Max cushioned running shoes are impossible to avoid these days. Wherever you go – running shoe stores, local 5ks, walks around town, and beyond – there are always countless plush, well-padded walking and running shoes designed for maximum comfort and protection.
Brands are leaning more and more into this maximalist, ultra-cushioned trend, and Brooks is no exception. And as you might expect from the name, the Ghost Max 4 from Brooks falls squarely in this max cushioned category.
The Ghost Max first debuted in 2023 as a more cushioned alternative to the renowned Brooks Ghost. The Ghost is beloved for its reliable, stable ride, and the Ghost Max borrowed some of these established elements while taking the cushioning and stability to the next level.
Now on its 4th iteration, the Ghost Max continues to provide a firm yet cushioned feel for anyone looking for a smooth, protective ride during long walks or runs.
The Ghost Max has seen some major changes over the years, but the 4th version takes a more subtle approach to its upgrades and improvements. Brooks didn’t reinvent the wheel, but instead used some minor updates to enhance your running or walking experience and deliver one of the smoothest, most stable rides you can find in running shoes today.
Curious about the changes Brooks made in the Ghost Max 4? Wondering if this stable neutral shoe is the right choice for you? We’ve got your back. Keep reading for a comprehensive review of all the Ghost Max 4’s features and upgrades, road test results, and a comparison to some other top running shoe models to consider.
Ghost Max 4: Specs and Highlights
The main specs and features are pretty similar to the Ghost Max 3, so if you’ve worn the shoe before, you’ll have a solid idea of what to expect when sliding on the shoe for the first time. Here’s a quick rundown of what the tech and specs look like:
- A neutral, max cushion shoe with a straight last and other inherent stability elements
- Stack height: 40 mm in the heel, 34 mm in the forefoot
- 6 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Weight: 10.3 oz (M), 9.5 oz (W)
- Midsole made from nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam
- GlideRoll technology guides you through each stride with smooth transitions
- Linear last creates a wide, high-volume fit that works with all foot shapes and sizes and can easily accommodate orthotics
- Upper made from an engineered mesh with added cushioning around the tongue and heel collar
- Rubber outsole provides additional traction and longevity
- Available in standard, wide, and extra-wide widths
- Price: $165
Brooks Ghost Max 4: A Closer Look at Key Features
Several members of our review team have been around the running shoe world long enough to remember when the first Ghost Max shook up Brooks’ line-up, as well as every subsequent version.
So we were excited to dive deeper into the 4th iteration and learn about the features Brooks maintained, the new elements, and how they contribute to the protective, stable ride we’ve come to know and love in the shoe.
DNA Loft v3 Midsole Platform
The new Ghost Max’s midsole platform blends some key updates with familiar, established technology. There’s more cushioning than ever before, with a 40/34 mm stack height to help absorb impact on runs and walks.
There’s a higher stack height, but the traditional DNA Loft V3 foam used in standard Ghost models makes up the midsole. This cushioning delivers a firm, responsive feel perfect for those who don’t enjoy an overly plush training shoe.
Stability Elements & Geometry
The Ghost Max 4 is what we often refer to as a stable neutral shoe. This means that it doesn’t have specific built-in correction for overpronation, but incorporates some inherently stable elements and structure to support and align your feet.
The broad, flared base is the biggest contributor to this inherent stability. The wide platform ensures there’s plenty of surface area for secure landings, and the firm foam used throughout this base prevents the shoes from feeling too wobbly or unsteady.
Raised sidewalls and a stiff heel counter also help cradle the foot and improve linear stability as you move.
The GlideRoll technology is also a standout in the Ghost Max 4. The curved rocker design, paired with a low 6 mm drop, guarantees smooth and natural heel-to-toe transitions.
Upper Construction & Fit
The Ghost Max 4 is built to deliver max cushioning and comfort, and this design philosophy extends to the upper surrounding the top of the foot.
The engineered mesh has a plush, premium feel, with added padding throughout the upper to help lock the foot in place and ensure long-lasting comfort. There’s some structure around the heel for added support, but as a whole, the upper is lightweight, soft, and flexible.
One consistent feature we’ve always enjoyed in the Ghost Max is the spacious, high-volume fit. The shoe fits true-to-size lengthwise but offers ample width in the toe box. The unique linear last adds more all-around volume, meaning the shoe is a great option for anyone who needs a more inclusive, adaptive fit or who has custom orthotics.
The Ghost Max 4 is also available in standard, wide, and extra-wide widths to accommodate even more foot shapes and sizes.
Value & Durability
The bad news is that, while the shoe has remained nearly the same as the previous iteration, the 4th version did see a $5 increase. But even with this higher price point of $165, the Ghost Max 4 offers an affordable max cushion option, especially compared to shoes with a similar stack height.
With firm, durable cushioning, the Ghost Max 4 also offers exceptional value for your money. This reliable foam won’t compress quickly, and the rubber outsole adds more protection from early wear. So if you want a shoe you know will hold up for long walks, daily training, work days, and more, you can’t go wrong with the Ghost Max 4.
