The Ghost Max 3 is Brooksâ latest version of its ultra-cushioned daily trainer designed for easy runs, recovery days, and long walks. If youâve run in previous versions, the comfort will feel instantly familiarâbut there are a few tweaks worth noting, both good and not-so-good. Iâve been testing them on my usual recovery runs, comparing them closely with the Ghost Max 2, and thereâs enough here to talk about whether itâs worth the upgrade.
Letâs start with the key specs.
Key specifications
- Price: $150 from Brooksrunning.com / Sportsshoes.com (For UK readers)
- Weight: 10.8oz / 306g (US menâs size 9 â my pair)
- Drop: 6mm (39mm heel / 33mm forefoot)
- Upper: Engineered mesh (more breathable than the v2)
- Midsole: DNA Loft v3 foam
- Outsole: Durable rubber with a wide base for added support, stability
- Extra attributes: GlideRoll rocker geometry, double lace loop on the tongue
Sizing and fit
The fit is true to size, but overall it runs roomyâespecially noticeable in the heel and forefoot.
If youâve got wider feet or just prefer a bit of space, thatâll be a huge win for you.
For narrow-footed runners, though, the heel may feel a bit loose, in which case use the trusty racer's loop heel lock lacing method to lock your heels down.
The high inner collar and narrow tongue combo also means you might feel some lace pressure unless you adjust your lacing or let them break in (only took 1 run for me).
Itâs a small detail, but one I definitely noticed, and those who have low ankle bones, certainly will.
Performance review
Comfort is the big win here for me - it's a recurring theme with Brooks' Ghost Max range.
It always has been one of those shoes I reach for when I want a soft, smooth ride and no surprises on my recovery runs - and it still fits that role for me and my shoe rotation.
Itâs excellent for recovery runs or long, easy daily miles where pace isnât the priority.
That plush DNA Loft v3 foam is still the star of the showâit absorbs shock really well and keeps the whole ride feeling gentle and easy on the legs.
The ride feels just a touch more fluid than the Ghost Max 2. Iâm guessing this is due to tweaks to the midsole geometry or foam density, but itâs not night-and-day different.
More like a gentle evolution...
The GlideRoll rocker is still here, but honestly, the softness of the foam does most of the work during transitions. It doesnât feel particularly ârockeredââjust smoothly cushioned.
Weight-wise, itâs gained a little fat, now coming in at 10.8oz compared to 10.5oz in the Ghost Max 2. Itâs not a problem at easy paces, but youâll notice it if you try to pick the pace up.
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For what the shoe is built for, though, thatâs a fair trade-off for more comfort, stability, and durability.
Breathability is improved too with a totally revamped upper.
The mesh upper on the v3 feels cooler and airier than before, which makes a difference on warmer runs or long walks.
I also appreciate the tongue staying put, thanks to the double lace loopsâa small, thoughtful touch that just keeps the tongue where it should be, while maintaining a consistent foot lockdown through the run - see photo below.
Alastair Dixon
One area that does need some attention is the collar and tongue setup. That high inner collar paired with a narrow tongue doesnât offer much protection from lace pressure. I had to be quite deliberate with my lacing to avoid discomfort. Itâs manageable, but worth knowing if youâre sensitive in that area.
Is the new version better?
Yes, mostly.
The Ghost Max 3 keeps everything that worked in the v2âa plush ride, stable feel, everyday reliability, and improves on the breathability and overall look (at least in my opinion, anyway - style is a very subjective thing.
Ghost max 3 (left), Ghost Max 2 (right)
It feels slightly softer and smoother underfoot too. The added weight might be a downside for lighter runners, but it's minor for the type max cushioned daily trainer this is.
Alastair Dixon
If you liked the Ghost Max 2, youâll feel right at home in this update. If youâre deciding between the two and live somewhere warm or have wider feet, the v3 is probably the better choice.
My verdict
The Ghost Max 3 stays true to what this shoe line does best: soft, easy miles with built-in stability and MAX comfort.
Itâs not flashy, and itâs definitely not built for speed, but thatâs kind of the point. Itâs the shoe I grab when I want to switch off and just cruise. No surprises, just reliable cushioning and a foot-hugging fitâespecially if you like a roomier setup.
The Brooks Ghost Max costs $150 from Brooksrunning.com and will be available for purchase August 1, 2025.
