Brooks Ghost Max 2 vs Brooks Glycerin Max 2:
Which to Choose

Start with the platform, because that's where these two genuinely diverge. The Glycerin Max 2 stacks 45 mm at the heel and 37 mm at the forefoot, while the Ghost Max 2 sits lower at 39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot — a real difference you feel as a taller, deeper, more pillowy ride in the Glycerin versus a more grounded, connected one in the Ghost. Cushioning follows suit: both are legitimately soft, but the Glycerin's nitrogen-infused DNA Tuned foam is a dual-cell setup (plusher heel, firmer forefoot) that lands as maximum cushioning and gives a little more lively rebound at toe-off, whereas the Ghost's DNA Loft v3 is soft and deeply protective but calmer — it soaks up impact more than it springs you forward. Weight is close, with the Ghost Max 2 at 309 g and the Glycerin Max 2 at 318 g in a men's US 9; neither is light, but the Glycerin's extra height compounds its heft, so it can feel a touch tippy in quick direction changes. Stability tips the other way: the Ghost's lower, wide stable-neutral platform feels more planted and predictable underfoot, while the Glycerin is a true neutral shoe whose wide base is somewhat offset by its very tall stack. Drops differ modestly — 6 mm on the Ghost versus a measured 8 mm on the Glycerin — both moderate enough to encourage a smooth midfoot roll, with the Glycerin's slightly higher ramp easing the heel-to-toe transition. Both share the GlideRoll rocker and the same honest ceiling: they flow beautifully at conversational pace and go dead if you ask them to sprint, with usable pace topping out around 5:15–5:30 min/km before weight works against you.