but it feels slightly bulkier than some competitors, like the Saucony Ride.
- Less Plush: Compared to the Nimbus, the Ghost’s cushioning feels firmer, which might not suit runners craving a cloud-like ride.
- Limited Color Options: The Ghost’s designs are functional but not as vibrant as ASICS’ funky colorways.
Key Features of The ASICS Gel Nimbus
The ASICS Gel Nimbus, now at version 27, is a max-cushion neutral trainer built for comfort over long distances.
Its FlyteFoam Blast+ ECO foam, with 20% bio-based content, paired with a PureGEL heel insert, delivers a plush, shock-absorbing ride.
The 8mm drop feels balanced, catering to heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikers.
I’ve run three marathons in various Nimbus models, and the cushioning never let me down, even at mile 20.
The Nimbus 27’s knit upper is snug through the midfoot, with a stretchy tongue and pull-on tab for easy entry. It’s slightly heavier at 10.7 ounces for men, but the trade-off is a stable, wide platform that keeps you grounded.
Like the Ghost, it carries the APMA Seal, and podiatrists like Robert Kornfeld, DPM, recommend it for its shock absorption and versatility across foot types.
Pros of The ASICS Gel Nimbus
- Maximal Cushioning: The Nimbus feels like running on pillows, ideal for long runs or recovery days. My knees thank me after 15-mile slogs.
- Stable Ride: The wide sole and flared midsole keep you steady, even when fatigue sets in.
- Breathable Upper: The knit upper ventilates well, keeping my feet cool during summer runs.
- Wide Range of Widths: ASICS offers regular, wide, and extra-wide options, so you’re likely to find a perfect fit.
- Durable Outsole: The ASICSGRIP rubber is tough, handling 400-500 miles with minimal wear.
Cons of The ASICS Gel Nimbus
- Pricey: At $160, it’s pricier than the Ghost, which might sting for budget-conscious runners.
- Heavier: The 10.7-ounce weight feels noticeable on faster runs, making it less versatile than the Ghost.
- Narrow Fit: The snug midfoot and heel can feel restrictive for wide feet, though wide options help.
- Stiff Ride: The Nimbus 26 and 27 are rigid, which sacrifices some natural foot flex. If you love a flexible shoe, this might not be your jam.
Key Differences Between Brooks Ghost And ASICS Gel Nimbus
- Fit and Comfort: How They Feel On My Feet
Fit is where these shoes diverge significantly. The Brooks Ghost has a roomy toe box that lets my toes wiggle freely, which is a godsend for my wide feet. After switching from ASICS, where my big toe often rubbed, the Ghost felt like a revelation.
The padded collar and tongue hug my foot without squeezing, and the 12mm drop aligns perfectly with my heel-striking gait. However, the fit runs slightly small, so I sized up a half size for optimal comfort.
The ASICS Gel Nimbus, on the other hand, has a snugger fit, especially in the midfoot and heel. It’s great for my narrow-footed friends who crave a locked-in feel, but it took me a few runs to break in the Nimbus 26.
The toe box is roomier than older models, but it’s still not as generous as the Ghost’s. The stretchy knit tongue and pull-on tab make slipping them on a breeze, but the laces can feel slippery, requiring a double knot. The 8mm drop feels more natural for midfoot strikers, though I adapted fine as a heel striker.
- Cushioning and Ride: The Heart of the Experience
Cushioning is where these shoes shine, but they deliver it differently. The Ghost’s DNA Loft v3 foam offers a balanced ride—soft enough for comfort but firm enough for stability. I feel supported on long runs, but it’s not as plush as the Nimbus.
The 12mm drop encourages a smooth heel-to-toe transition, though it lacks the bounce of speed-focused shoes. On trails or uneven surfaces, the Ghost’s broad base keeps me steady, but it’s not as forgiving on impact as the Nimbus.
The Nimbus 27’s FlyteFoam Blast+ ECO and PureGEL combo is a cushioning powerhouse. Every step feels like landing on a cloud, especially on long runs where my joints need extra love. The 8mm drop promotes a more natural stride, and the rockered midsole smooths transitions.
However, the shoe’s rigidity, which I measured as nearly carbon-plate stiff in lab reviews, can feel restrictive. It’s built for comfort over speed, so don’t expect a springy kick for sprints.
- Stability and Support: Keeping You Grounded
Neither shoe is a true stability model, but both offer support in their own way.
The Ghost’s firmer midsole and wider platform provide subtle guidance, which I appreciate on tired days when my form gets sloppy.
It’s not as aggressive as Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS, but it’s enough for neutral runners with occasional overpronation.
The high arch support is a standout, especially for runners like me with high arches.
The Nimbus relies on a wide, flared midsole for stability, which works well for heavier runners or those logging high mileage. The PureGEL heel insert absorbs shock, reducing stress on my heels during long runs.
However, the shoe’s rigidity can feel like overkill, making it less adaptable to natural foot movement. If you overpronate significantly, you might prefer ASICS’ Gel-Kayano for more targeted support.
- Durability and Value: Getting Your Money’s Worth
Both shoes are built to last, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Ghost’s outsole and midsole held up through 400+ miles of mixed surfaces—roads, treadmills, and light trails. At $140, it feels like a steal for the mileage and versatility.
