They’re the best release yet in the Ghost lineup. The Brooks Ghost 16 were our former top overall pick, but they’ve been usurped by the updated model, the Ghost 17. This design has everything we loved about the Ghost 16 — namely an incredible balance of support and cushioning — but now has more padding and a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop, allowing for a smoother gait.
They have every feature our podiatrists want to see. Brooks’ Ghost 17 sneakers have everything podiatrists say is ideal for the best shoes for standing all day: lightweight cushioning, heel stability, a rigid sole, and a breathable mesh upper. Plus, the insoles are removable if you need to add more arch support.
Importantly, they lace up. Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a Maryland-based podiatric surgeon with Foot Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, says lace-up shoes offer better support for standing all day compared to slip-ons.
They’re comfortably cushioned, but firm enough for long shifts. Our chef tester wore these shoes over a dozen 10-hour kitchen shifts, while I wore them on multiple 12-hour travel days and full city sight seeing. On all occasions, the Brooks Ghosts proved to deliver an outstanding balance of comfort and support.
The midsoles have the same DNA Loft v3 foam as the previous model, but now with about 1-3 millimeters more foam in key areas (especially the forefoot). These shoes felt lightweight and slightly springy while maintaining a medium amount of plushness under the ball of the foot.
They’re our top pick overall because they’re much more supportive than most well-cushioned shoes. The firm, stable heel cup works to prevent joints from feeling fatigued eight hours into a kitchen shift, according to our chef tester. He raved about how much support they offer for the knees and lower back.
They’re breathable, even in the waterproof version. The Ghost 17s are engineered with mesh that feels breathable and a touch more structured than the waterproof version. Even after wearing these for hours on my feet, the shoe didn’t feel overly stuffy or hot.
Nevertheless, the waterproof Ghost 16 GTX sneakers are still a good option for messy restaurant shifts or drizzly weather. The Gore-Tex membranes were effective at keeping our chef tester dry amid spills and splashes.
