Brooks Ghost Max 3 - Women's Review

We had a mixed experience with the Brooks Ghost Max 3 at first. Right away, we didn't love them because they were so stiff. With time, they broke in and became somewhat more flexible through the sole. This is what ended up earning praise, though. For long-term standing, they are relieving and feel very stable throughout. The upper is ideal, with enough wiggle room. Plus, a “wide” version is also available.

Comfort

The Ghost Max 3 has one of the highest stack heights in our lineup, with 36 mm under the heel (our lab measured 37 mm after cutting them in half). However, it isn't as plush as you might think. Instead, the rigid midsole offers a stiffer ride that can be more stable, which can be beneficial for those with foot pain. While it might not sound the most inviting, the upside of this style is that prolonged standing can be more comfortable and supported. We appreciated the stable design of this shoe for that reason. We didn't reach for these for long, multi-mile walks, but we found them comfortable enough for errands, working, and long stands.

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 wasn't the most comfortable right out of the box, but they became notably better after a few walks. 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. The same was true for the outsole, which loosened up after a few walks. If you like a little more wiggle room, these shoes are available in wide as well.

We loved the upper after it broke in. They are very light and airy feeling, which was appreciated on warm days. The laces can be let out enough for high-volume feet or for when your feet swell.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Support

Due to the combination of the thick and stiff sole, we find these ideal for prolonged standing. If you find yourself standing a lot, but not walking much, these could be a good option. However, for long walks, we found the support too stiff. With time, this did soften, but it took more walks than we would've liked.

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. The heel is snug, and the lacing can be cinched for a secure fit.

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 pack in after months of wear.

We also had no trouble with the upper wearing out. With proper care, these shoes could last for multiple seasons. Plus, they are among the most breathable, keeping our feet dry and cool on warm days.

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.

These shoes are built for hard surfaces, though. They are ideal on tile, indoor flooring, concrete, and pavement. While we took them on flat, hardpacked paths in town, they are best suited for indoor and concrete surfaces. The secure fit also adds to their sense of secure traction. Our heels didn't slip and we were able to get a snug fit.

Weight

These shoes are about average in terms of weight at 8.4 ounces per shoe. Both shoes weigh under a pound and a half.

These are among the lighter shoes, which shocked us considering the thick materials. And, because of the thick and stiff sole, they do feel clunky at first, especially if you aren't used to max-cushioned shoes. After breaking in, this feeling subsides.

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?