Brooks Ghost Max 3 Review 2026 | Unsponsored
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Brooks Ghost Max 3 review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2026.
I’m going to share whether these shoes are worth it, and ideally who these shoes are for. I bought these shoes with my own money, and was NOT sponsored, paid, or received a free product for review. All thoughts are my own.
I’ve logged over 70 miles in these shoes across neighborhood streets and 12-hour hospital shifts to see how they actually hold up. I’ll go over comfort, traction, 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.
Editor’s Note: this post was updated on 12/20/25, with new insights after further testing miles as well as comparisons to newer tested models such as the Bondi 9, Clifton 10, and Altra Experience Flow 2.
Brooks Ghost Max 3 Review In Short
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is an excellent choice for a walking shoe. The comfort and support is undeniable with integrated DNA LOFT v3 foam (which is nitrogen-infused) providing a ride that is extremely cushy but surprisingly snappy.
This shoe offers an extremely efficient heel to toe transition while reducing fatigue, and propelling you forward with your next step with the integrated glide roll technology.
Thanks to the nice wide base, the support is unmatched with well integrated double jacquard mesh which is extremely breathable.
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is our #1 rated walking shoe of 2026.
Ghost Max 3 Pros and Cons
- Excellent cushion
- Firm outsole enhances stability despite stack height
- Powerful glide roll
- Easy toe off
- Top rated walking shoe
- Price
- Not great as a everday running shoe
Watch Our Hands-On Youtube Hoka Clifton 10 Review
Brooks Ghost Max 3 Price
Right now, the Ghost Max 3 retails for $160. With the best deals on Brooks and REI
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The BRAND new Brooks Ghost Max 3 hits the road hard as our TOP rated walking shoe of this year. Outstanding comfort with reliable traction and support. The stack height is exceptional with a stiff enough outsole to ward off any "topple" over effect. You won't want to miss out on this one!
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Brooks Ghost Max 3 Comfort
When I first tried on the Ghost Max 3 I was instantly hit with the Nostalgia of the Ghost Max 2. The heel plush comfort as well as the mid foot is a unique feature of the Ghost Max models compared to any other shoe on the market. Unlike the Hoka Clifton 10, this is the most memory foam cushion I felt in a running shoe before.
The 39 mm stack height is perfect for the amount of cushioning you would want, as someone who spends 12 hours a day on hospital floors, that 39mm stack height is a lifesaver. It provides that ‘legs feel fresh’ sensation even toward the end of a double shift, which is something thinner shoes just can’t match The impact absorption is substantial and really protects against shock absorption in the lower extremities.
We measured the toe box at 3.5 inches. Which is nice and substantial for your toes to splay out for nice stability while walking or running. No areas of numbness or compression.
The tongue is very puffy and well padded as a nice pillow on top of your forefoot there’s no lace bite or issues with the tongue length.
The heel is very well padded this is where most walking shoes tend to miss out on, compared to the Hoka Bondi 9 or Altra Experience Flow 2.
While walking my dog throughout the neighborhood, the heel to toe transition was very easy and efficient.
Compared to the previous iteration, the midfoot and forefoot felt slightly wider. However, I would not suggest sizing up or down I tested a size men’s 10.5 and it fit perfectly. Brooks tends to keep sizing the same for all of their shoes.
The heel to toe drop is 6mm which is perfect for walking or running, especially if you aren’t a heel striker while running. The 6mm drop is the ‘sweet spot’ for me-it’s similar to the Clifton 9, offering enough lean for a smooth gait without feeling like you’re tipping forward or straining your Achilles.
Glide Roll Technology
The Glide Roll is a rockered sole that is a Brooks staple. Hoka incorporates the Metarocker which is just like the Glide roll technology. I would say the Glide Roll is more subtle compared to Hoka’s rocker however it works just as efficiently.
I was able to achieve a nice efficient stride with some great energy return as I didn’t have to put as much effort into my stride with the Glide Roll. It did take some strain off my calves as well.
Overall, the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is tied for the most comfortable walking shoe of 2026, with the Hoka Bondi 9.
Comfort Score: 9/10 (30%)
Support
The sole is slightly wider than the upper which creates a nice stable flat base for you to plant your foot upon. The contoured heel does an excellent job of keeping your heel nice and stable throughout your gait cycle.
One of the best features of the Ghost Max 3 is the guide rail on the side of the insole. This prevents you from caving your foot in or overpronating or supinating in your midfoot. This is ESSENTIAL for high stack shoes as they can easily cave in due to the massive stack height.
