Comparison:
Brooks Ghost Max vs Brooks Ghost
The Ghost is Brooks’ most popular daily training series. Here we will be comparing the Ghost Max 2 and the Ghost 17.
Comparison:
The Brooks Ghost is on its 17th iteration. It's such a popular running shoe because of how comfortable it is and how consistent it is from version to version.
The Ghost Max is a brand new spin-off series from Brooks on its 2nd version. It has a different upper, midsole and outsole from the normal Ghost series.
This comparison will tell you which version is more suitable for you, the Ghost Max 2 or the Ghost 17.
Similarity and differences: Ghost Max 2 vs Ghost 17
Expert score
7/10
8/10
Weight
10.9 oz
10.1 oz
Heel Drop
6 mm
10 mm
Verdict
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a max-cushioned daily trainer. It offers an abundance of soft cushioning for all-day comfort. These have been my go-to for all mid to long-distance runs. I have always been a huge fan of any Brooks running shoes, and these are no different.
The Brooks Ghost 17 is a good daily trainer with a comfortable, supportive ride. With deeper cushioning and a softer ride, it’s the best version to date even though it has picked up 17 grams. Version 17 has 2 mm extra foam in the forefoot, making it more suitable for midfoot & forefoot strikers. It has also increased in price by $10.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
flexible
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
buy half size bigger
Retail price
US$149.95
US$149.95
Sole unit: Ghost Max 2 vs Ghost 17
The Ghost Max and Ghost both have DNA Loft v3 midsoles which are nitrogen infused. The main difference is that the Ghost max has a thicker midsole with deeper cushioning.
The Ghost Max has a thicker midsole, making it more cushioned and better for long distances. It’s also better for slow paces because it feels plusher.
The Ghost with its thinner, firmer midsole is better for short distances and faster paces. It has noticeably less squish underfoot.
In terms of stability, the Ghost is better. Your foot sits lower to the ground and it has less lean bias due to its firmer midsole.
The Ghost Max saves more energy with its stiff forefoot and its rocker. The Ghost has less of a rocker and doesn’t feel as efficient.
On the outsoles, the Ghost has thicker rubber and more rubber coverage so it’s more durable.
Upper unit: Ghost Max 2 vs Ghost 17
The uppers of the two versions are very similar and have excellent comfort but the Ghost has better heel lockdown.
They are true to size and the Ghost Max has a more narrow fit that won’t suit runners with wide feet.
Both trainers however are available in wide and extra wides.
Which one to buy: Ghost Max 2 vs Ghost 17
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.
If you’re looking for a firm trainer for fast, short runs, get the Ghost . It has better stability, better outsole durability and it has a more flexible forefoot.
Best price online: Ghost Max 2 vs Ghost 17
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.
