Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review | Worth It In 2025?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Brooks Ghost Max 2 review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2025. As a seasoned road runner with 15 years of experience testing running shoes and daily trainers,
I recommend these for users looking for a well-cushioned, stable, walking or running shoe for long training sessions.
For this review, I have put in over 50+ miles of road running, walking, and recovery runs into testing my own personal pair of the Ghost Max 2 since the release in 2024. I mainly tested this on rough trails in the northeast US where I really pushed my testing standards to the max.
I’m very familiar with how they feel and perform on pavement and on trails. I’ll go over comfort, traction, stability & support, weight, durability and OVERALL value. I’ll be giving a score of each category based on OBJECTIVE testing standards and an overall score with recommendations at the end.
Released in 2024, the Ghost Max 2 took users by surprise with an upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam, improved GlideRoll rocker geometry, and a noticeable improvement in comfort compared to the original Ghost Max.
Testing Out The Brooks Ghost Max 2Ghost Max 2 Pros and Cons
- Exceptional stability from wide midsole platform
- DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam provides plush cushioning
- GlideRoll rocker technology for a smooth, efficient stride
- Excellent for long road running and recovery days
- Heavier than previous model (15 oz vs 10.0 oz)
- Less responsive for faster-paced training
Should you buy the Brooks Ghost Max 2?
Buy if
- You want one of the most COMFORTABLE max-cushioned daily trainers on the market
- You want a versatile shoe that can be used for everyday runs, recovery days, and long training sessions
- You are looking for a high stack height (39mm heel, 33mm forefoot) without compromising stability
- You prefer a moderate 6mm heel-to-toe drop
DON’T Buy if
- You prefer lightweight, responsive shoes for tempo work
- You want an aggressive rocker geometry for faster transitions
Brooks Ghost Max 2 Price
Right now, the Ghost Max 2 retails for $150, however get them on REI For up to $30 OFF!
Get The BEST deal on the Brooks Ghost Max 2 at the LOWEST Price Available! (Do NOT pay retail):
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is still WORTH IT in 2025, hands down. As someone who's tested countless shoes over 15 years, I can tell you this max-cushioned marvel blew me away.
What makes it so good? The upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam feels like a premium mattress for your feet, offering incredible plushness and bounce. You get a high stack height (39mm/33mm) for serious cushioning without sacrificing stability, thanks to that wide midsole platform. The GlideRoll rocker geometry ensures a smooth, efficient stride, making long runs and recovery days feel fantastic. Plus, the spacious toe box and improved heel/ankle padding mean exceptional comfort right out of the box. For $150, you're getting a versatile, comfortable, and seriously reliable daily trainer that punches above its weight.
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Brooks Ghost Max 2 Comfort
When I first tried on the Ghost Max 2, I felt the immediate plushness of the DNA Loft v3 foam. My feet nestled into the midsole like settling into a premium mattress after a long day.
I felt the cushioning was significantly more responsive than the original Ghost Max with better energy return.
The midsole is exceptionally comfortable, there’s a nice bounce felt in each step with this midsole.
I felt excellent impact absorption while going out on my first 6-mile test run with the Ghost Max 2. I didn’t feel I had to break in this model either, they were an excellent fit right out of the box.
While road running, I felt the shock absorption was one of the best I have ever tested. The nitrogen infused dna Loft v3 foam is a massive upgrade, I was able to pound hard on rough pavement without feeling the impact throughout my lower body. The shock absorption is very comparable to the Hoka Clifton 10, with even more bounce.
With a 6mm heel-to-toe drop and substantial stack heights of 39mm heel and 33mm forefoot, the Ghost Max 2 brings serious cushioning to your daily runs. I noticed significantly less strain on my joints during long runs, as well as better recovery between training sessions.
Although the substantial high stack slightly reduces ground feel, the protection and comfort are well worth it.
The toe box I measured at 3.85 inches. The spacious toe box is a major improvement, allowing comfortable toe splay during longer runs which really contributes to better stability.
The padding over the tongue is noticeably improved over the original Ghost Max, with no areas of additional pressure during lace-up.
The biggest upgrade is the padding in the heel and ankle areas. Most shoes MISS OUT on this area, and skimp on the plushness in this area. I felt this was key, differentiating Ghost Max 2 from other shoes.
