Head-to-Head
Nucleo 2vsGhost 18
The Nucleo 2 and Ghost 18 are both daily trainer shoes built for road running. The Nucleo 2 retails for $165 while the Ghost 18 comes in at $150 — a $15 difference. The Nucleo 2 is the lighter shoe at 9.7 oz versus 10.2 oz for the Ghost 18. In our ratings, the Nucleo 2 edges out the Ghost 18 — 9.0/10 versus 7.9/10.
| Rating | 9.0 / 10✓ | 7.9 / 10 | |
| Price | $165 | $150✓ | |
| Weight | 9.7 oz✓ | 10.2 oz | |
| Category | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | |
| Terrain | Road | Road | |
| Cushion | Medium | Medium | |
| Softness | Balanced | Firm | |
| Drop | Medium | High | |
| Drop (mm) | 5 mm | 10 mm | |
| Stack | 40 mm | 36 mm | |
| Stability | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Fit | Medium | Narrow | |
| Energy Return | Low✓ | Low✓ | |
| Breathability | Medium | Medium | |
| Traction | Medium | Medium | |
| Shock Absorption | Medium | Medium | |
| Durability | Good | Very Good✓ |
