Brook Ghost Max vs. Ghost Max 2 vs. Ghost 15 vs. Ghost 16: Differences and Reviews 2024

Brook Ghost Max Review

Release Year: 2023

Official Price: $119.95

The Brooks Ghost Max is a brand new shoe from Brooks which is a spinoff series of the regular Ghost.The shoe like the regular Ghost but on steroids, offering a skyscraper-high midsole combined with a stable ride, especially for heel strikers.The Brooks Ghost Max is designed to be an everyday neutral training shoe. This is the running shoe that you use for the bulk of your mileage. This covers your easy runs; recovery runs and long runs. 

It has a typical Brooks comfortable upper. And despite its substantial size, it's still surprisingly lightweight. The upper is really comfortable and it's well-ventilated, though it does fall short in durability and lacks a gusseted tongue. However, these are minor quibbles in what I found to be an excellent, fairly-priced maximalist option from Brooks, capable of devouring miles with ease.The midsole is made from DNA Loft v2, which is the same material that is used to make the Ghost 15 midsole. However, that is the only similarity. The Ghost Max midsole is much thicker and the heel to forefoot drop is 6mm compared to the Ghost 15’s 10mm. This makes it much easier to land midfoot in the Ghost Max and together with the rocker in the midsole discourages a heavy heel strike.Unlike a lot of other ‘max’ cushion running shoes, the Ghost Max midsole isn’t really soft. It has a slight spring to it but you don’t sink into the midsole on impact.

Who is the Brooks Ghost Max for?

The Brooks Ghost Max is an excellent pick for: 

• Enthusiasts of the regular Ghost looking for a softer, more cushioned alternative for their long runs and easy days. 

• Runners who loved the OG Nike Invincible feel and are searching for a max-stack, plush training shoe.

Brooks Ghost Max Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Brooks Ghost Max?

Brooks official website (up to 2% super cash back)

Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

Amazon

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Brook Ghost Max 2 Review

Release Year: 2024

Official Price: $150

The new shoe follows last year’s debut Ghost Max, which outfitted Brooks’ stalwart Ghost with extra cushioning and some added support. That shoe was a hit, offering a superbly comfortable option for everyday training.

The most obvious differences between the Ghost Max 2 and the Ghost Max are the replacement of DNA Loft v2 foam with the softer and lighter DNA Loft v3 foam.DNA Loft v3 is a nitrogen-infused midsole foam that offers softness without sacrificing sturdiness. Whereas the Max 1 had a somewhat flat and predictable ride character, the new foam is much livelier in comparison.The upper material in the Ghost Max 2 was upgraded from a single layer mesh to a double jacquard air mesh.Also, with the update to LOFT v3 Brooks adjusted shaping and release in the midsole to best work with the new compound and provide a great underfoot experience.

Not only is this midsole soft and bouncy, but it’s also tall with an ultra-wide base. Interestingly, this is a max-cushioned shoe with a 6 mm drop. These traits make the Brooks Ghost Max 2 unique, and there aren’t many directly comparable shoes.If Brooks decides to release a Ghost Max 2 variant with a waterproof upper and slip-resistant sole, it will probably outsell the Hoka Bondi SR.

Brooks has made running shoes with runners of course, but also people in professions requiring long hours on their feet, like healthcare workers, teachers, and warehouse workers. The Ghost Max 2 continues this tradition, offering a cushioned and orthotic-friendly option.

Who is the Brooks Ghost Max 2 for?

Soft meets supportive in the Ghost Max 2.The shoe is best for：

• Walkers or runners looking for a stiffer shoe.

• Those who need a shoe that accommodates orthotics.

• People who stand for long periods, like healthcare professionals or retail workers.

Brooks Ghost Max 2 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Brooks Ghost Max 2?

Brooks official website (up to 2% super cash back)

Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

Amazon

Road Runner Sports

Gazellesports.com

Brook Ghost 15 Review

Release Year: 2022

Official Price: $84.95 - $199.99(@Amazon)

The hallmarks of the Brooks Ghost are that it’s a neutral shoe with good stability and comfortable, balanced cushioning.It's a great option for wearing around and standing in, but once you start running, I think the ride falls short compared to modern competition. In the last 15-20 years of footwear design, the Ghost seems to epitomize the standard specs for a running shoe. Moderate cushioning, traditional last shaping, flexible forefoot, and a mostly flat geometry. The Ghost 15 maintains its character without any revolutionary changes and it continues to be a reliable, consistent shoe. The shoe features improved cushioning, smoother transitions, and an enhanced upper—and these details are what earned it the APMA seal of acceptance.

