How to Choose Running Shoes

Embrace miles of comfort in the women's Brooks Ghost 17 Road-Running Shoes. Updated with enhanced uppers and midsoles, they balance structure and responsiveness with soft, dynamic cushioning.
Imported.
View the Brooks Ghost Product LineView all Brooks Women's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 10 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 37 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 27 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Engineered air mesh |
Midsole | DNA LOFT v3 |
Outsole | RoadTack HPR Heel rubber |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | |
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U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 |
U.S. Men's | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
EU | 35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45.5 |
Sizes along top of chart are U.S. Women's sizes. Correlating U.S. Men's sizes and EU sizes provided for clarity.
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I’ve just jumped from Ghost 15 up for the 17. The slightly lower heel to toe drop hasn’t been noticeable. Quality is as expected and very comfortable. This is my go to shoe base runs and long runs.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Brooks Ghost 17 has quickly become my “everything” shoe. From marathon training miles to recovery walks, the DNA Loft v3 midsole delivers a soft, responsive ride that keeps my legs feeling fresh. The fit is secure yet comfortable, with a snug heel and breathable mesh upper that stays cool even on long summer runs. I appreciate how smooth the transitions feel—no break-in period, just instant comfort. Whether I’m logging double-digit miles, walking to grab coffee, or even dancing around the kitchen, these shoes keep up. They’re light, versatile, and supportive—exactly what I need for my back-of-the-pack adventures.
I echo many of the other comments on how disappointing this shoe is. I wear a narrow and there is such a limited amount of choices in shoes for me. The 15 and even the 16 were good for my narrow foot, but the 17 is horrible, I can barely wear them for more than 7 hours (work in an ED and on my feet all day). The others were great, but my heel slips and the toe box on the narrow is wide. Even my legs hurt after trying to wear these. I use to wear Adrenaline, but that has also changed. There are already so few choices for those who wear narrow shoes. I originally bought 2 pair of these as narrow go fast, but ended up sending the second pair back.
Brooks did a great job with these, going back to the slightly narrower toe box that the 15’s had. I found the 16’s toe box to be too paddle-like, and it made my custom made inserts shift when I walked or ran, also causing a weird squeaking nose that I hated. The new 17’s are all-around very similar to the 15’s with two notable differences: a cushier sole and a raised tab at the heel. I’m unclear what the purpose of the heel tab is—maybe to pull them on easier?—but regardless, this is a much comfier, better-fitting shoe than the 16! If you have wide feet, I’d suggest ordering a wide, but for my narrow-to-average-width foot, they are perfect! Love the black and purple color way, it’s even better in person! Bravo Brooks.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As a teacher in marathon training, I’m a big fan of the Ghost 17 as my daily shoe. I notice my recovery has improved so much since I started wearing these to work where I’m on my feet all day. I really love how many color options are available because paired with a suit I feel professional and comfortable. I also like them for my base mileage running. I have a bone drift and these provide good support.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Ghost has been my tried-and-true since the 14, and I truly think this is the best version yet. Great for everyday use and recovery runs but enough turnover for faster tempo days. The only thing is that I sometimes get a callus from them, but overall, I think these shoes are awesome. I'll likely purchase another pair as I've already put 250 miles on these, but they're still in great shape!
I'm not a runner, but I picked up these Brooks shoes because I liked how they looked. I've always worn ASICS, so I was a bit nervous about switching brands. When I first tried them on, the soles felt different—almost like there were bubbles inside, probably designed to absorb impact while running. It took a couple of days to get used to that sensation, but now I don’t notice it at all, which is a big plus for me. I mainly use these for gym workouts, and they’ve been really comfortable. No issues with support or fit, and they’ve held up well. Overall, I’m happy with the purchase and would definitely recommend them, even if you're not a runner like me.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is my favorite Ghost yet! I wasn’t in love with the last two versions, but the 17 is amazing! I use them as an easy run shoe as well as for daily use. They’re a perfect travel shoe too. I wore them all day at Disney World!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These are my go to shoes, I’m a 36 year old mom who coaches baseball, helps at school, runs all over, I am constantly on my feet. These are great for my back, I have lower back pain and I don’t have any issues while wearing these shoes. I workout in the mornings with my husband and my feet have never felt better! I love this shoe in black, the material holds up so well and they look great with jeans! I have gotten so many compliments on them already! I have a higher arch and these are so great! I would highly recommend these!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love the enhanced cushioning of the Ghost 17. They feel great and responsive on all types of runs—from speed sessions and tempos to long runs and recovery runs.