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 broad, stable platform
• You prefer firm cushioning over soft

Buy the Glycerin 22 if…

• You prefer a higher heel-to-toe drop
• You enjoy a soft, plush feel
• You like plenty of padding in the upper

While the Ghost Max 2 and the Glycerin 22 both use mesh uppers, they fit quite a bit differently.

The Glycerin 22 has been revamped with a completely new upper, offering a sock-like, bootie construction. The heel collar has a big, thick cushion to lock you into place, and a stretchy heel tab makes it easy to pull on the shoes. The Ghost Max 2 has plenty of padding in the heel and ankle, too, but it does so in a uniform fashion as opposed to the different layers in the Glycerin.

I found the Brooks Ghost Max 2 to be a run a bit short on my feet, while the Glycerin 22 fit true to size length-wise. However, both shoes felt a little bit more voluminous in the forefoot than I'm used to. I have low-volume feet, but our high-volume reviewers enjoyed the fit of the Ghost Max 2.

“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.”

However, Tom says the toebox of the Glycerin 22 felt too narrow.

“My one gripe is that the toe box starts to taper in a little bit too early and I noticed my big toe starting to rub up against the sides of the shoe towards the end of my runs,” he says. “Other than that, the upper fit true-to-size and I liked the soft padding just inside the heel collar that locked my heel in place–no lacing adjustments needed."

The Ghost Max 2 and the Glycerin 22 are both available in medium, wide and extra-wide sizing, so if you enjoy the underfoot feel you'll likely be able to find your perfect fit. Not sure about the width of your feet? Your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.

Comparing the midsole and outsole is where the differences between the Glycerin 21 and the Ghost Max 2 really start to become apparent.

The Ghost Max has a slightly higher stack height compared to the Glycerin (39 millimeters in the heel versus 38). The Ghost Max also has a significantly lower heel-to-toe drop, 6 millimeters compared to the Glycerin’s 10. The differences in heel-to-toe drops really impact the ride of both shoes.

“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.

The Ghost Max 2 uses Brooks' DNA Loft v3 foam, a nitrogen-injected midsole compound that essentially allows you to run on hundreds of tiny air cells. The Glycerin 22 uses Brooks' new DNA Tuned midsole foam, also injected with nitrogen but more fine-tuned to provide different experiences throughout the midsole. The heel uses larger air cells for a soft landing, while the forefoot uses smaller air cells for responsive toe-offs.

While I enjoy the ride of both shoes, I prefer the softness of the DNA Tuned foam. Runners who enjoy a firmer feel may prefer the Ghost Max 2.

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.

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, stack height and midsole feel. 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 22. The Glycerin also has a softer feel, great for runners seeking a plush trainer.

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. Thanks to a wide, broad base, it's perfect for runners who like plenty of stable 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.