The Ghost 16’s recycled upper adds value for eco-conscious runners, and its carbon-neutral variant is a bonus.
The Nimbus 27’s ASICSGRIP outsole is slightly tougher, lasting up to 500 miles in my experience. The foam retains its bounce longer than the Ghost’s, but at $160, you’re paying a premium for that max cushioning.
If you’re running long distances regularly, the Nimbus justifies its cost, but casual runners might find the Ghost’s price tag more palatable.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Which Shoe Helps More?
As someone who’s dealt with plantar fasciitis flare-ups, I’ve leaned on both brands for relief. The Ghost’s high arch support and firm midsole reduce strain on my plantar fascia, especially during heel strikes.
The wide toe box also prevents irritation for my bunions, which can exacerbate foot pain. Podiatrists often recommend the Ghost for its supportive structure, and the Ghost Max’s APMA Seal backs this up.
The Nimbus shines for plantar fasciitis, too, thanks to its superior shock absorption. The PureGEL heel insert and thick foam cushioning minimize impact, which is critical for managing heel pain.
However, the narrower fit might not suit everyone with foot conditions. Both are solid choices, but I give a slight edge to the Ghost for its arch support and roomier fit.
Real-World Testing: My Runs in Both Shoes
To give these shoes a fair shake, I tested the Ghost 16 and Nimbus 27 over six weeks, running 4-5 times per week on roads, tracks, and treadmills.
Distances ranged from 3-mile recovery runs to 10-mile long runs.
The Ghost felt like an old friend—reliable, versatile, and forgiving.
It handled tempo runs well but lacked the energy return for sprints. On a 10-mile road run, my feet felt supported, but the cushioning didn’t match the Nimbus’s plushness.
The Nimbus 27 was a dream for long, slow runs.
During a 15-mile training run, the cushioning kept my joints happy, and the wide base prevented wobbles. However, on faster track sessions, the weight and rigidity slowed me down.
The snug fit also took some getting used to, but once broken in, it felt secure without being constrictive.
Who Should Choose The Brooks Ghost?
The Ghost is your go-to if you have wide feet, high arches, or need a versatile shoe for mixed runs. It’s ideal for:
- Runners who want a balance of cushioning and stability without feeling weighed down.
- Those with plantar fasciitis or bunions, thanks to the roomy toe box and arch support.
- Budget-conscious runners who want durability and value at $140.
- Eco-minded folks who appreciate the recycled upper and carbon-neutral options.
If you’re a heel striker or prefer a firmer ride, the Ghost’s 12mm drop and DNA Loft foam will feel just right. It’s not the flashiest shoe, but it gets the job done across various terrains.
Who Should Choose The ASICS Gel Nimbus?
The Nimbus is perfect for runners craving max cushioning and a stable platform. It’s best for:
- Long-distance runners who need plush comfort for 10+ miles.
- Neutral or slight overpronators who benefit from the wide, flared midsole.
- Runners with narrow feet or those who like a snug, secure fit.
- Anyone prioritizing shock absorption for joint protection or plantar fasciitis relief.
The 8mm drop suits a variety of foot strikes, and the premium feel justifies the $160 price if you’re logging serious miles. It’s less versatile for speed work but excels in comfort.
Comparing For Specific Needs
For wide feet, the Ghost is the clear winner with its spacious toe box.
The Nimbus offers wide options, but its standard fit leans narrow.
For narrow feet, the Nimbus feels more secure, though the Ghost’s narrow variants are solid.
High arches love the Ghost’s support, while flat feet might prefer the Nimbus’s stability.
For marathoners, the Nimbus’s cushioning edges out the Ghost for long-haul comfort, but the Ghost’s lighter weight makes it better for varied paces.
Which Shoe Wins?
After months of testing, I can’t crown a definitive champion—it depends on you. The Ghost is my pick for versatility, affordability, and wide feet. It’s a reliable daily trainer that doesn’t break the bank.
The Nimbus, though, is unbeatable for long runs and max cushioning, especially if you need joint protection or have narrow feet. Both are podiatrist-approved, durable, and built for neutral runners, so try them on to see what feels best.
Also Read: Key Differences Between Hoka Arahi 6 And Gaviota 4.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The ASICS Gel Nimbus is the closest equivalent to the Brooks Ghost. Both are neutral daily trainers with plush cushioning, though the Nimbus offers a softer ride and the Ghost provides a firmer, more versatile feel.
Both are excellent, but the Brooks Ghost slightly edges out for its high arch support and wider toe box, which reduce strain on the plantar fascia. The Nimbus’s superior cushioning is great for shock absorption.
Podiatrists love Brooks for their strong arch support, durable construction, and wide toe box, which accommodate conditions like plantar fasciitis and bunions. The Ghost Max’s APMA Seal confirms its foot-health benefits.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Pair Awaits
You’re now armed with the full scoop on the Brooks Ghost and ASICS Gel Nimbus. I’ve shared my miles, my aches, and my insights to help you find the shoe that fits your runs and your life.
Whether you choose the Ghost’s versatility or the Nimbus’s plush comfort, both will carry you far. Lace up, hit the pavement, and let your feet decide what feels like home.
