SHOE REVIEW: Brooks Ghost Max

Earlier this fall, Brooks released a new addition to their neutral cushioning family with the Brooks Ghost Max. For years, Brooks was missing that high-cushioned soft lightweight trainer in their assembly to compete with the other brands. Now they have that with the Max, which is an evolution of the old-school Brooks Dyad and a modernized version of their most popular running shoe Brooks Ghost 15 with a higher stack height and lighter feel.

Brooks shoe designers packed 39 millimetres of their proprietary DNA Loft v2 cushioning, rubber and EVA foam for a super stable ride and rocker-like transitions that will help move you forward. Let’s take a look at the specs.

Category: Neutral high cushioning
Men’s: 283 g (10 oz.)
Women’s: 255 g (9.0 oz.)
Stack height: 39 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Price: CAD $190
Available: Now

Upper

The Brooks Ghost Max’s upper is a traditional double jacquard knit, contributing to the shoe’s lightweight feel and support. Drawing from past experiences with various OG Ghost iterations, the Max retains the seamless upper design and overall comfort characteristic of the Ghost line. However, compared to the Ghost 15, the Max has a wider fit, so if you have narrow feet, you might want to consider the B version of the shoe. The Max fits true-to-size and has next to no overlays that may cause discomfort during wear.

Midsole

One of the biggest changes from the Ghost 15 to the Brooks Ghost Max is the heightened midsole stack, which boasts an additional 4 mm of foam in the heel and 10 mm more in the forefoot, making the Ghost Max the brand’s tallest stack height to date and positioning it as an ideal long-distance trainer. The added stack in the forefoot adds more foam to its toe rocker design, facilitating smoother heel-to-toe transitions and reducing strain on the calves during longer efforts. The midsole was specifically designed for runners who prefer a lower offset/drop, providing substantial support throughout the entire run.

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The midsole is made of the brand’s DNA Loft v2 foam, previously found in the brand’s Levitate and Glycerin models. The foam creates a super stable platform for total protection and comfort for long runs. As a mid-foot striker, I found that no matter where I landed, I felt the shoe’s support and cushioning. The shoe’s innovative design and responsive features make it a standout for runners seeking a blend of comfort, support and versatility.

Outsole

The outsole undergoes a sleeker modification compared to the Ghost 15. While the Ghost 15 featured two flex grooves extending the entire length of the forefoot, the Max has eliminated these grooves, so the forefoot is a little stiffer. This design enhances the functionality of the toe rocker, contributing to a smoother and more efficient ride.

I found the rubberized outsole great in dry or wet conditions, but I’m curious to see how they fare in snow with fewer grooves.

Verdict

I would recommend the Brooks Ghost Max for runners seeking a lightweight and plush neutral shoe designed for daily training. Its soft revitalized midsole shines on easy-paced runs, providing a comfortable and effortless running experience. While the shoe might not be my top choice for a speed workout, those desiring a swifter option can look at other Brooks models like the Hyperion or Hyperion Elite. What distinguishes the Ghost Max from its competition is its ability to maintain a fresh feel with each run; even after 100K of mileage in the shoe, it still feels like it’s my first time wearing it. I found similar to the Ghost 15, but with enhanced softness, lightness and a subtle rocker feel, the Ghost Max excels as a reliable, true-to-size daily trainer offering a firmer yet stable ride.