Ghost Max 4 vs Fresh Foam X 1080 13

The Ghost Max 4 is Brooks at its most protective: a max-stack cushioned running shoe built for comfort over speed. With 40mm of foam under the heel and a 6mm drop, it stacks up plenty of protection for easy miles, recovery days and long, steady efforts when your legs want to be looked after. The star of the show is the GlideRoll rocker, a curved sole that rolls you forward so each stride feels smooth rather than clunky, which matters a lot in a shoe this tall. At 292g it is not light, and it is not trying to be. This is a daily training shoe for runners who value a soft, planted, easy ride over pop or pace. If you like the idea of the same rockered comfort with even more foam, the Hoka Bondi 9 is the obvious rival. We rate the Ghost Max 4 as one of the easiest max-cushion trainers to just put on and run.

The Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is New Balance's plush daily training shoe, a max-cushion running shoe built to soak up the miles rather than chase a personal best. At 285g with a 6mm drop it is not light, but that is not the point. This is the shoe you reach for on easy days, long runs and recovery jogs when you want a soft, forgiving ride and a bit of luxury underfoot. The Fresh Foam X midsole is on the softer, bouncier end of the daily-trainer scale, and the knit upper is one of the most comfortable New Balance has made. It is a neutral shoe with no plate and no stability posting, so it leans into cushioned comfort over speed. If you want a do-everything cushioned trainer for steady mileage, we rate it highly. Just know that the newer 1080v14 has since taken over the line, so v13 is often the smarter buy on price.