REASONS TO BUY
Stable
Comfortable upper
Breathable
REASONS TO AVOID
Stiff out of the box
Not flexible through the sole
Bad traction on gravel
Brooks Ghost Max 3 - Women's Review
These max-cushion shoes aren't plush, but rather offer support for extended time on your feet
Credit: Becca Glades
By Becca Glades ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ November 10, 2025
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is an ultra-cushioned shoe with a neutral platform. It is a good choice for those who prefer a moderately stiff sole for extended standing. Though among the highest stack heights, they are still stable due to the wide base, though they aren't a “wide” fitting shoe.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We had a mixed experience with the Brooks Ghost Max 3. At first, we didn't love them because they were so stiff. With time, they broke in and became somewhat more flexible through the sole. They are still on the stiff side, and some of our testers liked this for spending an extended time on their feet. The upper is ideal, with enough wiggle room. Plus, a “wide” version is also available.
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 has one of the thickest midsoles that we have tested, which has its pros and cons.
Credit: Becca Glades
Comfort
The Ghost Max 3 has one of the highest stack heights in our lineup, with 36 mm under the heel. However, it isn't as plush as we would like. Instead, the rigid midsole offers a stiffer ride that we were shocked about, considering the stack. After a few miles, our feet felt fatigued, and we needed a few walks to get used to the fit. The upside of this style is that prolonged standing can be more comfortable and supported.
The fit wasn't perfect right away, but after a few walks, the materials began to break in.
Credit: Becca Glades
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 wasn't the most comfortable right out of the box. Our testers found the shoe a bit stiff, with the uppers pushing against the pinky toe. Likewise, it caused the big toe on one of our testers to point slightly inward on the first wear. However, after a few wears, the upper began to wear in and didn't cause any of these issues. If you like a little more wiggle room, these shoes are available in wide as well.
Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior
The exterior of the shoe can make the stack look even bigger than it is, which is shown here.
Support
Due to the combination of the thick and stiff sole, we find these acceptable for prolonged standing. If you find yourself standing a lot, but not walking much, these could be a good option. However, for walking, we found the support too stiff. With time, this did soften, but it took more walks than we would've liked.
After a few walks, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 began to wear in and offer a more comfortable ride.
Credit: Becca Glades
The one thing we liked was how stable these shoes are. Because they have such a high stack, we were concerned about rolling an ankle or being unsteady. However, Brooks offsets this with a wide base that prevents us from rolling an ankle during testing.
Build for roads, these still work well on gravel and hardpack dirt.
Credit: Becca Glades
Traction
For most surfaces, we had no trouble with these shoes. We walked on pavement, gravel, and tile and felt comfortably in place. One tester experienced some slippage on wet tile, but otherwise, we were pleased.
We had no trouble with traction on gravel paths.
Credit: Becca Glades
Weight
These shoes are about average in terms of weight at 8.4 ounces per shoe. That leaves both shoes weighing under a pound and a half. Because of the thick and stiff sole, they do feel clunky and heavy, though. After breaking in, this feeling subsides.
The Ghost Max 3 weighs 8.4 ounces per shoe (US 6.5).
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Durability
We had no trouble with these shoes' durability during testing. Often, thickly cushioned midsoles can wear out quicker as the cushion packs in. However, these didn't after months of wear. We also had no trouble with the upper wearing out. With proper care, these shoes could last for multiple seasons.
The Ghost Max's upper is very breathable, shown here by our smoke test.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 3?
If you stand a lot or go on short walks, these shoes could be a good option. However, with their stiff, thick sole, they weren't our favorite for long walks. Additionally, they have a longer break-in than most, so if you want something comfortable right out of the box, we suggest looking elsewhere.
What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?
If you're after maximum cushion, we suggest diving into the Hoka Clifton 10. The sole is more balanced and can handle long walking days. The Altra Experience Flow 2 is less cushioned but offers a more natural fit with a slightly wider toe box and a minimal heel-to-toe drop.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 - Women's versus top competing products:
—Becca Glades
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