Brooks Ghost Max 3  Running Shoe 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 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 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.