so currently im riding on 225/50/17 which has a 4.4" sidewall. Although nothing is rubbing, it does feel really close to the fender. I'm considering getting 215/50/17 which would reduce the sidewall to 4.2" and give me ~0.5 inch less diameter. Will this reduction in sidewall be noticeable in the ride quality? What if i went down to 4" (225/45/17)?

I am thinking 215/50/17 is a good middle ground, but i'm close to my limit of ride quality right now. I do have a set of OEM rims that i could put on ~205/65/15s... I assume the ride quality would improve, but not sure if that would feel too skinny.

Thanks