If the regular Brooks Ghost is a friendly neighbor who waves every morning, the Ghost Max series is that neighbor’s big, cushy cousin who brings over fresh muffins and insists you sit down and relax. Positioned in the Brooks lineup as the max-cushion, stability-leaning sibling, the Ghost Max is built for runners, walkers, and anyone who measures daily mileage in steps or hours on their feet.
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 takes that formula and makes it even better: a softer ride that pampers your joints, a smoother forefoot transition that helps you roll along without thinking, and an upper so breathable your toes might start sending thank-you notes. Whether you’re logging easy miles, strolling the neighborhood, or standing all day at work, this is a shoe that says, “Don’t worry—I’ve got you.”
Contents
- What’s New in the Brooks Ghost Max 3
- Fit, Feel, and Upper Construction
- Midsole and Cushioning
- Weight, Drop, and Stack Height
- Outsole and Traction
- Performance on the Run
- Pros and Cons
- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 3
- Final Verdict
What’s New in the Brooks Ghost Max 3
The updated DNA LOFT v3 midsole foam keeps the same lightweight, nitrogen-infused cushioning but feels a touch softer and more forgiving underfoot. Paired with an improved heel bevel, GlideRoll Rocker that curves from heel-to-toe, and a redesigned outsole rubber pattern, the Ghost Max 3 delivers a noticeably smoother, more stable ride than the previous model, especially during heel-to-toe transitions.
Up top, the jacquard mesh upper is more breathable and flexible, keeping your feet cool without sacrificing structure. The plush step-in feel means you’ll notice the comfort before you even take your first stride. Whether you’re running, walking, or just standing for hours, the new upper makes the Ghost Max 3 feel a little less like “athletic gear” and a little more like “treat for your feet.”
Fit, Feel, and Upper Construction
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 wears its comfort proudly, starting with a well-padded upper that’s typical of max-cushion shoes. Step-in feel is plush and almost luxurious; the kind of welcome that makes you forget you’re lacing up for a workout.
A standout design touch is the Brooks logo that sweeps from the upper down into the midsole, a more modern, integrated look that feels fresher and more polished than the brand’s older logo placements. The toe box is noticeably roomier than in the previous model, giving toes extra breathing room without making the fit sloppy.
Overall, the fit runs true to size and works for a variety of foot shapes, including some narrow-footed runners. The plush heel counter locks in most feet securely, preventing heel slippage, though runners with super narrow heels might notice a bit of movement. Up front, a thick, non-gusseted tongue with generous padding adds to the comfort, giving each run or walk the feel of sliding into a well-cushioned lounge chair, only one that moves when you do.
Midsole and Cushioning
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 comes loaded with a 39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot stack of DNA LOFT v3—Brooks’ nitrogen-infused foam that somehow manages to feel both lightweight and softer. Compared to the previous model, it’s noticeably softer underfoot, making each step feel more like a gentle bounce on a memory foam mattress than a pounding on the pavement.
The more aggressive GlideRoll Rocker geometry sweeps smoothly from heel to toe, giving you an effortless roll forward, at least for easy runs, long runs, and leisurely walks. Add in improved sidewalls in the rearfoot and a wide forefoot base, and you get a shoe that feels planted and stable even when your legs are feeling anything but.
That said, the Ghost Max 3 is more of a “let’s cruise” companion than a “let’s race” partner. If you want to pick up the pace, you’ll need to put in some extra legwork, and at faster speeds, it can feel a little clunky, like trying to sprint in a luxury SUV. Sure, it’ll go fast if you push it, but you’ll be more tempted to sit back, relax, and enjoy the smooth ride because it’s built for that purpose.
Weight, Drop, and Stack Height
- Weight: 10 oz (women), 11.2 oz (men)—11 grams heavier than the Ghost Max 2
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
- Stack height: 39/33 mm
Outsole and Traction
Flip the Brooks Ghost Max 3 over, and you’ll see an outsole that’s clearly been built with both runners and walkers in mind. The improved rubber design and coverage isn’t just for show; it delivers the kind of comfort and durability that makes this shoe equally at home on a morning jog or a full day of standing at work.
The thick rubber, strategically placed on high-wear areas, offers reliable grip on both wet and dry surfaces, so you’re covered whether you’re dodging puddles or strolling through the park. With this level of coverage and material thickness, durability should be excellent, always a welcome bonus when the shoe is about $40 cheaper than its big brother, the Glycerin Max.
Flexibility is what you’d expect from a neutral shoe, enough to keep things feeling natural, and thanks to the outsole redesign, the transition is smoother than in the previous model. In short, this outsole doesn’t just protect your investment; it makes sure every step feels steady, whether you’re running errands or running miles.
Performance on the Run
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is happiest when life is taken at a slow to steady pace. At easy and recovery runs, the ride quality is excellent—smooth, stable, and forgiving on the joints. Push it into faster paces, though, and it starts to feel a bit heavy and clunky, like trying to sprint while carrying a very comfortable couch.
The stability is just right for neutral runners and those with mild overpronation, thanks to its wide base and supportive sidewalls. For a max-cushioned shoe, responsiveness and energy return are surprisingly good; you won’t get carbon-plated pep, but you also won’t feel like you’re running through molasses.
As a durable daily trainer, the Ghost Max 3 is built for mileage and comfort rather than speed. If your calendar is full of easy runs, recovery jogs, or long walks, this shoe will happily be your steady, cushioned companion.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Softer DNA LOFT v3 midsole than previous model for plush comfort
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition with improved GlideRoll Rocker and heel bevel
- Roomier, more breathable jacquard mesh upper with plush step-in feel
- Stable platform works for neutral runners and mild overpronators
- Thick, well-placed outsole rubber offers durability and reliable grip on wet/dry surfaces
- Excellent for walking, standing all day, and easy/recovery runs
- $40 cheaper than the Glycerin Max while offering similar max-cushion comfort
Cons:
- Feels heavy and clunky at faster paces
- Not designed for speed workouts or racing
- Thick upper may feel warm in hot conditions
- Slight heel slippage possible for very narrow heels
- Less flexible than lower-stack daily trainers
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 3
Who Should Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 3
- Runners and walkers who want max-cushion comfort for easy miles, recovery runs, or long walks
- People who spend long hours standing and need plush, stable support
- Neutral runners or those with mild overpronation who prefer a stable platform without going full stability shoe
- Anyone looking for a durable daily trainer that can handle high mileage and varied conditions
- Shoppers who want Glycerin Max–level cushioning but at a lower price
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 3
- Speed-focused runners who want a lightweight, fast shoe for intervals, tempo runs, or racing
- Runners who prefer a low-stack, flexible feel with more ground contact
- People with very narrow heels who are sensitive to heel slippage
- Those training in hot climates who might find the thick upper too warm
Final Verdict
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 takes everything that worked in the previous model—plush cushioning, stable platform, and all-day comfort—and makes it smoother, softer, and more versatile. The updated DNA LOFT v3 midsole, improved rocker geometry, and redesigned outsole give it a polished ride that shines on easy runs, long walks, and recovery days.
It’s not a shoe that begs to go fast, and it can feel clunky at higher paces, but that’s not its purpose. This is a daily trainer built for comfort and durability, offering max-cushion protection at a friendlier price than the Glycerin Max. If you want a reliable, cushioned workhorse for logging comfortable miles or hours on your feet, the Ghost Max 3 delivers exactly that, and it does so with a touch more refinement than before.
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