Brooks
Ghost Max Running Shoe – Women's
$119.95
$149.95Free shipping
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The Grivet Take
The original Ghost Max was Brooks's debut entry into the wide-platform max-cushion category, and remains a strong daily trainer at potential closeout pricing. DNA LOFT v3 delivers genuine soft cushion at 39/33 stack, the wide platform keeps the foot stable, and the deep footbed accommodates orthotics for runners who use them. Best for long easy runs, walking, all-day-on-feet work, and customers wanting Ghost Max character at an older-generation price. Skip it for race-pace work or runners who want responsive foam. Ghost Max 3 is the current model with iterative refinements; v1 is a real value if available.
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.4 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 with a roomy, accommodating fit through the forefoot. Available in B (Standard) and 2E (Wide), which makes it accessible to wider-footed customers. The deep footbed accommodates orthotics; customers using orthotics are widely advised to size up half a size. Heel hold is solid; midfoot is normal volume.
How it feels
Plush and rolling with a slightly clunky rearfoot transition. DNA LOFT v3 reads as soft and cushioned, with the wide platform providing real stability under the soft foam. Strong forefoot rocker rolls the foot through toe-off; flexibility is intentionally low. Ground feel is minimal by design. Best at easy-to-moderate paces; the foam doesn't return energy at race pace.
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 (women's 8)
- 9.5 oz · 269 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.
- B · 2E
Tech, translated
DNA LOFT v3 midsole: Brooks's top-tier daily-trainer foam, debuted with the Ghost Max line. Softer and more durable than older DNA LOFT, with energy return tuned for slow paces.
Wide platform: the structural feature that distinguishes the Ghost Max from the standard Ghost. Adds stability without using a medial post, making this a strong pick for runners who want a steady ride without classic stability-shoe corrections. Also makes the shoe orthotic-friendly.
Forefoot rocker: rolls the foot through toe-off rather than relying on flex. Combined with the high stack and 6mm drop, the result is a smooth, low-effort feel at easy paces.
Deep footbed: accommodates orthotics and external arch supports without crowding. Returns the Ghost Max to Brooks's older Dyad-line orthotic-friendly heritage.
Frequently asked
Does the Brooks Ghost Max run true to size?
Yes, the Ghost Max fits true to size for most customers. The toe box is roomy and accommodating, especially in the wider widths. Available in B (Standard) and 2E (Wide), which is rare in the max-cushion category. Customers using orthotics are widely advised to size up half a size to accommodate the insert in the deep footbed.
How does the Brooks Ghost Max compare to the Ghost Max 3?
Both share the wide-platform DNA LOFT v3 max-cushion philosophy. The Ghost Max 3 brings smoother heel-to-toe transitions, a roomier and cooler upper, and a more balanced ride. The original Ghost Max debuted the platform but has a slightly clunky rearfoot transition that v3 fixes. Choose v3 for current model and the better transition; choose v1 for closeout pricing.
Is the Brooks Ghost Max firm or soft underfoot?
Soft, leaning toward plush. DNA LOFT v3 reads notably softer than older Brooks foams and delivers genuine cushion at the 39mm heel stack. The wide platform keeps the soft foam from feeling unstable. Customers wanting an even softer max-cushion ride should look at the Glycerin Max line; customers wanting firmer should look at the standard Ghost line.
Is the Brooks Ghost Max good for walking?
Yes, this is one of the best walking shoes Brooks makes. The wide platform, max cushion, forefoot rocker, and orthotic-friendly deep footbed make it excellent for all-day-on-feet wear, walking workouts, and travel. The 2E width option accommodates wide-foot walkers. Many customers buy the Ghost Max specifically as a walking and standing shoe rather than a running shoe.
Is the Brooks Ghost Max good for treadmill running?
Yes, it's a strong treadmill choice. The rubber outsole holds up well to belt wear, the soft DNA LOFT v3 cushion handles repeated foot strikes comfortably, and the smooth rocker geometry works well at the steady-state pace typical of treadmill running.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Choose the Ghost Max v1 if you want the original platform at potential closeout pricing. Choose the Ghost Max 3 if you want the current model with smoother transitions and a roomier upper.
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 3 →
Brooks Ghost Max 2
Choose the Ghost Max v1 if you want the original platform at the lowest price. Choose the Ghost Max 2 if you want the v2 evolution with iterative tweaks.
Compare Brooks Ghost Max 2 →
Hoka Bondi 9
Choose the Ghost Max v1 if you want Brooks's wide stable platform and DNA LOFT v3 cushion. Choose the Bondi 9 if you want Hoka's pillowy CMEVA ride and aggressive Meta-Rocker.
Compare Hoka Bondi 9 →
Saucony Triumph 22
Choose the Ghost Max v1 if you want Brooks's wider stable base. Choose the Triumph 22 if you want Saucony's PWRRUN+ daily-trainer foam at moderate stack.
Compare Saucony Triumph 22 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
Read the guide