Comparison Overview
The Brooks Ghost 17 is the latest evolution of the Ghost 16 line. We recommend the Ghost 16 for most runners.
How the Brooks Ghost 16 and Brooks Ghost 17 differ
The Brooks Ghost 16 and the Brooks Ghost 17 are both daily trainer shoes from Brooks, which makes this a classic same-line comparison: same design language, similar fit philosophy, but meaningful changes in feel and intended use.
Where they actually differ: the Brooks Ghost 16 comes in roughly 0.3 oz lighter (9.8 oz vs 10.1 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (12mm on the Brooks Ghost 16, 10mm on the Brooks Ghost 17) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Brooks Ghost 16 rides on the taller stack (36mm/24mm vs 32mm/22mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the Brooks Ghost 16 is $10 cheaper at MSRP ($140 vs $150).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Brooks Ghost 16 | Brooks Ghost 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Brooks | Brooks |
| Model | Ghost 16 | Ghost 17 |
| Category | daily trainer | daily trainer |
| Weight | 9.8 oz | 10.1 oz |
| Drop | 12mm | 10mm |
| Price | $140 | $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Brooks Ghost 16 or the Brooks Ghost 17?
- The Brooks Ghost 16 is the lighter shoe at 9.8 oz versus 10.1 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Brooks Ghost 16 is the more affordable option at $140 compared to $150.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Brooks Ghost 16 has a 12mm drop and the Brooks Ghost 17 has a 10mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Brooks Ghost 16 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Brooks Ghost 17 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.