Brooks

Brooks Ghost Max 3

S
Ranked #1 in Walking Shoes
984 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Superior cushioning and fit make it a top pick for long-day comfort.

Consolidated from 56 cited sources across 41 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

  • 1 enthusiastic source
  • 40 positive sources
  • 9 mixed sources
  • 2 unconvinced sources
See the sources
Check price

Pros & cons

  • ✓ High-quality cushioning
  • ✓ Excellent fit for extended wear
  • ✓ Plush comfort
  • ✓ Smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • ✓ Stable for walking

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 1 outlet wouldn't let us check its link.

Evidence 22 articles, 30 video reviews and 4 community sources

40 positive sources

R RunRepeat - Athletic shoe reviews Carlos Sánchez · reviewer · Nov 2025
In our tests, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 proved to be a comfort-first shoe that works best for midfoot and forefoot strikers. It delivers a soft, stable ride with a wide, protective base that feels great for easy runs. The upper is ultra-plush and incredibly comfortable, like slipping into a cushioned slipper. But when we pushed the pace, the midsole felt dead and slow, weighed down by its bulk and la
Read
R Running Warehouse Running Warehouse · 104K subscribers · Jul 2025
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 returns and get a complete update from top to bottom for maximum cushioning while still retaining the classic ghost comfort. Featuring a full length DNA Loft v3 midsole with modified geometries and a wider net base, the shoe offers the plush cushioning needed to go any distance!
Watch
G GearLab Ally Arcuri · reviewer · Jan 2026
If you want a steady, reliable, supportive daily shoe, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is certainly one to consider. It is a far cry from the plush, bouncy super shoes that seem to be flooding the market right now, making it one we recommend for runners who want a solid platform beneath their runs. If you are looking to up your speed, the heaviness of the Ghost Max might take it out of contention for you.
Read
F FORDY RUNS FORDY RUNS · 57.1K subscribers · Jun 2025
Now, the guys at Brooks were kind enough to get this shoe over to me nice and early. This doesn't release until I think July, August, and I've been logging some miles in them. Nothing crazy in the shoe, just plotting about in London like I do.
Watch
B Believe in the Run Article · May 2026
The most recent version, the Ghost Max 3 , was a pretty decent blending of the first version (which we loved) and the second version (which we felt was fine). It seemed that Brooks took the best attributes of the Ghost Max and the Ghost Max 2 and cobbled together a pretty solid shoe. Based on the spec sheet alone, not much changed or changed drastically.
Read
R Road Runner Sports Road Runner Sports · 57K subscribers · Nov 2025
With all that comfort and support, this is the ideal shoe for walking, recovery runs, daily errands, whatever. If comfort is important to you, this is a shoe you're going to want to lace up every day.
Watch
E Eatingwell Article
While Nikes would fall apart from long-distance running and Hokas would slip off my heels in the store, Brooks shoes always fit my feet like a glove and withstood intensive wear and tear. So, I wasn’t surprised when the Brooks Ghost Max 3 cross-training shoes became my most recent Goldilocks fit. Here’s how they’ve held up over the past few months.
Read
R Road Runner Sports Road Runner Sports · 57K subscribers · Jul 2025
But now we have the Ghost Max 3 and some changes have been made and I think you guys are going to like this. And before we get started, my only sticking point is the amount of competition for this shoe, even from within Brooks.
Watch
W Women's Health Shannen Zitz · reviewer · Jun 2024
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 took home the top spot in our guide to the most comfortable sneakers for its perfect balance of maximum support and cushioning. It keeps my feet comfortably locked in, even after hours of wear, and my ankles never feel wobbly, which often happens with plush shoes like this one.
Read
R Road Runner Sports Road Runner Sports · 57K subscribers · Aug 2025
Brooks Ghost Max 3: The New King of Comfort Is Here
Watch
= =PR= Run & Walk Lauren Haislip · reviewer · May 2026
If you're a neutral-foot nurse who wants the highest comfort floor, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is the safest pick. If you overpronate, the Saucony Guide 19 is the smartest insurance against knee and hip pain. If you need width, go New Balance 860v15. If you need cushion, go HOKA Bondi 9.
Read
R Road Runner Sports Road Runner Sports · 57K subscribers · Jul 2025
If you are looking for the ultimate maximum cushion shoe for running, this would be a perfect choice. For base miles and easy or recovery runs, these got you covered as they provide a comfortable and easy-going ride with every step. This would also be a good shoe for long runs, particularly those that aren't are not with any fast speed work or built-in tempo paces.
Watch
I Instagram Instagram post
Brooks made an effort to make the Max 4 more “runnable” and overall I do think they accomplished that. A retooled midsole and slightly sleeker overall profile. That being said if you loved the 2 or 3 then you’ll likely want to stock up!
View post
F Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews · 37.5K subscribers · Dec 2025
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is the ideal option if you're on your feet all day, long shifts, hard floors, lots of standing, this is the shoe that I trust most. The Ghost Max 3 stays comfortable in the first hour to the last. It has a wide base, stable cushioning, and nothing collapses when your legs and feet are tired.
Watch
R Rundreamachieve Article
The Ghost Max 3 is the more guided, stable, and protective option. It is built for runners who want a smoother transition from heel to toe and a more secure feel when the miles add up.
Read
F Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews · 37.5K subscribers · Mar 2026
Best overall → Brooks Ghost Max 3
Watch
A r/AskRunningShoeGeeks u/CheakyTeak · owner
I've only skimmed their Ghost Max 3 review , but they seem to indicate that the geometry of the midsole is well-suited to heel strikers.
Read thread
F Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews · 37.5K subscribers · Aug 2025
Well, I think most of you'll be really happy with the changes they've made to the Ghost Max 3. So, when we look at the midsole, we still have the DNA Loft V3 nitro injected midsole, but it does feel slightly different, and there's a couple of reasons for that. One is they've really improved the heel bevel. So, it's a little bit broader than what we saw on version two.
Watch
R RunToTheFinish Stacey Gross · reviewer · Nov 2025
I’d still pick the Ghost Max 3 over the Max 2 any day
Read
F Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews · 37.5K subscribers · Oct 2025
In contrast, the Ghost Max 3 feels firmer and more balanced with a wider toe box, higher volume, and larger sidewalls — making it much more orthotic-friendly and stable. It’s a great walking shoe that can also handle easy runs.
Watch
M Mountaineerjourney.com Tyler · reviewer · Feb 2026
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 wins over the Bondi 9.
Read
F Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews · 37.5K subscribers · Oct 2025
The Glycerin Max is soft, bouncy, and fast to transition, while the Ghost Max 3 is firmer, more stable, and built for walking or standing all day. I’ll explain how their midsoles, sidewalls, and fit make them perform so differently, and which is right for you.
Watch
W Women's Health Shannen Zitz · reviewer · Aug 2026
It’s a great hybrid running and walking shoe.
Read
F Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews Flawless Physio | Shoe Reviews · 37.5K subscribers · Sept 2025
If you look at the Brooks Ghost Max 3, first of all, we've got the brand new DNA Loft V3 nitrogen injected midsole, which is quite a balanced midsole overall. really good at absorbing impact when you initiate contact with the ground and transitions nicely towards the forefoot to give you a nice spring when you push off.
Watch
V Vocal Brooks Ghost Max · reviewer
Get the Ghost Max 3 without question
Read
J Jha Reviews Jha Reviews · 9.7K subscribers · Mar 2026
If you are looking for a shoe that offers maximum protection, a stable ride, and high-stack comfort, this might be the perfect pair for your daily miles.
Watch
U Urban Style Footwear Sole · reviewer · Jun 2026
Neutral gait (Men) Ghost Max 3"}
Read
R Run4It Run4It · 5.5K subscribers · Oct 2025
We take a deep dive into the key technologies that set the Ghost Max 3 apart from models like the Ghost 17, such as the 6 mm drop, forefoot GlideRoll Rocker, and wide base platform – all designed to reduce stress on the calves, plantar fascia, and feet during your runs.
Watch
F Find My Footwear Find My Footwear · 993 subscribers · Jul 2025
Both the Ghost 17 and the Ghost Max 3 offer, great every day usable performance and great value for money.
Watch
F Find My Footwear Find My Footwear · 993 subscribers · Jul 2025
Um, but it's also a broader base to the shoe and it feels more stable as well. So, from top to bottom, the fit fits true to size in terms of length. The upper is um an engineered kind of mesh construction. This model does feel a little bit rounder. There's a little bit more room in the toe box. You can see it is rounder. Um, it's got quite a round, more foot shaped blaster, shall we say.
Watch
R Rackets & Runners Running Rackets & Runners Running · 890 subscribers · Sept 2025
The Ghost Max 2 was a phenomenal shoe in its own right, but I think the Ghost Max 3 is going to fit um a different category of people who were a little bit more hesitant about the Ghost Max 2.
Watch
B brooksrunningau brooksrunningau · 884 subscribers · Jun 2025
I recommend this shoe to anyone who's looking for maximum comfort while they're on the move. With the Ghost Max 3, you get a soft yet balanced midsole. The high stack of cushioning features our signature nitrogen infused foam, and the midsole helps decrease underfoot pressure for comfort and protection. The Glide Roller, which is the curved shape from heel to toe, assists in easy transitions.
Watch
Q Quin Jenson Quin Jenson · 805 subscribers · Nov 2025
Now, this is a super solid shoe. Um not many complaints. The only thing that I noticed when I took the shoe out the box, I don't know why they didn't paint this.
Watch
B Blake.Running.SportsPodiatrist Blake.Running.SportsPodiatrist · 562 subscribers · Jul 2025
And without a doubt, over the all the years that I've been practicing, and I I was thinking this the other day, how many shoes that that I've seen, I'd have to think it been the thousands, this is the greatest shoe that I've ever seen therapeutically. It is. It is honestly changed some lives.
Watch
D Dodds Shoe Co Dodds Shoe Co · 510 subscribers · Aug 2025
If you're looking for a dependable, high cushion neutral shoe that prioritizes comfort and will last you, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a top contender. You can find the Ghost Max 3 and other Brooks styles at dodgehoe.com.
Watch
F Fleet Feet Huntsville-Madison Fleet Feet Huntsville-Madison · 476 subscribers · Aug 2025
Whether you’re a runner looking for a soft, smooth ride, a walker needing all-day comfort, or someone seeking a shoe that’s orthotic-friendly, the Ghost Max 3 delivers.
Watch
T Tonton Outdoor Tonton Outdoor · 143 subscribers · May 2026
I recommend this shoe to anyone who's looking for maximum comfort while they're on the move. With the Ghost Max 3, you get a soft, yet balanced mid-sole. The high stack of cushioning features our signature nitrogen-infused foam. And the mid-sole helps decrease underfoot pressure for comfort and protection.
Watch
A AmeLiaRun AmeLiaRun · 139 subscribers · May 2026
I actually found this pretty roomy in the forefoot.
Watch
S Shoe Clinic NZ Shoe Clinic NZ · 97 subscribers · Aug 2025
The Ghost Max has made a reputation for itself as being a really protective rockerbased shoe. Rockerbased meaning you're getting from heel through the transition to toe off really, really efficiently. It's also got a fantastic 6 mil drop midsole from 39 in the heel to 33 in the forefoot. So, plenty of cushioning and comfort under the foot.
Watch
B Boardroom Mafia Boardroom Mafia · 34 subscribers · Feb 2026
Real User Feedback: We analyze the latest reviews to see what the community is saying—from users praising the "cloud-like feel" for 12-hour shifts to runners loving the effortless "rocker" motion that keeps legs feeling fresh.
Watch

