The Brooks Ghost is one of the best-selling running shoes of all-time, one of the neutral training shoe mainstays runners have come to expect to see on the shoe wall at their local running store or in an online search of their next everyday training shoe. Through the years, it’s been known as a moderately cushy, sufficiently stable, and very capable do-almost-everything training shoe, and a great building block of any runner’s quiver of shoes. For the past 10 years, it’s been the definition of a reliable everyday trainer.
But in recent years, the Brooks Glycerin, Ghost Max and Glycerin Max have gained notoriety for being even more cushy, responsive, and comfortable as the ultra-cushioned maximally stacked trend has taken hold in everyday training shoes. Where does that leave the Ghost 17, the latest model of this venerable trainer? The Six Minute Mile wear-test team put it through the paces over the past six weeks in advance of its May 1 launch date and found out what it’s all about.
What’s New: While Brooks has given more attention to some of its cushier shoes in recent years, it hasn’t forgotten about the Ghost. The latest edition is built on a midsole platform of its updated nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam, but, taking cues from those loftier shoes, there’s also more of that foam in the Ghost 17. The midsole of the Ghost 17 has been increased by 3mm in the heel and 1 mm in the forefoot, which has reduced the heel-toe drop from 12mm to 10mm. Other enhancements include a new, more breathable double jacquard air-mesh upper, a flared heel collar to reduce irritation at the Achilles, more spacious flex grooves in the lateral side of the outsole, and a variety of new colorways. The new version is a smidge heavier than the previous edition and also costs $10 more.
Price: $150
Approximate Weights: 8.9 oz. (women’s size 8), 10.1 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 10mm; 36mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot)
Fit/Feel/Ride: The Brooks Ghost 17 fits true to size with a medium-volume interior and a little bit of wiggle room in the toe box. (The Ghost will soon be available in four different widths.) It has a soft but not exceptionally plush step-in feel, with modest cushioning around the heel collar and tongue. Although the medium-thick tongue isn’t gusseted, it’s integrated with the lacing system and that’s enough to make sure it stays in place out on the run. Some testers found the volume and shape of the regular-width Ghost 17 to be narrower in the heel and slightly wider in the forefoot.
Although there’s slightly more cushioning and a lower heel-toe ramp angle in this edition of the Ghost, the ride is very similar to previous versions. It has a stable, well-balanced semi-soft/semi-firm feeling under foot. You can feel the moderately high loft of cushioning in every stride, but it’s not marshmallowy soft or very bouncy like some trainers we’ve become used to.
Rebecca: The length of these shoes is perfect. There is just enough room for my foot, but it’s not flush against the edge. I have a little bit of wiggle room for my toes but not too much, which I like. The width of these shoes is not quite wide enough for my wider left foot. For shorter runs (less than 5 miles) they are fine, but for running any more than that my foot begins to feel too tight in the shoe and rubs against the side.
My first run out of the box, an easy 4-mile spin on the road, was very smooth. The cushion is solid but the shoe is very light. It’s a really nice combo. After a few runs I notice how snappy the shoe is; great response off the pavement given the cushion. The shoe is a little stiff at first. The mesh upper has plenty of give but the sole holds pretty tight. That said, I have a feeling it won’t take but a few runs to loosen things up for a firm but comfortable feel overall.
Rick: I was excited about the Brooks Ghost 17 right out of the box—a bright white colorway with neon accents and a clean, lightweight feel. On my first (rainy) run, I planned to run 3 miles, but I ran 5 because they felt so good. The fit felt snug at first, the lockdown was great, and I settled in fast. I noticed a tight grip on wet roads and a surprisingly nice road return for a cushioned daily trainer. I even took them to the track for some 800s and was surprised by how light and responsive they felt—not a speed shoe, but up for the challenge. The toe box has plenty of room, the level of cushioning holds up across different paces, and recovery has been pleasantly easy on my touchy Achilles.
Brian: Given all of the other everyday trainers that have such a cushy, bouncy, or energetic vibe, the Ghost 17 feels very middle-of-the-road average when it comes to the cushioning sensation in every stride. That’s not a bad thing — especially because this edition of the Ghost is cushier and better than previous versions — it just comes down to what you’re used to and what you prefer for midweek maintenance runs, long runs, and recovery runs. I liked this shoe a lot for shorter runs at a variety of paces, but it doesn’t have the hyper-responsive cushioning I have come to appreciate for long runs.
Why It’s Great: It’s great because it’s an improved version of what was already a very good and reliable shoe. The additional thickness of the midsole and the lower heel-toe drop brings this shoe into compliance with modern mid-level training shoes. What’s exceptional about the Ghost 17 is its consistent and stable fit, feel, and ride. That makes it ideal as a do-everything shoe for a novice runner who might just have one or two shoes in their quiver or a reliable trainer for more advanced runners who prefer a semi-soft/semi-firm shoe for midweek recovery runs or their second longest runs of the week in the 8- to 12-mile range.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking for a do-almost-everything everyday trainer, you’ll appreciate the Brooks Ghost 17 for its versatility. Although its forte is running moderate paces from Zone 1 to Zone 3, it can handle a variety of types of runs and paces without too much extra effort. It’s not a speed shoe, but it is sufficient for tempo runs, fartlek surges during a run, or a progression-style long run where you finish faster than you started.
Rebecca: I really like this shoe and highly recommend it for every day running; particularly for someone who wants a firm, cushiony ride. Personally, I need it to be a little wider to get more miles in it. But that’s just a wide foot issue, nothing specific with the shoe. I would wear this for shorter recovery runs. I would also wear it for long runs if I was able to get it in a wider version. I think it’s ideal for the many types of runs I do during marathon training; it’s very supportive and ideal for logging time on feet.
Rick: The Brooks Ghost 17 is marketed as a daily/recovery trainer, but don’t let that fool you—it has got enough snap for speed work and enough cushion for long miles. They’re not as plush as a max cushion shoe, but the tradeoff is a firmer, faster ride that still protects your legs. For runners looking for a versatile, all-around trainer with a surprising edge, the Ghost 17 earns its keep—and then some.
Brian: I really like this edition of the Ghost because it offers a good blend of cushioning and proprioceptive feel for the road. I think that combination, and its soft but not too soft midsole sensation, are the keys to this shoe’s modest versatility. I’d prefer if it was a bit more energetic, but compared to the previous two versions of the Ghost, this one is definitely better.
Pro: This shoe is among the “greenest” shoes on the market. It’s a certified carbon-neutral shoe that utilizes 59 percent recycled material in the upper.
Con: This shoe would be better if it was slightly lighter, slightly cushier, and slightly more energetic.
