Head-to-Head Comparison
Brooks Glycerin 21 vs Ghost 17: Is the Premium Worth It?
Both shoes use identical DNA LOFT v3 foam technology, but the Ghost 17 won Running Warehouse's Best of 2026 and costs $15 less. For most runners, the Ghost offers the same core experience at better value.
Winner
Brooks
Brooks Ghost 17
8.4
$150VS
Brooks
Brooks Glycerin 21
8.2
$165R3 Research Verdict
Both shoes use identical DNA LOFT v3 foam technology, but the Ghost 17 won Running Warehouse's Best of 2026 and costs $15 less. For most runners, the Ghost offers the same core experience at better value.
Updated Jan 22, 20267 attributes comparedBy R3 Research Team
The Verdict
Research-backed recommendation
The Ghost 17 wins for most runners. Same DNA LOFT v3 foam, $15 cheaper, Running Warehouse award winner, and 90-day return guarantee. The Glycerin only makes sense if you specifically need APMA certification, maximum cushioning, or slightly lighter weight. Otherwise, start with the Ghost.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Quick summary of each product's strengths and weaknesses
Brooks
Brooks Ghost 17
Winner
Pros
- Better Weight
- Better Stack Height
- Better Certification
Cons
- Loses on Price
- Loses on Industry Award
- Loses on Return Policy
Brooks
Brooks Glycerin 21
Pros
- Better Price
- Better Industry Award
- Better Return Policy
Cons
- Loses on Weight
- Loses on Stack Height
- Loses on Certification
Who Wins Each Category?
A quick breakdown of how these products compare head-to-head
Price
Brooks
Win
Ghost saves $15 at MSRP
Midsole Foam
Tie
Identical nitrogen-infused technology
Weight
Brooks
Win
Glycerin slightly lighter
Stack Height
Brooks
Win
Glycerin has more cushioning
Certification
Brooks
Win
Medical endorsement
Industry Award
Brooks
Win
Running Warehouse recognition
Return Policy
Brooks
Win
Better buyer protection
Winner
Tie
Which One Is Right For You?
Personalized recommendations based on your priorities
Buy Brooks If You...Winner
- Runners needing APMA-certified medical endorsement
- Those prioritizing maximum cushioning above all else
- Runners who benefit from the lightest possible weight
Buy Brooks If You...
- Budget-conscious runners wanting premium foam technology
- Versatile athletes needing one shoe for varied training
- Anyone who values the 90-day Run Happy return guarantee
Head-to-Head Comparison
Detailed attribute-by-attribute breakdown
Brooks
vs3
Brooks
(1 ties)3
| Attribute | Brooks | Brooks | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Ghost saves $15 at MSRP | $165 | $150 | Brooks |
| Midsole Foam Identical nitrogen-infused technology | DNA LOFT v3 | DNA LOFT v3 | Tie |
| Weight Glycerin slightly lighter | 9.8 oz | 10.1 oz | Brooks |
| Stack Height Glycerin has more cushioning | 38mm | 36.5mm | Brooks |
| Certification Medical endorsement | APMA Certified | None | Brooks |
| Industry Award Running Warehouse recognition | None | Best of 2026 | Brooks |
| Return Policy Better buyer protection | Standard | 90-day Run Happy | Brooks |
Brooks
3 Wins
Brooks
3 Wins
Price
Brooks
$165
$150
Ghost saves $15 at MSRP
Midsole Foam
Tie
DNA LOFT v3
DNA LOFT v3
Identical nitrogen-infused technology
Weight
Brooks
9.8 oz
10.1 oz
Glycerin slightly lighter
Stack Height
Brooks
38mm
36.5mm
Glycerin has more cushioning
Certification
Brooks
APMA Certified
None
Medical endorsement
Industry Award
Brooks
None
Best of 2026
Running Warehouse recognition
Return Policy
Brooks
Standard
90-day Run Happy
Better buyer protection
$Price Analysis
At MSRP, the Ghost saves $15 while offering identical foam technology. On sale, both frequently drop to $108-120, making the Ghost an even better value when deals align.
Best Time to Buy
Buy the Ghost 17 during Dick's sales ($108) for best value. If you need APMA certification specifically, wait for Glycerin sales around $120.
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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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