Road Test Results
Previous versions of the Ghost Max have excelled at providing support, cushioning, and protection during long runs or easy days. We laced up the newest Ghost Max and took to the roads, track, and treadmill to see if this newest iteration continues to hold up.
Some shoe models will make major upgrades to each new iteration of the shoe, making it nearly unrecognizable from its predecessor. Brooks took a different approach with the Ghost Max 4, using just minor updates to improve the fit, feel, and ride. And like the previous version, the Ghost Max 4 really shined during long run days or casual miles.
There’s more cushioning than before, bringing the stack height to 40 mm in the heel and 34 mm in the forefoot. But even with this increase in foam, the shoe feels firm and stable with every step. The DNA Loft foam is well-balanced, creating a protective ride that doesn’t feel overly wobbly, soft, or spongy.
The shoe also incorporates some stability elements that really come into play during everyday mileage. The wide base, raised sidewalls, and heel cup help keep you stable and aligned without any distracting or stiff corrective support. GlideRoll technology works with the stable geometry to provide smooth, assisted heel-to-toe strides.
The upper and overall fit were some other major standouts throughout our road testing. An engineered mesh upper with plenty of added cushioning hugs the foot and ensures a secure fit. A wide, high-volume design holds your feet solidly in place while allowing for extra wiggle room from heel-to-toe. We found the toe-box wasn’t quite as wide as in the previous version, but still offers plenty of space for natural toe splay.
We won’t beat around the bush when it comes to the shoe’s limitations. The Ghost Max 4 is bulky, high-profile, and relatively heavy. It’s lighter than its predecessor but still weighs 10.3 oz for men’s shoes and 9.2 for women’s. The cushioning is also firm, but not as responsive or energetic as some other daily training foam on the market today.
In general, with this bulky, heavy design, the shoe doesn’t work quite as well for uptempo intervals or speed days. It’s meant more as a walking-around or daily training shoe that supports and stabilizes your feet while absorbing maximum impact. But in this category, the Ghost Max 4 excels. It’s a great choice for anyone who has wide feet, needs more volume for custom orthotics, or simply wants a shoe with mild stability that will keep them comfortable and healthy.
Pros and Cons
Every new model brings with it both some benefits and drawbacks. And while the Ghost Max may work for a lot of walkers and runners out there, it definitely isn’t the shoe for everyone. We’ll cover some of the pros and cons we uncovered throughout our Ghost Max 4 testing.
Pros
- DNA Loft V3 foam is well-balanced and dependable, offering a smooth and stable ride that doesn’t feel overly soft
- Inherent stability elements, including a broad base and raised sidewalls, deliver a grounded, stable ride without making the shoe overly stiff, corrective, or intrusive
- GlideRoll technology paired with low heel-to-toe offset keeps you moving forward with natural, effortless transitions
- Linear last offers a wide fit that reduces hot spots and pressure and increases volume for a more adaptive fit
Cons
- Upgrade is lighter than the previous iteration, but still heavy and bulky compared to other training shoes
- Toe box is narrower than before, so those who prefer extra wiggle room should consider sizing up or opt for a wider width
Is the Ghost Max 4 the Right Fit for You? Who Should Consider It & Other Models to Try
Overall, the Ghost Max 4 could be the right choice for you if you need a spacious, high-volume shoe, use a custom orthotic, or want a stable shoe that won’t oversupport your feet.
But if you want some other options to compare the Brooks Ghost Max 4 to, you’re in the right place.
The most direct comparison is to the Saucony Echelon. Like the Ghost Max, this everyday trainer has a straight last and broad design to support the feet and allow extra space for custom orthotics. The Echelon is even firmer and heavier than the Ghost Max. This results in a more secure, stable feel, but doesn’t offer the same impact absorption and step-in comfort as the Brooks Ghost Max.
Even outside of the name, the Brooks Ghost also shares some similarities with the Ghost Max, including the dependable DNA Loft V3 cushioning. This firm cushioning gives the two shoes a similar underfoot ride, although the higher stack of foam in the Ghost Max is more protective than the Ghost. The Ghost also has a 10 mm drop instead of the 6 mm drop found in the Ghost Max, making it a great option for prominent heel-strikers.
The Finish Line: Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Ghost Max is a relatively new model in Brooks’s lineup, but one that’s quickly become a go-to choice for walks, runs, work days, and more.
The firm, stable midsole makes it a great choice for anyone looking for the benefits of max cushioning without the overly plush, unstable feel often associated with max cushioned shoes. And with so much width and volume inside the shoe, runners with wide feet or custom orthotics will also appreciate everything the shoe has to offer.
When you want a blend of stability, support, and comfort, the Ghost Max 4 is the shoe for the job. Stop by your local Marathon Sports today to try out this newest upgrade and some of the other top running shoes on the market. No matter where your shoes take you or what kind of workouts you’re doing, we want to keep you feeling your best on every step of your running journey.
