After plenty of miles logged in all sorts of daily trainers, I can say the Ghost 17 is the most comfortable, well-cushioned Ghost yet, thanks to smarter foam placement that works for both beginners and seasoned runners.
What stood out right away? Brooks added extra cushioning where it actually matters—3mm more foam in the forefoot, 1mm in the heel. It’s not just about a softer feel; it’s a more balanced platform that seems to suit a lot of running styles. The drop is now a slightly lower 10mm, which is a welcome tweak if you found earlier Ghosts a bit too steep.
I’ve taken the Ghost 17 out for everything from lazy recovery jogs to longer, steady runs. Here’s how those updates play out in real life: I’ll get into the running feel, fit, build quality, and whether this £140 shoe is worth a spot in your rotation. If you’re eyeing your first “real” running shoes or just want a reliable daily trainer, the Ghost 17 has a few things going for it that you might want to check out.
Performance and Ride Experience
The Brooks Ghost 17 nails that balanced, neutral ride that makes it a solid daily workhorse. With the updated DNA Loft v3 foam and extra cushioning, it’s reliably comfy but doesn’t turn into a mushy marshmallow underfoot.
Cushioning and Comfort
There’s a real difference in the cushioning compared to the last version. Brooks put in 3mm more nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam in the heel and 1mm in the forefoot.
Stack height is now 36.5mm at the heel and 26.5mm at the forefoot. The 10mm drop is 2mm less than before.
The result? The cushioning feels just right, with a smooth transition from landing to toe-off. Impact is spread out nicely, and long runs are genuinely easier on the legs.
That extra foam in the heel helps a lot, especially if you’ve struggled with heel pain in older Ghosts. For runners with plantar fasciitis, there’s a noticeable difference—the landing is soft but not squishy.
The foam has a bit of bounce to it. It’s not quite as plush as the Ghost Max, but there’s more than enough protection for daily training miles.
Stability and Support
As a neutral trainer, the Ghost 17 keeps things stable for runners with standard foot mechanics. The platform is a little wider, which helps with balance, especially if you’re a heel striker.
The midsole shape keeps your foot centered, and I never felt any wobble or weird instability, even on tired legs.
The upper hugs the foot comfortably, and the laces give a locked-in feel that isn’t too tight through the midfoot.
Key stability features:
- Balanced midsole geometry
- Secure upper construction
- Even weight distribution
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
This shoe is best for neutral runners. If you need extra motion control, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Best Uses and Versatility
The Ghost 17 shines as a daily trainer for easy runs and recovery days. It’s comfortable at a variety of paces, from slow jogs to moderate tempo efforts.
Where it really works for me:
- Easy runs up to 15+ miles
- Recovery runs after tough workouts
- Beginner runners working on form
- High-mileage weeks when you just want comfort
The outsole holds up well on roads and even light trails. No issues with grip or durability so far.
It’s not the shoe for speed sessions or races—too relaxed for that. For those, you’ll want to check out Brooks’ faster models.
If you’re logging 30-50 miles a week, the Ghost 17 can easily be your only pair.
Design, Fit and Upper Construction
The Brooks Ghost 17 gets a new double jacquard air mesh upper that’s more breathable and still has that slipper-like feel Ghost fans expect. The fit is snug through the midfoot, with enough space up front, though it can feel a touch narrow if your feet are wide.
Mesh Upper and Breathability
The double jacquard mesh breathes really well. Even on longer runs, my feet stayed cool—never felt stuffy or sweaty.
The material is soft and comfortable against the foot. Brooks calls it a “bootie-like” fit, and honestly, it’s not far off from your favorite house slippers.
The upper doesn’t have pointless overlays or stiff bits that might cause hot spots. It’s all about comfort, not flash.
Key Upper Features:
- Double jacquard air mesh construction
- Soft, breathable material
- Minimal overlay design
- Slipper-like comfort
Toe Box and Sizing
The toe box is decent, but a bit on the narrow side for some. I noticed a little toe rubbing on longer or faster runs, but nothing major.
You do get four width options, which is better than most brands offer.
Length is true to size. Most folks shouldn’t have issues with how their foot fits lengthwise.
Sizing Notes:
- True to size lengthwise
- Slightly narrow toe box
- Available in four widths
- Good midfoot security
Kickback Collar and Heel Fit
The new kickback collar flares away from the Achilles, which makes a noticeable difference in heel comfort—no rubbing or irritation, even on long runs.
The ankle collar has just enough padding. The combo of the lacing and collar gives a secure, comfortable fit that doesn’t feel overbuilt.
