By Paul Freary
Brooks has spoiled us in 2025. With the Glycerin Max, Ghost 17, and now the Ghost Max 3, in terms of options for daily training, Brooks has a wide range of options available that can suit any taste.
The Ghost 17 has long been the brand’s go-to option for neutral runners wanting a versatile daily trainer.
When the Ghost Max arrived a few years ago, it simply offered a more ‘beefed-up’ version of the Ghost. Now, in this, the third-generation Ghost Max, the shoe tries to separate itself a little, and this should possibly help us make an informed choice between the two models.
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Stats
Brooks | Ghost Max 3 | Ghost 17 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Daily training | Daily training |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | Max cushioned | Mid to high-level cushioning |
Stack Height | 39mm heel 33mm forefoot | 37mm heel 27mm forefoot |
Drop | 6mm | 10mm |
Weight | Men 306g (10.8oz) Women 275g (9.7oz) | Men 286g (10.1oz) Women 255g (9oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $150 | $140 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 | 9.5/ 10 |
Ghost Max 3
Essentially, the Ghost Max 3 retains the same technical features of the Ghost Max 2, using the same DNA Loft V3, nitrogen-infused midsole. The stack height and drop also remain unchanged.
The GlideRoll rocker is a little more prominent and the base a little broader, which increases the natural stability of the shoe.
The Ghost Max 3 has a 6mm heel-to-toe drop, so it is a little lower than many of the shoes in the Brooks range. This encourages a more midfoot strike and, alongside the deep stack of cushioning, makes for a super-smooth and very stable ride.
The Ghost Max 3 is still a neutral running shoe, and although the Ghost 17 is stable, the Max feels so much more so.
Where we do notice changes are in the upper and outsole of the new Ghost Max 3. The upper is a little rounder in the toe area and has a roomier fit with a little more volume.
Ghost 17
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Ghost Max 3
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Ghost 17
The Ghost 17 retains the same DNA Loft v3 midsole cushioning foam as the Ghost 16 and Ghost Max 3.
In the Ghost 17, the cushioning has been increased over the previous generation model by 2mm in the heel and 4mm in the forefoot. This results in a lower drop (down to 10mm) and a noticeably more cushioned feel in the forefoot.
Like the Ghost Max 3, the Ghost 17 feels softer than its respective previous generation models.
Brooks hasn’t said so, but it does feel like they may have tweaked the formulation of the midsole a little, as it just feels softer in both shoes.
Fit
Both the Ghost Max 3 and Ghost 17 fit true to size in terms of length and width. You can safely stick to your usual size and be safe here.
This said, the Ghost Max 3 does offer more volume in the forefoot, which has led some people to think it is a much wider shoe. The Ghost Max 3 has a slightly different toe box shape to the Ghost 17, being rounder and deeper.
While Brooks themselves don’t make any specific comment about the shape of the Ghost Max 3 it does suit those with a higher instep or generally high-volume foot.
Ghost Max 3 - Performance
Looking at the specifications of each shoe, they do seem rather similar, but on the run, they feel very different.
The Ghost Max 3 does offer a higher stack, but it’s the volume of the midsole, being broader and having a lower drop, that makes the biggest difference.
The broader base of the shoe makes it much more stable than the Ghost 17, and although it isn’t a stability shoe, it does a great job of keeping mild to moderate overpronators in a more neutral position.
The lower drop of the Ghost Max at 6mm contributes to stability also, promoting a more midfoot ground contact and therefore reducing the amount of time the rear foot and midfoot arch have during the gait cycle to pronate.
The Ghost Max 3 also has small side walls to the midsole construction, in a similar manner to the GTS system used by Brooks. These aren’t significant but simply contribute along with the other features to aid stability.
The Ghost Max 3 feels plush and easy to run in; it feels very smooth and is a good option for long, easy runs.
Ghost 17 - Performance
In comparison to the Ghost Max 3, the Ghost 17 feels much lighter and more nimble riding shoe.
It still packs in great cushioning and is relatively stable for a neutral running shoe, but it feels more flexible and versatile than the Ghost Max 3.
At 10mm, the drop of the Ghost 17 will be more familiar to long-time Brooks wearers, making it an easy shoe to step into and go.
The Ghost 17 is also a soft, plush, cushioned shoe that is very welcoming. Compared to the Ghost Max 3, it is perhaps a little easier to pick the pace up in.
My Verdict
As is becoming the case with many Brooks shoes this year, they have all stepped up a gear in terms of performance. So much so, in fact, that the differences between them are becoming blurred.
This is much the case with the Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Ghost 17. Both offer great every day, usable performance and offer great value for money.
If forced to choose between them, I’d go for the Ghost Max 3 for those requiring a little more stability in a shoe but not requiring the out-and-out support of a control shoe.
I’d also go with the Ghost Max 3 if looking for a lower heel drop shoe.
If looking for a neutral cushioning shoe that was capable of picking up the pace in then the Ghost 17 would be the one to go for.
The Ghost Max 3 may also be a great choice for the heavier runner, thanks to its additional cushioning and broader base, both contribute to supporting the heavier runner a little better.
Ultimately, there is no wrong choice with these two shoes, and if a neutral runner, you can’t go wrong with either the Ghost Max 3 or Ghost 17.
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