The Brooks Ghost 17 is a daily trainer that brings several thoughtful updates over the Ghost 16, building on what made the previous version such a reliable daily trainer for so many runners.
After logging plenty of miles in them, I’ve found that Brooks has made some smart improvements, especially in the fit, and the ride itself.
For anyone who wants a dependable, comfortable running shoe for daily training miles, these updates are worth knowing about because the Ghost is a better shoe for them.
This review breaks down exactly how the Ghost 17 performs and whether it’s worth upgrading if you already have the Ghost 16.
Key specifications
- Price: $140 at Brooks Running / Road Runner Sports / Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)
- Weight: 10oz (283g) for a US(M)9
- Drop: 10mm - 36mm under the heel, 26mm under the forefoot (3mm added to the forefoot, 1mm to the heel)
- Midsole: Nitrogen-injected DNA Loft v3
- Outsole: Segmented Crash Pad for flexibility and traction
- Widths available: Narrow, Medium/Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
Sizing and fit
The Ghost 17 fits true to size, but it leans slightly toward the narrow side when it comes to width, which works well for my medium width foot shape. If you have large (or wide feet, definitely go with a 'wide' option instead.
From the first run, the fit feels secure and confidence-inspiring with a snug, supportive hold around the midfoot and heel. There’s plenty of cushioning around the collar and heel counter, which adds to the overall comfort — it feels almost like wearing a padded sock.
Alastair Dixon
Oh, the heel counter has also been updated (see photo below), it's now articulated, looks sportier, and makes them easier to slip on as well as providing good heel lock while not applying pressure to the achilles area.
What’s good
One of the most noticeable upgrades with the Ghost 17 is the midsole performance. That DNA Loft v3 foam strikes a great balance between softness and responsiveness, so I feel protected on easy miles but still get some energy return when I pick up the pace.
What's better, though, is that the Ghost 17 no longer feels dampened / unresponsive under the forefoot, as Brooks has added more foam under there, giving them more cushioning and response but also changing the heel-to-toe drop from 12mm to 10mm, which has had a profound improvement on the ride, overall.
It’s a versatile platform that works well for everything from recovery runs to steady-paced efforts.
At 10oz for my size, it’s heavier than the previous Ghost 16, but that difference isn't really noticeable to me, and the improved midsole ride more than makes up for it.
The breathability in the upper is a little bit less this time around but it's ok for a daily trainer where intensity should not be going too wild.
The engineered mesh upper allows air to circulate well enough, keeping my feet comfortable during warmer runs, but the upper still offers enough structure to feel supportive even though this is a neutral running shoe.
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Finally, the outsole design is still very good, the segmented Crash Pad flexes naturally with my stride, which helps create smooth transitions from landing to toe-off.
Traction has been reliable on pavement, light gravel, and even some wet surfaces — so for typical road runs, this outsole gets the job done well and it's also very durable with plenty of rubber compound coverage underfoot.
How it could be improved
The tongue design is one area that could still be better.
It’s quite narrow and doesn’t wrap around the top of my foot as securely as I’d like. This didn’t cause major issues, and the tongue doesn't slip around, but I prefer a slightly wider, more padded tongue for better pressure distribution across the top of my foot.
While the breathability is improved, it’s still not the most airy shoe in this category. For runners in consistently hot or humid climates, this might be a consideration. I wouldn’t call it stuffy, but if max ventilation is a priority, there are lighter and more ventilated options out there.
Is the new version better?
Brooks Ghost 17 VS Brooks Ghost 16
Yes — the Ghost 17 is a clear improvement over the Ghost 16. The higher stack across the midsole with a new lower drop, and smart upper design modifications, all add up to a much better overall daily run experience.
The midsole feels more cushioned, and slightly more energetic, and the fit feels more dialed in, especially through the heel and midfoot.
If you’re happy with the Ghost 16 and don’t feel the need to upgrade right away, you could probably squeeze more miles out of your current pair. But if you’re looking for a smoother, and better balanced running experience, the Ghost 17 offers enough upgrades to justify the switch.
My verdict
The Brooks Ghost 17 stays true to what the Ghost line does best, it’s a dependable, comfortable daily trainer that works for a wide range of runners and types of runs.
The higher stack, lower drop, and better tuned ride, make it a stronger option for longer runs, and the responsive cushioning keeps it versatile enough for anything from recovery runs to moderate workouts.
It’s not the flashiest shoe out there, but that’s exactly the point — the Ghost 17 is built to disappear underfoot, letting you focus on your run, not your shoes. For runners who want reliable comfort and performance without gimmicks, the Brooks Ghost 17 delivers.
You can buy a pair now for $140 from the stores below:
$140 at Brooks Running / Road Runner Sports / Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)
Alastair Dixon