Thanks to the upgraded engineered mesh upper with 3D Fit Print technology, the shoe is overall more breathable than the previous version. Brooks added better ventilation throughout the sides of the shoe, which really made a difference on hot training days.
GlideRoll Technology
Brooks incorporates their GlideRoll rocker technology which really shines in this model. This geometric shaping changes the transition from heel to toe, providing a forward “rolling” movement of your foot, creating a very efficient stride. This is very familiar to the Hoka Meta rocker, but it is much more subtle.
The GlideRoll rocker combined with the DNA Loft v3 foam makes a deadly combo, guiding you forward smoothly while absorbing impact with each stride.
Overall, the comfortable ride of the Ghost Max 2 is excellent for an everyday trainer, and particularly outstanding for recovery runs and long slow distances.
Comfort Score: 8.5/10 (20%)
Traction
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is equipped with a blown rubber outsole with a segmented design that distributes wear patterns evenly.
The outsole pattern provides excellent coverage, with the traction on dry pavement being exceptional for road runners.
I tested the Ghost Max 2 on wet surfaces and light gravel paths, I felt confident throughout with minimal slipping thanks to the strategic rubber placement.
While running on concrete and asphalt, I felt the grip was outstanding. The rubber compound bites into road surfaces giving you that secure fit feeling with each stride. It comes with a “grippy” feeling that I felt similar to Hoka Speedgoat 5.
The shoe offers good flexibility, which is perfect for the toe off phase of your stride, propelling you forward naturally. The balanced flexibility works well for road running and walking, though it wouldn’t be my first choice for technical trail sections.
The Ghost Max 2 performs admirably on gentle inclines, with the outsole providing reliable grip even during light rain conditions.
Transitioning from sidewalk to road or light gravel is where the Ghost Max 2 demonstrates its versatility. The segmented outsole design allows for smooth surface transitions without any noticeable change in grip or stability.
The Ghost Max 2 handles terrain changes much better than many comparable max-cushion models.
Overall, the Ghost Max 2 delivers reliable traction for road running and light path use. The traction is above average for a max-cushioned daily trainer, and walking shoe.
Traction Score: 8.5/10
Stability & Support
The Ghost Max 2 is marketed as a neutral daily trainer, but I would classify it as surprisingly stable for its cushioning level. The wide midsole platform (***) significantly enhances stability during impact and transition phases.
I felt my foot was securely positioned in the shoe without feeling restricted, and the engineered mesh upper really held my foot in place to prevent excessive movement.
I tested the Ghost Max 2 while heel striking, midfoot striking, and forefoot striking. The stability was excellent across all strike patterns, with particularly impressive performance for heel strikers.
With the upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam and substantial stack heights, I noticed exceptional impact absorption regardless of strike pattern, though the shoe feels most natural with a heel or midfoot landing. The balanced cushioning distribution works harmoniously with various running styles.
The torsional stability is neutral for the Ghost Max 2, despite its plush nature, the shoe maintains decent structure.
I measured the heel-to-toe drop at 6mm which hits a sweet spot between natural running mechanics and additional heel protection.
This moderate drop works well for most runners without pushing you too far forward or requiring adaptation.
The ground “feel” and responsiveness is where the Ghost Max really didn’t score well. The high stack height doesn’t allow your foot to be close even to the ground for tactical sensitivity, this shoe is far from “natural foot” movement of something like the Altra Lone Peak 9.
The stable ride makes sense for an everyday trainer designed for high mileage weeks. Even wearing the shoes for extended periods, I never felt unstable or that my foot was going to roll laterally, or medially.
Stability And Support Score: 8.5/10 (20%)
Weight
I weighed the Ghost Max 2 at 15 oz for a men’s 10.5 (Brooks claims 10.8 oz) which represents an increase from the original Ghost Max’s 10.0 oz. While not ultralight, for the amount of cushioning and stack height it offers, the weight is reasonable.
Add in the GlideRoll technology and the “forward rolling” action of this shoe, and it feels more efficient than the raw numbers might suggest.
As a frame of reference the Hoka Speedgoat 6 weighs in at approximately the same, but with well less comfort and cushioning than the Brooks Ghost Max 2!
Compared to many shoes in the max-cushion category, the Ghost Max 2 sits in the middle of the pack for weight. It’s lighter than some competitors like certain New Balance models but heavier than others.
