Running Shoes Buying Guide

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 Shoes| Best Use | Running |
|---|---|
| Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate 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 |
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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.
When I was told I needed orthotics put into my shoes I was lost. Then someone mentioned Ghost 17 D fitting. So tried one pair and they fit perfectly with orthotics. I have four pairs so I can wear different colours. Honestly try them you will be impressed.
I have loved wearing Brooks Ghost running shoes for the past 10+ years! Always so comfortable and lightweight. Very disappointed in the newest ghost 17 as they definitely look and feel more narrow. I tried running for a couple of weeks in these shoes and the left shoe especially felt so tight on the top of my foot near the big toe. I tried re-lacing and it still felt the same. Then I took the lace completely out and I could still feel the shoe pressing in the same area. Not a fan of the redesign and will sadly have to find a different shoe to try. Please bring back the older designs as they were all pretty amazing! Loved the 16s...you can see in the picture how the ghost 17 (black) compares to the ghost 16 (fuchsia color). Noticeably longer and narrow in new design.
[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.
The ghost 17 are not as comfortable as other Brooks. They don’t have cushion so it feels like you are walking without shoes on concrete. Usually I am size 6.5 but I ordered size 7 and they fit me just perfect but they are on the narrow side. I thought I ordered the black ones but I guess I accidentally ordered the new color spellbound/skyway and I don’t like the color. Also the material looks very cheap. I used them to go for walks and I usually walk 6 miles without an issue. I used them yesterday and I only walk four miles because my feet started hurting. The ghost 17 are definitely not for me.
I have purchased women’s Ghost 14,15,16s and 17s and have always raved about these shoes to anyone who commented on how much they loved mine; however, I agree with previous review on how they changed the 17s and they are stiffer. The new DNA loft design injected with nitrogen is comfortable at first only and your legs hurt as the hours pass during the day. Something not experienced in previous editions. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it “. Please bring the old Ghost design back so I don’t have to look for new shoes. I’m in the medical field and have been a faithful Brooks customer for years.
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.
The addition of stiff plastic reinforcements to the top lace holes is problematic. I’ve worn Ghost’s for years and have never been disappointed until this model. The stiff, thick plastic around the upper lace holes is unnecessary and super uncomfortable. It has no give and drives into my foot with each step. I’ve never experienced this in a sneaker before and hope it gets removed for the Ghost 18’s.
As I’ve aged my feet have widened and this is my first pair of Ghost in wide. The fit is great and it is a comfortable shoe that can wear on a 12 hour shift running around a veterinary hospital. I easily do my 10000 steps a day. My only complaint is that it only comes in neutral colors. In vet med white or very light color is a bad idea. Plus in the PNW well it’s wet and who just wants splatter mud, blacktop showing on their shoes. Black is just way too hot when it’s sunny out and your feet start sweating. I would love an amazing purple in wide. I still wear my old Ghost that were a purple with leopard print sole while doing chores.