Brooks Ghost 17 vs Glycerin 23
Ghost 17 or Glycerin 23? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a dependable shoe for almost any run? Get the Ghost 17.
Want plush, pillowy comfort? Get the Glycerin 23.
Get the Ghost 17 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
- You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.5 oz
Get the Glycerin 23 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You need a roomier fit
- You like a bit more structure under the forefoot
On the run
Ghost 17: The no-surprises workhorse. Balanced cushioning that’s a touch firm, with a little bounce and a flexible forefoot. It won’t wow you. It just works, run after run.
Glycerin 23: The plush luxury cruiser. Deep, plush cushioning with a soft heel. It’s built for comfort, not speed, and the forefoot needs a couple dozen miles to loosen up.
Specs side by side
| Ghost 17 | Glycerin 23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.95 (was $140) | $174.95 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 36.5 / 26.5mm* | 38 / 30mm* |
| Drop | 10mm* | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10.1 oz* | 10.6 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.9 oz* | 9.5 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Ghost 17. True to size but fitted: the toebox tapers and the instep is low, so loosen the laces if your midfoot is sensitive. Narrow through extra-wide.
Glycerin 23. Runs slightly short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. Roomy forefoot with more toe height than the 22; the stretchy upper can feel loose on narrow feet. Wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Ghost 17 · Shop the Glycerin 23 · Compare other running shoes