ON THE RUN
Joe: I’ll be honest—based on my previous experience in the Brooks Ghost, I didn’t expect much when I laced up the Ghost 17, especially just a few days after a trail half marathon. I was just hoping to shake out the soreness with an easy neighborhood jog. But what I got was a relaxed, smooth run that naturally settled into a pace just under my normal easy effort. No pushing, no thinking—just running.
And that’s been the continued experience for me run after run in the Brooks Ghost 17 – no pushing, no thinking, just running. And what a pleasant surprise it has been!
The Ghost 17 feels like a return to form for Brooks, but with a modern twist. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and has a nice blend of soft cushioning and firm support. Unlike some previous versions, it’s not overly rigid. This one feels smoother and more forgiving—perfect for daily miles, especially on tired legs. It’s not flashy, not fast, but it does everything well, which is what makes it such a dependable daily trainer.
Shannon: I took the Ghost 17 out for a couple of runs on roads and honestly, I forgot I was wearing new shoes. That’s a good thing. No rubbing, no slipping, no weird pressure points.
It just felt easy. Every step rolled into the next, the cushion felt great underfoot, and I didn’t have to think about the shoe at all. I didn’t feel like I was flying, but I also didn’t feel heavy or slow. Just steady and supported.
This is a great shoe for people who want to run, not worry about gear.
THE FIT
Joe: The fit feels like classic Brooks (the masters of the step-in feel!) —with a few updates that make it even more comfortable. The new double jacquard air mesh upper is breathable and soft, and the flare in the heel collar keeps pressure off the Achilles, which is a nice touch. The heel collar feels slightly loose after the run, but it didn’t cause any slippage while running. If anything, it made kicking off the shoes afterward easier than ever.
Others at our store mentioned the fit felt a bit narrow, but for me, the standard width worked fine. The Ghost’s reputation for accommodating a wide range of foot shapes still holds, especially with multiple width options available.
The toebox is roomy enough without feeling sloppy, and the thinner tongue and collar give the shoe a sleeker, more modern feel without sacrificing comfort or lockdown. Overall, it’s a very supportive and reliable fit, and no surprises.
Shannon: Right away, the Ghost 17 felt like a solid “yes.” I didn’t have to break them in, adjust the laces five times, or question my life choices mid-run. I went with my usual size, and I had plenty of room in the toe box without feeling like I was sliding around.
One of the first things I noticed was that the fit is really balanced. Snug enough in the heel to feel secure, but soft and roomy up front—especially great on longer runs when your feet start to swell a little. Nothing rubbed, pinched, or felt weird, which for me is rare in a new pair of shoes.
I have never been someone who enjoyed the Ghost. It never fit right for my foot, or felt like it had superior cushioning. For me to slip the 17’s on and have it feel great from the get-go, on my runs, and when I am on my feet all day for work, means that this shoe had some key upgrades that I thoroughly appreciated.
THE FEEL
Joe: This year’s biggest change is underfoot. Brooks added extra stack height—1mm in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot—and dropped the heel-to-toe offset to 10mm (down from 12mm). It might sound like a small tweak, but it noticeably smooths out the ride and helps the shoe feel more natural and balanced during transitions.
The DNA Loft v3 midsole cushioning is soft without being mushy—think of it like the difference between a memory foam pillow and a trampoline. It’s not trying to bounce you forward; it’s trying to support you. The added forefoot cushioning helps the toe-off feel smoother, especially on recovery runs or long walks.
The outsole has also been updated slightly, adding coverage through the midfoot for better ground contact. That, combined with the wide base, helps the Ghost 17 maintain its stability and predictability—two traits longtime Ghost fans will appreciate.
Shannon: If you’re looking for a daily running shoe that doesn’t overcomplicate things, this is it. The Ghost 17 is smooth, soft, and steady—kind of like cruise control for your feet.
The DNA Loft v3 foam feels so good in this new upgrade that I was convinced the foam had to have been upgraded. While it’s not insanely bouncy, it is soft in a good way. You’ll feel supported but not weighed down. It’s more of a “comfortable glide” than a “springy launch.”
It’s not built for super-fast runs or track days, but for easy runs, long miles, and recovery days? It’s a total win. This is the kind of shoe you can count on when your legs feel tired and just need something reliable.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Joe: Here’s where this shoe shines: versatility. The Ghost 17 is the kind of shoe you can use for just about anything. Daily miles, recovery days, walking the dog, even gym sessions—it’s all fair game.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want a high-stack, max-cushion rocker or anything too fancy, this is your shoe. It also makes an ideal starting point for newer runners who haven’t dialed in their preferences yet.
Compared to previous Ghost models, the 17 is softer, more breathable, and a little more modern overall. But it still feels like a Ghost—reliable, stable, and made to rack up miles.
It reminds me of shoes like the New Balance 880 or Saucony Ride—neutral trainers that get the job done, no fuss.
Shannon: Weight? Light enough for daily training—not race-day light, but still easy and comfortable to run in. Cushion? Soft and comfortable with just enough padding to feel supportive without being overly squishy. Fit? True to size with a roomy toe box and a secure, locked-in heel. Best for? Perfect for everyday runs, long efforts, recovery days, and even casual walks. Heel slippage? None at all—the shoe stays put and feels stable on the move. Style points? Clean, simple design with a range of color options to suit your style. Break-in period? None required—this shoe is ready to go right out of the box.
THE RUNDOWN
Joe: The Ghost 17 might not revolutionize anything, but it refines what already works. The lower drop and extra cushioning make a real difference in how it runs—especially over longer, slower efforts. This is easily my favorite version of the Ghost to date, and one I plan to keep in my rotation all year.
If I could change any one thing, I’d maybe ask for just a bit more responsiveness for uptempo days. But that’s not really what the Ghost is meant for. It’s here to be your everyday trainer—and it does that job better than ever!
The Ghost 17 is the dependable daily trainer that quietly does everything well. Whether you’re running, walking, or somewhere in between, it delivers smooth, soft comfort mile after mile—just like it always has, but now with a bit more polish.
Shannon: The Brooks Ghost 17 is the kind of shoe that shows up, does the job, and never complains. It’s comfortable, reliable, and great for everyday miles.
If you want a no-fuss running shoe that feels good on your feet and holds up well over time, the Ghost 17 is a safe bet. It won’t turn heads or make you feel like a superhero, but it will help you stay consistent and injury-free—and that’s the real win.
