Brooks Ghost Max Preview: Release Date, Specs, Price

The Ghost Max is Brooks' latest attempt to penetrate a hyper-saturated market category: the max cushion segment. With competitive entrants like the Saucony Triumph 21, Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, Nike Invincible 3, New Balance More v4—not to mention all the plated training shoes—the Ghost Max has a tough brief. Does it have what it takes? Here, we dive into the specs and let you know where it fits into the market and your rotation.

Brooks Ghost Max Overview & Release Date

The Brooks Ghost Max is a max-cushioned cruiser that takes the reliable Brooks formula and amps it up. Compared to the standard Ghost, there's more cushion, a bigger rocker and a softer foam formulation. The shoe is a daily trainer or recovery running shoe designed for plodding along in comfort.

Similar shoes on the market today include the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3, Saucony Triumph, New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4, Nike Invincible 3 and Asics Gel-Nimbus 25—plus Brooks' own Glycerin. The Ghost Max takes a fresh approach compared to the Glycerin by adding a pronounced rocker and a lower drop. Shoes similar like the Gel-Nimbus and Shift 3 have pronounced rockers, and the Shift 3 also has a low drop.

The Brooks Ghost Max will be released in October 2023 at a price of $150. The stack is 39mm in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot for a 6mm drop. It will weigh mid 9 ounces for a US mens size 9.

Brooks Ghost Max Price

The Brooks Ghost Max will be priced at $150, which is on the low end of the max cushioned market. It undercuts soft max-cushioned shoes like the Gel-Nimbus, Triumph and Invincible 3. As the new entrant to the segment, this is a smart strategy at launch to steal share from the existing players.

Most max cushion shoes are priced between $150 and $180. The Ghost Max looks to be similar in feel to the Shift 3 and More v4, both of which are $150.

Brooks Ghost Max Midsole

The Brooks Ghost Max uses DNA Loft v2 foam. This is a smooth-riding, cushioned and supportive compound that's also used in the trail-running shoe, the Cascadia 16. The Ghost Max will likely have a slightly firmer and more composed ride than the soft and squishy Glycerin, which uses DNA Loft v2.

The Ghost Max comes in at approximately 9.5 ounces for a US mens size 9. Compared to other max cushioned shoes, this is on the lighter side. For comparison, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 weighs 10.2 ounces, the Saucony Triumph 21 weights 9.8 ounces and the Nike Invincible 3 and New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 both weigh 10.9 ounces.

Where the Ghost Max Fits in the Brooks Lineup

The new Brooks Ghost Max is a max-cushioned cruiser for competitive runners who train at a high-level and need a running shoe for days where they're holding back. The other max cushioned shoe in Brooks' lineup, the Glycerin, has a much higher heel-to-toe drop at 12 mm, designed more for heel-striking runners and comfort walking or recreational running. The Ghost Max is positioned more to handle the varied demands of structured training.

The Ghost Max also looks to be a companion to the existing Ghost, a standard daily trainer that's unexciting but reliable, consistent and durable. As a new addition to the long-running Ghost franchise, now in its 15h year, the Ghost Max will bring an increased level of comfort while introducing modern technology. The rockered platform is a major movement in running shoe design, and Brooks' will have its own highly-rockered shoe in the Ghost Max.