If you’re a runner searching for a reliable, versatile daily trainer who can go the distance in comfort, the Brooks Ghost 15 and Saucony Ride 17 deserve strong consideration. Both trainers provide soft, smooth rides with plenty of cushioning and support to help you log the miles.
Read on to see how they compare in terms of features, and performance testing in areas like walking, running, plantar fasciitis relief, and all-day wear. We’ll help you decide which trainer is the best fit for you.
Similarities And Differences Between Brooks Ghost 15 And Ride 17:
| Feature | Brooks Ghost 15 | Saucony Ride 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2022 | 2024 |
| Stability | Moderate stability features | Neutral |
| Flexibility | Flexible forefoot | Medium flexibility |
| Sizing | Men’s 7-15, 13.5, 14, 17; Women’s 5-12 | Men’s 7-15; Women’s 5-12 |
| Weight | 286 gms (men’s size 9) | 10.6 oz (men’s size 9) |
| Cushion | DNA Loft V2 (soft, smooth) | PWRRUN+ (soft, responsive) |
| Outsole | Harder rubber under heel, blown rubber under forefoot | Carbon rubber |
| Midsole | Full-length DNA Loft V2 | Full-length PWRRUN+ |
| Upper Sole | Engineered mesh (perforated for breathability) | Mesh (breathable) |
| Retail Price | $140 | $140 |
Features Comparison:
Materials:
The Brooks Ghost 15 features a durable blown rubber outsole under the forefoot for flexibility and abrasion resistance on toe-offs. Its DNA Loft V2 EVA foam midsole offers soft, smooth cushioning from heel to toe, while the perforated engineered mesh upper provides breathability.
Meanwhile, the Saucony Ride 17 utilizes PWRRUN+, a lightweight but responsive foam compound, in its full-length midsole. Its carbon rubber outsole aims for traction and durability over varied terrain and an engineered mesh upper improves ventilation.
Durability:
When it comes to standing up to the miles, the Brooks Ghost 15 and Saucony Ride 17 are both made to deliver lasting performance and durability to satisfy high-mileage runners.
The Ghost 15’s DNA Loft V2 foam retains its cushioning properties and springy responsiveness for over 300 miles of wear while its strategic mix of rubber compounds in the outsole prevents early breakdown in high-impact areas. Both models also utilize engineered mesh uppers that resist sagging and wear better than standard mesh materials.
Fit:
Offering a secure midfoot hold, the Brooks Ghost 15 suits neutral runners with medium to wide feet best, though multiple width options improve fit versatility for various foot shapes. Its engineered mesh upper moves naturally while strategically-placed structuring components prevent sloppy fit.
The Saucony Ride 17 fits true-to-size through an adaptable woven mesh upper, giving it the same medium forefoot and midfoot fit suitable for neutral runners. Underfoot, both trainers utilize molded sock liners to better support neutral foot positioning. The Ghost 15 provides a bit more personalized, cradle-like security.
Stability:
While designed for neutral runners, the Brooks Ghost 15 incorporates GUIDERAILS support technology to prevent excessive foot rolling without impeding natural motion.
This gives it moderately more stability than the Saucony Ride 17, which relies on a balanced midsole geometry and 8mm heel drop to encourage neutral foot positioning.
Both offer security from their unified upper structures with the Ghost 15 providing better guidance. However, the Ghost 15 better controls overpronation through its adaptive DNA Loft foam cushioning.
Cushioning:
The Brooks Ghost 15 delivers plush cushioning and shock absorption from its DNA Loft V2 midsole compound. This foam gently compresses under foot strikes and then springs back efficiently to return energy.
In the Ride 17, Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam brings cushy yet lively padding but falls on the firmer end, so the Ghost 15 takes the crown. Both utilize molded sockliners but the DNA Loft V2 technology gives the Ghost 15 superior overall cushioning and protection without losing responsiveness.
Value/Price:
With $140 price tags, runners get value from the Brooks Ghost 15 and Saucony Ride 17 trainers. The Ghost 15 shows value in its DNA Loft V2 platform with long-lasting cushioning and support at no extra cost.
And weighing less while providing plush comfort, the Ghost 15 gives enhanced value. However, the environmentally-friendly PWRRUN+ midsole and extra grip of the Ride 17 provide value too. Overall, both deliver features that justify pricing with value from cushioning or grip.
Performance comparison:
Walking:
While both models provide adequate cushioning for walking, the softer Brooks Ghost 15 better isolates feet from hard impacts to reduce leg fatigue over long distances. Its segmental crash pad also ensures smoother heel-to-toe transitions during slower-paced walking gaits.
However, the Saucony Ride 17’s thinner, firmer PWRRUN+ foam gives it a more natural walking feel through enhanced ground contact and foot flex although extended use can result in soreness without sufficient cushioning.
For all-day wear, the plush Ghost 15 is simply the more comfortable choice for walking but the Ride 17 works fine over shorter distances.
Running:
When picking up the pace into a run, the Brooks Ghost 15 maintains its supremely pillow-like cushioning to take the sting out of repetitive foot strikes over mile after mile resulting in greater comfort and less fatigue during longer efforts.
While the Ride 17 loses some of its responsive advantages during slower walking, the shoe comes alive when running as its firmer density PWRRUN+ foam provides a livelier toe-off and energetic turnover to encourage faster paces.
However, that added firmness can beat up feet over longer distances compared to the relentlessly plush ride DNA Loft V2 foam produces in the Ghost 15.
For marathon training or recovery runs, the Ghost 15 is the clear choice but if you favor shorter, quicker runs or value a nimble feel, the peppier Ride 17 shines bright by adding pop to every step.
Plantar Fasciitis:
Between the two comfortable trainers, the Brooks Ghost 15 provides superior cushioned support for runners struggling with plantar fasciitis flare-ups in their feet.
The DNA Loft V2 platform gently cradles the arch to alleviate pain while eliminating pressure on the sensitive heel with its soft landings. A molded sock liner adds extra arch support as needed.
While still moderately cushioned, the firmer Ride 17 transmits more road vibration through to the foot making it less suitable for managing plantar fasciitis comfort. Runners needing arch support and plush heel cushioning can run pain-free for longer in the Ghost 15.
All-Day Standing:
If you spend long hours on your feet, both the Ghost 15 and Ride 17 supply adequate cushioning to reduce discomfort but the Ghost 15 once again proves superior in this category.
Its DNA Loft V2 midsole retains all-day softness better than the Ride 17’s firm PWRRUN+ cushioning resulting in less fatigue and soreness when wearing the shoe for extended standing or walking periods.
The engineered mesh upper of the Ghost 15 also allows better airflow circulation around the foot for cooler comfort over time in a standing position while the Ride 17’s mesh, though still breathable, can get slightly warm. For jobs or situations requiring hours of standing upright, the Ghost 15 keeps feet most relaxed.
Final Verdict:
The Brooks Ghost 15 and Saucony Ride 17 are both excellent neutral trainers, but which is right for you depends on your priorities. If you want maximum cushioning and support for recovery runs, long distances, or foot pain relief, the Ghost 15 is hard to beat.
Its soft midsole and structured upper provide a smooth, comfortable ride. However, if you prefer a fast, nimble feel for shorter runs or care about eco-friendly materials, the lightweight Ride 17 is a better pick.
While the Ghost 15 takes the lead in cushioning, some may favor the Ride 17’s flexible upper. Evaluate your needs – for versatility and cushion over many miles, the Ghost 15 is the winner, but the Ride 17 shines if you want an agile, natural ride. Choose the shoe that aligns with your running style and goals.