Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review
By Nathan Brown and Matthew Klein
Brooks Ghost Max 2Price: $149.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.9 oz, 309 g (men's size 9), 9.6 oz, 272 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 39 mm / 33 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Shoe Purpose: Orthotic Friendly Daily Walking/Running Shoe
Pros: Steady for walking and standing, good toe box volume, orthotic-friendly
Cons: Clunky heel, lack of innovation, firmer midsole with little responsiveness
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is for those who want an orthotic-friendly, stiff and maximal shoe for walking and slower running. A short tapered toe box makes for a shoe most will need to go up a half size for, which results in a normal width but comfortable upper. The full-length DNA Loft v3 midsole provides a firmer ride with a stable but clunky rearfoot and a stiff forefoot. A deeper footbed makes for easy application of external arch support insoles and orthotics, making this a shoe that returns to its Dyad roots while still being a great stable neutral ride for those with lower arches. The higher weight makes it best only for easy walking and running, creating a far more conservative feel than the original. The Brooks Ghost Max 2 returns as an orthotic-friendly orthopedic shoe for those who like a firmer more traditional ride.
SIMILAR SHOES: Brooks Dyad, Saucony Echelon, Saucony Endorhpin Shift
PAST MODEL: Brooks Ghost Max
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Brooks Ghost Max 2 fits me short in my normal men's US size 10. I would highly encourage those wanting to use this shoe to go up a half size, particularly if they plan to use an orthotic. The toe box is tapered, which adds to the short feeling. The rest of the shoe is normal to slightly wider. The forefoot is normal in width with normal to slightly lower volume. This transitions into a normal width midfoot with a lower instep. The tongue is thicker and non-gusseted. The heel fits slightly wider width with a large amount of heel collar cushioning. I experienced heel slippage with this shoe and had to lace lock the heel, which solved this problem. Although the upper padding somewhat offsets this, there is a stiff heel counter in the rearfoot. Those who like stiff counters will do well, but those with Haglund deformities may not. The inner aspect of the upper is quite comfortable and those who want to go sockless may do well. The insole is extremely thick and can be easily removed to put in a custom orthotic. However, I would still encourage going a half size up, especially with any kind of orthotic addition.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
Nathan: Unlike Matt, I did not have issues with the length of this shoe. I have had to size up in a number of shoes this year including multiple shoes from the SuperComp series from New Balance and a few PUMA shoes, but the Brooks Ghost Max 2 was not one of them. Overall, I found it very consistent with their other models like the Ghost and Adrenaline. It has a decent amount of volume in the forefoot and hugs the midfood nicely and securely. The tongue and heel are very padded, which helps cushion the rigid internal and external heel counter. The tongue is not gusseted (connected to the base of the shoe), but the padding keeps it in place well and has not slipped at all. A non-gusseted tongue is nice in cases where one goal is to accommodate many insoles or foot types, which I believe to be the case with this shoe.The mesh upper is moderately thin, so it hasn't been too warm during summer running. The sock liner is a bit thicker and when removed can be replaced with many types of insoles without losing space.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 9
Shoes that have fit Nathan well: Topo Phantom 3, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, ASICS Novablast 4
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Mach 6, Puma Deviate 3, New Balance Rebel v3
Shoes that have fit large: Saucony Triumph 22, Brooks Launch 9 (length)
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mildly/Mostly Rigid
How Flexible is the Shoe: Mildly
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: No
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: Somewhat
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is an orthopedic walking/running shoe. The full-length DNA Loft v3 is firmer than expected and the ride is stiffer. There is no flexibility in this shoe and it runs on the heavier side, almost hitting the 11 oz range (men's size 9). There is a 6mm drop, which is exactly what this shoe feels like thanks to the midsole compressing little. The heel transition is clunky as there is only a tiny bevel. This transitions into a stiff midfoot, although this makes it feel more stable. The forefoot is stiff with a large rocker but does break in with use. Those with toe mobility issues will do well in this shoe given how little it flexes but I would encourage going up a half size for enough room. Due to the lack of a bevel, heavier weight and stiffer ride, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 works best as a walking shoe and slower running/jogging shoe. It returns to its Dyad roots as a bit of a clunker but feels far smoother going at walking or slower paces. I have only been able to do easy runs in this shoe and found any attempt to change paces difficult.
The traction is good on road and smooth trail is good. I have found wet smooth pavement to not be something this outsole does well on. The durability is great despite my mechanics. I have 25 miles on my pair with next to no wear on the outsole. Therefore, I expect to get an above-average number of miles for a trainer out of these.
Nathan: I am still trying to fully understand my experience in this shoe. When the original Brooks Ghost Max debuted, it was a bit exciting. It was the first "mainstream" Brooks model that was adopting some of the trends in training shoes today, including high stack heights and a rocker design. It felt a bit smoother than other models like the Ghost, Launch, Revel, and Adrenaline thanks to the rocker. It felt like it was going to be a bit of a workhorse trainer as it evolved, and one that could handle easy runs and some workouts. However, that is not what happened in version 2. This model has gained some weight and with the new DNA Loft v3 has felt very firm and lacks any liveliness. It seems to have gone from a potential versatile workhorse to more of a walking and easy running shoe that can accommodate orthotics. I think the biggest issue for me regarding running is the heel construction. The bevel is very small, making the wider base clunky to land on. If you land mid to forefoot it shouldn't be an issue for you, but if you are a rearfoot striker as I am, it may be a problem. Additionally, the combination of the heel, a quite firm foam, and stiffer shoe led to me experiencing transient foot pain when running in this shoe. This isn't the first time I've had this happen, I've also had it in other models with similar firmness and stiffness. I do think those wanting a combination of walking and jogging shoes that have a bit of a rocker will enjoy this model.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a stable neutral shoe. While it does not have traditional stability elements, it has several guidance elements. There are several sidewalls present on the medial and lateral heel and midfoot. These are not obtrusive, so those lower arches should not have trouble. The base of the shoe is wide and the midfoot does not taper. The ride has a great deal of stiffness in all directions, adding to the inherent stability. All these elements create a centered ride that does not push the foot one way or another although the midfoot and heel have the most guidance compared to the forefoot. This is great for adding an orthotic in as it will not interfere, so those with lower arches looking for a stable neutral ride or those looking for an orthotic-friendly walk/run shoe will do well.