9 mixed sources

R Roadtrailrun Article
On my first few runs, I learned that it’s not overly exciting or spritely, but it is consistently protective, easy-going and smooth. The generous width of the platform is noticeable immediately and adds to this overall feeling of protection and stability. I found that my size 9 was just right. The double jacquard upper is a slight change from the last model and seemingly lighter.
Read
F Find My Footwear Find My Footwear · 993 subscribers · Aug 2025
When it comes to the Ghost Max 3, you get bucket loads of cradled cushion softness from a wide and stable base, but with a setup that keeps you closer to the ground. The Ghost Max 3 definitely looks after your feet on the longer, slower miles, and it still suits slower runs, easier runs, recovery runs, that kind of thing.
Watch
G GearLab Nathaniel Bailey · reviewer · Jan 2026
This is a comfortable, predictable shoe that offers good protection for longer, easier runs. But there are better options available. Multiple competitors in this price range offer a similar (or improved) level of cushioning, but with lower weights, greater pace versatility, and better comfort.
Read
F Forbes Cam Vigliotta · reviewer · Oct 2025
Yet, that same cushioning limits its potential in a way, because it feels more akin to a pillow than a diehard running shoe. Here’s everything you need to know about the Ghost Max 3 to decide if it’s right for you.
Read
R Road Runner Sports Blog Nathan Jameson · reviewer · Aug 2026
Who should skip it: runners chasing a soft, bouncy, springy ride, anyone who wants one shoe for both easy days and speed, and narrow-footed runners who prefer a snug, performance fit.
Read
P Prevention Charlotte Lewis Finigan · reviewer · Apr 2026
Pros Supportive, stable cushioning Secure and stable fit Wide toe box Great for long distances and long hours on feet Cons Heavier than New Balances Slightly less flexible forefoot
Read
= =PR= Run & Walk Lauren Haislip · reviewer · Aug 2026
It's not meant to be your only pair if you're training seriously, but it's an excellent complement to a firmer daily trainer.
Read
T The Size 15 Runner - All the news that's fit to run thesize15runner · reviewer · Oct 2025
+ Glideroll Rocker + Stable, comfortable ride – Heavy
Read
F Facebook Dave Pradhan · owner
Both are good neutral shoes.
View post

Frequently asked questions

It ranks #1 of 17 on our walking shoes tier list, in S tier. That placement draws on 56 cited sources across 41 outlets.

On our walking shoes board, Brooks Ghost Max 3 ranks #1 (S tier) ahead of Hoka Bondi 9 at #2 (A tier). Hoka Bondi 9: Best shock absorption, ideal for those who walk long distances.

On our walking shoes board, Brooks Ghost Max 3 ranks #1 (S tier) ahead of Hoka Clifton 10 at #3 (A tier). Hoka Clifton 10: Good balance of cushioning and stability for city walking.

Ranked nearby in Walking Shoes