Brooks’ Ghost is one of the best selling running shoes on the market today. Coming in with an entry level price and a wide appeal based on ease and balance, the Ghost 17 is a shoe to get you moving. However, with so many foam recipes on the market and such a wide range of rides, where does this sit? Have Brooks captured the spirit of simplicity in a package which will suit all or have they dropped a dud?
We have put the miles through the midsole to give you the lowdown on the newest Ghost.
Upper and Fit of the Brooks Ghost 17
What works for me
One of the standout aspects of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 for me is definitely the fit and lockdown. The knit upper provides a snug, secure hold that locks the foot in place without feeling too restrictive or tight. The thick, stretchy, semi-gusseted tongue wraps the midfoot, providing structure during quick runs and sharp turns. There’s no slippage or unwanted movement, and the toe box offers just enough space to stay comfortable without losing lockdown. The shoe strikes a smart balance between comfort and structure, making it one of the best-fitting shoes I’ve worn this year.
What doesn’t work for me
Here, the tongue is probably not my favourite part of the Ghost 17. It is short and thick. For those who require a runner’s knot to hold things in place, I am not sure the tongue will be long enough to allow this with the laces remaining on top. The thickness also means that it can feel a little bulky on top of the foot. Whilst it does offer protection from the laces, it feels a little over engineered and unnecessary in an already thickly padded upper.
Midsole and Ride of the Brooks Ghost 17
What works for me
The Ghost 17 gains some foam in the heel and forefoot. The extra millimetre in the heel is paired with 3mm in the forefoot so the drop changes from 12mm to 10mm. As this is my first Ghost experience, I can’t really compare how that changes the ride. That said, the shoe is a simple, easy runner. There’s no fuss about it being better for one footstrike over another. It’s a simple lace up and go kind of shoe.
It works for me for my morning run when I don’t really care about pace pushing or needing the shoe to do anything for me. I know that I will get a comfortable ride which can take me from a couple of kilometres on a lazy day to ten or so miles when I’m feeling in the mood for more. The DNA LOFT v3 foam soaks up the miles, to a point.
It is the kind of shoe which will work for the majority of runners. Dependable and stays out of your way on the road, what else do you need from a daily trainer?
What doesn’t work for me
This section comes down to little things. Overall, there is nothing that “doesn’t work” for me. Instead, there are a few things which mean that the Ghost 17 will not be the favourite shoe on my rack.
Firstly, DNA LOFT v3 is a perfectly competent foam but it is rather lacking on the excitement front. While it offers dampening, it doesn’t explode with a pop from the tarmac. If this is important to you, the Ghost will probably not be your friend.
Finally, the 10mm drop from a 36.5mm heel means, for me, that long runs won’t be taken in the Ghost 17. I have taken it to around the 16km mark. While it was comfortable for this kind of distance, I would probably prefer a bit more cushion for ramping the distance up.
Outsole of the Brooks Ghost 17
Grip and Traction
The outsole offers plenty of grip and traction from my experience. I have taken it out on dry days and those when the heavens have opened. At no stage have I felt like I needed to be careful of where my foot was landing. They have taken me over gravel paths and wet grass without complaint.
As an added bonus, the outsole with the flexgrooves adding to the softness of the ride, gives an almost silent run. This makes chatty runs far more pleasant.
Durability
As with most Brooks shoes, the build quality is very good and the materials are selected for long term use. After nearly 100km in the Ghost 17, I could probably sell them as unused if I spent some time scrubbing the road dirt off. There is no degradation in the rubber at all at this point.
Conclusion
Value for Money
At £135, the Ghost 17 is what probably passes for a slightly upper entry level shoe. For true bargain basement appeal, Brooks has the Launch 11. The price puts the Ghost 17 around common competitors like Nike’s Pegasus and Vomero lines. I believe that the durability and dependability of the Ghost 17 make this a fair price. It probably loses out a little to shoes like the Rebel v5 as it lacks a little in terms of versatility. But, if you are a runner who wants a supportive, comfortable shoe, you could spend a lot more on a lot worse than this.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
For me, the Ghost 17 is a decent daily mileage shoe. The kind of trainer that ends up coming off the rack for most of the week. I know I can lace it up, run my local route and find it enjoyable. It will never be a fast day shoe for me. The foam precludes that along with the weight. Then, the thinness of the forefoot, for my tastes, means that it won’t be a long run companion. But, that’s why we have a rotation. This covers about 75% of my weekly running. There are other shoes for the remaining 25%.
