Brooks Ghost Max versus Brooks Glycerin
The Brooks Ghost and Brooks Glycerin are two of the brand's best selling models for neutral cushion lovers. If you walk into any Fleet Feet store, most outfitters will tell you that the Glycerin is the next step up above the Ghost in terms of cushion—in essence, a max-cushion version of the Ghost.
So we were understandably thrown for a loop when Brooks released a brand-new model, the Ghost Max. Where does this leave the Glycerin? Turns out, the Brooks Ghost Max and the Brooks Glycerin are quite different.
Let’s break down the differences between the Brooks Ghost Max and the Brooks Glycerin.
Buy the Ghost Max 2 if…
- You prefer a lower heel-to-toe drop
- You love a tall stack of cushioning
- You want a more cushioned trainer for long runs and recovery runs
Buy the Glycerin 21 if…
- You prefer a higher heel-to-toe drop
- You like your shoes to feel flexible
- You want a lighter daily trainer to tackle a variety of runs
Tech Specs
Tech Specs | Brooks Ghost Max 2 | Brooks Glycerin 21 |
Weight | 9.5 oz (W), 10.8 oz (M) | 8.8 oz (W), 9.8 oz (M) |
Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm | 10 mm |
Stack height (heel/forefoot) | 39 mm/33 mm | 28 mm/18 mm |
Category | Neutral | Neutral |
Surface | Road | Road |
Price | $150 | $160 |
Brooks Ghost Max vs Brooks Glycerin: Fit & Materials
The Ghost Max 2 uses a mesh upper, while the Glycerin 21 offers a warp-knit upper, which is a new material from Brooks that somehow manages to feel remarkably similar.
“I think Brooks fans love their shoes because they are consistent in their fit and feel,” Kate said in our Brooks Glycerin 21 review. “For the most part, Brooks doesn’t tend to make big changes to their bestsellers––just small refinements.”
Both shoes offer a consistent Brooks experience–roomy in the forefoot and snug in the midfoot and heel.
I found the Brooks Ghost Max 2 to be a run a bit short on my feet, while the Glycerin 21 fit me perfectly. However, all of our other reviewers thought the fit of the Ghost Max was perfect.
Both the Ghost Max and the Glycerin 21 feel luxuriously plush in the upper, with soft padding around the heel and tongue and thick, tubular laces.
“The Ghost Max 2 fits me like a dream,” Heather says. “I have high-volume feet and need a little extra depth in my shoe, so this shoe feels fantastic. The heel collar is nice and cushioned, with plenty of room for my wider heels without any slippage issues.”
“The Glycerin 21 feels like a nice hug around my foot,” says Travis. “I really enjoyed the knit material in the forefoot–it makes the shoe feel breathable, light, and accommodating. I am not usually a big fan of plush tongues but this one hit in all the right places without feeling intrusive. Plus, the stretchy laces helped me lock in the fit even more.”
Brooks Ghost Max vs Brooks Glycerin: Midsole & Outsole
Comparing the midsole and outsole is where the differences between the Glycerin 21 and the Ghost Max 2 really start to become apparent.
First, the Ghost Max has a much higher stack height compared to the Glycerin (39 millimeters in the heel versus 28). The Ghost Max also has a lower heel-to-toe drop, 6 millimeters compared to the Glycerin’s 10. Because the Ghost Max 2 has so much cushioning, the lower heel-to-toe drop is likely done to add some stability to the shoe.
“I found the Ghost Max to be a lot smoother than other Brooks models, mostly due to the lower heel-to-toe drop and the slight rocker shape,” Travis says.
Both shoes use the same midsole foam, Brooks' DNA Loft v3 foam. The midsole foam is injected with nitrogen. The nitrogen then turns from a liquid to a gas, making this foam lighter than traditional EVA foams (like DNA Loft v2).
While I enjoy the ride of both shoes, I have to disagree with Travis’ earlier comment. The Glycerin feels smoother to me, maybe due to preferring higher heel-to-toe drops, or because the lower stack height makes it feel a bit more flexible.
When it comes to the outsole, reviewers found both of the shoes to feel remarkably durable.
“The bottoms of the Ghost Max 2 look like they’ve hardly been worn, despite putting over 50 miles on them and being a heavier person. I expect that I will get lots of mileage out of this shoe,” Mandy says.
Brooks Ghost Max vs Brooks Glycerin: Which is right for you?
Both the Brooks Ghost Max and the Brooks Glycerin excel at delivering high-level comfort for easy miles and long runs.
Your preferred shoe will likely come down to your preferences regarding heel-to-toe drop and stack height. If you enjoy a higher heel-to-toe drop, which is thought to reduce pressure on your calves and achilles, you'll likely enjoy the Glycerin 21. The Glycerin has a lower stack height, too, which makes it feel more agile and nimble.
If you enjoy a low heel-to-toe drop, which can relieve stress on your knees and hips, the Ghost Max 2 may be the shoe for you. It's perfect for runners who like plenty of thick, plush cushioning underfoot.
Still not sure? Head to your local Fleet Feet for a free outfitting experience. Our friendly Outfitters are well-trained to learn about your needs, scan your feet, and help you find your perfect fit.