Brooks Womens Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe - Smooth (Style S6ZB)

Our review of the Brooks Womens Ghost 17 finds it is best for runners and walkers who want a dependable daily trainer that balances softness and responsiveness. The single biggest reason to buy is the updated nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which adds extra softness in the heel and forefoot so miles feel more comfortable from start to finish. It also carries practical certifications for foot health, making it a strong choice for anyone seeking both comfort and sensible design in an everyday road shoe.

Key Features

• Enhanced Cushioning: The midsole uses nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 with an extra 1mm in the heel and 3mm in the forefoot to deliver a softer, more comfortable ride on each run or walk.
• Neutral Support: Designed as a neutral shoe, it offers balanced cushioning without added stability hardware, suitable for runners with a neutral gait.
• Smooth Transitions: Precise flex grooves in the newly designed midsole promote a natural toe-off and smoother stride transitions during faster paces or long efforts.
• Breathable Upper: The double jacquard air mesh upper improves airflow and adapts to the foot for a snug, breathable fit during long workouts or travel.
• Durable Outsole: A rubber outsole made with recycled silica provides resilience and a responsive rebound while keeping weight low for road running and gym use.
• Health Certifications: Certified PDAC A5500 as a diabetic shoe and bearing the APMA Seal of Acceptance, offering reassurance to buyers prioritizing foot health.

Who It's For

The Ghost 17 is ideal for everyday runners and walkers who want predictable, plush cushioning for road miles, gym sessions, and travel. Its neutral platform and improved DNA Loft v3 make it a reliable choice for people who value comfort, breathability, and smooth gait transitions without extra stability features.

Runners who need strong motion control or custom orthotic-specific last shapes should look elsewhere, and those expecting a very wide toe box may want to try them on first since customer feedback on fit is mixed. The shoe is also a good fit for people who appreciate certified foot-health features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, soft but responsive DNA Loft v3 cushioning that feels good for daily use.
• Breathable double jacquard air mesh upper keeps feet cool during activity.
• Durable rubber outsole with recycled silica balances durability and rebound for road surfaces.
• APMA and PDAC A5500 certifications add confidence for foot-health conscious buyers.

Cons

• Fit runs mixed for some customers, with a few reporting the shoe feels a bit tight; try on before committing.
• Not intended for runners who require built-in stability or motion-control features.

Specifications

Model	Ghost 17 (successor to Ghost 16)
Cushioning	Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 (extra 1mm heel, 3mm forefoot)
Support	Neutral
Upper	Double jacquard air mesh with kick-back collar
Outsole	Rubber compound with recycled silica
Certifications	PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe, APMA Seal of Acceptance
Environmental	Certified carbon neutral product

Our Verdict

The Brooks Womens Ghost 17 is a trustworthy daily trainer that delivers soft, consistent cushioning and breathable comfort for road running, walking, and gym use. With health-minded certifications and refined midsole transitions, it is a good value for runners who want a comfortable, neutral shoe; those needing extra width or stability should try before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for long runs?
The enhanced DNA Loft v3 cushioning and smooth midsole transitions make the Ghost 17 well suited for longer road runs for neutral runners.

Do they work for walking and cross training?
Yes, customers report they perform well for walking, travel, and gym sessions thanks to breathable upper and balanced cushioning.

How does the fit run?
Fit is mixed in reviews; many find true to size but some experience a slightly snug fit, so try them on if possible.