Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews! Today, we’re breaking down the key differences between the Brooks Ghost 17 and its predecessor, the Ghost 16. While the two look similar on the surface, Brooks has made a few subtle—but—important updates that impact how the shoe feels on foot. If you’re wondering whether the Ghost 17 is worth the upgrade, this review covers everything you need to know.
What’s New in the Midsole?
Let’s start with the most significant change: the midsole. The Ghost 17 still uses Brooks’ nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, but the stack height has increased slightly. You now get 36.5 mm in the heel and 26.5 mm in the forefoot, giving it a 10 mm drop compared to the 12 mm drop in previous Ghost models.
That 2 mm drop change might sound minor, but it actually creates a noticeably smoother ride. For walkers and runners who prefer a lower drop, this is a welcome shift. If you’ve always worn Ghosts and love the traditional 12 mm feel, you might notice this change, but it’s not drastic.
The extra stack in the forefoot also means a slightly firmer and stiffer push-off, which improves push-off and adds more protection under the ball of the foot—something the Ghost 16 lacked a little.
What About the Outsole?
The outsole pattern has also been updated. The flex grooves now rotate slightly more toward the big toe, which gives a more natural feel during the push-off phase. Brooks has also adjusted the heel bevel, which helps with smoother transitions from heel to toe.
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Fit and Upper Feel
Brooks also redesigned the upper. The Ghost 17 features an engineered jacquard mesh, similar to what we’ve seen on the Hyperion series. It still has a wide toe box with enough space for toe splay and tapers a bit toward the top. Most people should find the fit true to size.
The tongue is noticeably more padded than before—arguably more than necessary—but it doesn’t negatively affect lockdown. You’ll also get more padding around the heel, which adds comfort and helps with ankle security.
And of course, there’s the classic stiff heel counter, which plays a big role in the shoe’s stability.
Stable Yet Neutral
While the Ghost remains a neutral shoe, it offers subtle elements of stability. The firm heel counter, broad base, and sidewalls on both sides of the heel make it a great option if you like a little support but don’t want a full stability shoe.
The cushioning feels a bit more responsive than in the Ghost 16. You don’t sink in too much, which gives the shoe a nice balance of softness and rebound.
Who Is It Best For?
If you’re looking for a reliable, all-around trainer for:
- Daily walks
- Standing all day
- Easy and long runs
…the Ghost 17 is a solid pick. The extra forefoot cushioning gives you better pressure distribution when you’re on your feet for long hours.
That said, if you’re chasing faster paces or doing interval workouts, you may want to look at lighter models like the Brooks Hyperion. The Ghost 17 just isn’t built for speed.
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Final Thoughts
The Brooks Ghost 17 doesn’t reinvent the wheel—but the changes they’ve made are meaningful. The slightly lower drop, added forefoot protection, and updated outsole combine to create a smoother, more comfortable ride.
If you’re still running in the Ghost 16 and considering the upgrade, we’d say it’s worth it—especially if you’ve felt the 16 lacked a bit of forefoot cushioning.
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If you’ve got any questions about either shoe, feel free to drop them in the comments.
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