By Paul Freary
As one of the brand’s most popular models, the Ghost is a ‘bread and butter’ model for Brooks. It can provide a one-stop solution to many runners, and it offers excellent value for money as well as a range of colours and widths and even a waterproof, Gore-Tex option.
Brooks will never really stray too far from the copybook with the Ghost, and fortunately, that’s the case with the Ghost 17.
It’s a case of gradual evolution for this shoe, rather than revolution. If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it, and the Ghost 17, even after just a couple of weeks of testing, is already proving to be every bit as good as the previous model, if not a little better!
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Stats
Brooks | Ghost 17 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily miles with a newly energized feel |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Mid-to high-level cushioning |
Stack Height | 37mm heel 27mm forefoot |
Drop | 10mm |
Weight | Men 286g (10.1oz) |
Sugested Retail Price | $140 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9.5/ 10 |
The Old and the New - Ghost 16 v Ghost 17
So, how does the new Ghost 17 differ from the previous model? What’s changed and why?
The main updates come from the midsole cushioning, and it’s here where we get 1mm more cushioning in the heel and 3mm more in the forefoot. This makes for an overall more cushioned feel but an ever-so-slightly lower drop at 10mm compared to the Ghost 16 at 12mm.
While it is easy to become fixated on drop, and indeed the numbers, we must also consider what contributes to drop and how that works when running.
A good way to look at this would, for example to consider a very soft shoe with a high drop. Because of the soft cushioning, the heel will (compress) squash easily on heel strike, whereas a firmer shoe with a slightly lower drop won’t compress quite as much or as easily (for the same runner).
So, a shoe’s cushioning ‘firmness’ is also a contributor to the effect of heel drop.
With this in mind and having covered 30 miles in the new Ghost 17 (as well as selling a dozen pairs since its launch here in the UK this weekend), no one, myself included, has noticed any difference with the drop. The most obvious comment was positivity around the more overall cushioned feel.
This is from customers who had previously worn the Ghost 16.
So, it’s safe to say, the cushioning is as good as ever!
Ghost 17
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Fit
The fit remains unchanged, and as ever with Brooks, the shoe fits true to size in terms of length and width.
The upper seems to make the fit a little neater around the forefoot and in the toebox, but size-wise, the shoe fits as usual.
The Brooks Ghost 17 is available in the same size and width options as the previous model, so there are plenty of options.
Design
Again, as previously mentioned, it’s a case of evolution with the Ghost 17, so the technical features remain the same as the Ghost 16.
Engineered Air-Mesh Upper
A new design gives the Ghost 17 a slightly improved fit, and it’s snug and secure around the midfoot with a little ‘wiggle room’ in the toe box.
There is a revised shape to the heel tab, with it now flaring slightly away from the Achilles. The padding in this area and around the ankle collar is neat, with similar padding to the previous model.
DNA Loft v3
DNA Loft v3 makes up the midsole, and it’s 1mm higher in the heel area and 3mm higher in the forefoot in the new Ghost 17.
The midsole has a slightly concave side wall on the lateral side of the shoe and a slightly convex wall on the medial side. This results in the shoe compressing a little easier on heel strike and being a little bit more stable overall.
Performance
Stepping into the shoe, it feels plush and welcoming right away. A new heel tab flares out slightly, allowing your heel to slide inside easily. This also reduces the chance of irritation when running.
The extra cushioning is noticeable, and the shoes feel significantly softer than the previous model. Okay, there is only 1mm extra cushioning in the heel and 3mm more in the forefoot, but it does make a difference, and Brooks has done this to add to the feel as well as function.
The reduced heel drop of 10mm, down from 12mm, is not noticeable, and the heel-to-toe transition is as smooth as ever.
I like the overall feel of the shoe, and the forefoot ride in particular is very plush for a shoe in this price bracket.
At any of my training paces, from 8 minutes 30 seconds a mile on very easy recovery jogs to quicker sub-6-minute strides, the Ghost 17 felt very capable and comfortable, making it a versatile daily option.
Shoes Similar to Ghost 17
The competition in this price bracket is fierce, and every brand has a model aimed at the same runner.
From the Nike Pegasus, the New Balance 880 and HOKA Clifton to the Mizuno Wave Rider, Saucony Ride and ASICS Cumulus, there are lots of options.
They all differ slightly and all offer a slightly different running experience, and while I’ll stick my neck out here and say the Ghost 17 is the best, it is a very close call.
The Saucony Ride offers a slightly springier ride. The New Balance offers a slightly firmer running experience, and the HOKA a slightly lighter feeling shoe.
For me, the Ghost is the most complete package right now!
For me, the Ghost is the most complete package right now!
My Verdict
Always one of the best value for money daily training, neutral running shoes on the market, the new Ghost 17 arrives just in time to keep the model fresh and relevant in an ever-changing footwear landscape.
The cushioning and overall fit of the feel make this shoe a model that most people could simply pull on and go in.
The build quality is as good as ever, and the performance, for a daily trainer, is great, with a well-cushioned, smooth-riding riding and responsive feel.
The new Brooks Ghost 17, for me, remains the shoe to beat at this price!
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