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The Brooks Ghost Running Shoes have become a staple for daily mileage among runners of all levels. The Ghost has seen many updates over the years. It remains one of the most balanced running shoe options out there.
Now in its 17th version, the Brooks Ghost has received key technical updates. We ran over 100 kilometres in the Ghost 17 at various paces to see how it performs - and help you decide if it’s the right shoe for you, whether you're buying your first pair or upgrading from an earlier model.
Brooks Ghost 17 Tech
Key stats
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Women’s approximate weight: 254 grams
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Men’s approximate weight: 286 grams
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Forefoot stack height: 27 mm
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Rearfoot stack height: 37 mm
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Drop: 10 mm
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Midsole: DNA Loft v3
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Upper: Double-jacquard air mesh
Midsole Construction
The Ghost 17 continues to feature Brooks' nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, the same foam used in the Ghost 16. However, the overall midsole design has been refined for improved comfort and performance.
Outsole Construction
Updated flex grooves promote smoother transitions from heel strike to toe-off. The slightly wider platform adds a touch of stability without compromising the shoe’s signature smooth ride.
Upper Construction
One of the standout features of the Brooks Ghost series over the years has always been its comfortable and secure fit. The Ghost 17 continues that tradition with thoughtful updates to the upper. The shoe features a double-jacquard air mesh upper that not only enhances breathability, but also adapts to the foot for a more personalised feel. This soft, flexible material reduces the chances of friction or irritation, making it ideal for long-distance training runs.
Additionally, the updated ‘kickback’ heel collar provides a snug, supportive fit around the ankle without adding pressure.
Ghost 17 Test Runs
As mentioned earlier, we’ve run over 100 kilometres in the Brooks Ghost 17. We also tested them out over a range of paces and distances, as you can see in the Strava images below. The next section of the article presents how the cushioning performed.
Easy run performance
The majority of the runs were done at an easy pace. Ranging from 5:15 min/km to 5:30 min/km, the Brooks Ghost 17 felt especially comfortable at those paces. This highlights one of the shoe’s core strengths: when the goal is to keep the run relaxed and controlled, the Ghost 17 delivers a smooth, cushioned ride that makes it easy to settle into a slower rhythm.
Where previous versions of the Brooks Ghost sometimes felt a little less fluid underfoot (in my experience), the Ghost 17 stood out immediately. They felt like a natural extension of my feet from the very first run.
The Brooks Ghost 17 doesn’t feel extremely plush underfoot - so if you're expecting a very soft, spongy ride, this might not be the shoe for you. While the DNA LOFT v3 midsole foam is noticeable, it doesn’t overly compress, which actually works in the shoe’s favour. The cushioning feels controlled, balanced, and reliable - soft enough to protect on longer runs, but firm enough to maintain good energy return and structure.
Steady run performance
The Brooks Ghost 17’s performance during easy runs that progressed into a steadier pace felt consistently smooth and controlled. It's not built for a propulsive or race-oriented feel, but it handled progressive efforts well. Especially on days when I wanted to keep the impact and strain low on my legs. It’s not the right choice for speed sessions or intervals, but for short tempo runs or gentle progression runs, the Ghost 17 proves to be a reliable and comfortable option.
I managed paces down to 4:15 min/km, though it felt a bit of a push past 4:30mn/km. For more focused or extended efforts at that pace, I’d lean toward a more responsive, performance-oriented shoe such as the Brooks Hyperion Max.
Hard steady run performance
The midsole started to show its limits between 4:15 and 4:05 min/km. At these faster paces, it lacked the response and propulsion found in more performance-focused trainers.
Ghost 17 cushioning summary
In conclusion, the Ghost 17 delivers a smooth, cushioned ride that feels lightweight and protective without the bulk often associated with Float Experience Running Shoes. The Ghost 17’s cushioning shines during relaxed, controlled runs - making it an ideal choice for everyday training and recovery miles.
While it can handle some progressive efforts and short tempo runs, the midsole starts to reveal its limitations as pace quickens. Indeed, at these faster speeds, the Ghost 17 lacks the snappy responsiveness and propulsion found in more performance-focused trainers. As a result, this makes the Ghost 17 less suited for long intervals or speed work.
Additionally, it’s also worth noting that many of the runs were done in a hilly urban environment. The Ghost 17 proved to be super reliable on both uphills and downhills. On climbs, the shoe offered a lightweight feel with just enough ground connection to stay efficient, while the DNA LOFT v3 midsole provided a protective yet responsive ride. On the descents, the secure upper and stable platform helped maintain control and absorb impact, reducing the strain on the legs. The Ghost 17 strikes an excellent balance for tarmac running in varied elevation, offering comfort, support, and confidence no matter the gradient.
Upper fit
There weren’t any issues experienced with the Brooks Ghost 17- no overheating, friction, or discomfort throughout testing. The upper provided excellent lockdown and a secure fit around the ankle, helping the shoe feel stable without any unwanted movement. The padding around the heel collar felt plush and comfortable, offering a snug fit that didn’t cause irritation, even on longer runs. The toe box offers generous space, making the Ghost 17 a great option for runners with broader or wider feet. We would recommend sticking to your usual running shoe size. A wide-fit version is also available for those who need extra room.
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Brooks Ghost 17 Running Shoes summary
Overall, the Brooks Ghost 17 offers a well-balanced blend of soft cushioning, support, and fluid movement - perfect for neutral runners seeking a reliable everyday trainer.
The Brooks Ghost is available on run4it.com.
