Brooks Womens Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - Everyday Cushioned Ride

Our review of the Brooks Womens Ghost 17 finds it is a dependable everyday running shoe for women who want consistent comfort and smooth transitions mile after mile. Built as an update to the Ghost 16, the Ghost 17 adds extra nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning in both the heel and forefoot to keep runs feeling cushioned without becoming sluggish. It is also certified for diabetic-friendly fit and carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance, making it a sensible choice for walkers and runners seeking long-term comfort and supportive performance.

Key Features

• Extra cushioning: Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 adds 1mm in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot for softer landings and sustained comfort during long days on the road.
• Neutral support: Designed as a neutral shoe, it provides balanced cushioning and is suitable for a wide range of runners and walkers without forcing gait correction.
• Smooth transitions: The redesigned midsole with precise flex grooves improves toe-off and helps maintain momentum through each stride.
• Breathable upper: Double jacquard air mesh offers airflow and adapts to foot movement for a snug, breathable fit during high-intensity or everyday use.
• Durable outsole: A rubber compound made with recycled silica balances durability and responsive rebound for reliable traction on roads and paths.
• Health certifications: Certified PDAC A5500 for diabetic use and granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance, giving extra assurance for foot health.

Who It's For

The Ghost 17 is ideal for women who run or walk regularly and value cushioned comfort that still feels responsive. It works well as an everyday trainer for road running, gym sessions, travel, and cross training, and is a solid pick for those who appreciate a shoe cleared for diabetic-friendly use and foot health benefits.

Runners seeking maximal stability for overpronation or a minimalist, zero-drop feel should look elsewhere. Also, those needing a very wide toe box may want to try on the shoe first, since feedback on fit and toe box width is mixed across users.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Outstanding long-run comfort from upgraded DNA Loft v3 cushioning that remains lightweight.
• Improved midsole flex grooves create noticeably smoother transitions and easier toe-off.
• Breathable double jacquard mesh upper keeps feet cool while providing a supportive fit.
• Certified for diabetic-friendly use and accepted by the APMA, offering extra confidence for foot health.

Cons

• Some customers report the toe box feels narrow and the shoe can run small for certain foot shapes.
• Neutral design is not suited for runners who need strong motion control or extra medial support.

Specifications

Model	Ghost 17 (women)
Cushioning	Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3
Cushion change	+1mm heel, +3mm forefoot vs predecessor
Support	Neutral
Upper	Double jacquard air mesh with kick-back collar
Outsole	Rubber compound with recycled silica
Health seals	PDAC A5500 diabetic certified; APMA Seal of Acceptance

Our Verdict

The Brooks Womens Ghost 17 is a reliable everyday trainer that blends plush, updated DNA Loft v3 cushioning with smooth transitions and breathable comfort, making it good value for runners and walkers who prioritize comfort and foot health certifications. Try it if you want a comfortable, versatile road shoe; size trials are recommended for those with wider toes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for walking as well as running?
The Ghost 17 is suitable for both running and walking, offering cushioned comfort and support for everyday use.

Do they run true to size?
Fit is mixed; many find them true to size but some users report a narrower toe box and recommend trying them on if concerned about width.

Is this shoe good for diabetic foot care?
Yes, the Ghost 17 is certified PDAC A5500 and has the APMA Seal of Acceptance, indicating suitability for diabetic-friendly footwear needs.