Nathan: Given the firmer foam, sole flaring to create a wide base of support and sidewalls, this is a stable neutral shoe. The midfoot ground contact stays wide and does not taper in, helping provide guidance through that area as well. There is a rocker, but it does not pitch you forward drastically, maintaining a stable ride in the forward and backward direction. Overall, a simply-constructed stable neutral shoe.
Thoughts as a DPT: Diversifying Options
By Nathan Brown
As you may have seen in this review so far, this wasn't a shoe that worked great for me. If you've been around Doctors of Running for any amount of time, you know that we don't like to review shoes simply based on what we like and don't like. We like to critically think about who a particular shoe may work best for and who it may not work best for. There are always pros and cons to shoes depending on who you are, and just because it wasn't my cup of tea doesn't make it a "bad" shoe. That said, there are particularities of this shoe like the heel bevel that need work if the goal of this shoe is to be a true running and training shoe.
But I think this brings us to a bigger conversation about how I believe companies should develop their lines of running shoes. I think they should diversify their options in a way to meet the preferences and particularities of many runners. This is why I was initially excited about the first Ghost Max. It was bringing a new geometry to their line of offerings. However, what I think is lacking in the diversity of Brooks' offerings is midsole compliance. Every single one of their shoes is on the firmer end of the spectrum, even their Hyperion line. Firm isn't bad, but it's really the only option from Brooks right now, particularly when compared with other brands. I think the Ghost Max line is an opportunity to break their own mold a bit, offer something with a higher level of compliance, and bring softness that is remarkable compared to their other shoes. We have a full podcast on the science of cushioning, and there are consequences, good and bad, for a shoe having higher or lower levels of cushioning. The Ghost Max line could provide people an option who prefer Brooks as a brand something that is unique to everything else, differentiating it and making it a fun model. Diversification can also help people who are brand loyal develop a shoe rotation that provides different stimuli to the body.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a conundrum. It is more stable than the original max and will likely work better with orthotics. However, it has returned to the clunky ride of the Dyad, which makes me wonder by this isn't name the Dyad 12. Additionally, the foam is firm for how much stack height there is. My biggest suggestions are to both add a better heel bevel and to soften the midsole. Particularly with stiff orthopedic shoes, a heel bevel is important to maintain forward momentum. A lack of one only increases stress on the anterior shin muscles and makes the shoe clunky. This can be slightly offset with a softer midsole, but the underfoot feel is firm. While the Ghost Max 2 improves its stiffness and ability to support an orthotic, it loses the smooth transition that made the Ghost Max original so unique.
Nathan: I spoke to my major recommendations in the Thoughts as a DPT section, namely that the heel bevel needs to be improved and that the midsole needs to be softer. If the goal of this shoe is to be a stiffer walking shoe and some jogging, not as much needs to be changed. However, this platform has the potential to be a bigger player in more serious training if tweaked a bit for weight, compliance, and responsiveness if Brooks wants to go that way.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is for those who want an orthotic-friendly shoe for walking and slow running. The fit is a half-size short, so most should consider going up a half size especially if they are adding an orthotic. Those with normal width, normal volume feet will do best (there are wide and extra wide options for those that need them) once they have found the optimal size. The ride is quite stiff with a clunky rearfoot and a stiff midfoot/forefoot. This will do well for those with toe mobility issues, lower arches and those with mild guidance needs. Additionally, the design will take orthotics well without interfering with their purposes. Those that enjoyed the Ghost Max original will find a completely different shoe in version 2. This is far more similar to the Dyad series, so much so that I would consider the Ghost Max 2 a maximal, lower drop Dyad. This makes it slower, more clunky but also more stable, which is why walkers will probably enjoy it more than runners.
Nathan: This Ghost Max 2 is for those who want a shoe that can accommodate orthotics and prefer an overall firmer ride with a bit of a rockered forefoot. It is also a stable neutral shoe for those seeking a bit more structure underfoot that is not biased in one direction or another. I think it is best for those who want a walking or standing shoe that also will handle some running.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: C+ (Half size short with tapered toe box. Normal width fit with normal volume due to thicker upper, slight heel slippage requires heel lock)
Performance: C+ (Heavy, firmer shoe with clunky heel. Stiffer ride good for taking orthotics but not great for anything beyond slow walking and jogging)
Stability: A- [Stable Neutral] (Stiff ride, wide base, heel/midfoot sidewalls)
Value: B+ (Good value as an orthotic-friendly walking/jogging shoe but not for anything else)
Personal: D+ (Stiff, uncomfortable, toe crushing thanks to short fit. Works far better as a walking shoe)
Overall Design: B-
Nathan
Fit: A- (Just a slightly stiff heel counter, good fit otherwise for me)
Performance: C+ (As a trainer, it's heavy and bland)
Stability: A- [Stable Neutral] (Firmner foam, sole flare, side walls)
Value: B- (Solid orthotic friendly shoe, but other trainers at 150 are more fun for running)
Personal: D+ (I personally got foot pain while running, but have used during the work day)
Overall Design: B-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORBrooks Ghost Max 2Price: $149.95 at Running Warehouse
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