The 15th version of the Ghost has a new, DNA Loft v2 midsole which makes the shoe a little bit heavier and gives it a firmer ride. As a result, the Ghost 15 feels better during faster paces but not as comfortable during slow-paced runs.The midsole also has a segmented crash pad that helps give an easy toe-off. The upper is fantastic, offering a luxurious feel and great retention, even if it does run a little warm.In terms of materials, I appreciate that the Brooks Ghost 15 sneakers are carbon neutral—and that the upper is made from 57% recycled material (a win in the footwear space).

The Brooks Ghost 15 is a traditionally shaped running shoe that continues as a good selection for new runners, walkers, and people who are on their feet during the day.

Who is the Brooks Ghost 15 for?

The Brooks Ghost 15 is best for someone looking to get multiple uses out of their shoe, whether that is running, walking, or working on your feet. It also is a great option for people just entering the running sphere, while performing well enough for daily training. It is a moderately cushioned shoe with classic geometry that will function well for some daily casual miles.

Brooks Ghost 15 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Brooks 15?

Amazon

DSW

Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

Brook Ghost 16 Review

Release Year: 2024

Official Price: $140

There are similar standout traits for both the Ghost 15 vs. Ghost 16 versions, but there are some important subtle differences. Two big changes in this version the shoe. The first is the visible change to the outsole which now has RoadTrack Rubber and should provide better traction on your runs.The second change is the one you’ll feel which is going from the DNA Loft V2 to V3 cushion in the midsole. DNA LOFT v3 takes it to the next level with nitrogen-infused EVA foam for an extra-lightweight feel. But that’s not all — for DNA LOFT v3, Brooks went one step further and undertook large-cell foaming, which amplifies more of the cushioning properties without adding clunkiness. That means you can capitalize on softness and energy return while decreasing weight underfoot.

A 12mm heel drop is a really standard running shoe style and yet one that many of us have moved away from because a lower drop simply feels better on the IT Band or calves. That being said it’s still one of Brooks’ top selling shoes, so clearly a lot of folks still love the feel.The overall theme for this shoe is that there nothing to hate about the shoe and there’s also nothing to love about it either. I don’t think it delivers on the well-cushioned experience yet it certainly delivers as a daily trainer.

Who is the Brooks Ghost 16 for?

The Brooks Ghost 16 is a neutral daily training shoe for those wanting a higher drop, slightly softer midsole and a slightly wider fit.  It is a double plus if you like a tighter fit from the laces.The Ghost is on the flexible side, so those who need stiffness and stability may need to look elsewhere.

Brooks Ghost 16 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy Brooks 16?

Brooks official website (up to 2% super cash back)

Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

Amazon

Brook Ghost Max vs. Ghost Max 2 vs. Ghost 15 vs. Ghost 16: Comparision Side by Side

1. The Specs

2. Construction and Material

• The Upper

Ghost Max - I’ve never experienced a bad Brooks upper and the Ghost Max continues this trend.The tongue is not gusseted but the tongues of the previous Ghost versions were also not gusseted.There’s still no gusseted tongue which is the only improvement that can be made to the Ghost 15’s upper. It’s also a warm upper which absorbs sweat because of the padding so it’s not ideal for running in high temperatures.

Ghost Max 2 - The upper is made from an engineered mesh, which is breathable, but slightly less so than its predecessor. Not a dealbreaker, especially with fall and winter on the horizon—it’s perfect for cooler seasons.

Ghost 15 - The upper is the Ghost 15’s strength and not much has changed from version 14. It has the level of quality that you usually get from a much higher priced, max-cushioned trainer and this is one of the main reasons why the Ghost is so popular.

Ghost 16 - The engineered mesh upper of the Brooks Ghost 16 appears highly breathable, featuring large ventilation holes throughout the toebox. 

