REASONS TO BUY
Smooth rolling
Good protection
Forgiving fit
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the most stable
Upper runs hot
Feels clunky
Brooks Ghost Max 3 Review
A max-cushioned shoe that offers good protection from the pavement, but can feel a little sluggish and toasty at times
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
By Nathaniel Bailey ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: The Best Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a max-cushioned daily trainer, focusing on providing comfort. While it provides the comfort it promises, it takes a slightly different approach than some competitors with similarly thick midsoles. The ride is smooth, thanks to a good rocker that helps to keep things rolling along at an easy pace, and the big slab of DNA Loft v3 foam provides cushion, but it's surprisingly firm. Unfortunately, the firmness doesn't translate to increased versatility, and it felt very unnatural at paces faster than a very relaxed run. It offers solid comfort and is a reliable partner for logging easy mileage, but it lacks versatility. However, some runners may find the high stack paired with a slightly firm ride perfect for their needs. Overall, this is a reliable and well-cushioned shoe that doesn't perform as well as key competitors.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Ghost Max is a max-cushioned shoe with a comfortable but slightly firm ride.
The Ghost Max 3 is great for easy running, but our testers didn't love the overall bulk of the shoe.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Cushioning
Typically, when a shoe is marketed as a soft and ultra-cushioned running shoe, we expect a soft ride that is either bouncy or pillowy. The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is the odd max-cushioning shoe that isn't really either of those things. Landing feels well-insulated and very good, but it doesn't have a particularly soft or energetic feel. Compared to other Brooks shoes, this shoe is best described as sedate.
We found it interesting how firm the Ghost Max felt while landing, particularly given the foam and stack height.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
While it feels comfortable for long efforts, it struggles with pace changes. The early rocker, starting at 62.6% of the shoe, keeps things steady when you're in a relaxed rhythm, but the midsole doesn't provide much energy, and the shoe's heft limits its pace versatility.
While we didn't experience any issues, the forefoot is pretty loose. If you look closely, you can see our tester's big toe poking through the upper here, closer to the middle of the shoe than where it normally would be.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Upper Comfort
The Ghost Max 3's upper runs warm and has limited breathability. The overall fit runs wide, particularly in the toe box. Our average-width tester didn't have trouble getting a good lockdown by simply snugging up the laces, and we appreciate how forgiving the upper fit is. However, runners with particularly narrow forefeet might experience some sliding issues.
The Ghost Max could benefit from better breathability, running hot in our tests.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The upper also doesn't offer much in the way of breathability. The box runs toasty, resulting in sweatier feet than we experienced in most competitors. Running in cold weather could make this an asset, but longer runs or hotter weather are more likely to result in discomfort.
The blocky shape of the Ghost Max 3 led to a few ankle rolls on uneven surfaces. We never had trouble on pavement, though.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Stability
With a very wide base, especially through the midfoot, the Ghost Max 3 offers solid support. While there is no additional guidance through the stride, the inherent stability of the platform is solid. This is still a neutral shoe, but it's wide and firm enough for runners who value support underfoot. Conversely, we found the loose forefoot fit and blocky shape of the midsole make this shoe prone to ankle rolls. We would recommend it for runners who regularly cover uneven surfaces.
We think the overall bulk of the Ghost Max is a turn-off. It feels bigger than it is.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
The Ghost Max 3 is a heavy shoe, weighing 11.69 ounces in a US M 10.5. This is heavier than the average, and the heft is very noticeable. Even if you're not bothered by pace, a lighter shoe is easier to run in and often more efficient. While the cushioning and support of this shoe may appeal to beginners, the weight may make runs feel harder than necessary.
Thanks to all the rubber coverage, the Max 3 grips very well.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The Max 3 has ample rubber coverage, with multi-directional tread that helps it grip most surfaces well. It worked well on various surfaces, both when it was cold and somewhat slick, including concrete, pavement, and gravel.
Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 3?
Overall, while the Ghost Max 3 is comfortable and offers good protection from the pavement, we think there are significantly better options. Some runners may find the slightly firmer midsole appealing. Still, multiple competitors in this price range offer a similar running experience with the same levels of durability and cushioning, but with lower weights or better breathability.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
We think the Nike Vomero 18 offers everything the Ghost Max 3 does, but it does them all better. It's a smooth rolling shoe that provides premium comfort and has significantly more energy. Another top choice for a max-cushioned shoe is the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, which offers a much softer ride, albeit with significantly less stability.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 versus top competing products:
—Nathaniel Bailey
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