Brooks Ghost 17 Review (2025) Most Complete Running Shoes?
Brooks is one of the most popular running brands in the world and offers benchmark models acclaimed by runners. The Ghost is the perfect illustration!
Edition after edition, the shoe remains the brand’s best-seller thanks to its excellent value for money. What about this new version? Does it suit your objectives and preferences?
This is what we will discover in this complete review.
Why trust me?
With a personal record of 2 h 38 in the marathon and a significant weekly training volume, I have the opportunity to test many running shoe models to aid my practice.
I conducted my field test of the Brooks Ghost 17 on different types of sessions to assess their comfort and running sensations. Additionally, I also consulted other runners of different levels to validate my feeling and ensure that my recommendations will be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our Verdict
Very good versatile and comfortable shoe for daily training
- Weight: 276 g (size 42)
- Foam: DNA LOFT V3
- Height: 37 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 10 mm
- Training, all distances
As often with popular series, Brooks has not completely overhauled the shoe to avoid unsettling regulars. The changes are not many but are worth noting.
The midsole still uses the DNA LOFT V3 foam, but it is thicker (+3 mm at the front and +1 mm at the heel). Therefore, there is more protection under the forefoot, and the drop is now 10 mm (compared to 12 mm previously). The sensation is quite firm but the shock absorption is very good. As is the stability, which translates to a lot of security.
The RoadTack rubber on the outsole ensures good traction. The new flexibility grooves at the front allow for a smoother stride.
The new Engineered Air Mesh upper results in a redesigned high collar that still offers a very good fit and breathability. The characteristic comfort of the series is retained.
In summary, if you are a fan of the collection and previous versions, you can confidently turn to this new Brooks Ghost 17, which remains a versatile partner for daily training.
Pros
- Better shock absorption
- Very comfortable upper, with very good breathability
- Stable and well-balanced cushioning
- New, more accessible drop
- Good traction overall…
Cons
- … but there is a slight loss of grip on wet surfaces
- Higher weight and less dynamism than the v16
- Tongue that is not gusseted
Cushioning
The midsole of the Brooks Ghost 17 retains the DNA LOFT V3 foam. The process remains the same as on previous versions with nitrogen injection in an EVA foam, but in a lighter and softer formula.
The height increases to 37 mm at the heel and 27 mm at the metatarsal.
Personally, I fully endorse this choice. This automatically allows for more protection at the forefoot (+3 mm).
This was a limitation I noted on the previous version when extending the distance; when you strike midfoot (or forefoot), the 24 mm of the v16 was rather limited.
As a result, the drop is now 10 mm for this Ghost 17 (compared to 12 mm before).
This is standard and still suits novices while allowing greater accessibility: it should suit the majority of runners without requiring adaptation.
The sensation upon impact leans more towards firm while remaining well-balanced for a very secure ride. Once again, the sensation should suit a lot of runners, even if some will prefer a softer cushioning.
The shock absorption is very good and allows for the distance to be extended reassuringly. There are therefore no restrictions based on runner profile (or foot strike).
No problem in my opinion to push up to the marathon, except perhaps for heavier runners who will seek more cushioning (or softness).
Energy Return
With a weight of 276 g in size 42, the Brooks Ghost 17 is heavier than the previous version and it shows. The v16 was not already shining for its reactivity, it’s the same for this shoe, which even shows a loss of dynamism.
Despite this, the Ghost 17 will allow a large part of the pack to vary the pace during training.
The rocker is moderate, but the new grooves at the front ensure a smooth roll.
Support and Stability
The shoe is for neutral stride and has no technology to stabilize the stride.
However, the fairly dense foam and the fairly wide base make the shoe naturally stable and offer a secure ride.
Foot Hold
The new Engineered Air Mesh upper in double jacquard offers a slightly tighter weave than the previous version.
The coverage in cold weather is very good and the breathability remains on par with the previous version. With numerous micro-perforations, air circulation is satisfactory.
