What would be the best choice for 17x7 rims?

Stock Tire Specs
Specification - Sidewall - Radius - Diameter - Circumference - Revs/Mile - Difference

225/45-18 - 4.0in - 13.0in - 26.0in - 81.6in - 777 - 0.0%

Winter Tire Specs
Specification - Sidewall - Radius - Diameter - Circumference - Revs/Mile - Difference

225/50-17 - 4.4in - 12.9in - 25.9in - 81.2in - 780 - -0.4%
205/55-17 - 4.4in - 12.9in - 25.9in - 81.3in - 779 - -0.4%
215/55-17 - 4.7in - 13.2in - 26.3in - 82.7in - 767 - +1.3%

 

The more narrow the tire the better in the snow so the 205/55-17 would be a good choice but would those fit on a 7" wide rim?

Plus it would be the cheapest of the three!

 

Go for the 205/55R17s.
Best size for winters, with the correct diameter like stock, and will fit just right on a 7" wide rim.

 

+1.
Narrow is good in snow.
but I never even heard of that tire size....

 

There are a few more choices of tires in 215/55-17. The difference in diameter only puts it about 1/8" closer to fenders, but also buys you that much more ground clearance. It's really insignificant.

 

generalities are only that, without proper context they're what get most people into trouble

too narrow can be as dangerous, if not more

TireRack recommends 225/50-17 with 215/55-17 as an alternate, go with the recommendation

 

I would recommend 215's for a safe choice. They look just right on 17x7 rims, tons of members are running them, there are plenty of tires in that size.

I had 215 last winter and they worked well. Though I am running 225 this winter (found a good deal), still exact same tire model, I will find out the snow traction differences if any. So far, I can say that the 225's look a little bulging out.

I was considering 205's, but I was a bit hesitant without TireRack "approving" of the size. Though there are plenty of people that run 205's, on Mazda3 rims for example (if you search).

I don't know why TireRack recommends 225. I always wanted to ask.

I would not go for 225's if I was buying new tires. Go with 215's or 205's.

You can look at the tradeoff this way: if you want maximum snow performance, go with 205's. If you want to lose less wet/dry grip, go with 215's.

There's a reason rally drivers run really narrow tires in snow stages (they look like our space saver spares).

 

I just checked and my winter rims are actually 7.5 width, not 7. So I wouldn't go with 205 on my 7.5" wide rims.

 

i dont know which is considered best. probabaly not a lot of difference in them. but i am selling some 225/45/17 hankook icebear w300 that i used one season for $200 if you are interested.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/fs-hankook-icebear-w300-snow-winter-tires-17-225-45-17-%24200-131821/