Running shoes · Ranked #13 of 13 · Best for beginners

Brooks Ghost 17

79
Mixed
Average of 9 professional reviews
7 of 9 recommend it · critics split
Where the 9 reviews landedRange 54–90
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 79.0 · 4 printed, 5 estimated · printed scores only: 81

Brooks Ghost 17Image: Brooks

9 professional reviewers tested the Brooks Ghost 17, and 7 recommend it. Most praised: comfort and cushioning and performance. Most common complaint: fit.

Reviewed by Run to the Finish, RunRepeat, RunningShoesGuru and 6 more

The catch: The ride is dull, with little energy return.

5 of these 9 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.

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What 9 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    Run to the FinishHands-on review · 2025

    A dependable, durable daily trainer that now feels softer and more stable and is a clear improvement over the Ghost 16.

    Read Run to the Finish review
  2. 83
    RunRepeatHands-on review · 2026

    A lab-tested review that scores the Ghost 17 as Great for comfort, stability and durability.

    Read RunRepeat review
  3. 80
    RunningShoesGuruHands-on review · 2025

    The best Ghost yet, with softer cushioning, stable ride and premium upper, though heavier and priced too high for an EVA midsole.

    Read RunningShoesGuru review
  4. 70
    OutdoorGearLabHands-on review · 2026

    The reviewers see a dependable, firm and structured daily trainer with a familiar fit and durable build.

    Read OutdoorGearLab review
  5. 89est.
    Runner's WorldNo printed score · Hands-on review

    Wear-testers and the writer found the Ghost 17 a reliably comfortable daily trainer with extra cushioning, and a good pick for beginners.

    Read Runner's World review
  6. 83est.
    The IndependentNo printed score · Buying guide

    Picked as the best road shoe for women, offering plush yet supportive cushioning that suits everyday miles and comes in four widths.

    Read The Independent review
  7. 83est.
    The StrategistNo printed score · Buying guide

    Listed among everyday trainers, with a staff writer calling it her go-to shoe for its roomy toebox that accommodates bunions.

    Read The Strategist review
  8. 79est.
    The Run TestersNo printed score · Video review · 2024

    The Brooks Ghost 17 is a reliable, comfortable, and stable daily trainer that offers a consistent ride.

    Read The Run Testers review
  9. 54est.
    Believe in the RunNo printed score · Video review · 2024

    The Brooks Ghost 17 is a reliable, everyday trainer that offers a comfortable and durable ride.

    Read Believe in the Run review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

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From YouTube channels we vetted by hand. Videos paid for by the brand are never listed.

What critics praise most

Comfort and cushioning7 of 9
Performance4 of 9
Build quality4 of 9

What critics dislike most

Fit3 of 9
Size and weight3 of 9

Other running shoes critics rate highly

Compare the Brooks Ghost 17 with another product →

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Brooks Ghost 17 worth it?

Most critics think so: 7 of 9 recommend it. The ride is dull, with little energy return.

Do critics agree about the Brooks Ghost 17?

Critics split: scores range from 54 (Believe in the Run) to 90 (Run to the Finish), a spread of 36 points across 9 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.

What do critics dislike about the Brooks Ghost 17?

Fit (3 of 9 reviews), Size and weight (3 of 9 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Brooks Ghost 17?

The Hoka Skyflow (critic score 88), top pick, narrowly.