Brooks Ghost Max 3   Review

The Brooks Ghost 17 and Brooks Ghost Max 3 share the same DNA, but they serve slightly different purposes within that comfort-focused lineup. The Ghost 17 is the classic daily workhorse, offering a comfortable, consistent ground feel and a stable platform that works well for a mix of running and walking, though it feels a bit on the heavier side. The Ghost Max 3 takes that formula and pushes it toward max cushioning, sitting higher with more protection underfoot and a more pronounced rolling feel. It's even heavier, but it delivers a more cushioned ride, making it the better pure running option overall. The trade-off is that it doesn't feel quite as stable or grounded as the Ghost 17.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and HOKA Bondi 9 are two shoes that deliver very different experiences on foot. The HOKA is all about plush cushioning, and its supercritical EVA midsole soaks up even the heaviest of impacts. The HOKA does an okay job of returning the energy you put into it, so you'll get a bit of bounce in your step. The Brooks, on the other hand, is a firmer, less cushy shoe. The stiffer midsole, combined with a slightly lower stack height, makes the Brooks shoe a bit more stable than the HOKA. It also gives the shoe very little bounce. If you're planning to do more running than walking, the HOKA is the better shoe. If you want a walking shoe that you can occasionally run with, the Brooks is a solid choice.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Brooks Glycerin 23 are two similarly stacked, decently cushioned running shoes from Brooks, but with a few key differences. The Glycerin has 2mm more drop from the heel to the toe than the Ghost Max, and has much better heel cushioning. Conversely, the Ghost Max has more cushioning under the forefoot. The platform of the Glycerin is slightly more streamlined, which makes it feel more nimble, and it has much better energy return, although neither shoe is particularly bouncy. The Glycerin feels better suited to running, while the Ghost Max is better suited for walking.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 are both comfort-focused Brooks trainers, but they're built for different runners. The Ghost Max 3 is the neutral max-cushion option, with a wider, higher-stack platform that provides more forefoot protection and a softer, more cushioned feel for easy runs or walking. The Adrenaline GTS 25 is the stability shoe, using guide-rail-style support and firmer sidewalls to correct excessive overpronation. Neither shoe feels lively underfoot, but the Ghost Max 3 is the better pick if you want a relatively stable, neutral-cushioned option. The Adrenaline GTS 25 makes more sense if you need dedicated support.

The Brooks Glycerin Max and the HOKA Clifton 10 offer two different options for runners and walkers seeking a comfortable, reliable shoe. The heel of the HOKA sits higher off the ground than the Brooks, but because the former has a steeper heel-to-toe drop, the forefoot stack height is the same in both shoes. The HOKA is the softer, more cushioned shoe, and it also offers better energy return. Its semi-gusseted tongue provides a bit better lockdown, but the fit can be more constricting than that of the Brooks. If you plan to run more than walk, the HOKA is a more compelling option, but the Brooks is still a good choice if you want a solid, comfortable everyday shoe.

The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is a meaningful upgrade over the Brooks Ghost Max 3. It's more versatile and stable, while its lower weight makes it less cumbersome across daily training. Its higher drop also makes it better suited to running, rather than mainly walking like the Ghost Max 3. Neither shoe is particularly bouncy, though the Ghost Max 4 has a bit more life underfoot. That said, the Ghost Max 3 offers slightly more impact protection, but most runners are unlikely to notice the difference.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Brooks Glycerin Max 2 are both oversized, comfort-first Brooks trainers, but despite sharing the same "Max" moniker, they perform different functions. The Ghost Max 3 is the lower-stack, more stable option, with a broad base and plush upper that make it feel secure for walking, easy efforts, and slow daily mileage. However, its midsole feels flat, with very little rebound when you try to pick up the pace. The Glycerin Max 2 adds much deeper cushioning, a stronger rocker, and better responsiveness, making it better suited to long runs and heavier runners who want reliable protection underfoot. It's heavier and less stable than the Ghost Max 3, but it gives you a more complete max-cushion ride.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is the successor to the Brooks Ghost Max 2, and the series seems to be softening with age. The Ghost Max 3 maintains a similar stack height and geometry, but the midsole is noticeably softer than in the Ghost Max 2. The upper has also been updated, and the mesh in the third version is slightly more breathable than in the second. Overall, the Ghost Max 3 feels more comfortable but less responsive than the Ghost Max 2.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and Brooks Glycerin 22 are two running shoes that show a clear divergence in the brand's lineup. The Glycerin is part of a flagship series that has long catered to heel strikers, and this iteration largely continued that legacy, with a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop and DNA Tuned cushioning that is softer under the heel. The Ghost Max, on the other hand, has a much less pronounced heel drop, and its heel cushioning is not as good as the Glycerin's, but its forefoot cushioning is much better. Neither shoe is particularly lively, but the Glycerin easily outclasses the Ghost Max's abysmal energy return. If you're a heel striker and you want a shoe for everyday runs, the Glycerin is a better choice. If you are a mid to forefoot striker and want a walking shoe that can double as a running shoe, go with the Ghost Max.

The Brooks Glycerin Max and Brooks Ghost Max 3 may both be "Max" by name, but they have very different rides. The Glycerin Max is the all-out, high-stack, highly cushioned cruiser, designed to help soak up miles with maximum comfort and protection. The Ghost Max 3, however, is the shorter stack, more stable offering, great for runners who love the ride of the regular Ghost and want a bit more cushioning underfoot. With all that stack, though, it's no surprise that neither shoe is especially snappy, so it comes down to how you want your ride to feel: higher stack, high comfort like the Glycerin Max, or lower stack, more stability like the Ghost Max 3.