• The Midsole

Ghost Max - Brooks says that it’s DNA Loft v2 foam in the midsole of the Ghost Max, just like in the Ghost 15 but it feels completely different. It feels less dense, lighter and it returns more energy. Compared to the Ghost 15, there’s 4 mm more foam in the heel of the Ghost Max, 10 mm more in the forefoot so the Ghost Max has more cushioning depth and is a better long distance trainer than the Ghost 15. You can definitely do a full marathon in the Ghost Max.The Ghost Max midsole feels softer, airier and lighter by comparing to the Ghost.

Ghost Max 2 - The midsole is now using Brooks’ DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-injected foam that boosts durability and keeps the ride soft for longer.Sure, it’s a tad heavier than the previous version, but the trade-off is durability and longevity. You’ll get a smooth ride with excellent energy return, making it ideal for runners who want that plush feel for longer.

Ghost 15 - The Ghost 15 has the older DNA Loft v2 midsole which is heavier and firmer.It is more stable than the 16 because its midsole is firmer so there’s less lean bias. Runners who need more stability will find the 15 more supportive.

Ghost 16 - Ghost 16 also features DNA LOFT v3 midsole technology, offering both the plush comfort required for long runs and the responsiveness needed for speed training.

• The Outsole

Ghost Max - Brooks outsole rubber isn’t as tough as other brands. I’ve noticed higher than average outsole wear on the forefoot rubber as well as on the midsole foam under the ball of the foot. If you are hard on outsoles, you might be disappointed with the durability of the Ghost Max’s outsole.

Ghost Max 2 - The outsole features a solid rubber compound for durability, and despite all that cushioning, the Ghost Max 2 is surprisingly stable underfoot.The wide platform helps reduce lateral roll, making it a fantastic option for heavier runners who need extra support without sacrificing cushioning.

Ghost 15 - Comparing to Ghost Max, the Ghost has thicker rubber and more rubber coverage so it’s more durable.On the outsole, the Ghost 15 had 2 flex grooves that extended the entire length of the forefoot.

Ghost 16 - Ghost 16 and 15 version have very thick outsole rubber in similar configurations so outsole durability is the same.

3. Fit and Sizing

Ghost Max - Like the Brooks Ghost, the Ghost Max fits true to size. The one big difference is that the Brooks Ghost Max is much wider in the midfoot. If you have a wide midfoot, you’ll definitely appreciate this because there are few shoes that do.

Ghost Max 2 - The Brooks Ghost Max 2 offers a spacious interior with plenty of wiggle room, perfect for runners and walkers with high-volume feet.

Ghost 15 - The Ghost 15 fits true to size with an accommodating midfoot, forefoot and toe-box.The heel tab, collar and tongue are all generously padded so comfort around the ankle and Achilles is top notch. An internal heel counter and a new soft, thin external one provide excellent heel lockdown.

Ghost 16 - If you enjoy spacious uppers, you’ll have to size up in the 16. The heel fit is normal in width with moderate to slightly thicker heel collar cushioning and a really stiff counter. Those who like stiff secure counters will love this shoe while those with any heel sensitivity will not do well in this shoe. The inner liner is comfortable but there are several exposed seams. Combined with the challenges of a secure fit, this is a shoe that should not be worn sockless. 

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

Every runner is unique, and choosing a,ong the Ghost Max,Ghost Max 2,Ghost 15 and Ghost 16 truly depends on individual preferences. 

Brooks should have called the Ghost Max the Ghost 16 because it’s an improvement over the Ghost 15 in almost every aspect. It’s more cushioned, it’s softer, more efficient and it returns more energy.If you’re a runner looking for a softer trainer for slow paces and long distances, the Ghost Max is the shoe for you. It has more cushioning due to its thicker midsole and it has a rocker which makes long runs feel more efficient.On the other hand, if you prioritize protection above everything else, the Ghost Max 2 is your go-to. With its increased heel and forefoot cushioning and features like the GlideRoll Rocker, the new Ghost Max 2 is all about max protection.

If you cherish tradition, the Ghost stands tall with its time-tested design, honed through multiple iterations, and remains a versatile choice for varied running experiences, from casual jogs to intense marathons.If you want a softer trainer for slow runs and for long runs, the Ghost 16 is the shoe for you. It has a midsole foam which provides more energy return than the 15 so it feels more lively. If you want more ground feel, the 16 is also the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ghost Max best for?

The the original Ghost Max is best for running.

