Brooks Ghost Max 4 vs Saucony Paramount Max
We haven't tested Brooks Ghost Max 4 or Saucony Paramount Max yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
Brooks
Ghost Max 4
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 75/100
Reviewers praise the ride and stability and split on the cushioning and upper.
Saucony
Paramount Max
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 80/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the grip and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- Saucony Paramount Max is 20 g lighter.
- Saucony Paramount Max has 3 mm more foam under the heel.
- Brooks Ghost Max 4 costs $35 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Praised
The GlideRoll rocker makes easy miles and long walks feel smooth and efficient, but the ride is firm and flat rather than lively.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
A very soft, springy ride makes easy and long runs its strong suit, but the tall shoe feels less nimble when pace changes.
Cushioning
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Divisive
The heel is well protected and the stack is tall, yet lab impact protection is only mid-pack and the forefoot fades under heavier loads.
Saucony Paramount Max
Praised
Reviewers agree the deep, responsive foam offers substantial protection and rebound for long mileage.
Upper
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Divisive
The padded mesh upper is comfortable and secure, but fit reports conflict: some find it roomy and high-volume, others find the toe box narrow, tapered and short.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The padded mesh and broad fit feel comfortable to many, but reviewers also report low toe volume, heel movement, a minimally padded collar and heat retention.
Durability
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Praised
Outsole rubber and midsole foam hold up well over months of running and walking, with minimal visible wear.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
Lab and retailer assessments are optimistic about outsole life, while one runner noticed early wear in exposed midsole foam.
Grip
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Praised
Traction is reliable on dry and wet pavement, though the shoe is not intended for trails.
Saucony Paramount Max
Criticised
Grip is average on roads and can be unreliable on loose gravel, so it is best kept to smooth surfaces.
Stability
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Praised
A broad platform, sidewalls and a firm midsole make it a stable neutral shoe that also accommodates orthotics.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
A very broad base and sidewalls help some runners feel stable, but the soft, bouncy platform feels unpredictable to others.
Value
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Praised
At $165 it is a versatile, durable run/walk shoe, though reviewers note the previous version is a better bargain on clearance.
Saucony Paramount Max
Divisive
The $200 price is steep, though reviewers see a case for it in the unusual foam, protection and orthotic accommodation.
Which one to choose
Choose Brooks Ghost Max 4 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- price matters
- its stability is what you care about most
- its durability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Walking and all-day standing
- Runners who use orthotics
Choose Saucony Paramount Max if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you want more foam under you
- its cushioning is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery runs
- Long runs and high-mileage weeks
- Runners seeking very soft, bouncy cushioning
Specifications
- Category
- Max-cushion trainer
- Max-cushion trainer
- Price
- $165$35 less
- $200
- Weight
- 292 g
- 272 g20 g lighter
- Drop
- 6 mm
- 6 mm
- Stack
- 40 / 34 mm
- 43 / 37 mm3 mm more stack
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- DNA LOFT v3
- incrediRUN
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE