Brooks Ghost 16 vs Ghost Max

Look, I'm going to level with you right from the start – when Brooks dropped the Ghost Max last year, I was genuinely excited. Finally, a max cushion shoe from Brooks that didn't feel like orthopedic footwear. Then the Ghost 16 came out with that new DNA Loft V3 foam, and suddenly I had a problem: two shoes with "Ghost" in the name that cost basically the same money but feel completely different to run in.

So I did what any slightly obsessive runner would do – I bought both and put serious miles on them. We're talking 80+ miles in the Ghost Max, 70+ in the Ghost 16, across everything from easy recovery jogs to longer weekend efforts. I even did this ridiculous thing where I wore one shoe on each foot for a mile just to feel the differences side-by-side (yeah, I'm that guy).

Here's the truth: these are both good shoes, but they're good at different things. And the choice between them probably comes down to how you run and what you actually need from a daily trainer.

The Tale of Two Foams (And Why It Actually Matters)

Before we get into anything else, we need to talk about foam. Because this is probably the single biggest difference between these two shoes, and it affects everything else.

Ghost Max: Uses DNA Loft V2 foam. It's protective, it's dense, it's... fine. That's the best word I can use for it – fine. It does the job of cushioning your feet, but there's no real life to it. No bounce, no spring, just steady, dependable cushioning that absorbs impact and doesn't give much back.

Ghost 16: Uses DNA Loft V3 foam (the same stuff in the Glycerin 21). This is a noticeable upgrade. It's lighter, it's got more resilience, and there's actually some energy return happening. When you push off, the foam pushes back a little. Not aggressively, but enough that you notice.

After running in both extensively, the V3 foam in the Ghost 16 just feels more alive. It maintains its bounce throughout long runs better, and it makes the shoe feel more versatile across different paces.

The Ghost Max foam isn't bad – it's comfortable, it's protective – it's just kind of dead by comparison. Which is a shame, because the Ghost Max has other things going for it (we'll get there).

The Specs (Because You're Probably Wondering)

Ghost 16:

• Stack: 35.5mm heel / 23.5mm forefoot
• Drop: 12mm (classic Brooks high drop)
• Weight: 9.7 oz (277g) in US men's 8.5

Ghost Max:

• Stack: 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot
• Drop: 6mm (more modern, lower drop)
• Weight: 10.3 oz (293g) in US men's 8.5

So the Ghost Max has more foam overall but weighs less than an ounce more. The big difference is that drop – 12mm vs 6mm changes how these shoes feel significantly.

That Side-by-Side Mile (Where Everything Became Clear)

Okay, so I mentioned I did this weird experiment where I wore the Ghost Max on my left foot and the Ghost 16 on my right foot for a full mile. People stared. Whatever. It was educational.

The differences hit you immediately:

The landing: With the Ghost 16's 12mm drop, you land pretty flat despite the high heel. It's that traditional Brooks feel. The Ghost Max's 6mm drop and higher forefoot stack create this rolling sensation – you feel that "bowl" of foam under your midfoot and heel that wants to tip you forward.

The transition: The Ghost Max definitely has more rocker to it. You roll through the stride more noticeably. The Ghost 16 is flatter, relies more on the foam compressing and rebounding to move you forward.

The energy: Even with less total foam, the Ghost 16's DNA Loft V3 felt more responsive. There was spring there. The Ghost Max's bigger stack felt softer but deader.

The weight: That 0.6 oz difference is noticeable when you're running, especially if you're trying to pick up the pace. The Ghost 16 feels lighter and more nimble.

By the end of that mile, I understood these shoes way better. They're going after different experiences, even if they're both "Ghost" shoes meant for daily training.

How They Actually Feel on Real Runs

Easy Recovery Runs (Where Both Shine)

This is where both shoes are most at home, and honestly, they're both excellent here.

The Ghost Max feels protective and comfortable. That big stack of foam and the rocker geometry make it easy to just cruise along at conversational pace. I've done multiple 10+ mile easy runs in these, and my legs feel fresh afterward. The rocker does a lot of work for you – you just land and let the shoe roll you forward. It's almost meditative.

The Ghost 16 is also great for easy days, but with a different vibe. It feels lighter on your feet, a bit more agile. The foam is more responsive, so even at easy paces, there's this little bit of bounce that makes the run feel... I don't know, less sluggish? It's subtle, but it's there.

