Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Brooks Ghost 17
Best for SupportSaucony Ride / Kinvara
Best Underrated PickPrice
$130-$150
$100-$140
Summary
Brooks Ghost is a Reddit staple for walkers who need reliable support and a wide toe box. Consistently recommended alongside Hoka as one of the two dominant walking shoe picks in community discussions.
Saucony earns passionate loyalty from walkers who've tried and rejected the more hyped brands. Reddit users who swear by Saucony often do so after being disappointed by Brooks or Hoka — making it the sleeper pick worth trying.
Pros
- Wide toe box praised by walkers with wider feet
- Excellent cushioning for all-day comfort
- Dual-purpose: works well for both walking and running
- Consistently recommended across multiple Reddit walking threads
- Strong loyal following among walkers who've tried multiple brands
- Well-cushioned for long-distance walking
- Highly regarded in both walking and running communities
- Good fit for those who find Hoka or Brooks uncomfortable
Cons
- Some Reddit users (Saucony fans) were not impressed with Brooks
- Pricier than budget options
- Less maximalist cushioning than Hoka for those who want extreme padding
- Less universally recommended than Hoka or Brooks in walking threads
- Fit can be polarizing — works great for some, not others
- Fewer mentions in travel/all-day walking contexts
Our take
The Ghost is the safe, smart pick — it's been a community favorite for years and the wide toe box makes it a lifesaver for anyone who's struggled to find comfortable shoes.
Saucony is the brand that converts skeptics. If Hoka or Brooks haven't worked for your feet, this is the next shoe to try — the community that loves it really loves it.
Buy
