Brooks Ghost 17 vs Brooks Ghost AMP:
Which to Choose

These two share more than they differ — both are neutral, non-plated trainers with a broad, planted platform, matching 4/6 cushioning and 4/6 stability, and the same best-distance range of 10K, half, and full marathon. The gap opens up in the midsole and the geometry. The Ghost 17 uses DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-infused foam tuned to feel soft, controlled, and durable rather than bouncy; its ride is even and quiet with no rocker rushing you along, which is exactly why it rates a moderate 3/6 for responsiveness and can feel a touch flat when you push the pace. The Ghost AMP swaps in DNA HYPE, a nitrogen-infused PEBA/EVA supercritical foam, and adds SpringRamp forefoot geometry for a rolling, springier toe-off — hence its higher 5/6 responsiveness and a ride that actually rewards leaning into tempo, though without a plate it still has a ceiling and never turns truly snappy. Geometry differs too: the Ghost 17 runs a tall 12mm drop that favors heel-strikers and eases the calves over long miles, while the AMP sits lower at 8mm (Brooks lists 6mm) for a more balanced stride, even though the two have similar overall stack heights. The AMP is also the lighter shoe — around 249g in a men's sample versus roughly 289g for the Ghost 17 — which reinforces the difference in intent: the Ghost 17 leans toward plush, long-lasting steadiness, the AMP toward a nimbler, more energetic daily ride.