By Paul Freary
When introduced a couple of years ago, many people wondered exactly where the Ghost Max would fit in the brand’s lineup of neutral, cushioned models.
Sitting between the regular Ghost model and the higher stacked Glycerin line, the Ghost Max was simply a pumped-up version of the Ghost, offering a little higher stack of midsole foam.
The real question was, who would be the Ghost Max and why not simply go for the regular Ghost or Glycerin?
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These questions were quickly answered, and runners did welcome the Ghost Max, finding the higher stack of cushioning over the Ghost to their liking, particularly if they found the Glycerin a little too soft.
So the Ghost Max became a Goldilocks shoe, finding a place in the brand’s lineup, offering more cushioning at a good value price point.
What’s New?
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.
Where you 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.
The outsole has more flex grooves, and these contribute to the overall feel of the shoe when on the move.
Stats
Brooks | Ghost Max 3 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily training |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Max cushioned |
Stack Height | 39mm heel |
Drop | 6mm |
Weight | Men 306g (10.8oz) Women 275g (9.7oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $150 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 |
Ghost Max 3
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Fit
In terms of length, the Ghost Max 3 fits true to size, but it does have a different shape in the forefoot and toebox area, being more rounded, and this makes for a roomier fit. While I was ok with the fit of the shoe, those who might usually opt for the 2E wide fit option may be okay in the regular D fit.
The upper is a double jacquard mesh construction with a padded feel to it around the foot. It’s a plush feeling upper, but breathability remains ok.
The tongue is a regular construction, with two small loops to pass the lace through in order to keep it in place over the foot.
There’s the usual padding in the tongue, ankle collar and Achilles area, with a roll over construction to remove the seams away from the skin.
Performance
Despite having the same DNA Loft v3 foam, here it does feel softer. On the specification sheet, it reads the same, but I certainly felt the shoe had a softer feel and ride.
Possibly contributing to this could be the revised outsole. It appears to be a little thicker, but a softer rubber, similar to the new Ghost 17. This could make for a slightly softer feel.
Another consideration may be the revised pattern of the outsole. There are more flex-grooves and breaks in the rubber coverage on the Ghost Max 3. These make the shoe more flexible and again, give it an easy-going overall feel.
The shoe has a very relaxed, easy-going feel to it, and with a broader base than the Ghost 17, it feels much more stable.
There is a lot of shoe here, with the high stack of foam and broad footprint, it’s always going to be a shoe for steady miles.
The GlideRoll Rocker helps move the shoe along, and while perhaps the larger or heavier runner might find the shoe okay for faster-paced efforts, most will simply use this model as an easy run day shoe.
Stability
The Ghost Max 3 is a neutral cushioned shoe, but thanks to the much broader base than, say, the Ghost 17, it does feel much more stable.
The straighter last and GlideRoll rocker contribute to this stability, and this may make it worth a try for those who only require a small amount of stability or control in a shoe.
Shoes Similar to Ghost Max 3
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15 has a similar geometry to the Ghost Max 3 and is a similar weight. It’s also very closely matched in terms of price. The New Balance 1080 is the brand’s more premium option, but more expensive.
Neither of the New Balance options uses a super-critical or infused foam, instead sticking with CM-EVA variations. To me, at least after the first few runs in the Ghost Max 3, it is similarly matched to the 880, but the DNA Loft v3 foam does tend to be much more durable than Fresh Foam X from New Balance, so for me, the Brooks edges it.
The Clifton 10 and Bondi 9 are possible competitors from HOKA. Like the New Balance, the Clifton 10 stays with a CM-EVA midsole for this season, compared to the Brooks’ nitrogen-infused foam, so the Ghost Max 3 wins again for durability. The Bondi 9 has moved to a super-critical midsole for 2025, but its price point makes it closer to the Brooks Glycerin, making the Ghost Max 3 a better value, high-stack option.
Of course, the Ghost 17 and Glycerin 22 from Brooks themselves are also considerations. With this in mind, it would be worthwhile to try all three shoes, if possible, as each model does feel just a little different.
My Verdict
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is, again, like many updates from the brand, an evolution rather revolution of the model.
It seems to smooth out the previous version a little and has become a little softer and a little plusher in regards to its upper fit.
The overall geometry has been tweaked, and the ride just rolls along a touch better, feeling more stable with it.
Perhaps heavier runners may be more suited to the Ghost Max 3 or the Ghost 17 simply due to its increased bulk. It should provide them with a much better wearing option.
It’s ideal for runners looking for a plush, stable shoe for everyday miles, recovery runs, or long walks or those who spend all day on their feet. Once again, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 offers a great value for money option for all of these requirements.
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