Brooks Ghost Max 4 vs New Balance 1080v15

Ghost Max 4 or 1080v15? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want big, smooth cushion that’s easy to run in? Get the Ghost Max 4.

Want the softest cushion we carry, in a light package? Get the 1080v15.

Get the Ghost Max 4 if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward

Get the 1080v15 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more bounce and energy back
• You need a roomier fit
• You like a less rigid forefoot

On the run

Ghost Max 4: Big, smooth, beginner-friendly cushion. Smooth and predictable, with a rocker that rolls you through each stride. The ride is on the firm side with little bounce, but it’s stable and protective.

1080v15: The softest, lightest max cushion. A big change. New Balance’s new foam is the softest of any shoe here in lab tests, noticeably bouncy and much lighter than the v14. That softness can feel a little unstable for runners who need support.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Ghost Max 4. True to size with a plush upper and a thick, padded tongue. It’s lower over the toes and snugger than the Ghost Max 3. Wide available.

1080v15. True to size. Reviewers disagree on width, with some calling it roomy and others narrow, so try it on. The heel can slip on turns.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Ghost Max 4 · Shop the 1080v15 · Compare other running shoes