Brooks Ghost Max vs New Balance 1080 v13: Two Big-Stack Cushion Trainers Head to Head

Introduction

If you are shopping for a plush, do-it-all daily trainer, the Brooks Ghost Max and the New Balance 1080 v13 sit right in the middle of that conversation. Both are built as max-cushion shoes with a tilt towards comfort, and both are aimed at easy miles, long runs and everyday training rather than speedwork.

We clocked real test miles in both, including side-by-side comparisons and runs up to 90 minutes, to find out where they differ and which one makes more sense for your running.

Stack, Weight and Price

On paper these two shoes are remarkably close. The New Balance 1080 v13 carries 38mm of heel stack and 32mm in the forefoot for a 6mm drop. The Ghost Max sits at 39mm in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot, also with a 6mm drop.

Weight is where they separate. The Ghost Max is the heavier of the pair at 10.3oz (293g) in a men’s UK 8.5, while the 1080 v13 comes in at 9.2oz (260g). That difference is noticeable when you pick them up and when you try to lift the pace.

Price is another clear differentiator: the Ghost Max costs £140 in the UK and $150 in the US, making it a chunk cheaper than close rivals in this category, including the 1080 v13.

Midsole and Outsole Construction

Both shoes use similarly big stacks balanced on broad, wide cushioned platforms, and both use rockers to smooth out transitions. The New Balance runs Fresh Foam X across the whole foot, a lighter and softer foam, while the Ghost Max uses DNA Loft v2, which reads as firmer underfoot.

The 1080 v13 adds some extra stiffness in the forefoot to help you snap through each step, and its heel has a bigger protrusion with a more aggressive curve sweeping out to the back. Flip them over and the Ghost Max outsole shows a more liberal covering of quite thick rubber, while the New Balance endurance rubber is placed more strategically, with flex groove design intended to work with the metatarsals of your feet.

Ride Feel: Firm Rocker vs Plush Softness

This is chalk and cheese, and it is the heart of the comparison. Despite being a max-cushion shoe, the Ghost Max does not feel like one. Its midsole runs firm, with little bounce or obvious softness. What it does have is a very present rocker action that moves your foot through position smoothly, working well at easy or slightly steadier paces. It feels solid, supportive and stable, almost stability-shoe-like in how it holds your foot in place.

The 1080 v13 is full-on softness, and this version ramps the plushness up compared to its predecessor. It is an enjoyable shoe for easy runs, long runs and recovery days, sinking into the road with a comfortable, protective feel. It is not a fast shoe by any stretch; the softness sinks you in a little and you do not get a lot of bounce back. But for clocking relaxed miles, it is a genuinely pleasant shoe to wear.

Neither shoe is especially versatile. The 1080 gets a bit mushy if you push the pace, while the Ghost Max’s firmer foam and rocker give it slightly more when you try to run quicker. If you like a rocker-led, slightly firmer ride, the Brooks will feel more rewarding. If you want maximum plush comfort, the New Balance is the obvious pick.

Fit and Upper Comfort

Up top, both shoes use engineered mesh uppers with really high padded heel collars and tongues, plus very rigid heel counters. The Ghost Max adds an external clip overlay for extra reinforcement, and its laces sit a little closer together across the midfoot. The New Balance tongue is gusseted, and its upper has a shade more stretch and flex.

Testers stayed true to size in both shoes with no fit problems. The general consensus: the Ghost Max fits a touch more narrow and snug, hugging rather than roomy, particularly around the little toes, while the 1080 v13 naturally opens up more and feels the more spacious and accommodating of the two, especially up front in the toes.

The 1080 also hugs slightly more cocoon-like, holding marginally better in the heel and across the midfoot. The Ghost Max is not loose or worrisome, just a little less locked-in. Brooks also offers a width option in the Ghost Max if the standard fit feels tight. Step-in comfort is high in both, with good heel hold and no lace pinch issues.

Stability, Grip and Durability

On stability, the Ghost Max has the edge. Its really wide base, slightly firmer foam and more extensive rubber make it the more planted shoe. The 1080 v13 is still a very stable feeling shoe with a broad platform, but the softer, springier foam introduces a little more wobble.

Grip has been dependable in both, including wet, leaf-covered pavements and sloppy, chopped-up river paths. The Ghost Max is slightly ahead, and that thicker, more liberal rubber covering should also translate into better long-term durability. The 1080’s traction has been fine, just a touch less substantial.

Which Should You Buy?

Both are good shoes built for the same types of runs, so this really comes down to ride preference. If you want the plush, soft, bouncy-edge ride for easy miles, the New Balance 1080 v13 is lighter, more agile and delivers more bounce and energy. If you prefer something firmer, rocker-driven and a bit more responsive, with a broad stable platform and strong grip, the Ghost Max makes a lot of sense, especially at its noticeably lower price.

Neither is a shoe for all-out fast training, and both are at their best for easier, slower miles and runs up to around marathon pace.

Conclusion

The New Balance 1080 v13 edges ahead for pure plush comfort: softer Fresh Foam X, a lighter build and a genuinely enjoyable easy-run experience. The Brooks Ghost Max counters with a firmer, rocker-led ride, better stability and grip, and a friendlier price, making it a smart alternative if you do not mind the extra weight. Match the ride feel to your taste and you will not be disappointed by either.