REASONS TO BUY
Reliable
Stable
Durable
Well-tractioned
Many width options
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the most exciting
Brooks Ghost 17 - Women's Review
While not flashy or high-tech, this shoe's reliability makes it a trustworthy option for runners
For reliability and firm underfoot comfort, the new iteration of the Brooks Ghost is a total hit.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
Previous Brooks Ghost fans will love the new 17 iteration Brooks put forward. With upgraded materials, updated midsole foam, and the fit that Brooks devotees have long loved, the new Ghost is primed for action. This shoe offers security, stability, and a whole lot of reliability for logging daily miles. It isn't the most exciting shoe in the bunch, but its steadfastness makes up for its lack of pizzazz. While this Brooks offering lacks the technology and energy of many leading running shoes on the market, its new design is a solid upgrade in terms of running functionality.
Our Analysis and Test Results
This 10 mm drop road running shoe offers a traditional fit that feels familiar from the moment you pull it out of the box. It doesn't offer much midsole bounce or excitement, but it is a reliable and durable shoe that offers a firmer approach to daily training.
Weighing just under 8 ounces for a women's size 6.5, this 10 mm drop road shoe provides a traditional, familiar fit right out of the box.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
The Brooks Ghost 17 is pretty firm for a well-cushioned road running shoe. It feels utilitarian underfoot, as if Brooks decisively created a protective but not soft road runner.
The Ghost delivers a no-nonsense, sturdy feel underfoot, built as a protective yet firm road running shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
With a total heel stack of 36 mm and a 10 mm drop, this traditionally shaped running shoe offers plenty of material between your feet and the pavement. The rigidity of Brooks' midsole DNA Loft v3 doesn't squish or give way underfoot, which is nice for runners who want a firmer ride. Those seeking a pillowy soft landing pad will find that the Ghost isn't quite gentle enough.
The tried-and-true Ghost presents a straightforward, durable option for runners seeking a no-frills road shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
Brooks isn't known for utilizing fancy technology in their uppers, and the Ghost 17 upholds that pattern. The upper is made of engineered mesh and offers enough softness in high-wear areas. As is often the case with simplistic uppers, this one runs a bit warm. We never had any issues with this during our testing runs, but noticed that the forefoot gets quite toasty. Overall, the Ghost is a worthy shoe to consider if you want a no-nonsense approach to road running shoes.
Even without a formal guidance system, its bilateral structure and overall build provide ample stability.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
The Brooks Ghost 17 is a stable shoe, as it has always been. This shoe offers a strong sense of connectedness to the ground while providing a strong enough structure to feel secure. Even without a guidance system, the bilateral structures of this shoe feel plenty secure. The ride of the Ghost is neutral, but the support side walls add a touch of stability that many runners may enjoy.
The shoe has a noticeably hefty feel in motion, which limits its versatility, making it better suited for daily mileage than for speed-focused workouts.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
This version of the Brooks Ghost is slightly heavier than the last, weighing in at 7.94 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe. The build of the shoe feels quite hefty while in motion, which limits the Ghost's versatility; it is well-suited for daily mileage, rather than speedwork.
During testing, the traction of the Ghost remained consistent, and the shoe performed especially well on mellow runs in light rain or drizzly conditions.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Traction
Brooks does a great job of offering texturized outsoles that grip across most paved surfaces. We never had any issues with the traction while running, and we grew to prefer it for mellow runs on drizzly days.
Runners seeking a firm, supportive, and dependable daily trainer will appreciate the Ghost's reliability, while those aiming to boost leg turnover and speed may find it less responsive, even with Brooks' geometric updates.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost 17?
The Brooks Ghost 17 is not a shoe that will be universally beloved. Runners who like the idea of a firm, supportive, and productive shoe will enjoy the reliability of this Brooks mainstay. Runners who are interested in pushing their leg turnover to increase their speed will find that, despite Brooks' geometric upgrades, the Ghost still falls pretty flat.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If stability is what you are after, we don't hesitate to recommend the updated Asics Gel-Kayano 32. With a much softer profile, the Gel-Kayano 32 offers stability combined with softness and a more streamlined shape, enhancing its versatility. If a Brooks shoe is a must, and you want something built for certain stability, the Adrenaline GTS 24 is a well-built route to consider going. The Asics Novablast 5 is a far bouncier and more versatile shoe to consider. The Novablast is our testing team's favorite for all types of road running, as it offers foot-surrounding comfort and a smooth, energetic ride.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Brooks Ghost 17 - Women's versus top competing products:
—Ally Arcuri
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