The Ghost Max returns with an upgraded foam…and a noticeable uptick in weight. How does it compare to the original version? I put the shoe to the test through 60 miles, in this Brooks Ghost Max 2 review.
The first edition of the beefier version of the fan-favorite Ghost arrived in 2023 to much acclaim from both Brooks fans and critics alike. It was Brooks’ response to the max cushion trend, and a welcome innovation for a brand that would typically “play it safe.” Fast forward a couple years, and Brooks now has the mammoth Glycerin Max and speedy Hyperion Max to round out its trio of “Max” shoes.
God, the running industry has got to think of a better word than “max” to add to the end of shoes. ASICS has the Glideride Max and Puma has something called the MagMax Nitro; I suppose it’s not as bad as the New Balance Fresh Foam MORE. It’s like all running brands are trying to appeal to pre-pubescent boys: MAX! MORE! BIG! STRONG! They’re not transformers; they’re running shoes!
How does the max-cushioned pair stack up against other Brooks’ shoes?
Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review
Stack height: 39 mm/33 mm (6 mm drop)
Weight: US M9: 10.8 oz (306.2 g) | US W8: 9.6 oz (272 g)
Price: $150
Midsole and Ride
The upgrade to nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 is a welcome addition. Although it still has a firm underfoot sensation, there are slightly softer landings and a more lively feel than the original version of the pair which had the EVA-based LOFT v2. But, if firm rides are “not your bag, baby,” then the Ghost Max 2 won’t be your shoe, baby. If you’re looking for a softer feel, look to Brooks’ Glycerin 22 and Glycerin Max, boasting the new, innovative DNA Tuned foam.
The Glideroll Rocker—a fancy, made-up term for the shoe’s rocker geometry, (an upward curve at the heel and toe) helps propel your feet forward with each stride. However, I must say, the rocker felt more pronounced in the original Ghost Max, and created a better heel to toe transition than in v2.
While it is a neutral shoe, the Ghost Max 2 offers quite the stable ride. There are raised sidewalls and a broad outsole base to praise for that—or, to curse out, if you prefer a wild and crazy ride where you risk rolling your ankle with every stride. Heavier runners and those with slight stability preferences should appreciate this. Personally, I could do with a bit less stability here. At times, the landings feel a bit too structured underfoot. The stability-focused Saucony Hurricane 24 actually feels less stable than the Ghost Max 2, and is preferable.
The stack height remains unchanged from v1, with the heel sitting just below 40 mm and the forefoot 6 mm shorter. I far prefer the 6 mm drop to the Ghost 16’s crazy 12 mm. Although, the Ghost 17 is dropping to a 10 mm drop this year.
While it’s a shoe that holds up decently to long runs (I ran a 14-miler in it) I prefer a lighter, more responsive, and softer shoe for runs of multiple hours. I’ve found 10 miles and under is this shoe’s sweet spot.
You can forget about using this pair for faster days—the stable ride, firm cushioning, and higher weight don’t exactly scream “speed work.” If you’re looking for a Brooks tempo shoe, the firm, Pebax-plated Hyperion Max 2 is a solid pick, if pricey ($180).
Upper
A greatly improved engineered mesh upper cradles the foot, much more comfortably than in v1. The tongue and plush heel collar have additional padding and help achieve a more secure lockdown than in the first iteration. My toes had plenty of room in the toe box without feeling out of place. Of course, these upper improvements came at a cost: the higher weight.
While there is decent ventilation, the breathability of the upper leaves something to be desired. Additionally, the raised sidewalls and external heel collar rubber take up a lot of real estate on this shoe, another contributing factor to its significant weight.
Outsole
Just as in the first version, there’s ample rubber on the outsole—too much, in my opinion. Shedding the amount would help cut the weight, and provide a smoother underfoot feel. Of course, the upside is, it’s one of the most durable shoes you’ll find. But, I’ll gladly trade in a bit of durability for a more streamlined, lighter ride, every time.
Weight
As if I hadn’t already made it clear, the weight is this shoe’s biggest downside. It’s never a good thing when a shoe gains weight from its previous version, and this isn’t just a few tenths of an ounce we’re talking about. The Ghost Max 2 tacked on an egregious 0.8 ounces from v1, weighing in at 10.8 ounces for a men’s size 9 (9.6 oz for women’s size 8).
Look, I’m as “body positive” as they come, but when it comes to “shoe bodies,” I’m extremely negative. And judgmental. It’s 2025: with the evolution of shoes, no pair should be hovering around 11 ounces. Again, reducing the amount of rubber underfoot and stripping down the hefty upper would help get this shoe closer to the original Ghost Max’s weight of 10 ounces.
Aesthetics
Remember how I just got done saying I’m extremely “shoe body negative?” And judgmental? Well, quite frankly, I despise shoes that are all-black. They’re boring, have no personality, and don’t look attractive in bed—uh, on the roads, I meant. So, it came as quite the unpleasant surprise when I received the Ebony/Cockatoo/Blue Sapphire colorway from Brooks. Don’t let the intriguing name fool you. In a word: Ugly. In two words: dreadfully unattractive, and, in three words: appallingly, unmistakably hideous.
There are a whopping 12 (12!) other non-all-black colorways available for this shoe, and I would’ve preferred literally any of them instead of the Ebony/Cockatoo/Blue Sapphire dumpster fire. I don’t need my shoes to blend in—I’m not refereeing some snot-nosed 4th graders’ basketball game or serving insufferable patrons in an Applebee’s. I’m not “Eatin’ good in the neighborhood”; I’m simply running well in the neighborhood, so I need my kicks to stand out to match my loud ego! [Thanks to Applebee’s for sponsoring this Brooks Ghost Max 2 review.]
Would you listen to me bitch about receiving free shoes for wear testing! Only The Size 15 Runner would be so ungrateful. (Wait, did he just refer to himself in the third person?) Yes, The Size 15 Runner just referred to himself in the third person.
The silver lining: the second edition is more stylish than the first—not that I would know with the colorway I got. How’s that for objective analysis?
Price
Most max cushioned daily trainers go for $160, so $150 is actually a decent price for this durable shoe. Plus, it’s just $10 more than the less cushioned regular Ghost model. Despite the heavier weight and price, I’d still pay slightly more for the Max over the original Ghost. However, at $15 more, I’d choose the Glycerin 22 for a comfier, livelier, and more enjoyable ride with the same durability. The latest Glycerin is a unique offering in Brooks lineup; you can’t say the same about the Ghost Max 2.
Conclusion
So, is the Ghost Max 2 enough of an upgrade to justify paying full price, or should you opt for the discounted first version instead? (The Size 15 Runner better not say “it depends.”) Well, it depends. Just kidding! Did I get you?!
While DNA LOFT v3 is an upgrade over LOFT v2, the shoe’s significant weight gain essentially cancels out the improved midsole. I still slightly prefer the second version, but it’s not enough of an improvement to pay an additional $70 for. (The Ghost Max can currently be found for around $80.)
The lesson here: never increase a shoe’s weight. If you absolutely must, never increase it nearly a whole ounce! Regardless, the Ghost Max is a staple in the Brooks lineup and I’m excited to see how they innovate the shoe in the years ahead. (Hopefully, that’ll include a notable weight loss.)
The Ghost Max 2 is available on Brooks’ site, or wherever you prefer to empty your wallet on running shoes.
Brooks graciously provided the Ghost Max 2 to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Brooks Ghost Max 2 review and they did not get an opportunity to see this review before I published.
