Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs Brooks Ghost 18

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Brooks Ghost 18 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about high-arch runners who want one dependable, balanced daily trainer rather than maximum cushioning — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

4.2

$144.95as of Jun 7

The Gel-Cumulus 28 is the value pick: a lighter, more affordable sibling to the Nimbus with plush cushioning, a wide stable base, and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat measured a 42.8mm heel stack and praised its plush, stable geometry for heel strikers, though it flagged the limited pace range.

Strengths

— Plush cushioning on a wide, stable platform — great for heel-striking high arches
— Light for its cushioning at about 8.9 oz
— Very high effective drop (RunRepeat measured 13.3mm) reduces Achilles strain

Watch-outs

— Tall heel-biased geometry feels extreme for forefoot strikers
— Limited pace range and modest energy return
— Less premium upper and outsole grip than the Nimbus

$144.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Brooks Ghost 18

4.4

$149.95as of Jun 7

The Ghost 18 is the dependable neutral daily trainer in this group: a balanced DNA Loft v3 midsole that is soft enough for long miles yet firm enough to push, with a high 10mm drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. Running Warehouse's testers averaged about 8.2/10, and Run To The Finish rated it 88%, praising its do-exactly-what-it-promises reliability.

Strengths

— Balanced DNA Loft v3 midsole — soft enough for long miles, firm enough to pick up the pace
— Reliable, durable daily workhorse with a high 10mm drop that eases Achilles strain
— Running Warehouse testers averaged about 8.2/10 across three reviewers

Watch-outs

— Conservative, no-frills feel that some reviewers find unexciting
— Lower stack height than max-cushion rivals
— Not built for speed despite handling moderate pickups

$149.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

A lighter, cheaper alternative to the flagship ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 with a similarly plush but more heel-biased ride. Its very high effective drop matches the Nike Pegasus 42 and Brooks Ghost 18, and it is softer and more cushioned than the moderate-stack Pegasus while less bouncy than the ASICS Novablast 5.

Brooks Ghost 18

Firmer and lower-stacked than the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and ASICS Novablast 5, trading plushness for a more grounded, do-it-all ride. Its high 10mm drop matches the heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 and Nike Pegasus 42, making it friendly to heel-striking high-arch runners.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28	Brooks Ghost 18
Weight	8.9 oz (M)	10.2 oz (M)
Drop	8mm (13.3mm measured)	10mm
Stack height	42.8mm heel / 29.5mm forefoot	36mm heel / 26mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	High (FF Blast Plus)	Moderate (DNA Loft v3)
Width options	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide, Narrow
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered air mesh

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