How to Choose Running Shoes

Embrace miles of comfort in the men's Brooks Ghost 17 Road-Running Shoes. Updated with enhanced uppers and midsoles, they balance structure and responsiveness with soft, dynamic cushioning.
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Imported.
View the Brooks Ghost Product LineView all Brooks Men'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. 4.21 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
U.S. Women's | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | ||||||
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 48.5 | 49.5 | 50.5 |
Sizes along top of chart are U.S. Men's sizes. Correlating U.S. Women's sizes and EU sizes provided for clarity.
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I've been using the Ghost 17 for the past couple of months and, overall, they’ve been a fantastic upgrade from the previous version. The enhanced midsole and 10 mm drop offer noticeable improvements in comfort and responsiveness, especially compared to the Ghost 16. However, one issue I’ve encountered is the unusually fast wear of the outsole rubber. After just two months of moderate use, the forefoot area has become noticeably slick—a level of wear I’ve not experienced with other running shoes in such a short timeframe. I’ve attached a couple of photos highlighting the worn areas for reference. While the cushioning and ride quality are excellent, the rapid outsole deterioration raises concerns about the shoe's long-term durability.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Ghost 17 shoes honestly exceeded my expectations. They are extremely comfortable, with excellent cushioning and great traction. I ordered my usual size, and they fit as expected. I got the solid black color and really like that they match everything. Since I got these shoes a few weeks ago, I've been wearing them every day, wherever I go. I recently wore them during a full day of walking at the zoo, and my feet felt great the whole time. I've even hiked a few trails in them (as you can tell by the photos). I've been really impressed with these shoes and would highly recommend them!
The Ghost has been the very best running and walking shoe I have ever used and I have used them all! First and foremost the fit, (narrow) has been flawless. I do use an orthotic, go up half a size and the shoe is the most comfortable and functioning running and walking shoe on the market. The neutral support aided by the orthotic insert offers stable foot control, proper knee alignment and superior cushioning. There simply is no other shoe offered that provides this kind of comfort with miles of pain free running. Please offer two color styles going forward for us narrow feet runners!
I’m very disappointed in the quality of my Ghost 17s. I bought my pair in mid June and walk anywhere from 1-2miles a day on them. Today, end of July, the treads are almost completely worn and slick. Compared to another pair from another manufacturer, that I bought to train months before, they are considerably better. Stay away from these. If you do buy them, get a very supportive insole. Without an insole, they feel like you’re walking on concrete bricks.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Brooks Ghost 17 shoes have been an absolute dream to wear on runs and also while slowing down and going on walks with my little ones. I wear a 9.5 and they fit true to size, my feet were somewhat sore in the first few days of wearing them but all shoes need broken in and now they are my go to’s. The black design is sleek and pairs well with even an everyday outfit. The fabric is well made and hasn’t shown any signs of wear even though it’s been my daily used shoe. I’ve always struggled finding a shoe that doesn’t cause a blister on my heel after longer runs and I haven’t had one since wearing these. I loved the cloud like feel to them while wearing them. They are 10/10 my favorite running shoes I’ve used!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] First time trying Brook shoe brand and my husband said he is so surprise that this Ghost 17 is soft, conmfortable and suitable for standing long period of time (his job required a lot of walking and standing). The design looks simple yet great to mix match with any style of clothes. The fit is just right, not too long or narrow width, I would say it is true to size so you don't have to size up or down. The fabric feels soft and thick enough to protect feet from getting wet while running or walking under the rain. What I like the most is that the sole has thick layer of cushion to support body weight and make my husband feel confortable. Definitely recommend to everyone! One of the best shoe out there that you must try!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] If you’re looking for a reliable, great looking shoe for your runs and cross training needs, look no more! This shoe is supportive, noticeably light weight and is very comfortable for running, cross training at the gym and for a day out and about. I got the black on black color and love how they look. I’ve been using this shoe for about 3 weeks now and would recommend them. They run true to size. The heel height on this shoe is a bit higher than other running shoes I’ve used in the past, but it does not bother me and does not impact my run performance at all. Overall, I thought this shoe was great and can’t wait to keep using them!
I am an over weight travel nurse that loves to hike. My wife and I travel all over my biggest problem, foot wear. I’ve tried all kinds of shoes, I also have Morten’s Neuroma that I’ve had unsuccessful cut out of my foot. So my feet hurt all the time. I came across this add on FB and was like what the heck let’s try these. The Ghost 17’s are amazing I can walk the farthest I’ve been able to in awhile. Now they don’t cure chronic foot pain so when I take them off and walk bare foot it still hurt but when they are on it’s like walking on pillows.
This is the best road trainer I have ever experienced from Brooks (and I have been running in Brooks for many years). Last year, I felt like I needed a little more cushion for the winter and I went with the Glycerin 21. It was a great shoe as well, but I always felt like it was a little much in the way of cushioning. This summer I returned to the Ghost. The Ghost 17 has more cushioning than the 16, but less than the Glycerin. It's like a Glycerin Lite. The perfect amount of cushion. The added cushioning in the forefoot is noticeable and was needed. Also, decreasing the drop to 10mm is a positive change. Highly recommend!
I was in dire need for a good pair of walking shoes while visiting Alaska in early May of 2025. I was so grateful that Anchorage had a REI. as expected, the store was inviting and so were the REI members, even though the store was busy, we were attended to in a timely manner. I was shown a variety of shoes that I liked and after much consideration, and patience on the part of the REI member, chose the Books Men Ghost 17 Road-Running shoes. I wore these out of the store and have been pleased with this purchase ever since. These shoes are very comfortable and functional. They seem to be extremely durable as well.