If I'm really tired and just need to get miles in without thinking, I grab the Ghost Max. If I'm feeling good and want my easy run to feel a bit more lively, I grab the Ghost 16.

Long Runs (Where the Ghost Max Has an Edge)

Here's where the Ghost Max pulled ahead for me. On runs over 12-13 miles, that extra forefoot cushioning and the rocker geometry make a real difference.

I did a 16-miler in the Ghost Max, and by mile 14, my feet still felt comfortable. The rocker kept the transitions smooth even when I was getting tired and my form was getting sloppy. That higher forefoot stack (33mm vs 23.5mm) provides noticeably more cushioning when you're really loading up on miles.

I did a similar 15-mile effort in the Ghost 16, and while it was fine, I definitely felt more impact by the end. My feet were a bit more fatigued. The Ghost 16 has good cushioning, but it's just less total foam under the forefoot.

For long runs specifically: Ghost Max wins for me, especially if you're heel or midfoot striker who lands with some force.

Tempo/Faster Efforts (Where the Ghost 16 Wins)

Neither of these is a true tempo shoe, but sometimes you want to pick up the pace on a run, or maybe throw in some short intervals.

The Ghost 16 handles this way better. It's lighter, more responsive, and that DNA Loft V3 foam actually gives you some energy back when you push harder. I've done mile repeats and threshold segments in these without feeling like I'm fighting the shoe.

The Ghost Max just feels too heavy and rocker-y when you try to go faster. The weight works against you, and that pronounced rocker geometry that's great for cruising at an easy pace becomes awkward when you're trying to snap through transitions quickly. It's manageable, but it's not ideal.

If you want one shoe that can handle both easy days and some moderate tempo work, the Ghost 16 is more versatile.

Walking and All-Day Comfort

Both shoes are honestly great for walking and casual wear. Brooks comfort DNA is strong in both.

The Ghost Max might edge it slightly just because of that extra cushioning and softer overall feel. I wore these on a travel day (airport, lots of standing in lines, walking terminals), and they were perfect.

The Ghost 16 is also comfortable for walking, though the higher drop can feel a bit odd if you're just strolling around casually. It's designed for forward motion.

The Fit Situation (Important Details)

Both shoes fit pretty similarly, but there are some nuances worth noting.

I wear a 10.5 in most running shoes and went with that in both of these. Both fit true to size for me, though both felt slightly short initially (classic Brooks thing) and broke in over the first 10-15 miles.

Ghost Max Fit:

• Normal to slightly wider throughout
• Good room in the toe box – toes don't feel cramped
• Upper is flexible, moves with your foot
• Plenty of padding in the tongue and heel collar
• Heel counter is stiff but not problematic

Ghost 16 Fit:

• Similar overall volume to the Ghost Max
• Toe box feels slightly shallower (less vertical room)
• Upper is comfortable but not quite as flexible
• VERY stiff heel counter – this caused me some Achilles irritation
• Same generous padding throughout

The heel counter issue on the Ghost 16 is real. I've got pretty standard Achilles anatomy, and that rigid heel counter dug in a bit on longer runs. It didn't break my skin, but it was uncomfortable. If you're sensitive to heel pressure or have any Achilles issues, be aware of this. The Ghost Max's heel counter is also stiff, but there's more padding and it's somehow less aggressive.

If you're between sizes or planning to use orthotics, you might want to go up a half size. Both shoes have removable insoles and decent volume for custom footbeds.

Durability Check

I've got 80+ miles on the Ghost Max and 70+ on the Ghost 16, so I can give you some early durability impressions.

Both shoes have generous rubber coverage on the outsole. Like, really generous. Brooks is clearly designing these to last. I've seen minimal wear on both pairs so far, mostly just some smoothing of the rubber in high-wear areas.

The Ghost 16's outsole feels slightly more aggressive and grippy, but both are fine on roads and light trails. Don't take either on technical terrain, but packed gravel and smooth dirt? No problem.

The uppers on both are holding up well – no signs of breakdown, mesh is still intact, no seam separation. These feel like 400+ mile shoes easily.

