Brooks Ghost 18 vs Brooks Ghost Max 4:
Which to Choose

Start with what they share: identical DNA Loft v3 midsoles, no plate in either, breathable engineered mesh uppers, and near-identical weight — the Ghost 18 comes in at 289 g and the Ghost Max 4 at 292 g in men's US 9, so weight is effectively a wash. The real divergence is in geometry and feel. The Ghost Max 4 sits on a taller, plusher platform (39 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot) with a pronounced rocker that rolls you through the gait cycle, and it rates a step higher on both cushioning (5/6 vs 4/6) and stability (5/6 vs 4/6) — its wide, tall base delivers guidance without any medial post. The Ghost 18 is lower and firmer (37 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot), giving a more planted, controlled transition rather than a soft, absorbing one. Drop is the other clear split: the Ghost 18 runs a traditional 12 mm heel-to-toe offset that favors heel strikers and eases the calves, while the Ghost Max 4 measures 9 mm (Brooks advertises 6 mm), a more moderate ramp. Ride-wise both are muted rather than springy — neither rewards hard accelerations — but the Ghost 18's firmer foam feels a touch more responsive and willing when you nudge the pace, whereas the Ghost Max 4's softer stack can feel a little dead once you push. That difference shows up in range: the Ghost 18 covers 10K through the marathon comfortably, while the Ghost Max 4's plush foam tops out around the half as a racing ceiling and is genuinely happiest at relaxed aerobic mileage.