Does the Brooks Ghost Max have a wide toe box?

Yes. The toe box is roomier than it is in reality which feels a lot more comfortable to a lot of runners.

Does Ghost Max run narrow?

They are true to size and the Ghost Max has a more narrow fit that won't suit runners with wide feet.

What is the heel toe drop on Brooks Ghost Max?

Its drop is 6 mm.

How long do Brooks Ghost Max shoes last?

When used for its intended purpose, Brooks footwear has an expected lifespan of 500-800 km / 300-500 miles.

What is Ghost Max 2 best for?

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a good choice for those seeking a shoe for walking, standing, or easy running, especially if you use orthotics. Its firmer midsole and supportive design cater well to individuals needing extra structure. 

What is the heel drop on the Ghost Max 2?

6 mm heel drop.

Does Ghost Max 2 have arch support?

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a stable neutral shoe. While it does not have traditional stability elements, it has several guidance elements. There are several sidewalls present on the medial and lateral heel and midfoot. These are not obtrusive, so those lower arches should not have trouble.

Is the Brooks Ghost 15 good for walking?

It's not a bad shoe, but there are better, more enjoyable options for the money. I think this is a solid pick for walking or just wearing around, but not for serious running.

Who should wear Brooks Ghost 15?

Podiatrists have recommended the Brooks Ghost 15 to mindbodygreen for running, walking, or everyday wear, and specifically for people with high arches or wide feet. Plus, the shoe has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Do Ghost 15 have good arch support?

Yes. Always have been comfortable with good arch support.

Do Ghost 15 run small?

The fit runs true to size.

Is the Brooks Ghost 15 a stability shoe?

The hallmarks of the Brooks Ghost are that it's a neutral shoe with good stability and comfortable, balanced cushioning.

Are Brooks Ghost 15 good for knee pain?

Brooks' Ghost 15 Road Running Shoes seriously help keep knee pain at bay on the road. The moderately cushioned midsole is supportive and shock-absorbing without feeling bulky. 

What is Brooks Ghost 15 good for?

If you're looking for a comfortable upper and a reliable, no-frills daily trainer, the Brooks Ghost 15 is an option. The lower, traditional stack height provides decent stability with enough cushioning to get the job done.

What are the changes in the Brooks Ghost 16?

The Ghost 16 has an enhanced mesh upper that's as breathable as it is comfortable, and it's got a little “glass slipper” thing going on where it fits just right.Honestly, though, the biggest improvement is the inclusion of Brooks' nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam.

Can I run a marathon in Brooks Ghost 16?

Yes. The Brooks Ghost 16 sneakers are supportive, comfortable and reliable.

Are Brooks Ghost 16 good for flat feet?

Yes. For flat feet and supination (foot rolls outward), try the Brooks Ghost 16 since it offers extra support in the midsole and has a soft-blown rubber outsole.

Is the Brooks Ghost 16 a neutral shoe?

Yes. The Ghost 16 is certified Carbon Neutral.

Does the Ghost 16 have a wide toe box?

Yes. The shoe offers a generous 79.4 mm in the big toe area. 

What is the heel to toe drop for Brooks Ghost 16?

The Brooks Ghost 16 are one of the few models that feature a 12 mm drop from heel to toe. This offers a lot of protection for heel strikers.

Is Ghost 16 good for walking?

The Ghost 16 is very comfortable and has plenty of shock absorption when I'm running. I highly recommend this shoe to anybody wanting a good running shoe / daily walker.

Do Brooks Ghost 16 run small?

Lengthwise, the Brooks Ghost 16 fit perfectly in normal running shoe size. Feel confident buying your typical size.

What are the Ghost 16 good for?

The Brooks Ghost 16 is a classic high drop, neutral trainer that is good for mixed use from running to walking and standing. The shoe's main update is an updated DNA Loft v3 midsole which does reduce some weight and add a little airiness to the ride.

【Read More】

Brooks Ghost 15 vs. 14 vs. 13 vs. 12: Differences and Reviews 2024

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Brooks Ghost 14 vs. Adrenaline GTS 22 vs. Glycerin 19 vs. Launch 8: Differences and Reviews 2024

Brooks Adrenaline vs. Glycerin vs. Ghost: What're the Differences? Which is Right for You?

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