Brooks Ghost 17 First Run Review: A More Fenced, Reliable Workhorse

Introduction

The Ghost line has long been one of the most popular running shoes around, and the Ghost 17 arrives as the follow-up to a Ghost 16 that made some genuinely meaningful changes to the range. The short version from early running: this still feels unmistakably like a Ghost, just a little more refined.

What Changed with the Ghost 17

Brooks has stuck with the same £135 UK price as the Ghost 16, with a $10 increase in the US. The drop is reduced to 10mm, and there is more DNA Loft v3 foam in both the heel and forefoot. That extra midsole comes with a weight penalty: a UK men’s size 8 comes in just shy of 20g heavier than the same size Ghost 16.

The updated midsole is joined by a RoadAttack rubber outsole that now uses flex grooves, aimed at a smoother ride and smoother heel-to-toe transition. Up top, new double jacquard air mesh delivers comfort and breathability, while the heel cup is more raised to help prevent rubbing or irritation.

Fit and Sizing

In a UK 8.5 / US 9.5, the fit is easy and unfussy: roomy in the toe box with good length and clearance across the top, uppers that flex plenty without feeling baggy, and secure midfoot lockdown. The thick roll-top collar from the Ghost 16 is gone, replaced by a new heel package design that removes the Achilles rubbing that shoe could cause. The raised heel cup, a design borrowed from the Ghost Max line, still gives a sense of support without costing comfort.

One of the Ghost’s key strengths remains fit choice: it comes in four width options, so there should be a fit for almost every runner. The recommendation here is to go true to size, though some runners may prefer a slightly wider option given the snug midfoot.

Ride and Performance

The first outing was close to five miles at a very relaxed pace, plus a few faster segments. Side by side with the Ghost 16, the extra stack and additional DNA Loft v3 foam lift you slightly more off the road, while the older shoe feels more connected to the ground. Crucially, the extra cushioning does not come with a wobbly, unstable feel: the foam remains stable, cushioned and controlled, exactly what you expect from a Ghost.

This is not a shoe with a big, energetic, bounding ride. It ticks over in the background with enough cushion to take the edge off the road, a little bounce, and just enough energy to encourage decent foot turnover. It cruises happily a minute or two below marathon pace and can handle marathon pace miles if needed. It is still a bit heavier than an ideal fast trainer, and there are better options for that kind of work, but it copes.

The takeaway from those first miles: a safe-bet utility shoe, a reliable workhorse that is ideal for long, slow and easy running but can move up a few gears. Compared with the softer, spongey Ghost Max 3, the Ghost 17 adds a snappier, more immediate ride. Grip felt solid on roads and pavements in light rain, though the new outsole design needs longer testing to fully judge in wetter conditions.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The weight increase is the main question mark, though it did not hurt the experience so far. Whether the extra foam makes a big difference is still open, and the flex-groove outsole claims deserve longer-term testing. If you want maximum softness, the Ghost Max 3 offers more of it. Alternatives around the same price include the Hoka Clifton 10, the adidas Pro SL with a faster edge, and the Nomero 18 with more stack. The Puma Velocity Nitro 3, at a lower price, offers similar characteristics with a bit more versatility.

Buying Advice

If you value comfort, protection and reliability over all-out speed, the Ghost 17 delivers exactly that. It is a shoe you can put on knowing precisely what you will get from every run, and it is likely to last a long time. It is not the cheapest daily trainer, but it is more affordable than many alternatives from other brands.

Conclusion

The Brooks Ghost 17 feels like a Ghost and runs like a Ghost, which is no bad thing. The changes are small but they add up to something more: a slightly bigger stack, an improved heel package and more modern styling that makes it feel a little more finessed than the last generation. If you want a no-nonsense, reliable daily trainer, this should be on your 2025 shortlist.