By Paul Freary
As two of the brand’s best-selling neutral, cushioned daily training shoes, the Ghost and Glycerin models have for a long time represented a large percentage of the brand’s sales.
The Ghost has been the best value, work-horse model for neutral runners, while the Glycerin is the more premium and plush offering.
Both have been updated recently, which is the best? How do they differ, and which should you choose for your next daily training model?
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Stats
Brooks | Ghost 17 | Glycerin 22 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Daily training | Daily training |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | Mid to high-level cushioning | High stack max cushioning |
Stack Height | 37mm Heel 27mm Forefoot | 38mm Heel 28mm Forefoot |
Drop | 10mm | 10mm |
Weight | Men 286g (10.1oz), Women 255g (9oz) | Men 289g (10.2oz) Women 257g (9.1oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 | $165 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 | 9.5/ 10 |
Ghost 17 - Design
Stack
The Ghost 17 has gained additional cushioning in both the heel and forefoot for the 2025 revision. With the addition of more cushioning in the forefoot, this has meant the heel-to-toe drop of the shoe has been reduced by 2mm.
The reduction of heel drop isn’t noticeable as the overriding point of difference in the shoe comes from the extra cushioning and the feeling it provides.
Thanks to these revisions, the Ghost 17 is now the same heel drop as the Glycerin 22 and has just a 1mm difference in stack height in both the heel and forefoot.
Cushioning - DNA Loft v3
The Ghost 17 once again uses the brand’s DNA Loft v3, nitrogen-infused midsole foam for its cushioning. This somehow manages to feel a little softer in this version than the previous model.
Perhaps Brooks has tweaked the formulation (they don’t say so) or maybe it’s simply down to the revised stack heights and the perception of being softer thanks to having more cushioning under the foot.
Glycerin 22 - Design
Stack
The stack of the Glycerin 22 is now 38mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot. As the maximum stack height (For World Athletics competition) is set at 40mm, anything close to this is now considered to be ‘max-stack’, so I’d consider the Glycerin 22 to be so. This said, at only 1mm less, the Ghost is very close!
Cushioning - DNA Tuned
Where Brooks has managed to maintain a difference between the Ghost and Glycerin models is now thanks to the introduction of their new midsole foam, DNA Tuned. This nitrogen-infused midsole material is manufactured using a different process, which allows different rates of compression to be achieved in different areas of the shoe.
In the heel, the cushioning is softer to absorb the initial impact when running. In the forefoot, the midsole had a distinctly different feel, being springier and more responsive.
The difference is quite obvious when comparing DNA Loft v3 to DNA Tuned, and the new foam does offer a more premium running experience.
Ghost 17
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Glycerin 22
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Fit
Both the Ghost 17 and Glycerin 22 fit true to size. The fit of the Ghost 17 is a little closer than the Ghost 16, but in terms of length and width, I went with my usual size.
The Glycerin 22 is just a little roomier in the toe box area of the shoe. I think this is due to the different jacquard knit mesh upper of the shoe, which offers a little more stretch and wiggle room. This said, with my slim to normal-width feet, the fit was great.
Both the Ghost 17 and Glycerin 22 use premium materials in their construction and are the usual high standard we have come to expect from Brooks.
There is neat, soft padding around the tongue, ankle collar and heel tab of both shoes. The Glycerin 22 goes one step further with an inner padded ankle collar and outer stretch element that is more for design than fit. It’s something we’ve seen in the ASICS Nimbus as well as the Puma Mag Max.
The extra padding of the Glycerin does mean some runners comment on first stepping into the shoes that they feel a little looser around the heel. All quickly get used to this, and I’ve experienced no negative feedback, having sold many pairs in my store this season.
Performance
On the run, the Ghost 17 certainly offers a more premium ride thanks to the additional stack of cushioning. The Ghost 17 is now offering the same DNA Loft V3 midsole that we had in the previous Glycerin, the Glycerin 21.
In order to keep the Glycerin the more premium option, Brooks upgraded the Glycerin 22 to use their newest midsole foam, DNA Tuned.
The difference is again noticeable and another step up from that of the Ghost 17. The additional 1mm stack isn’t making a massive difference here; it’s the tuned midsole foam, being softer in the heel and more responsive in the forefoot. While the Ghost 17 is undeniably a great riding shoe, the Glycerin 22 is a little softer, springier and more responsive. It’s a more versatile feel, being great at slower, easy runs, but also having a little extra ‘pop’ if you pick up the pace.
How Do I Decide?
It has become a rather difficult choice between the Ghost 17 and the Glycerin 22. I have noticed that a large percentage of runners, when comparing the two shoes, do notice the difference between the feel of the two and opt for the Glycerin 22, preferring the slightly softer overall feel.
That said, users of the Ghost 16 notice a similar step-up in cushioning when trying the Ghost 17 and feel it offers an immediately improved ride.
The fit of the two models is similar, perhaps with the Glycerin being slightly more premium in feel, thanks to the double jacquard mesh construction. The Glycerin also offers slightly more padding in the tongue and ankle collar, which again is a minor difference and not a deal breaker. The Ghost is certainly a very high-quality finish.
The Ghost 17 and Glycerin 22 weigh very similarly, with only a few grams between them, so it’s difficult to make this a deciding factor.
From a running experience view, I think the Glycerin performs ever so slightly better. The difference between the heel and forefoot feel makes the shoe a little more lively and more capable for those who switch up the pace on their runs and want a shoe that can handle anything.
My Verdict
Having tried and tested hundreds of shoes over the last twenty or more years, the Brooks Ghost 17 and Glycerin 22 have been the most difficult to decide between.
The Ghost 17 is perhaps currently the best value for money daily training model on the market. Its price, quality and overall performance make it an exceptional value for money shoe.
The Glycerin 22 takes the performance features of the Ghost 17 to the next level, and if money isn’t a major consideration, then it is the best choice. The cushioned feel is great, and the responsive nature of the ride when picking up the pace is second to none in a shoe in this category.
Taking the price out of the equation, choose the Ghost as a versatile daily trainer and the Glycerin as a more luxurious riding shoe.
For plush comfort, go Glycerin, and for workhorse durability, go Ghost.
There isn’t a bad choice between these two models, and I’m rather confident that whichever you end up choosing as your next neutral cushioned training shoe, you’ll enjoy it very much.
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