How does this bulky maximalist shoe with a 6mm drop compete with the sleek 12mm drop of the Brooks Ghost 16 for your daily runs or walks? Today, I’m comparing these two shoes to help you better understand which shoe might work best for longer runs, standing, or longer walks.
Specifications
When considering the stack height, the two shoes compare up completely differently. For the Ghost Max 2, we’re looking at a 39mm heel stack with a 6mm drop; on the other hand, the Ghost 16 features a lower stack at 35mm in the heel but a steeper 12mm drop. Looking at all the cushioning packed into the midsole on the Max 2, while it is heavier, it’s not significantly heavier. So, in a men’s 9 US, we’re looking at around 303g, whereas in the Ghost 16, we’re looking at about 279g for the same size. In return for the extra weight with the Max, you get extra space in the super comfortable toebox, with extra padding in the upper, which we’ll talk about later.
Cushioning
In terms of cushioning, it is action-packed cushioning underneath your foot! Both shoes use the same type of cushioning, which can be a bit confusing, so that’s the DNA Loft V3, but they’re built completely differently. As there’s a lot more stack height in the Ghost Max 2, you get a much more plush ride and sink into the shoe a little more. Whereas with the Ghost 16, it’s a bit snappier and more responsive as you apply pressure, it tends to push you back. So it works a bit more like a spring when you’re walking or running, whereas with the Max 2, it’s more of a cruiser, so it’s comfortable and cushioned for longer runs and not as snappy regarding feedback.
Stability
On this site, we often discuss how excess cushioning or stack underneath a shoe can make it unstable. So, how do these two shoes compare?
As we discussed already, the Max 2 has more cushioning underneath. Still, it has more stability elements than what you’d see in the Ghost 16, so they’re broken up into extra sidewalls built along the shoe’s inner and outer aspects on the heel and the midfoot. It also has some sole flare and a wider base of support to add extra elements of stability, whereas, in Ghost 16, you don’t have as many side walls going off the upper mesh, which stops you from sliding side to side.
If you struggle with pronation forces, it’s important to remember that you don’t get the same amount of sole flare, so the Ghost 16 is more of a traditional neutral shoe.
The Verdict
Whereas you get more of a stable cruiser in the Max 2, which one should you go for? If you’re looking for a maximalist premium cushioned shoe that’s relatively stable and more of a cruiser that you want for longer, slower runs, standing all day, or walking all day, then we’d recommend the Brooks Ghost Max 2.
If you’re looking for a neutral, lightweight shoe that’s more responsive for your daily runs, we recommend the Ghost 16. It can also be used for day-to-day walking. It’s super comfortable and renowned for being a shoe for all daily activities, but it’s also a great training shoe.
Brooks have some other max cushion shoes like the Glycerin Max, which is a lighter and snappier shoe. You can read our comparing both here.
If you have any questions about either of these shoes, please leave them in the comment section below.