Weight Score: 8.0/10 (15%)
How Does The Brooks Ghost Max 2 Fit?
I purchased a men’s 10.5 and it fit perfectly. They fit true to size with no need to size up or down. The toe box is significantly improved, providing ample room for natural toe splay during longer runs.
I didn’t experience any heel slippage, with my heel feeling secure and locked in place. One of the best features of the Ghost Max 2 is the upper construction, with the engineered mesh providing an adaptable fit that accommodates various foot shapes without pressure points.The 3D Fit Print overlays add structure without creating pressure points.
As a frequent Brooks tester, I find their sizing consistent across their line of running shoes.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 Fit: 9/10 (15%)
Is the Brooks Ghost Max 2 worth it?
If you are looking for a daily trainer that excels in comfort for recovery runs and long training sessions, then the Ghost Max 2 is definitely worth it.
Also if you are just looking for a comfortable all-day walking shoe this is an excellent choice as well.
We named it one of the most reliable max-cushion trainers of 2025 comfortable enough for high-mileage weeks, yet versatile enough for most of your non-speed training. Best of all, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!
For $150, it’s tough to find a more dependable max-cushion daily trainer with this level of refined comfort.
The drawbacks to consider would be there are more performance-oriented models if you’re looking for tempo work or racing, such as the Brooks Hyperion Tempo or the Merrell Agility Peak 5 for more responsive training.
The value you get out of the Ghost Max 2 is excellent for the quality and performance. When compared to competitors from brands like Hoka or New Balance, the Ghost Max 2 holds its own while often coming in at a lower price point.
Value: 4.5/5 (10%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort & Fit (20%): 8.5/10
Traction (20%): 8.5/10
Stability & Support (20%): 8.5/10
Weight (15%): 8.0/10
Fit (15%): 9/10
Value (10%): 4.5/5
1.70 + 1.70 + 1.70 + 1.20 + 1.35 + 0.90 = 8.55 / 10
Our Rating: 8.6/10
At the time of this writing, the Ghost Max 2 are priced at $130, offering premium cushioning without the premium price tag you typically see in max-cushion models.
Get the Best Deal on the Brooks Ghost Max 2 — No Need to Overpay!
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is still WORTH IT in 2025, hands down. As someone who's tested countless shoes over 15 years, I can tell you this max-cushioned marvel blew me away.
What makes it so good? The upgraded DNA Loft v3 foam feels like a premium mattress for your feet, offering incredible plushness and bounce. You get a high stack height (39mm/33mm) for serious cushioning without sacrificing stability, thanks to that wide midsole platform. The GlideRoll rocker geometry ensures a smooth, efficient stride, making long runs and recovery days feel fantastic. Plus, the spacious toe box and improved heel/ankle padding mean exceptional comfort right out of the box. For $150, you're getting a versatile, comfortable, and seriously reliable daily trainer that punches above its weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Difference Between The Ghost Max 2 and original Ghost Max?
The Ghost Max 2 features the upgraded DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam instead of the EVA-based foam in the original. It also offers an enhanced upper design, slightly increased weight (10.8 oz vs 10.0 oz), and improved stability features.
Can You Run A Marathon In The Brooks Ghost Max 2?
Yes you can! While you may not have the weight you want, the impact absorption is substantial and will benefit you during your race.
Are Brooks Ghost Max 2 neutral or stable shoes?
The Ghost Max is a neutral shoe. They do not possess an extra technology for added stability.
Is The Brooks Ghost Max 2 Good For Walking?
Yes! The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is excellent for walking, offering exceptional cushioning and support for all-day comfort.
Are Brooks Ghost Max 2 good for standing throughout the day?
Yes! The Ghost Max are perfect for standing due to the high stack height, and exceptional cushioning without any areas of compression.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Brooks Ghost Max 2 since its release in 2024. I also tested the original Ghost Max for comparison, with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. MountaineerJourney is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
My testing methodology involved wearing the Ghost Max 2 for various types of runs including easy runs, long runs, recovery runs, and walking sessions.
I tested them on multiple surfaces including concrete, asphalt, light gravel paths, and brief trail sections to assess versatility.
I also compared the Ghost Max 2 directly to other max-cushioned trainers in my rotation to provide context for runners considering multiple options.
The pair I tested has now accumulated over 50 miles of real-world use, providing insight into both initial impressions and how the shoe performs over time.
