Head-to-Head Comparison
Brooks Ghost 17 vs Nike Vomero Plus: Value vs Performance
The Vomero Plus offers top-tier 67-68% energy return, but documented lace loop defects and $30 premium make the reliable Ghost 17 the better choice for most runners seeking proven value.
Nike
Nike Vomero Plus
7.7
$180VS
Winner
Brooks
Brooks Ghost 17
8.4
$150R3 Research Verdict
The Vomero Plus offers top-tier 67-68% energy return, but documented lace loop defects and $30 premium make the reliable Ghost 17 the better choice for most runners seeking proven value.
Updated Jan 22, 20267 attributes comparedBy R3 Research Team
The Verdict
Research-backed recommendation
The Ghost 17 wins on value and reliability. Yes, the Vomero Plus has better energy return—but it costs $30 more, has documented QC issues with lace loops, and doesn't last as long. The Ghost's Running Warehouse award, 90-day return policy, and proven durability make it the smarter choice for most runners.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Quick summary of each product's strengths and weaknesses
Nike
Nike Vomero Plus
Pros
- Better Price
- Better Build Quality
- Better Return Policy
- Better Industry Award
Cons
- Loses on Energy Return
- Loses on Versatility
Brooks
Brooks Ghost 17
Winner
Pros
- Better Energy Return
- Better Versatility
Cons
- Loses on Price
- Loses on Build Quality
- Loses on Return Policy
Who Wins Each Category?
A quick breakdown of how these products compare head-to-head
Price
Nike
Win
Ghost saves $30
Energy Return
Brooks
Win
Vomero has superior bounce
Build Quality
Nike
Win
Documented lace loop defects on Vomero
Return Policy
Nike
Win
Better buyer protection
Industry Award
Nike
Win
Running Warehouse recognition
Versatility
Brooks
Win
Vomero handles tempo better
Durability
Nike
Win
Ghost lasts longer
Winner
Tie
Which One Is Right For You?
Personalized recommendations based on your priorities
Buy Nike If You...
- Budget-conscious runners wanting proven technology
- Anyone prioritizing reliability over raw performance
- Runners who value 90-day return guarantee
Buy Brooks If You...Winner
- Performance-focused runners chasing PRs
- Those who prioritize energy return above all else
- Runners willing to navigate QC lottery for top-tier bounce
Head-to-Head Comparison
Detailed attribute-by-attribute breakdown
Nike
vs5
Brooks
2
| Attribute | Nike | Brooks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Ghost saves $30 | $150 | $180 | Nike |
| Energy Return Vomero has superior bounce | ~60% | 67-68% | Brooks |
| Build Quality Documented lace loop defects on Vomero | Proven | QC Issues | Nike |
| Return Policy Better buyer protection | 90-day | 30-60 day | Nike |
| Industry Award Running Warehouse recognition | Best of 2026 | None | Nike |
| Versatility Vomero handles tempo better | Good | Excellent | Brooks |
| Durability Ghost lasts longer | 400-500 mi | 300-400 mi | Nike |
Nike
5 Wins
Brooks
2 Wins
Price
Nike
$150
$180
Ghost saves $30
Energy Return
Brooks
~60%
67-68%
Vomero has superior bounce
Build Quality
Nike
Proven
QC Issues
Documented lace loop defects on Vomero
Return Policy
Nike
90-day
30-60 day
Better buyer protection
Industry Award
Nike
Best of 2026
None
Running Warehouse recognition
Versatility
Brooks
Good
Excellent
Vomero handles tempo better
Durability
Nike
400-500 mi
300-400 mi
Ghost lasts longer
$Price Analysis
The Ghost saves $30 upfront and lasts 100+ miles longer. The Vomero's premium only makes sense if you specifically need maximum energy return and can handle potential QC issues.
Best Time to Buy
Buy the Ghost 17 during Dick's sales ($108). Only consider the Vomero Plus if you find it discounted to $140 or less AND can buy from a retailer with easy returns.
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Independent Research
No sponsored placements. Data-driven verdicts.
1,000+ data points
Updated January 22, 2026
R
R3 Research Team
•Evidence-Based Review BoardOur multidisciplinary team of researchers, parents, and medical advisors dedicated to finding the safest products for your family.
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