Brooks Ghost 17 Review: The Ghost You Know, Now Even Better

By RunDNA

Published on Apr 30, 2025

4 min read

Ghost 17: Quick Facts

Weight:

M: 286g
W: 255g

Best For:

Daily training, for someone that prefers a more traditional ride.
Great for someone wanting one shoe to run, walk and gym in.

Price:

$260 AUD

Stack Height & Drop:

36.5mm heel / 26.5mm forefoot
10mm drop

Favourite Features:

DNA LOFT V3 midsole is a great blend of cushion and durability.
New 10mm heel to toe drop feels more natural and softens up the forefoot feel.
Best looking Ghost to date.

Release Date:

May 1st, 2025

What’s the Ghost 17 all about?

The Brooks Ghost 17 continues to be one of the most popular shoes in the world of reliable, daily trainers. In a market where running shoes are constantly evolving, often significantly with each iteration, the Ghost series has always retained a level of consistency. Runners and walkers alike have come to depend on its familiar ride and the 17th version doesn’t stray too far from that trusty formula.

What makes the Ghost such a go to option for so many runners is how accessible it is. It’s neutral, simple and doesn’t lean too far into any extreme, making it a safe choice for a wide range of foot types and running experience. For beginner runners, especially those who are still learning what they like in a running shoe, the Ghost 17 serves as a solid starting point. It delivers an "industry standard" experience that allows them to get a feel for running without distraction and from there, explore other models as their preferences develop.

The Ghost 17 sits within the neutral category for Brooks, it has a lower amount of cushion compared to the Glycerin 22 and the maximally stacked Glycerin Max. For us, the Ghost 17 competes with other models such as the Saucony Ride 18, Mizuno Wave Rider 28 and Asics Cumulus 27.

There are three key updates to the Ghost 17:

1) Midsole and geometry change = more forefoot cushion

The most notable update to the Ghost 17 compared to the Ghost 16 is found underfoot. Brooks added two millimeters of stack height to the heel and four millimeters to the forefoot, which results in a lower heel to toe drop of 10mm (down from 12mm). This subtle change does a couple of important things, it adds a bit of softness particularly through the forefoot and helps the shoe feel a touch more natural compared to the predecessor (it was one of the few shoes still featuring a 12mm pitch). We’ve seen a number of shoes move toward lower heel pitches, so there’s not much surprise to see the Ghost adapt while still keeping to its roots.

The cushioning itself has been slightly softened, offering a more comfortable, smoother ride, which will be most noticeable on easy runs or long walks. However, the changes are subtle enough that longtime Brooks Ghost fans won’t feel like they’re wearing a completely different shoe.

2) New upper, classic Brooks fit and feel

On top of the new midsole geometry, Brooks has revamped the upper with a double jacquard air mesh, increasing breathability and comfort. It's more refined than previous versions, feeling lighter and more breathable on foot without sacrificing the secure fit that Ghost wearers come to expect. This new upper feels like a similar vibe to what we saw Brooks use on their Adrenaline GTS 24, which is a good thing!

The heel collar now flares away from the Achilles, reducing irritation for runners who are sensitive in that area, but it also modernises the shoe's overall silhouette to make it the best looking Ghost to date. The collar and tongue are also slightly thinner, but there’s enough padding to feel comfortable without compromising the lockdown.

As always and what makes the Brooks Ghost line so popular is the availability of width options. Brooks are offering the Ghost 17 in standard, wide and extra wide widths for both men and women, continuing its reputation as one of the most accessible shoes for different foot shapes on the market.

3) Tweaked outsole, reliable traction

There's some subtle changes to the outsole this year too. Brooks have added more outsole coverage through the midfoot area to increase contact with the ground and allow the Ghost to continue as a really stable shoe on the market. The outsole pattern through the forefoot continues to offer a natural feel through toe off, making the Ghost 17 a great option for runners and walkers that don't want a stiff rockered shoe which dominates a large portion of the running shoe market today.

Our first thoughts

In an era where running shoes are getting taller, bouncier and more complex, the Ghost 17 is a refreshing reminder that classic still works. The Ghost line continues to stay true to its identity by not chasing every trend, there’s no aggressive rocker or maximalist feel, but it refines what already works - comfort, consistency and a fit that accommodates a wide range of runners' feet.

We think the Ghost 17 will continue to be a favourite for runners who want a simple traditional feeling shoe with a bit more softness underfoot compared to the previous Ghost. It's also going to continue to be a great durable shoe for walkers too or someone that wants a single multipurpose shoe that covers them for running, walking and even gym workouts.

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.