Brooks is obviously a stalwart in the running world – and beyond. That’s a huge understatement for runners, because let’s be real: most of us have probably owned at least one pair of Brooks in our running life. But the brand’s presence isn’t just on the track – I see them around town, at the grocery store, and even on stage (shout out to the Eugene DJ I saw rocking Glycerins behind the booth last month).
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After a bit of a “solid but safe” stretch, Brooks has been turning some heads again. Shoes like the Glycerin 22 and the Caldera 7 and 8 reminded folks that this brand can still bring it. And now with the release of the Brooks Ghost 17 – a staple in the daily trainer category – Brooks shows they still know how to evolve a legacy shoe the right way: thoughtful updates, no overhauls, and keeping what works. Let’s dig in.
Looks:
The Ghost 17 isn’t reinventing the aesthetic wheel, but it really doesn’t need to. This shoe keeps that clean, classic running silhouette that’s made it a go-to for everyone from first-time 5Kers to seasoned marathoners. And Brooks did us a solid by dropping nine (!) different colorways right out of the gate. Whether you lean minimalist or want a little pop on your daily miles, there’s probably a Ghost 17 with your name on it.
Construction:
The Ghost 17 is a reliable daily trainer that most runners – especially long-time Brooks fans – have likely had in the rotation before. It’s built to get the job done without needing much attention. That alone makes it a staple for people who just want to lace up and go. It’s not chasing trends or pushing tech boundaries—it’s just stable, durable, and easy to trust. And really, what more do you need from a daily trainer?
While it’s very similar to the Ghost 16, the 17 brings a couple of subtle changes. The stack height is up by a millimeter, and the heel-to-toe drop moves from 12mm down to 10mm. That won’t drastically change the feel for most, but it shows Brooks is still refining rather than coasting.
If you’re still riding strong in the Ghost 16s, no rush—those shoes still have legs (pun intended). But for anyone ready to freshen up the rotation, or just curious about the latest, the 17 is a natural next step.
Specs
- Weight: 10.1 oz (Men’s size 9) / 8.9 oz (Women’s size 7.5)
- Stack Height: 36.5mm heel / 26.5mm forefoot
- Drop: 10mm
The tongue isn’t gusseted, but I haven’t experienced any slippage or weird bunching—so no complaints there. One small thing I noticed early on: the heel counter seemed to sit slightly lower on the foot than expected, more toward the base of the heel than the ankle. It threw me for a second, but that sensation faded pretty quickly as I broke them in. The overall lockdown remains secure, and the comfort level is classic Brooks.
Midsole:
Brooks continues with the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole here, which has kind of hit the sweet spot in the cushioning game. It’s not overly squishy or trampoline-like, but it isn’t firm either. Think of it like the Goldilocks zone of midsole foams—”just right.”
It’s the kind of ride that lets you focus on anything but your shoes, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want. No flash, no wild energy return—just a well-cushioned ride that holds up across a variety of runs. The added millimeter of foam may contribute to the slight bump in weight, but for me, it’s not a dealbreaker in a daily workhorse. For those chasing speed or PRs, this may not be the weapon of choice—but for the bulk of everyday training? It’s solid.
Outsole:
The outsole remains pretty straightforward, with generous rubber coverage that speaks to the shoe’s durability. There’s enough grip for wet pavement or light gravel paths, and the layout should offer reliable traction without feeling clunky. Like the rest of the shoe, it’s not trying to be flashy—it just works. And with how much mileage most people get out of Ghosts, that’s good news for your wallet.
Overall:
There’s not a lot to criticize with the Ghost 17. And honestly, that’s kind of the point. It’s designed to be a dependable, no-fuss daily trainer—and it delivers. You get a comfortable and secure fit, an enjoyable and distraction-free ride, solid durability, and enough style options to make things personal. At $150, it continues to offer great value in an era where “premium” shoes are edging well north of that.
If you’re a longtime Ghost runner, you’ll feel right at home here. And if you’re new to Brooks or just looking for a neutral daily trainer that won’t let you down, this might just be the one to finally bring you over to the Ghost side.