Where Each Shoe Actually Excels

After all these miles, here's what I've figured out about when to reach for each shoe:

Pick the Ghost Max when:

• You're doing long runs (13+ miles)
• You want maximum cushioning and protection
• You prefer a rockered, rolling ride
• You're a heel or midfoot striker
• Your Achilles are sensitive to pressure
• You want a lower drop shoe (6mm)
• You like the feeling of cruising along effortlessly

Pick the Ghost 16 when:

• You want a more versatile daily trainer
• You need something that can handle tempo efforts
• You prefer a lighter, more responsive feel
• You like traditional higher drop (12mm)
• You want better foam technology
• You care about saving $10
• You don't have Achilles sensitivity issues

The Honest Truth About Value

The Ghost 16 costs $140. The Ghost Max costs $150. That's barely one overpriced coffee shop visit difference.

But here's the thing – the Ghost 16 goes on sale more frequently because it's the mainline Ghost model. I've seen it for $100-110 pretty regularly. The Ghost Max doesn't get discounted as often.

If you're patient and can wait for a sale, the Ghost 16 at $100-110 is honestly killer value. You're getting better foam tech in a lighter, more versatile package for less money.

If you need the shoe now and want maximum long-run comfort, the Ghost Max at $120 to $150 isn't a bad deal – you're getting more foam and that rocker geometry that really does make long miles easier.

What About the Ghost Max 2?

Here's something worth knowing: Brooks is releasing the Ghost Max 2 soon, and it's getting the DNA Loft V3 foam upgrade. That means the Ghost Max 2 will combine that excellent rocker geometry with the better foam from the Ghost 16.

If you're reading this and thinking "the Ghost Max sounds great except for that dead foam," you might want to wait for the Ghost Max 2. It should fix the main weakness of the original.

My Personal Rotation Decision

So which one stays in my rotation? Honestly... both, but for different purposes.

The Ghost 16 has become my default daily trainer. It's more versatile, it handles different paces better, and that DNA Loft V3 foam just makes everything feel a bit more lively. When I'm not sure what kind of run I'm doing or I might throw in some pace changes, I grab the Ghost 16.

The Ghost Max is my designated long run shoe. When I know I'm going 14+ miles at easy pace, the Ghost Max is perfect. That extra cushioning and rocker geometry make long efforts genuinely more comfortable. It's also my recovery run shoe after hard workouts.

If I could only keep one? I'd probably go Ghost 16 for the versatility. But I'd miss the Ghost Max on long run days.

Who Should Buy What

Get the Ghost 16 if:

• You want one shoe to handle most of your training
• You like responsive, lively foam
• You occasionally do faster efforts in your daily trainers
• You prefer traditional higher-drop shoes
• You want better value (especially on sale)
• You have no Achilles issues

Get the Ghost Max if:

• Long runs are your main priority
• You're a heel striker who wants serious cushioning
• You prefer rockered, cruisy-feeling shoes
• Lower drop (6mm) works better for you
• You want that maxed-out protective feel
• That heel counter on the Ghost 16 sounds problematic for you

Skip both and look elsewhere if:

• You want a light, fast daily trainer (try Saucony Ride or Endorphin Speed)
• You need maximum softness (look at Hoka Clifton or Nike Invincible)
• You want aggressive energy return (ASICS Superblast or Nike Vaporfly)
• You run primarily in very hot weather (both can get warm)

The Final Verdict After 150+ Combined Miles

These are both solid daily trainers that will serve most runners well. But they're not the same shoe with different stack heights – they're genuinely different experiences.

The Ghost 16 is the better all-around daily trainer. Better foam, more versatile, lighter, and cheaper. It's the shoe that works for more situations and more runners.

The Ghost Max is the better specialist long-run shoe. More cushioning, better rocker, more protective on long efforts. It's the shoe you grab when comfort over distance is the priority.

Neither is perfect. The Ghost 16's heel counter is annoyingly stiff, and that high drop isn't for everyone. The Ghost Max's foam is underwhelming, and it's too heavy for versatile use.

But both are well-built, durable, comfortable Brooks workhorses that'll last you 400+ miles and handle your daily training reliably.

For most runners, I'd say start with the Ghost 16 – it's more versatile and easier to find on sale. If you find yourself wanting more cushion on long runs specifically, then add the Ghost Max (or wait for the Ghost Max 2 with the better foam).

That's what I'm doing, and it's working out pretty well.

My ratings:

Ghost 16: 8/10 – Excellent versatile daily trainer with one annoying heel issue

Ghost Max: 7.5/10 – Great long-run specialist held back by dated foam