REASONS TO BUY
Very stable
Comfortable upper
Well-tractioned
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited versatility
Heavy
Brooks Ghost Max 3 - Women's Review
An okay choice for relaxed miles, but not the top option compared to others available
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a max-cushioned daily trainer with a smooth rocker and protective foam, but its firm feel limits versatility and makes it better suited for relaxed runs.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 10, 2025
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is designed as a max-cushioned, daily version of the beloved Brooks Ghost. This shoe takes a slightly different approach to max-cushioning, and its result is passable, but not exceptional. The rocker geometry helps create a smooth, rolling stride that works well at easy paces, and the thick layer of DNA Loft v3 cushioning provides ample protection. However, the foam feels firmer than expected, which was surprising given its max-cushion billing. That firmness significantly reduces this shoe's versatility, as the shoe feels awkward and heavy at faster paces. Runners seeking a dependable, cushioned option for relaxed miles, the Ghost Max 3 holds its ground, though we have plenty of other road running shoes we would recommend before this one.
Our Analysis and Test Results
At 8.42 ounces per shoe, this clunky road shoe is built for runners who want to eat up mellow mileage with the highest form of underfoot bulk at play.
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a chunky, inhibiting running shoe that feels incredibly firm despite its maximally cushioned countenance.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Cushioning
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is surprisingly firm and rigid, considering it is a maximally cushioned road running shoe. While the underfoot cushioning is protective, it falls short of feeling plush and comfortable in the ways we expect from a max-cushioned shoe.
Despite its max cushioning, the midsole feels firm and rigid, reducing plushness and leg turnover, making it less comfortable for extended mileage.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Moreover, the chunkiness of the Brooks' DNA Loft v3 slab hinders leg turnover, resulting in an overall dead feeling throughout the midsole. The hardworking rocker helps legs roll through mellow mileage, but the Brooks Ghost Max 3 falls short in terms of offering comfortable underfoot cushioning.
The engineered mesh upper of the Ghost Max is comfortable and somewhat flexible, offering stability through the heel and room at the forefoot. Multiple width options are available, though we tested the “regular” width.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
The upper comfort of the Ghost Max 3 is solid. The Ghost Max 3 sticks with Brooks' signature engineered mesh, delivering a familiar mix of comfort and structure. The upper feels smooth against the foot and has enough flexibility to stay comfortable over long distances. It runs slightly warm with less breathability and leans on the wider side, giving the forefoot extra room to splay naturally. A well-constructed heel cup provides stability, keeping the foot secure even with a roomier fit up front. The midfoot lockdown proved reliable during testing, although runners with narrower feet may prefer a slimmer silhouette. For those needing additional space, Brooks also offers wide and extra-wide options.
The Ghost Max's wide platform provides neutral stability, though the blocky midsole and loose forefoot make it best for slow, smooth road runs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
Built on a noticeably wide platform, particularly through the midfoot, the Ghost Max 3 provides a reassuring sense of support. Though it remains a neutral trainer without structured guidance, the broad base naturally adds stability that some runners will appreciate. However, the combination of a looser forefoot fit and the blocky midsole can feel awkward. For that reason, this shoe is best reserved for smooth, slow road miles rather than mixed or unpredictable terrain.
The Ghost Max 3 feels heavy and cumbersome, making it less appealing for runners seeking an easy, nimble ride.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
Well, this shoe is heavy. Not only is it 8.42 ounces (per women's size 6.5 shoe) literally heavy, but the build also emphasizes its weight, making it feel heavier than it actually is. While it offers some enjoyable qualities, it is here that it truly loses its luster for us. Lighter shoes tend to feel easier to run in, and the Ghost feels unnecessarily challenging to run in. Even runners seeking a maximally cushioned shoe will have better luck in a shoe with a better distribution of weight.
Traction is adequate for road surfaces but insufficient for trail use, which is to be expected.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Traction
The traction of the Ghost Max 3 was grippy enough and totally what we expected from a Brooks road shoe. It offers enough overall security, but it isn't rugged enough to handle trails.
Overall, this is one of the least recommended shoes of the season due to bulk and underwhelming performance.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 3?
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is one of the shoes we are least likely to recommend. Its overall bulk and lack of performance make it unsuitable for runners seeking a reliable road shoe. If you want a maximally cushioned road running option, we have better recommendations, many of which even cost less.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If you are looking for a well-cushioned shoe, we wholeheartedly recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. The 1080v14 offers a more energetic take on serious cushioning, allowing runners to feel connected to the road beneath them and even throw in a few quick strides. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is a smoother, more nimble, maximally-cushioned option that doesn't feel as heavy or imposing underfoot.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 - Women's versus top competing products:
—Ally Arcuri
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