- Weight: 292g (M), 240g (W)
- Stack height: 36.5mm (heel), 26.5mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 10mm
Pros
- Still the classic daily trainer runners love
- Softer cushioning for daily miles
- Great for beginners
- More cushioning in heel and forefoot
Cons
- Lacks 'wow' factor
If there’s one shoe we find ourselves recommending time and again to new runners, it’s the Brooks Ghost. Dependable, comfortable, and endlessly wearable, it’s long been a standout in the daily trainer category — and Brooks’s best-selling model for good reason.
The latest edition slightly deviates from the standard formula, but diehard Ghost fans won’t be disappointed with these updates. The Ghost 17 still holds true as the daily trainer runners know and love.
‘Quite honestly, I loved the shoes like no other,’ said shoe tester Tim Churetta. Despite being a part of our wear-testing program since 2013, it was Churetta’s first time running in the Ghost. It was difficult for him to pinpoint his favourite feature — ‘lightweight, breathable, rode well’ — but comfort was chief among his praises.
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‘Everything about it was ideal,’ he said. ‘I especially enjoyed the lacing system and the collar around the ankle. Everything fit so well and it provided a nice snug fit, while not too constricting.’
It’s that overall comfort that’s won over beginner runners and vets like Churetta alike. And also one of several reasons why we’ve recommended every version of the Ghost to new runners.
How does the Ghost 17 fit?
When it comes to the Ghost 17’s fit, think of it like Altra’s wide toebox or Hoka’s max-cushioned midsole; runners familiar with the Ghost, expect Brooks’s slipper-like upper. I’ve also called it ‘bootie-like’ because it really is as comfy as those crocheted socks my grandma used to knit me. It’s no wonder Brooks has become the new ‘dad shoe’ in recent years, thanks to its soft, all-around cushioning. (That’s my own observation, having spotted more dads in Brooks than New Balance lately.)
The length and width of the shoe are spot on. There were no hot spots, and the comfort throughout was excellent. The tongue sat neatly and the padding struck that just-right balance — not too minimal, but not overly built-up like in the Ghost Max. From the heel to toebox, the width fit comfortably, and the upper remained breathable and never overheated — even on warmer days.
That’s not to say the fit was flawless. At times, the toebox can feel a little snug. While I didn’t experience any rubbing on my big or pinky toes (a common issue for me with narrow shoes), I did notice some light toe-to-toe contact, especially when picking up the pace or heading out for runs longer than 30 minutes. It wasn’t distracting, and there was no damage done, but it was something I clocked.
What's it like to run in the Ghost 17?
Brooks has added 3mm of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam to the heel and 1mm to the forefoot, positioning the offset at a low 10mm instead of the usual 12mm. This helps to address issues previous testers had with the Ghost 16, including one of our heel strikers, who found that their heels ached after long runs in the Ghost 16. ‘Cushioning is better for the makeup of my foot and the way I run, but overall, these needed a little more just for sake of comfort,” they said.
The cushioning in the Ghost 17 feels balanced and supportive. There's a nice smooth transition from the landing phase to push off, everything seems to be distributed very well and the weight is distributed very evenly throughout. In a way, it feels like you're running on top of the shoe in the Ghost 17, which helps to lessen the impact of the road while still offering plenty of pep for everyday runs.
RW verdict
For some runners, the Ghost is a good running shoe but there’s no ‘wow’ factor. If you compare it to other Brooks shoes, like the Ghost Max, known for its thick slab of cushioning, or the Hyperion, a high-rebound racing shoe with responsive DNA Flash foam, it’s understandable that you would lose sight of what the Ghost truly is: a reliable everyday workhorse.
There are no bells or whistles, just a slightly beefier platform of soft foam, a comfy mesh upper, and durable outsole that can take on high mileage over months of hard training or recreational running.
So long as you take into account what this shoe is meant for — sans carbon plate or super foam — you’ll reap all those ‘Run Happy’ miles as Brooks’s slogan always intended.
