The Brooks Ghost 17 is the update a lot of people were waiting for. I have long been skeptical of the Ghost line — too much predictability, too little excitement — but this iteration finally moves the model in a direction that feels thoughtful rather than incremental. If you want a reliable daily trainer with a familiar stability profile but with subtle improvements that matter, the Brooks Ghost 17 deserves a serious look.
Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe
What changed: a short spec overview
At first glance the Brooks Ghost 17 keeps the Ghost blueprint intact: cushioned, durable, and broadly approachable. The headline specs are simple and meaningful:
- Stack height: 36.5 mm heel, 26.5 mm forefoot (10 mm drop).
- Midsole: DNA Loft Version 3—Brooks’ latest DNA Loft formulation.
- Outsole: Thick rubber with updated flex grooves and heavy durability focus.
- Upper: New air mesh, Achilles flare in the heel, generous padding, short tongue.
- Weight: Stated 10.1 ounces / 286 grams (men’s).
Two numbers stand out: the drop and the stack. The Brooks Ghost 17 reduces the drop from the Ghost’s long-standing 12 mm to 10 mm and adds a touch more forefoot stack. That alone shifts how the shoe feels underfoot.
First impressions on the foot
The moment you step into the Brooks Ghost 17 you notice the comfort focus. The heel collar is bulked up, and Brooks added an Achilles flare for a different silhouette and a slightly different lockdown. They reinforced the top of that flare so it stays rigid instead of floppy, and the padding around the heel is generous enough to provide a soft entry without feeling sloppy.
The upper uses what they call an air mesh. It is stretchy and forgiving, which means the shoe is comfortable for running, walking, or even wearing casually. I found the fit true to size and consistent with prior Ghost fits. If you need extra room, Brooks ships the Ghost 17 in wide and extra-wide versions, so the brand keeps that approachable fit philosophy intact.
On-road ride and midsole behavior
Out on the road the Brooks Ghost 17 is, to my surprise, one of the better Ghosts I have run in since the Ghost Max when they tried a different direction with cushioning. The DNA Loft Version 3 feels familiar but refreshed. It still carries a responsive, slightly dense signature, but there is finally a softer note beneath the foot that the Ghost has been missing.
That said, the midsole is not a plush, cloud-like daily. It leans toward the firmer side of comfortable. If your ideal trainer is ultra-soft and bouncy, the Brooks Ghost 17 may feel too grounded. But if you want predictability, a clear roll-off, and a stable platform that doesn’t fight you, the Ghost 17 delivers.
Stability without shouting
The Brooks Ghost 17 feels stable. There are design cues under the arch and into the medial heel that make it clear Brooks tuned this model to resist collapse. You can see it on the outsole where the rubber pattern and sculpting suggest reinforcement. That doesn’t translate into intrusive correction; it simply means the shoe holds your foot in a predictable, confidence-inspiring way.
If you overpronate mildly and have been wary of wearing a purely neutral shoe, the Ghost 17’s light stability elements could be the sweet spot: supportive enough to reduce inward roll without feeling like you’re wearing a corrective device.
Outsole and flexibility: more purposeful than before
One of the most tangible updates to the Brooks Ghost 17 is the outsole. Brooks kept the heavy, tank-like rubber that has made Ghost outsoles famous for longevity. But they finally introduced cross-cut flex grooves that improve bend and reduce the “plank” sensation the Ghost sometimes gave.
Those grooves matter. The Ghost 17 used to feel extremely stiff underfoot, almost like a block. With the new grooves the shoe gains life and allows natural toe-off that was missing in prior iterations. The sole remains durable and robust, but flexibility now exists where it needs to for a smoother gait.
Upper details: fit, tongue, and heel flare
The air mesh upper is breathable and stretchy. The trade-off is a slightly shorter tongue than expected. Photos may show a long, exposed tongue but in practice I found it a touch short. This did not create hotspots during runs, but it’s worth noting if you prefer a big, plush tongue or like to lace over a tall tongue for a snug fit.
The Achilles flare and extra heel armor change the shoe’s profile. It’s a comfort-first move that gives a secure feel at the back of the foot while maintaining structure. In short: the upper teams with the midsole to create a stable, cushioned package built for longevity.
Weight and target use
At 10.1 ounces the Brooks Ghost 17 sits in the heavier end of modern daily trainers. That weight aligns with the emphasis on rubber durability and stability. This is not a lightweight tempo shoe; it is a go-to daily trainer for mileage, recovery days, and anyone who prioritizes a consistent, comfortable ride over race-day shave-offs.
Pros and cons
- Pros
- Comfortable, approachable fit that runs true to size.
- More flexible than previous Ghosts thanks to new flex grooves.
- Light stability features provide support without being obtrusive.
- Durable outsole built to last high mileage.
- Available in wide and extra-wide widths.
- Cons
- Lingers on the firm side of cushion for runners wanting soft daily rides.
- Weight is on the heavy side compared with some modern alternatives.
- Tongue feels shorter than images suggest.
- Retail price rose to $150, which feels high for this segment.
Who the Brooks Ghost 17 is best for
The Brooks Ghost 17 is ideal for runners who want a dependable, durable daily trainer that offers just enough softness to feel pleasant but not so much that it loses stability. It is perfect for:
- Everyday mileage and recovery runs.
