Brooks Ghost 17 Review
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.8 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (Heel), 26 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
The Brooks Ghost 17 is for you if...
You are looking for a consistent and reliable daily trainer
You want to feel grounded without sacrificing cushioning
You are a beginner runner seeking proven dependability
What is the Brooks Ghost 17 made for?
Since version 3, the Brooks Ghost has been a best selling daily trainer running shoes. It has been successful by being being one of the best-fitting shoes and a commitment to consistent comfort and reliability. As a daily trainer, the goal the Ghost is to provide cushioned experience with enough versatility for a variety of runs. In true Brooks consistency, version 17 lives up to this vision. It offers reliable comfort and shock absorption without feeling bulky or slow. It’s built to handle the grind of daily training while keeping your feet comfortable over a variety of distances.
The biggest change in the new version is added cushioning. The heel cushioning increased by 1mm and the forefoot increased by 3mm. The DNA LOFT v3 foam is softer and lighter for enhanced comfort. The upper maintains the renowned great fit of the Ghost, in a refreshed look. It's comfortable and breathes well.
Comfort
This shoe was built with comfort in mind, and you can feel this from the initial step in. Keeping in mind that this shoe is not intended to be maximally cushioned, the Ghost 17 is comfort meets function. The cushioning and upper comfort are right in line with what you'd expect from a dependable daily trainer.
We found ourselves reaching for the Ghost 17 for regular runs and easy/recovery runs—and even for casual wear like walking the dog or running errands. If you prefer an exaggerated cushioned feel underfoot for long runs, there are better options. However, if you seek dependable comfort for runs up to an hour or long walks, the Ghost 17 is still a top choice.
Performance
The Brooks Ghost 17 is meant to feel soft and grounded, and it does just that. It maintains a nice balance between a sinking-in feel and feeling like you are running connected to the ground. While there are specific shoes for faster running, you can run at a variety of paces and be very comfortable in these shoes.
One standout is the grip of the outsole. Whether you are on a treadmill, pavement, or fireroad, these shoes feel secure and grippy.
Fit
Known for having a great fit, we put the Ghost 17 to the test. We had a variety of foot shapes try this shoe from wide to narrow, and noticed no hot spots or size discrepancies. There was some very minor heel slippage for one of our wide-foot runners that quickly resolved itself after a few runs. Overall, everyone was able to achieve a secure lockdown without the fit feeling too snug or overly loose.
Individual Thoughts
These shoes pleasantly surprised me. After running in so many maximally stacked shoes recently, it was a nice change to be in a shoe that felt more grounded. It doesn’t feel as luxurious as some max cushion daily trainers, but that is not what Ghost is known for. It’s known for consistency, and version 17 stays true to that. I will be reaching for this shoe when I want something consistent and reliable.
This shoe is a slam dunk for me. I’ve been stubborn in the past about my love for other running staples, but the Ghost 17 is my new favourite companion. Standout features for me include the sturdy and breathable upper, the ultra-grippy outsole, and the roomy toe box. I also find myself reaching for these shoes for everyday errands, travel days, and walks with my dog – which is a bonus. The Ghost 17 makes it easy for me to rack up additional miles.
There is a reason that people who run in the Ghost are ride or die for the shoe. It provides unwavering consistency and top-tier comfort. Added cushioning under the forefoot gives great comfort for longer runs. The comfortable upper with no hot spots, makes this shoe a good training companion. The versatility that this shoe can provide for someone who wants just one shoe that can do it all, makes it a top contender for anyone wanting to get into running.