It might also lose out to softer, thicker midsoles for those wanting to baby their battered legs after a major race or tough session.
Final Verdict
Brooks make the Ghost to fill the simple, daily trainer niche in their line up. With the 17, I believe they have managed to hit the mark pretty well. The Ghost is foot strike agnostic, easy to wear and doesn’t impose itself on your run. It’s not the most fun packed shoe on the block, but that’s fine. We all need that pal who will be there for you when you need them even though they aren’t the life of the party. Furthermore, it is a shoe which will work for most runners and offer them good durability for a reasonable price.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Brooks Ghost 16 by Ivan
Both offer the typically excellent Brooks fit. I do prefer the more modern design of the latest iteration. While it still uses DNA Loft v3 foam – and in slightly greater amounts – the ride doesn’t feel any more enjoyable to me. The platform feels flatter in geometry and noticeably stiffer overall, making the ride clunky at anything but faster paces. You might be better off saving some money and grabbing the Ghost 16 on sale.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs New Balance Rebel v5 by Andy
With a £15 difference between the two, the New Balance Rebel probably offers more overall. It has a thicker, more exciting midsole if that is what you are looking for. Personally, I found it more accommodating for long runs and able to handle a wider variety of sessions. However, with that excitement comes a lack of stability which could cause problems for some. The very soft FuelCell foam of the Rebel could cause problems for some while the denser Ghost offers stability.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs KIPRUN Cushion 500 by Andy
KIPRUN’s very entry level running shoe comes in at just £50 meaning you could pick up 2 and a half pairs for the price of one pair of Brooks Ghost 17. However, that difference in price can be felt easily in the comfort and build. The Cushion 500 is a good shoe for very short distances but the Ghost offers a great deal more for the price differential.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Brooks Launch 11 by Ivan
I find the latest Brooks Launch 11 to be a superior option compared to the Ghost 17 – and at a lower price point. It’s lighter, more responsive, and still offers ample protection for my daily runs.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Nike Pegasus 41 by Ivan and Andy
Ivan: The Nike Pegasus isn’t especially exciting, but the ride feels more fun and responsive. The fit could be better, though. At a lower price, it offers far better value for money.
Andy: For me, I find the opposite to Ivan. While the Pegasus has been better than recent iterations, I prefer the feel of the Ghost 17. They operate in very similar spaces but if I had to pick one off my shelf for a run tomorrow morning, the Ghost 17 would be it.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Nike Vomero 18 by Ivan
The Nike Vomero 18 is by far the more comfortable of the two and offers significantly more protection. Both models fit well, but the cushioning and overall ride of the Vomero 18 are on another level.
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Saucony Ride 18 by Ivan
I prefer the Ghost 17’s upper. The foam in the two shoes feels similar in cushioning and responsiveness. I do like the slightly more rocker-like geometry of the Ride 18 for a smoother ride.
Other Opinions
Ivan’s Take on the Ghost 17
Brooks once again nails the upper and fit with the Ghost 17. I also really like the modernized design compared to the previous version. The fit is true to size with just the right amount of padding for daily use. Outsole traction has been solid, and build quality across the shoe seems top-notch.
Unfortunately, the ride doesn’t impress me. There are better options today – many at this price point, even within Brooks’ own lineup like the Launch 11. As a midfoot striker, I especially miss any rocker to help create a smoother transition. Only at higher paces or with a forced forefoot strike does it offer any real assistance. On easy runs, the ride feels dull and uninspiring. It’s not harsh, but it slaps the ground with every step, leading to a clunky overall experience.
