| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Lost an ounce + Sleeker design | – “Meh” ride – Another price increase – Worse than the Ghost 18 – Quite firm |
The beefier version of Brooks’ flagship neutral daily trainer returns with a lighter weight and sleeker design. Find out how the shoe compares to previous editions, in this Brooks Ghost Max 4 review.
Brooks Ghost Max 4
| STACK | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 40/34 mm (6 mm drop) | M9: 10.3 oz/292 g W8: 9.2 oz/261 g | $165 |
You would think the Ghost Max would have undergone some notable changes by now. You would be wrong. Because after three years and four editions, what you have in the latest iteration isn’t too far off from the original. It’s got practically the same midsole, weight, and stack height as the OG. That begs the question, what’s new?
Well, for starters, the price continues to rise! What started as $150 is now $165. “Inflation! Tariffs! Supply chain! Covid?” Ok, but at what point does it stop? Will the Ghost Max reach $200 someday like the overpriced Glycerin Max?
Sure, the weight dropped by about an ounce, but v3 was already a hefty 11.3 oz (men) and 10 oz (women). Plus, v4 is still heavier than the original v1. Again, more of the same.
Ride
As Dennis Reynolds from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia said about going down on Chrissy Orlando on the trampoline: “It was pretty good. It was all right. It wasn’t great. But it was fine.” He might as well have been describing the experience of running in the Ghost Max 4, minus the “pretty good” part.
Carrying over the same average DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused EVA foam from the third edition doesn’t help matters. And the Glideroll Rocker geometry doesn’t feel as noticeable as past versions. It’s not that the ride sucks, it’s just a bit uninspiring at this point.
After four editions of the same thing, I crave some change. The shoe feels too firm underfoot without much energy return. I found myself slogging through 7 miles during an easy recovery run as part of marathon training. I would say my legs were just tired, but each of the 9 runs I did in the pair felt about the same. Frankly, it’s got a far less responsive ride than the Brooks Ghost 18 which has a 36 mm/26 mm stack height and an identical DNA LOFT v3 midsole. It’s also $15 cheaper, at $150.
I just expect more from this shoe. At $165, there are more affordable options out there that are more versatile and fun, like the much softer, bouncier New Balance Ellipse (40/32 mm), a whopping $20 cheaper.
Can we get a more exciting foam in here? Or how about a plate? I know, I know, I’m starting to sound like a running noob. But regardless of how you feel about the overabundance of plates, it’s undeniable that Brooks doesn’t have enough plated shoes. They have only two! ASICS has like a dozen! (ASICS has a half dozen.)
Upper
For what it’s worth (not much) this is the sleekest (least bulky) upper in the shoe’s short history (a low bar). Though, it’s a noticeably more narrow fitting, less roomy upper compared to v3, so take note if you have wide feet. Despite being extremely wordy, the double jacquard air mesh upper offers solid breathability, much more so than in v3. There’s a plush tongue that’s not gusseted but pairs nicely with a padded heel collar for a solid foot lockdown. The shoe is more stylish than ever, but looks can only carry a pair so far.
So, what else is new? Hmm….oh! I’ve got good news for people who love useless updates! Brooks added a pull tab to the heel, for some reason. That stupid little piece of fabric is probably to blame for the $5 price increase. I guess pull tabs aren’t inconsequential, after all.
Uses
The Ghost Max is designed as a max cushioned daily trainer which could also serve as a recovery option for masochists who prefer to further punish their tired legs with unforgiving landings and little energy return. I would never use this pair for long runs. I don’t have ADHD, but I also don’t have the attention span to run in this shoe for multiple hours.
I understand the Ghost Max serves as a popular walking shoe and its broad outsole base makes it a great stable-neutral option for many, but I don’t need either of those. This is a running shoe, damnit! It’s time it started acting like it!
You’d be better off saving money and opting for last year’s Ghost Max 3 at $120.
Conclusion
With just a couple small changes (including another price hike) the Ghost Max 4 will provide just about the same sensation you experienced in any other version of the shoe. In the first few editions that was enough. In version 4? In 2026? It’s underwhelming.
The Ghost Max 4 is available August 1.
The superior Ghost 18 is available now.
Save up to 35% on Brooks gear during their summer sale.
Brooks graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Brooks Ghost Max 4 review and they didn’t get an opportunity to see this Brooks Ghost Max 4 review before I published.
This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase using the links (at no extra cost to you.)
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