Brooks
Ghost Max 3 Running Shoe - Men's
$159.95
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The Grivet Take
The Ghost Max 3 is Brooks's max-cushion neutral daily trainer with a tall stack, soft DNA LOFT v3 foam, and an aggressive rocker. The 6mm drop and rocker geometry roll the foot through toe-off rather than asking the forefoot to flex. This is a recovery-day, long-run, and walking shoe; runners coming from leaner trainers will notice the height and the smooth roll immediately. The platform is wide and stable for a neutral shoe; runners who want responsiveness or pop should look elsewhere. Cross-shop with the Hoka Bondi 9 for similar character with Hoka's signature feel.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.5 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.4 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.4 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.2 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Very wide base
How it fits
Fits true to size for most runners. Toe box runs standard width with normal vertical volume. Midfoot is normal width with a secure wrap. Heel hold is excellent. Available in standard (D) and wide (2E) widths at Grivet for men's. The high stack adds vertical bulk; runners new to max-cushion should expect a different feel underfoot than typical daily trainers.
How it feels
Cushion is max-stack and soft-leaning. DNA LOFT v3 is the most cushioned foam in Brooks's lineup; the platform sinks comfortably on landing without going pillowy. The rocker geometry rolls the foot forward through toe-off; the forefoot itself is stiff rather than flexible, which is intentional for the max-cushion brief. Energy return is modest; this is not a responsive shoe. The wide platform delivers stable footfalls even at the tall stack height.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 39.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 33.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 6.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 10.7 oz · 303 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 5 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Very wide base
- Midsole
- DNA LOFT v3
- Outsole
- rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D · 2E
Tech, translated
DNA LOFT v3 is Brooks's softest cushioning foam, nitrogen-infused for lighter weight and softer feel than DNA LOFT v2. In the Ghost Max 3 the foam pairs with a 39mm heel stack for max-cushion daily-mileage protection.
The GlideRoll Rocker geometry rolls the foot forward from heel to toe rather than asking the forefoot to flex. This is the same rocker concept Hoka uses across its line; Brooks tunes the rocker more conservatively with a flatter forefoot.
The outsole uses durable rubber with extensive coverage. The 6mm drop is moderate and pairs with the rocker to maintain smooth transitions.
Frequently asked
Does the Brooks Ghost Max 3 run true to size?
The Ghost Max 3 runs true to size for most runners. The toe box is standard width with normal vertical volume. Available in standard (D) and wide (2E) widths at Grivet for men's; runners between sizes can usually stay with their typical Brooks size.
Is the Brooks Ghost Max 3 firm or soft underfoot?
The Ghost Max 3 is on the soft side. DNA LOFT v3 is the most cushioned foam in Brooks's lineup; the platform sinks comfortably on landing. Runners who want a firmer max-cushion feel should look at the Saucony Triumph 22 or the Asics Nimbus 27 instead.
Is the Brooks Ghost Max 3 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The durable rubber outsole grips treadmill belts reliably and the max-cushion stack absorbs the harder treadmill landing exceptionally well. The strong rocker maintains smooth turnover across longer treadmill sessions. The Ghost Max is one of the most comfortable treadmill options in the Brooks line.
Is the Brooks Ghost Max 3 good for wide feet?
Yes. Brooks offers the Ghost Max 3 in wide (2E) at Grivet for men's. The standard width itself runs true; runners who size up for wider feet should choose the (2E) wide variant rather than going up a half size.
How does the Brooks Ghost Max 3 compare to the Hoka Bondi 9?
Both are max-cushion neutral daily trainers with rocker geometry. The Ghost Max 3 has a familiar Brooks fit and DNA LOFT v3 cushioning; the Bondi 9 has Hoka's signature feel with a slightly more aggressive rocker. Pick the Ghost Max if you have run in Brooks before and want max cushion; pick the Bondi if you prefer Hoka's character.
Is the Ghost Max 3 a good walking shoe?
Yes. The 39mm stack with DNA LOFT v3 cushion and the GlideRoll rocker make the Ghost Max one of the most comfortable walking options in the Brooks line. The wide platform delivers stable footfalls; the rocker maintains smooth toe-off without asking the forefoot to flex. Runners and walkers on their feet for long hours benefit from the cushion height.
What is the difference between the Ghost Max 3 and the Ghost Max 2?
The Ghost Max 3 is the current version with refinements to the upper, fit, and outsole. Both share the high-stack DNA LOFT and GlideRoll rocker character; the underfoot feel is consistent across the two versions. Customers who liked the Ghost Max 2 will recognize the family character.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Brooks Ghost 17
Choose the Ghost Max 3 for the max-cushion stack and stronger rocker. Choose the Ghost 17 for a leaner, more flexible daily trainer with the same Brooks neutral character.
Compare Brooks Ghost 17 →
Hoka Bondi 9
Choose the Ghost Max 3 for max cushion with a familiar Brooks fit and DNA LOFT v3 underfoot. Choose the Bondi 9 for Hoka's signature max-cushion ride with a slightly more aggressive rocker.
Compare Hoka Bondi 9 →
Brooks Glycerin 22
Choose the Ghost Max 3 for the max-cushion stack and stronger rocker. Choose the Glycerin 22 for Brooks's premium plush daily trainer with the new DNA Tuned midsole and a traditional 10mm drop.
Compare Brooks Glycerin 22 →
Saucony Triumph 22
Choose the Ghost Max 3 for max cushion with a strong rocker and DNA LOFT v3 cushion. Choose the Triumph 22 for premium daily mileage with PWRRUN PB supercritical foam in a more conservative geometry.
Compare Saucony Triumph 22 →