"The information provided in this review is my own opinion and experience.
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Basic Specifications
Category: Daily trainer
Stack height:
Heel: 39mm
Forefoot: 33mm
Drop: 6mm
Weight (size 46): 340 grams
True to size: Yes
Distance done at time of review: 100Km
Rating:
It’s a neutral daily trainer with a high amount of cushioning and support.
Definitely suited for distanced up until a marathon!
A notable distinction is the stack height, typically around 12mm for Brooks shoes.
I experienced a comfortable fit and feel right from the first run, requiring no break-in period which is always a pleasant surprise!
The shoe made its debut in October in the US, followed by a European release in December
A surprising two-month gap!
Brooks, let’s not have a repeat of that!
Eager to get my hands on them, I ordered from the US and had them shipped to Belgium.
In hindsight, not the wisest move, as my wallet is still complaining about that…
You can also imagine that the expectations for this big brother are high as the Ghost itself is also a very great shoe.
Let’s further find out if it will live up to the expectations…
Midsole / Outsole
The midsole foam is DNA Loft V2, which might sound familiar as it’s also used in the Ghost 15.
Hold on, hold on, I hear you saying, hey man then what’s the difference.
Well in this case, the foam is maximised for a plusher, more cushioned feel, utilising the same blend of EVA foam, rubber, and air (yes, air counts as a component!).
However, it’s slightly disappointing that they didn’t opted for DNA Loft V3 instead.
The enhanced energy return and toe-off experience offered by the GlideRoll geometry is a nice improvement.
Essentially, it facilitates a smoother transition from heel to toe.
The 6mm drop, a surprising shift from Brooks, is a welcome change as it further distinguishes this model from its smaller brother.
I thought that the grip might have been an issue, however the rubber outsole is really great.
I’ve put them to the test in rainy conditions, even on notoriously slippery wet cobblestones, and the outsole’s performance exceeded my expectations.
The added stability from the slightly wider base also contributes to a better stability.
Upper
The upper is a more dense woven structure, but still feels great.
While it’s not highly stretchable, it offers adequate ventilation for the current season, though its performance in summer heat remains uncertain.
There is a good amount of padding around the collar and tongue, giving you a pleasant step-in experience.
From the first moment I’ve put them on I was like, DAMN that’s nice! Didn’t got goosebumps though haha
I appreciate how the outsole extends to the front, safeguarding the upper and toes. This feature is often lacking in other shoes
And yeah just in the shoes that don’t have it I tend to bump into things 🙂
As for the laces, I’m a huge fan. They’re soft, stretchy, and have a suitable length, although occasionally I wonder if they’re slightly too long, but double-tying them resolves the issue.
The heel area is reinforced to keep your foot protected, stable and in place.
A potential enhancement could be the inclusion of a heel collar for added Achilles support and ease of slipping the shoes on.
Perhaps a good idea for the V2? yeah baby!
Durability
As we all know, durability is a crucial factor!
The midsole foam DNA LOFT v2 foam is known to be very durable, the big question here is if the added slice would make it less durable in the long run or not.
I personally don’t expect this to be an issue.
Nor do I foresee any issues with the rubber outsole as it exhibits minimal wear and tear, proving its toughness despite its seemingly thin appearance.
The upper features a dense woven structure, along with outsole protection at the front and a reinforced heel area, suggesting that the Ghost Max’s durability will allow for numerous enjoyable runs. The laces also seem reliable, though the padding around the collar and tongue may wear out faster if exposed to moisture frequently – this, however, is difficult to predict.
My estimation for these shoes is that they can last up to 800km.
After this point, the midsole foam may begin to wear down.
While they might still feel generally comfortable, the initial cushioning quality may diminish.
Especially since the Ghost Max is purchased for its maximum cushioning, it’s essential for that feature to remain consistent.
Once the cushioning no longer feels the same, it’s a clear indication that it’s time for a replacement.
Summary
To sum it up, the Brooks Ghost Max, introduced in 2023, is an addition to the Ghost line, featuring the same midsole foam as its predecessor.
It has a higher stack height, increased foam, and enhanced cushioning.
Although the heel-to-toe drop is half of what we typically see from Brooks, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it simply offers a different experience.
The upper offers a comfortable fit, with minimal stretch and potentially less breathability in warmer temperatures.
However, it’s well-suited for fall, winter, and spring seasons.
While not the lightest option, the Ghost Max’s additional cushioning contributes to its weight.
Despite this, the shoe maintains a comfortable ride, even during longer runs.
Essentially, the shoe offers excellent value for money! I’ll continue to include it in my rotation for easy/recovery runs.
It won’t replace the Ghost 15 or the upcoming Ghost 16, as each model serves its own unique purpose.
If you’re uncertain, visit a nearby running store to try the shoes on and experience the difference for yourself.
If possible, test out the little brother as well to compare.
That concludes my Brooks Ghost Max review!
If you would like to check out the video of this review, then you can do this at the top of this page or by going to my YouTube channel!
https://www.youtube.com/@gofora_run/
If you have any questions or remarks, drop a comment down below or send me a DM on instagram!
