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

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 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 (4.3 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 #4 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

4.3

$160

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is ASICS' range-topping neutral cushioned trainer and a classic high-arch recommendation. Its 42mm-plus stack and reinforced sidewalls deliver a stable, shock-absorbing ride that protects a high arch on slow miles. RunRepeat scored it 85/100 but flagged it as best for easy paces, and Believe in the Run found it soft with a touch of road feel.

Strengths

— Among the highest stack heights and most cushioning of any neutral trainer
— Stable, shock-absorbing platform with reinforced sidewalls that high arches appreciate
— Premium, plush upper and step-in comfort

Watch-outs

— Bottom-heavy feel and firmer-than-expected foam isn't for everyone
— Heavy at over 10.5 oz, lacking versatility for faster paces
— Priced at the top of the daily-trainer range

$160 · 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-Nimbus 27

Plusher and more protective than the ASICS Novablast 5, but heavier and less bouncy. More cushioned than the Brooks Ghost 18 and softer than the firmer Nike Pegasus 42. Shares ASICS DNA with the lighter, heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 but sits at the top of the cushioning range.

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-Nimbus 27	Brooks Ghost 18
Weight	10.5 oz (M)	10.2 oz (M)
Drop	8mm	10mm
Stack height	42.7mm heel / 34.4mm forefoot	36mm heel / 26mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Max (FF Blast Plus Eco)	Moderate (DNA Loft v3)
Width options	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide, Narrow
Upper	Engineered stretch knit	Engineered air mesh

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