New Balance More v5 vs Brooks Ghost Max 2: Which Max Cushion Trainer Fits Your Miles?

Introduction

Max cushion trainers have become the default choice for easy runs, recovery miles and long sessions, and two of the most popular options right now are the New Balance More v5 and the Brooks Ghost Max 2. Both aim to make daily miles as comfortable as possible, but they go about it differently. The More v5 leans into a new, softer midsole foam, while the Ghost Max 2 sticks to a firmer, more stable platform with a rocker design. After extended running in both, the differences come down almost entirely to midsole feel, and that is what should drive your choice.

At a Glance: Specs and Price

The New Balance More v5 costs £140 or $154.99, weighs 306g (10.8 oz) for men in a size 8, and has a 4mm drop. The Brooks Ghost Max 2 costs £140 or $150, weighs 308g (10.9 oz) in the same size, with a 6mm drop. On paper they are nearly identical shoes, which makes the on-foot experience all the more interesting.

Both are designed for comfort first: generous forefoot room, well-padded uppers and plenty of ankle collar and tongue cushioning. The Ghost Max 2 feels slightly more padded around the collar, but both are easy to wear for long stretches and both fit true to size for most runners.

New Balance More v5: Soft, Smooth and Surprisingly Even

The fifth version of New Balance’s max cushion shoe gets a new midsole using the same soft foam found in the 1080 v13, plus a slightly increased stack height and a noticeably wide base for stability. The engineered mesh upper has been revised for better breathability, with improved padding around the ankle collar and tongue.

The concern going in was that the 1080 v13’s foam, while loved for its softness, can feel too sinky for longer runs. In practice, the More v5’s midsole feels denser than that and gives a little more back. Around 90km of testing, including a three-hour marathon training run, left the shoe feeling comfortable rather than sluggish. It does not have a pronounced rocker, but the transition is smooth and the ride is easy to enjoy, even on days when motivation is low.

If you prefer a softer midsole, this is the more comfortable and more enjoyable shoe of the two. It is not the most versatile option, and neither shoe here is, but for easy runs, recovery runs and long sessions it does its job very well.

Brooks Ghost Max 2: Firmer, Stable and Beginner-Friendly

The Ghost Max 2 focuses firmly on cushioning and comfort for daily training miles. It uses a wide base for a stable ride combined with a Glide Roll rocker design to promote a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The biggest update over the original is a nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, which works with the rocker to soften the ride and reduce pressure in the heel and forefoot.

The original Ghost Max felt solid but offered little in return; this version feels noticeably more forgiving while staying on the firmer, more stable side of midsole foams. It is still firmer than the More v5, but that solidity is a genuine advantage for some runners. It feels secure underfoot, which makes it a more accessible choice for new runners or anyone who wants a dependable, stable platform to simply tick off the miles.

The upper is a flexible, breathable mesh built for comfort, with raised sidewalls adding extra support. For easy runs, recovery runs and longer sessions, it is a very solid performer, and it is hard to find fault with what it sets out to do.

Outsole and Durability

Both outsoles perform well. The Ghost Max 2 has a generous layer of tacky rubber that feels sticky on the ground, with no grip issues and very little exposed midsole foam. The More v5 has less rubber coverage after its complete outsole overhaul, leaving more exposed sections of midsole. Those sections are holding up fine so far, with no issues after around 90km, though the rubber has rubbed down slightly in the main wear zone. Overall, the outsole advantage clearly goes to the Ghost Max 2.

Which One Should You Buy?

For runners who love soft shoes, the More v5 is the pick. Its new midsole balances plushness with just enough structure, making it the more comfortable and enjoyable option for easy and long miles. The Ghost Max 2, however, is the better choice if you want something firmer, more stable and more accessible, particularly if you are a newer runner or unsure about very soft midsoles.

Neither shoe is especially versatile, so buy based on the midsole feel you want: soft and sink-in comfortable, or solid and stable with a touch more responsiveness.

Conclusion

These are both well-executed max cushion trainers that do exactly what they promise. The New Balance More v5 wins for comfort and softness, while the Brooks Ghost Max 2 wins on stability, outsole durability and approachability. Choose the one that matches your preferred ride, and either will serve your daily miles well.