- Runners who appreciate a predictable roll-off and stable platform.
- Those who need neutral shoes with light stability features.
- People who favor long-lasting outsoles and don’t mind some added weight.
If you chase ultra-plush feel or minimal weight, look elsewhere. If you want a shoe that will handle daily miles, feel controlled, and last, the Brooks Ghost 17 delivers.
Price and buying guide
The Brooks Ghost 17 lists at $150. That is a modest bump over previous model pricing and places the Ghost 17 in the same price bracket as many other daily trainers. If price sensitivity is a factor, consider the previous generation: the Brooks Ghost 16 can often be found for around $100 at reputable retailers and still represents a strong value if you love the Ghost fit.
My buying suggestion: if you have been avoiding the Ghost because it felt stale before, try the Brooks Ghost 17. If your Ghost 16 still serves you well and you want to save money, the Ghost 16 remains a solid option until stock runs out.
How the Brooks Ghost 17 stacks up to competitors
Two models that come to mind as direct comparators are the Puma Forever Run Nitro 2 and the Hoka Sky Flow. Both occupy similar real estate: approachable daily trainers with light stability cues and a focus on comfort.
Puma Mens Foreverrun Nitro
Puma Forever Run Nitro 2
The Puma Forever Run Nitro 2 feels quite similar to the Brooks Ghost 17 underfoot. Both shoes carry Nitro or DNA Loft foam that leans a bit firm, and both include light stability strategies. The Forever Run Nitro 2 uses a dual-density Nitro foam that explicitly places firmer foam where stability is needed and softer foam where cushion matters. The result is a peppier, slightly more flexible shoe than the Ghost 17.
The Forever Run Nitro 2 also retails at $150. For me, it sometimes feels more lively and a touch more modern in styling. If you prefer a slightly snappier, more neutral-feeling ride while still getting light stability, the Puma is worth trying.
Hoka Sky Flow
The Hoka Sky Flow is another comparable daily trainer that sits in the “stability-adjacent but neutral-friendly” category. It has a wide footprint and a stable stance influenced by Hoka’s sculpting and foam shaping. The Sky Flow comes across as slightly firmer than a plush trainer and carries more of Hoka’s signature stability cues through foam geometry.
At $160 full retail the Sky Flow is pricier, although it frequently sells on discount. If you like Hoka’s platform and want a stable daily with room underfoot, the Sky Flow is an interesting alternative to the Brooks Ghost 17.
HOKA Men’s Sneaker
Final verdict
The Brooks Ghost 17 is a welcome refinement. Brooks made sensible updates — reduced drop, slightly more forefoot stack, flex grooves in the outsole, and an updated upper — that collectively transform the Ghost into a more relevant daily trainer for a broader set of runners. It keeps the Ghost’s signature predictability and durability while dialing in flexibility and a softer midfoot feel.
I wish Brooks had pushed the softness a little further or shaved weight, but I understand the trade-offs they chose to make. If you are a Ghost fan, this is the best Ghost in years. If you have avoided the Ghost for feeling too antiquated or too firm in the past, the Brooks Ghost 17 is the model to try.
Brooks Women’s Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brooks Ghost 17 good for long runs and high mileage?
Yes. The Brooks Ghost 17’s durable outsole, stable platform, and comfortable fit make it a strong option for long runs and consistent mileage. The firmer midsole means it provides reliable support over repeated use.
How does the Brooks Ghost 17 compare to the Ghost 16?
The Ghost 17 reduces the drop from 12 mm to 10 mm, adds a touch more forefoot stack, includes new flex grooves in the outsole, and updates the upper with an Achilles flare. Ride differences are noticeable: the Ghost 17 feels slightly softer and more flexible, while the Ghost 16 can be a cost-effective, firmer alternative if you prefer a lower price.
Is the Brooks Ghost 17 suitable for overpronators?
The Ghost 17 is labeled neutral but contains light stability features that help resist inward roll. It can work well for mild overpronation, offering support without aggressive correction. Runners with severe overpronation should consider dedicated stability models.
What should I size up or down for the Brooks Ghost 17?
Stick with your usual running shoe size. The Ghost 17 runs true to size for most people and offers width options for wider feet.
Is the Brooks Ghost 17 worth the $150 retail price?
It depends on priorities. If you want a durable, stable, and updated Ghost and value the refinements, $150 is reasonable for retail pricing in this category. If you prioritize saving money, the Ghost 16 often retails significantly cheaper at trustworthy retailers and remains a solid option.
What alternative shoes should I consider?
Consider the Puma Forever Run Nitro 2 for a livelier, slightly more neutral-feeling ride, and the Hoka Sky Flow for a wide, stable platform with Hoka’s signature geometry. Both sit near the Ghost 17 in price and intent.
Closing thoughts
The Brooks Ghost 17 is a thoughtful evolution. It keeps what worked in previous Ghosts while nudging the model to feel fresher and more relevant. The ride is more pleasant for daily miles, the flex grooves solve some long-standing stiffness complaints, and the stability cues are present without being heavy-handed. If you want a durable, comfortable daily that won’t surprise you in a bad way, the Brooks Ghost 17 is worth trying.