Comfort is present: the slipper feel to accommodate the foot is very pleasant, and the numerous paddings allow you to keep the shoe on your foot for a long time.
It’s an understatement to say that the fit does not achieve unanimity on this Ghost 17: I have read so many contradictory reviews that it’s impossible to provide a consensual synthesis!
I will therefore limit myself to my opinion: the upper is quite flexible and wraps the foot very well without compressing it.
The main criticism I’ve read concerns the toe area, which would be too narrow. But I’ve read other runners saying there was plenty of space at the front.
I for one find the Toe Box quite classic and I think the shoe is true to size.
Note that it is available in a Wide and even an Extra-Wide version if necessary.
The heel is elongated compared to the previous version, making it easier to put on the shoe. The rigid heel counter ensures good hold.
I didn’t notice any tongue slippage, but I was disappointed it’s not gusseted.
Moreover, the new TPU eyelets are effective and improve foot locking.
So, I approve of a very successful upper overall.
Traction
The outsole of the Ghost 17 uses the RoadTack technology again. It’s a blend of rubber and recycled silica, covering a large part of the surface, especially on impact zones, but slightly less than the previous version.
The new flexibility grooves at the front ensure good flexibility and a more effective roll. However, the slight reduction in rubber results in slightly less grip on wet surfaces. Nothing detrimental, but worth noting.
As a good road training partner, you can use these shoes on most easy, non-technical paths or trails.
Use scenarios
If the Ghost series remains as popular, it’s because it remains a safe bet, edition after edition, and runners know they will have a Swiss army knife shoe that can accompany them daily.
With its natural stability, there is no concern for daily use for walking or fitness, for example. The high cushioning and shock absorption will allow all types of runners to push up to long distances.
From recovery jogging to traditional long runs, the Ghost 17 will be there. Its well-balanced ride suits a wide variety of runners.
However, I have received some feedback indicating the shoe is more limited for heavier runners.
With the maximalist trend, we arrive at fairly classic dimensions, not as imposing as some models. Nonetheless, the shoe would have been considered maximalist a few years ago. Thus, in my view, the cushioning is sufficient to go up to the marathon.
It’s mainly a matter of preference regarding sensations: the fairly stiff side can limit the use for those who like softer cushioning.
The other more obvious limitation of the shoe will be for increasing speed.
Without being a deadweight on the foot, the shoe won’t be ideal for speed sessions and will be more relevant for moderate paces. Same for competition: more performing models can be easily found.
Nonetheless, the Brooks Ghost 17 remains a good alternative for a marathon if you do not wish for the stiffness of a plate or if you prioritize comfort over performance.
Quality and Durability
Here too, runners know what to expect. The Ghost 17 offers, like the previous versions, a totally standard lifespan with a resistant upper and quality rubber on the outsole.
This allows the shoe to offer very good value for money.
The upper is made of 59% recycled materials. This model is one of the few currently certified Add to this the shoes are certified carbon-neutral and vegan in design.
Brooks Ghost 16 vs 17
Note the following changes for this new version:
- Less dynamism with a higher weight
- More imposing dimensions (+3 mm at the front and +1 mm at the heel)
- 10 mm drop (versus 12 mm)
- A new more breathable upper
- An extended high collar
- Flexibility grooves on the outsole for smoother transitions
Despite this, in all transparency, both products are quite similar, and you can purchase either one depending on the offers.
Conclusion
The Brooks Ghost 17 should delight fans of the series. Despite a few changes, this shoe remains a strong training partner with complete characteristics.
Even if it falters in terms of dynamism, it continues to establish itself as a reference for runners who want a unique pair of running shoes to do it all.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel height | 37 mm |
| Forefoot height | 27 mm |
| Weight (men) | 276 g/9.7 oz |
| Weight (women) | 253 g/8.9 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Wide feet, Recycled materials |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Firm |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | RoadTack |
| Midsole | DNA LOFT v3 |
| Upper | Engineered Air Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
Reference: official site
