Brooks Ghost Max 2 review: foam alone

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a bit of a surprise release, even according to the brand. The shoes’ predecessor only came out half a year ago, but clearly, Brooks thought an update was in order.

So, what’s new? The biggest update since the Brooks Ghost Max is the addition of the DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, replacing the DNA LOFT v2. The new foam is said to be the softest DNA LOFT ever, which has already been the softest nitrogen-infused DNA foam as is.

The Ghost Max 2 isn’t the first running shoe to use DNA LOFT v3, but it’s the first time it’s been used in Ghost shoes (the original Ghost Max and the Brooks Ghost 16 use DNA LOFT v2).

I’ve been using the shoes for the last couple of weeks, and now it’s time to spill the beans on how they perform on the road. The Ghost Max 2 isn’t the best running shoe from Brooks, but should you buy it anyway? Let’s find out.

Brooks Ghost Max 2 review

Price and availability

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 was launched on 1 August 2024 and is now available online at Brooks US and Brooks UK for a recommended retail price of £140 /$150. Brooks doesn’t have an official website in Australia, but the Ghost Max 2 is sold in the country for AU$269.95.

The Ghost Max 2 comes in a number of different colourways for both women and men (differs from country to country). For men, there are three width options: Medium (1D), Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E). Women also have three options: Medium (1B), Wide (1D), and Extra Wide (2E).

Specifications

• Best for: recovery, jogging, cushioning
• Tested weight: 340g/ 11.95oz (men’s UK 10)
• Stack height: 39mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot)
• Drop: 6mm
• Fit: true to size
• Support: Neutral

Design and materials

The Ghost Max 2 is almost identical to its predecessor except for the foam. That doesn’t mean the design has remained unchanged, though. For example, the foam's shape looks different, and so do the reinforced areas around the eyelets.

The DNA LOFT v3 foam might be the softest Brooks’ have ever produced, but it’s somewhat heavier than the previous version. At least, this is what I think, considering the Ghost Max 2 gained some weight (Ghost Max 2: 340g, Ghost Max: 283.5g).

The drop and the stack height stayed the same (6mm; 39/33mm, respectively), and the upper and outsole are said to be similar, so it must be the foam that adds the extra bulk.

The GlideRoll Rocker also seems slightly less pronounced under the heel, although it could be that I am eyeballing the shoes differently.

The Ghost Max 2 has a wide heel platform to help you land more evenly. It also has a firm heel counter and plenty of padding around the ankles—basically, the rear of your foot is sorted.

The lace cage is comparatively wide, which allows you to adjust the fit nicely over the top of the feet. To help dissipate the pressure even more, the detached tongue is padded and runs all the way down to the bottom of the lace cage.

The upper feels similar to the double jacquard warp knit used for the OG Ghost Max. It’s breathable, durable and comfortable.

Brooks shoes are popular these days, which surprises me somewhat, as the shoes aren’t so sexy from an aesthetic point of view. They aren’t ugly as such, but they aren’t as snazzy as On’s or Hoka’s shoes.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the Ghost Max 2 is certified carbon-neutral, just like all other Ghost shoes. It’s all dandy, but at this point, I’d like to see other franchises joining the Ghost gang.

It almost feels like Brooks is using the carbon-neutral certification as a USP of the Ghost instead of making an effort to make all its shoes sustainable. I could be wrong, of course (I hope I am).

Performance and comfort

I liked the first iteration of the Ghost Max. Adding more foam made sense, as the Ghost has never been performance-pushing footwear, so making it more cushioned was a no-brainer.

Thanks to the advent of lightweight foams, more and more companies started adding as much foam underfoot as possible. It’s like food producers pumping as much sugar into our food as they can without us noticing. It makes us more addicted to the product.

The same is true for foam. Adding more will make us feel comfortable, and our feet feel less fatigued, so why not add more? There is definitely a trend of making all shoes taller, not least because the aesthetic of these chunky shoes is in.

The Ghost Max 2 uses the DNA LOFT v3 foam, which is said to be softer than its predecessor. I’m glad Brooks didn’t add a percentage of how softer it is; one of my pet peeves is when a company says a shoe is ‘7% more responsive’. It’s impossible to verify these claims.

To me, the Ghost Max 2 felt similar to the OG Ghost Max. If anything, the upper felt a bit snug around my big toe, but I am not sure why. I went with my usual size (UK size 10), and I can’t recall the upper being in the way on the Ghost Max, so I’m somewhat puzzled as to why the second iteration doesn’t feel right.

Going with a wider model might help, but again, I had no issues with the predecessor, so I thought I’d be fine with the Ghost Max 2, too. Alas, that’s not the case.

Also – this is something I also noticed when running in the Hyperion Max 2 – the shoes seem to be pushing my ankles towards the medial side (a.k.a. inward). The base of the Ghost Max 2 is plenty wide enough, so I’m not sure why this is happening.

The shoes are great for walking, though. Brooks shoes are highly regarded by nurses and other professionals who are on their feet a lot, and even though the Ghost Max 2 is probably a bit tall for people who might use it for work, they are excellent for taking a stroll outside.

Who’s the Brooks Ghost Max 2 for?

The Ghost Max 2 is best for recreational runners who like well-cushioned shoes. Although it’s hard to tell how much softer the foam is compared to its predecessor, it’s certainly comfortable, and the upper is well-padded, breathable and supportive. I’d recommend trying them on in a running speciality store to ensure you get the ride width option for your feet.

Should you buy the Brooks Ghost Max 2?

The Ghost Max 2 is actually one of the most competitively priced cushioned shoes right now. At £140 /$150, it’s cheaper than many of its rivals, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 (at RRP, anyway), not to mention tall runners like the Hoka Skyward X. The Ghost Max 2 isn’t perfect, but it is certainly good enough to consider for recreational running and walking.

Verdict

Is the Brooks Ghost Max 2 a necessary upgrade? When companies launch new products in such a hurry after the initial release, I always wonder if the first iteration was some sort of rush launch in response to market changes.

In the case of the Ghost Max 2, I doubt the addition of the DNA LOFT v3 and design tweaks were so important that Brooks couldn’t wait a few more months, maybe even a year, before the release.

I personally prefer the feel of the OG Ghost Max, mainly because the upper felt nicer on that shoe. If you didn’t get that one and prefer to exist on the bleeding edge of running shoe technology, you might be better off with the Ghost Max 2. Just make sure you try it on before you buy.