If I had to pick one shoe to represent what The Brick is all about, it might be the Brooks Ghost. Not because it's the flashiest or the most expensive — but because it does exactly what a running shoe should do, and it does it for almost everyone who walks through our door.
The Do-Everything Shoe
The Ghost 17 is Brooks' flagship neutral daily trainer, and version 17 is the best one yet. Brooks kept what works — the smooth heel-to-toe transition, the reliable fit, the versatility — and upgraded the DNA LOFT v2 cushioning to be softer and more responsive than the Ghost 16. It's the kind of shoe that disappears on your foot. You lace up, you run, you forget about your shoes. That's the highest compliment a running shoe can get.
Who We Fit in the Ghost
Honestly? Almost everyone at some point. The Ghost is our number one recommendation for:
- New runners who don't know what they need yet. The Ghost is forgiving and neutral — it lets your foot do its thing without forcing a correction.
- Daily milers who want one shoe that handles easy days, long runs, and everything in between.
- Walkers and nurses who are on their feet all day and need cushion without bulk.
- Returning runners getting back into it after time off. The Ghost makes the comeback feel good.
At our Thursday group runs, I'd estimate a third of the crew is wearing Ghosts at any given time. There's a reason for that.
What Sets It Apart
The fit. Brooks nailed the last on the Ghost years ago and they've refined it with each version. It runs true to size, the toe box has just enough room without being sloppy, and the engineered mesh upper breathes without sacrificing structure. During fittings at The Brick, the Ghost is the shoe that gets the most "oh wow, that feels great" reactions right out of the box.
The cushion. DNA LOFT v2 gives you a soft landing without that marshmallow-sinking feeling some maximalist shoes have. It's responsive enough for tempo runs but cushioned enough for recovery days. Brooks found the sweet spot.
The durability. We consistently hear from customers who put 400-500 miles on their Ghosts before needing a new pair. That's excellent for a shoe at this price point. The rubber outsole holds up on pavement, and the upper doesn't break down prematurely.
Ghost vs. the Competition
People always ask how the Ghost compares to other neutral trainers. Here's the quick version:
- Ghost vs. HOKA Clifton: The Clifton is softer and has more stack height. If you want maximum cushion, go Clifton. If you want a more traditional, versatile ride, go Ghost.
- Ghost vs. On Cloudmonster: The Cloudmonster is bouncier and more playful. The Ghost is smoother and more predictable. Different vibes — both great.
- Ghost vs. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080: Very similar shoes honestly. The 1080 runs slightly wider and plusher. Try both on and go with whichever hugs your foot better.
- Ghost vs. Saucony Ride 18: Another close call. The Ride is slightly lighter and more flexible. The Ghost has a touch more structure. Both are daily trainer royalty.
The Bottom Line
The Brooks Ghost 17 retails for $140, which makes it one of the best values in running right now. It's not trying to be a carbon-plated racer or a maximalist cloud shoe. It's trying to be the most reliable daily trainer you can buy — and it succeeds.
Come try them on at The Brick. We have the full size run in men's and women's, and we'll make sure the fit is right. That's what we do.
