Pick the Brooks Ghost 17 for a snug, low-volume daily-trainer fit and the Saucony Ride 19 for a plusher, wider-base fit. A daily trainer is a neutral everyday shoe for easy miles, and Running Warehouse lists the Ghost 17 as "True to Size" at 10.2 oz men's 9 and 8.8 oz women's 8 in its Ghost 17 review. That size label hides shape differences. Midfoot hold, toe room, width choices, and cushion height change how the same size feels on foot.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- How does the Brooks Ghost 17 fit?
- How does the Saucony Ride 19 fit?
- Which brand gives more width room?
- How should you check size at home?
How does the Brooks Ghost 17 fit?
Doctors of Running tested the usual men's US 10 and found a snug, low-volume fit with normal width but stretchy double-jacquard mesh in its Ghost 17 review. The mesh gives some forgiveness over the toes, but low-volume feet feel more secure than high-volume feet.
The platform is tall and firm-neutral. Doctors of Running describes nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 with 36 mm heel, 26 mm forefoot, and 10 mm drop, down from 12 mm. That lower drop shifts less load to the forefoot than older Ghosts.
How does the Saucony Ride 19 fit?
The Ride 19 feels roomier and softer for easy daily miles. Doctors of Running describes it as a neutral daily trainer at 9.0 oz men's 9 and 7.7 oz women's 8, with 38 mm heel, 30 mm forefoot, and 8 mm drop in its Ride 19 review.
Saucony added a wider base and plusher upper for comfortable cruising, while losing some faster-pace versatility. Runners who want one shoe for steady miles will notice more sprawl room than snap.
Which brand gives more width room?
Brooks is the safer pick when width options decide fit. Fleet Feet says the Ghost 16 predecessor comes in narrow, wide, and extra-wide, with locked-down midfoot and padded heel collar. That range helps narrow heels and broad forefeet stay in the same model.
Saucony also offers breadth, but in a different lineup spot. The Ride 18 uses PWRRUN+ cushioning with 35/27 mm stack and 8 mm offset and comes in Standard, Wide, and Extra Wide. WeeViews frames the pair as neutral-daily counterparts, with Brooks more predictable on cushion and widths and Saucony lighter and more energetic for faster training in its Brooks vs. Saucony comparison.
How should you check size at home?
Use toe space first, then heel hold. Brooks advises leaving about a thumbnail's width between longest toe and shoe front so toes can splay and swell on runs. Keep the thumbnail gap even if the heel feels snug at first.
- Fit later in the day with running socks.
- Check thumbnail space standing, not sitting.
- Walk and jog, then recheck heel slip.
- Swap width before changing length when the forefoot pinches.