The Ghost Max 2 is Brooks’s version of a shoe that’s more Ghost than the Ghost itself. Haven’t given the shoe a try? Imagine this: the cushiest, coziest Ghost you’ve ever laced up. When the first iteration came onto the scene, I designated the Ghost Max as solely a recovery trainer. As time passed, however, I found myself preferring the shoe for long runs—and I’ve gravitated toward the second iteration in the same way.
Pros
- Plush, supportive cushioning
- Comfy fit
Cons
- Hoka Bondi 8, Altra Olympus Via 2
- Why Trust Us
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.7 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel Height | 39 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 33 mm |
- Who It’s For: Runners seeking a max-cushioned trainer with a rocker sole for smooth turnover
- Preceded By: Ghost 16, Ghost Max
- For Runners Who Like: Download Your Training Plan
- Midsole Foam: Nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3
- Key Tech: Nutrition - Weight Loss
The Tech: Cushioning to the Max
The Ghost Max 2 has been updated with a DNA Loft v3 midsole. We’ve experienced DNA Loft v3’s plushness—and energy return—in the Glycerin 21 and Glycerin GTS 21. The midsole foam ups the running experience with more cush and more rebound; it’s also the same nitrogen-infused foam in the Ghost 16—albeit, with thicker stack height (39/33, the same thickness as the previous Ghost Max and 3.5mm taller than the Ghost 16).
When I spoke with the Brooks shoe development team last fall, they described the Ghost Max 2 as “the perfect blend of comfort and protection.” Our testers’ feedback confirms that the team succeeded.
What Testers Liked: Reduces Impact
“What I liked most about the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is its exceptional cushioning. The shoe’s plush feel really stood out, providing a high level of comfort, especially on longer runs,” said tester Jill Brader-Meyers, an overpronator with a forefoot strike. “This cushioning significantly reduced the impact on my joints, which was particularly noticeable on road runs, where the hard surface can be tough on the body over time.
“In my training, this cushioning allowed me to comfortably extend the duration of my runs without experiencing the usual fatigue or soreness that sometimes comes with running on harder surfaces. Compared to the Brooks Hyperion, which is much lighter and more responsive, the Ghost Max 2 offers a more forgiving ride, making it perfect for recovery runs or when I’m not focused on speed.”
Ghost Max 2
- Best Stability Running Shoes for Ultimate Support
- Broad base
- oz M, 8.3 oz W
- The 10 Best Hoka Running Shoes of 2025
- 39/33 stack heights
- 10.7 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W)
Ghost Max
- DNA Loft v2 foam
- Broad base
- Beveled heel
- The 10 Best Hoka Running Shoes of 2025
- 39/33 stack heights
- 10.2 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W)
Just as I reach for the shoe on longer runs, tester Jim Warrenfeltz found himself drawn to long runs while testing the Ghost Max 2. He was also impressed with its energy return.
“The cushioning, while piled high, is responsive and gives a nice pop to runs,” said Warrenfeltz, an underpronator and heel striker. “It certainly isn’t a dead, marshmallow-y feeling shoe, which some maximalist shoes can trend towards.”
What Testers Didn’t Like: “A Lot of Shoe”
Though the cushioning was the most praised feature of the Ghost Max 2, it had a downside. Testers weren’t wild with the shoe’s bulkiness.
“Where do I begin with the Brooks Ghost Max 2? Easy: It is a lot of shoe,” said wear-tester Aaron Bealer. “While testing it with my local running group, I received multiple comments on the extra large shoes I was wearing. One asked if I was speed walking the mall later.”
He continued, “Out of the gate, I put them on for the first time and the tongue and lacing was comfy and secure. I immediately felt the cushioning throughout the shoe. It’s above average when it comes to recovery runs or long, slow slogs on the road or on a treadmill. It’s not the shoe you want for intervals or speed given its cushy bounce and the sheer size. There’s so much surface area of the shoe that it just felt sluggish to get moving, but again, super comfortable.”
Jill Brader-Meyers, a tester with a neutral foot strike, also wasn’t thrilled with the shoe’s heft.
“What I liked least about the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is its weight,” she said. “It made the shoe feel a bit clunky, especially during faster-paced runs or when I wanted to pick up the tempo. In my training, this was most evident during intervals or tempo runs where agility and quick turnover are crucial. The extra weight made it harder to maintain my usual pace of 8:00 to 8:45 minutes per mile without feeling like I was exerting more effort than necessary. While the cushioning of the Ghost Max 2 is fantastic for comfort, the trade-off in weight means it’s not as versatile for all types of runs.”
Verdict: A High-Cushioned Shoe With Specifications
Brader-Meyers touched on an important point but I’d like to put a finer point on her assessment: the Ghost Max 2 is meant for certain types of runs—and runners. The shoe may not be for speed demons, but it serves well as a mileage monster.
Runners training for a marathon will appreciate how the Ghost Max 2 absorbs shock; the thick slab of Best Stability Running Shoes for Ultimate Support buffers miles of pounding on pavement during long runs.
The shoe has GlideRoll tech, which promotes smooth turnover. And the low, 6mm drop also translates to more cushioning in the forefoot and more toe spring.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