Heel lockdown is solid, with the shoe holding your foot in place without pinching or squeezing.
The new heel tab shape is a small tweak, but it’s one you’ll appreciate after a few miles.
Outsole and Durability
The Ghost 17 uses RoadTack rubber in key spots and is holding up nicely through lots of training miles. Brooks tweaked the outsole layout, but kept the coverage that helps this shoe last.
RoadTack Rubber Grip
The RoadTack rubber gives reliable grip on roads, but it’s not overly soft or sticky. No slipping on wet pavement, which is always a plus.
Rubber is placed right where you need it—full coverage in the heel (where most of us wear our shoes out first).
The forefoot has flex grooves that let the shoe bend naturally at toe-off, and they help prevent the rubber from cracking.
The midsole foam is mostly covered, so you don’t have to worry about it getting chewed up by rough surfaces. It does add a little weight, but honestly, I’d take the durability over shaving off a few grams.
Longevity Across Surfaces
I’m expecting 400-500 miles from these, judging by the rubber thickness and placement. The outsole is built more for protection than being super light.
The mesh upper is holding up well, too. After weeks of use, there’s no early wear at the toe or heel.
Brooks moved the rubber around a bit compared to the Ghost 16. The new pattern bends better without losing coverage in the high-wear areas, so the shoe feels more natural underfoot.
Durability is great on roads and concrete. I wouldn’t take them on rocky trails—the RoadTack rubber isn’t made for that kind of abuse.
Even as the tread wears down, the outsole keeps its grip. Some shoes get slippery once the pattern fades, but the Ghost 17’s rubber stays dependable.
Comparison with Other Models
The Brooks Ghost 17 sits in a crowded field of daily trainers, but a few things set it apart: more cushioning than the Ghost 16, and it still feels like a true Ghost.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Ghost 16
The Ghost 17 is a real step up. There’s 3mm more DNA Loft v3 foam in the heel and 1mm more in the forefoot, so it’s noticeably softer.
The drop is now 10mm instead of 12mm, which helps if you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker and found the old drop too much.
It’s a bit heavier—17 grams more—but honestly, I barely noticed. The extra comfort is worth it.
The upper is still that signature bootie-like fit. Heel comfort is better, especially on longer runs.
Price is up by £10 over the Ghost 16, but for the improved midsole and cushioning, it feels like a fair deal.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Ghost Max
The Ghost Max is all about max cushioning. It’s plush, but it loses some of the snap and ground feel you get in the Ghost 17.
The Ghost 17 strikes a better balance—cushioned, but you still feel connected to the road. It sits lower, so it’s more stable if you want to pick up the pace.
The Max is heavier, and you’ll notice it. The Ghost 17’s 292g (men’s) feels a lot lighter and more agile.
Both use DNA Loft v3 foam, but the Ghost 17 uses it more efficiently. The standard Ghost is more versatile, while the Max is for days when you just want to take it easy.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Nike Pegasus 41
The Nike Pegasus 41 has a firmer, snappier ride. Nike’s React foam gives more energy return, so it’s better if you want to run fast.
The Ghost 17 wins on comfort—that plush DNA Loft v3 foam is just easier on the legs for long, easy runs, especially if you’re a heel striker.
Fit is pretty different. The Pegasus 41 is more performance-focused up top, while the Ghost 17’s bootie fit is roomier and works well for wider feet.
Durability is a strong point for the Ghost 17. Brooks shoes just tend to last longer, especially if you’re putting in big miles. The Pegasus might show wear faster if you’re hard on your shoes.
Price is about the same, so it really comes down to whether you want soft comfort or a firmer, faster feel.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs New Balance Alternatives
New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080v13 goes head-to-head with the Ghost 17 in the max-cushioned daily trainer game. The 1080v13 has a bit more stack height, but honestly, both shoes feel pretty plush underfoot.
The Ghost 17 sports a 10mm drop, so you get that classic heel-to-toe roll. If you’re a heel striker or coming from more traditional running shoes, the Ghost might just feel more natural. New Balance often drops things lower, like with the 880v14, which gives a different vibe altogether.
One thing New Balance really nails is wider fitting options—think 2E or even 4E. If you’ve got wider feet, you’ll probably have an easier time with New Balance, since the Ghost 17 doesn’t come in those widths.
The upper on the Ghost 17 hugs the midfoot pretty well. In my experience, the lockdown feels a bit more dialed in, especially when you pick up the pace. Some New Balance models run roomier, which can be nice, but it depends on your foot and what you like.
Both brands hold up well over miles, but with 17 versions under its belt, the Ghost has a reputation for reliability that’s hard to ignore.
