Brooks Ghost 17 vs Ghost 16 – Time to Step Up?

Cushioning: DNA LOFT v3

The most significant change from the Ghost 16 to the Ghost 17 is in the midsole cushioning. While the midsole remains the same DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen injected foam, the geometry changes.

The Ghost 16 introduced the nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, making it lighter and softer than previous CM-EVA-based midsole materials. The nitrogen foam also proved to be more durable, retaining much of its cushioning ability throughout its lifespan.

The Ghost 17 improves the cushioning, with an extra 1 mm of DNA LOFT v3 in the heel and an additional 3 mm in the forefoot. This means the geometry of the shoe has also changed, with the 12mm drop of the Ghost 16 now becoming lower to the 10mm drop of the Ghost 17.

Considerations on Cushioning

Pros

The general considerations and pros of a higher amount of cushioning can include –

Shock Absorption: increased cushioning can better absorb impact forces, reducing stress on joints and muscles.
Comfort: Ideal for runners who look for comfort over responsiveness, particularly on longer runs or recovery days.
Injury Prevention: For those prone to joint pain, extra cushioning may help reduce injury risk and improve comfort.

Cons

The contradictions to increased cushioning can include -

Less Ground Feel: Some runners may find that thicker cushioning reduces responsiveness or ground connection.

Weight: While modern foams reduce weight gain, extra stack height can still add bulk.

Cushioning and Weight

With these pros and cons in mind, the Ghost 17 does feel softer, has a lower heel drop and is a little heavier.

The weight of the Ghost 17, while increased, isn’t an issue. I haven’t even noticed the increase in weight, and when wearing the shoes, the extra 10 or so grams is negligible.

What I noticed immediately was the improvement in the overall feel of the shoe’s cushioning. The Ghost 17 feels much softer than the extra 3mm of midsole foam would suggest. Although only 1mm in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot, the shoe has a softer initial impact and improved forefoot feel.

Ground feel isn’t a major consideration for me, especially in a daily trainer such as the Ghost 17, meant for easy running. I have found that as I have become older, and this is an observation I have noticed in customers in my store, that I prefer a softer feeling shoe. For faster-paced running shoes and race-day models, a little more ‘road-feel’ is a preference, but here, the extra cushioning is a welcome addition.

Heel Drop

The Ghost 17 now uses a 10mm heel drop compared to the 12mm of the Ghost 16.

It might be worth remembering that once upon a time, no one really cared about heel drop. A running shoe tended to have a little more cushioning under the heel, and that was that. There was no mention of the overall ‘stack’ or ‘drop’.

Then, the ‘barefoot running movement’ came about and with it, ‘zero’ drop shoes and shoes with no cushioning at all.

After this brief flirtation with this type of footwear, the running industry found stack height and drop heights a new way of differentiating models and, of course, adding to their offerings.

Many established running shoes that spanned these changes tended to have around 10 to 12mm of additional cushioning in the heel, hence the 10mm or 12mm drop, so this became the norm. Everything else was then highlighted with 8, 6, 4 and zero drop options becoming available.

With the Ghost 17, it is (as far as I can remember) the first time Brooks has reduced the heel drop of the Ghost model.

Some brands have launched a new model under the banner of ‘increased heel drop’ only to revise it the following season with ‘improved forefoot cushioning’ and thereby reducing the drop by 2mm.

Ultimately, the point I am making here is that the heel drop change in the new Ghost 17 is insignificant and hardly noticeable. I can’t tell the difference and having sold around 30 pairs in my store during the last few weeks, no one else can!

Fit

The Ghost 17 fits true to size and is the same as the Ghost 16. The upper has been revised, but there is no noticeable difference in the overall if.

The quality and construction of the Ghost 17 is the same, high standard as the Ghost 16 and all other Brooks models.

Heel Tab

One clear change in the Ghost 17 from the Ghost 16 is the heel tab. The new shoe now uses a flared heel tab design, which is something we have begun to see in models from several brands.

The heel tab is a little higher, but flares away from the Achilles to reduce any potential irritation. It also helps the foot slide in the shoe a little more easily. It is ultimately a cosmetic change, but it should also mean people don’t squash their feet into the shoes and damage the heel counter and lining.

Outsole

Brooks doesn’t mention there being any difference in the outsole material of the Ghost 17 over the Ghost 16, so we should assume it’s the same rubber compound with the same level of traction and durability. Having covered around 60 miles in the Ghost 17 now, there are no obvious signs of wear, so durability should be every bit as good.

The overall outsole rubber coverage is very similar, but it does feel a little softer. This could contribute to the overall softness of the shoe and its slightly more flexible feel.

Performance

On the run, I certainly prefer the overall feel of the Ghost 17 and would say it is an improvement over the Ghost 16.

The weight difference is insignificant, as is the heel drop. If anything, with the improvements in the cushioning stack height, the overall feel of the shoe is one of a much softer offering.

The ride remains smooth and responsive, and the forefoot push-off, although a little softer, feels bang on the money, with a nice combination of cushioning and forefoot spring.

My Verdict

If you have previously enjoyed the Ghost 16 and can find a good deal on the shoe, then go ahead and snap them up.

If you want the latest model, go for it. You won’t be disappointed.