Brooks Ghost 15 vs. 16 vs. 17: Differences and Reviews 2025

Brooks Ghost 15 vs. 16 vs. 17: Comparison Table

Where to Buy Brooks Ghost?

You can purchase Ghost from Brooks Running official website (up to 2% super cash back), their physical stores worldwide, and verified partners. Find your nearest store here.You can also buy from these online retailer below:

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Brooks Ghost 15 Review

The Brooks Ghost has been a perennial favorite in the daily trainer category, and the 15th version aims to keep that trend going. Lightweight DNA LOFT v2 midsole technology, delivers a smooth ride while an improved fit offers distraction-free comfort mile after mile.

Additionally, the upper has been updated with a refined 3D Fit Print to enhance the fit and provide a secure lockdown of the foot. An engineered air mesh upper is 3D printed to ensure perfection and breathability. Start building up your mileage because your Ghost 15 has High Performance Rubber in the heel for extra durable road protection.Whether the calendar calls for a recovery day, easy run, or long run, the Ghost 15 is ready to be the workhorse in your weekly rotation.  

Brooks Ghost 15 Pros and Cons

Brooks Ghost 16 Review

The Ghost 16 has some significant updates. The main difference between the Brooks Ghost 16 and the Brooks Ghost 15 is that the Brooks Ghost 16 features the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, delivering a slightly lighter, softer and more responsive ride. The Ghost 16 now weighs 17 grams lighter than the Ghost 15.

This mid to high mileage running shoe features similar rubber coverage to its predecessor, but with a slightly thinner and lighter outsole. This is achieved without affecting durability thanks to the RoadTack rubber providing increased resistance to heat, friction and abrasion on road surfaces.The engineered air mesh upper allows comfortable ventilation and a secure yet flexible fit.A deeper fit ensures an orthotic-friendly design, but the forefoot itself is narrower than the previous model for a more secure feel in the right places.With multiple widths on offer and a Carbon Neutral certified design to run lighter on the environment, it's easy to find your ideal fit in the Brooks Ghost 16 running shoes.

Brooks Ghost 16 Pros and Cons

Brooks Ghost 17 Review

With version 17, Brooks has dialled things back slightly. The midsole now feels a little less bouncy and a touch plusher, resulting in a smoother transition from heel to forefoot.The Ghost 17 uses an updated version of DNA Loft v3—Brooks’ nitrogen-infused foam. This formulation is sealed to prevent air from escaping and to block water and dirt from getting in, making the midsole more durable and better at maintaining its bounce or energy return over time. While the Ghost 16 felt almost too springy—like bouncing from foot to foot—the Ghost 17 delivers a more controlled, fluid ride.

The Ghost 17 delivers two extra millimeters of stack height (the difference in height between your feet and the ground) in the heel and four extra millimeters in the forefoot, which does two things: adds some extra cushion to your stride and brings the heel-to-toe offset (the difference in height between your heel and forefoot) down from 12 millimeters to 10.It’s minor enough to avoid altering the overall feel of the model, save for slightly smoother heel-to-toe transitions and added comfort underfoot.

The Brooks Ghost 17 still delivers everything a runner could ask for: just the right amount of cushion in midsole, a durable rubber outsole and a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet feeling comfortable mile after mile.For beginner runners, especially those who are still learning what they like in a running shoe, the Ghost 17 serves as a solid starting point. It delivers an "industry standard" experience that allows them to get a feel for running without distraction and from there, explore other models as their preferences develop.

Brooks Ghost 17 Pros and Cons

Brooks Ghost 15 vs. 16 vs. 17: The Key Differences

1. The Upper

The Brooks Ghost 16 has a jacquard double mesh upper in comparison to last year being an engineered construction.It feels a little bit thinner through the forefoot but being double jacquard. The Ghost 17 has a double jacquard air mesh upper.These upper materials are very soft and plush but the 17’s upper feels slightly thinner and more breathable.This makes the 17 more suited to warmer climate.

2. The Midsole

The Ghost 15 has the older DNA Loft v2 midsole which is heavier and firmer.The Ghost 17 and 16 both have DNA Loft v3 midsoles which has nitrogen infused into it to make it lighter and more responsive. The difference in midsole foams results in the 16 and 17 being softer than the 15 and better for long runs. The 15 is better for faster-paced runs because your feet sink down into the midsole less.

On the other hand,the big difference between the 17 and 16 is that the 17 has 2 mm more foam in its forefoot.The result is that the 17 feels softer and more cushioned in its forefoot. This change makes the 17 better for mid-foot or forefoot strikers. The 17 now has a 10 mm drop, which means that the cushioning is more evenly distributed over the length of the midsole.If you need support, the Ghost 17 has better stability. It has a wider base at the forefoot and the heel so foot strikes feel more planted when running in the 17. The 16 is also very stable for a neutral trainer but not as stable as the 17.

3. The Outsole

The outsole of Ghost 16 remains the same like the Ghost 15, and it's good news. They are still thick, almost spanning through the outer, making it durable. The rubber pattern also remains unchanged, featuring several segments, rather than one piece of rubber, which the brand calls is segmented crash pad, put in there to offer smoother transition through the gait.

There's some subtle changes to the outsole of Ghost 17. The flex grooves now rotate slightly more toward the big toe, which gives a more natural feel during the push-off phase. Brooks has also adjusted the heel bevel, which helps with smoother transitions from heel to toe.

Brooks also have added more outsole coverage through the midfoot area to increase contact with the ground and allow the Ghost to continue as a really stable shoe on the market. The outsole pattern through the forefoot continues to offer a natural feel through toe off, making the Ghost 17 a great option for runners and walkers that don't want a stiff rockered shoe which dominates a large portion of the running shoe market today.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

Brooks excels at updating their core models with just enough upgrades to keep them modern and fresh without changing the feel of the shoe.Overall, the Brooks Ghost is an extremely comfortable and versatile shoe. 

If you want a softer trainer for slow runs and for long runs, the Ghost 16 is the shoe for you. It has a midsole foam which provides more energy return than the 15 so it feels more lively. If you want more ground feel, the 16 is also the better option.

The Brooks Ghost 17 doesn’t reinvent the wheel—but the changes they’ve made are meaningful. The slightly lower drop, added forefoot protection, and updated outsole combine to create a smoother, more comfortable ride.If you’re still running in the Ghost 16 and considering the upgrade, we’d say it’s worth it—especially if you’ve felt the 16 lacked a bit of forefoot cushioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Brooks Ghost 15 good for walking all day?

The Brooks Ghost 15 stand out for their comfort right out of the box, and the plush landing you feel with each step. Podiatrists have recommended the Brooks Ghost 15 to mindbodygreen for running, walking, or everyday wear, and specifically for people with high arches or wide feet.

What is the lifespan of the Brooks Ghost 15?

Around 300 to 500 miles.

Is Ghost 16 a stability shoe?

The Ghost 16 is a neutral shoe, but it errs on the side of stability. That's thanks to the crash pads that help direct motion and the lower stack with small sidewalls.

Are Brooks Ghost 16 good for everyday wear?

The Brooks Ghost 16 is a neutral road running shoe designed for everyday use, great for easy runs, long runs and even some slightly quicker stuff. 

Are Brooks Ghost 16 good for flat feet?

For flat feet and supination (foot rolls outward), try the Brooks Ghost 16 since it offers extra support in the midsole and has a soft-blown rubber outsole.

What is Brooks Ghost 17 good for?

The Brooks Ghost 17 is a mid-cushioned, neutral road running shoe—ideal for everyday use and especially comfortable on easy recovery runs and longer efforts alike. 

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