While running or walking I don’t feel like I’m really smashing or compressing the foam much with a lot of decompression. Brooks constructed this shoe in a nice well padded fashion while making the midsole firm so there’s not overcompression.
The ankle support is enhanced compared to the previous iteration, I didn’t experience any ankle rolls or sprains. I felt the heel counter stiffness was perfect without any bring excessively rigid.
In theory the Brooks Max 3 is not a super supportive shoe like the Glycerin GTS. However, it still holds good great support with nice predictability especially for the heel and mid foot strikers out there.
Support Score: 9/10
Traction
The Roadtack rubber outsole(recycled materials) is made of thick well constructed rubber with multi-directional tread patterns, giving a nice grip at each contact point.
Brooks added an extra tread pattern towards the lateral forefoot gives better tread and contact for the toe off phase, I noticed this helped in slightly slicker conditions during my walking testing.
We tested the outsole on asphalt, concrete, gravel, dirt paths, and of course indoor floors. The traction held great in all of these surfaces, in wet or slick surfaces the grip had minimal slipping.
The rubber outsole and its associated grip reminded me of the Hoka Challenger 8, which worked great in a variety of conditions.
For those looking for more aggressive traction in a walking shoe, check out the Hoka Transport.
Traction Score: 9/10 (15%)
Weight
I weighed the Max 3 at 9.5 oz for a men’s 10.5 Remember, this shoe is in the “Max” collection of Brooks meaning they put as much cushion and foam as they possibly can.
I was quite impressed by the lower weight of the Max 3 as it is even lighter than some high-stack walking shoes like the Hoka Clifton 10.
With the added Glide Roll, the shoe felt a lot lighter than 9 oz because of the light heel to toe transition with the added rocker.
As a frame of reference the Clifton 10 weighed in at 11oz which is 10% heavier than the Brooks Ghost Max 3!
Weight Score: 8.5/10 (15%)
How Does The Brooks Ghost Max 3 Fit?
I purchased a men’s 10.5 wide (2E) and they fit perfectly. They do come in medium, 2E wide, and 4E extra wide. The sock liner is sleek and allows for expansion of your foot during hot summer testing.
Brooks shoes tend to fit the consistently each time they do not change the width or volume of their shoes.
Virtually there’s no break in with these shoes and I do not recommend sizing up or down.
Ghost Max 3 Fit Score: 9/10 (15%)
Is the Brooks Ghost Max 3 worth it?
If you’re in the market for a brand new walking shoe the Brooks Ghost Max 3 absolutely knocks it out of the park.
The new upgraded mesh upper, with increased stack height and overall comfort is very enticing.
Brooks was able to construct a “maximalist” shoe while not RUINING the support as most maximalist shoes tend to do. The guide rail on the side of the shoe is a LIVESAVER when it comes to maintaining top-notch support.
As an all-day walking shoe, or recovery running shoe the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is worth every penny
Currently it is our top rated walking shoe of 2026.
For $160, it’s hard to pass up Brooks top-rated shoe of 2026.
One of the drawbacks to consider is the aesthetics, personally I wish they brought back the all-white ‘Triple White’ colorway we saw in the original Ghost Max . Otherwise, if you are considering other shoes check out the On Cloud 6 or Altra Experience Flow 2 for less “maximalist” walking shoes.
Overall, the value you get out of the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is unbeatable.
Value: 10/10 (10%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort (30%): 9/10
Support (20%) : 9/10
Traction (15%): 9/10
Weight (15%) : 8.5/10
Fit (15%) : 9/10
Value (5%) : 10 / 10
Total Weighted Score:
2.70 + 1.80 + 1.35 + 1.275 + 1.35 + 0.50 = 8.975
Our Rating
Get the Best Deal on the Ghost Max — No Need to Overpay!
The BRAND new Brooks Ghost Max 3 hits the road hard as our TOP rated walking shoe of this year. Outstanding comfort with reliable traction and support. The stack height is exceptional with a stiff enough outsole to ward off any "topple" over effect. You won't want to miss out on this one!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the heel to toe drop of the Ghost Max 3?
The heel to toe drop of the Brooks Ghost Max 3 is 6mm.
When will the Brooks Ghost Max 3 be released?
The Ghost Max 3 was released on August 1st, 2025.
What is the Brooks Ghost Max 3 good for?
The Max 3 is best for all-day walking or standing, as well as a recovery running shoe.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I’ve been testing the Ghost Max 3 consistently since they dropped in August 2025. Having spent several months putting them through a winter and spring cycle, I can confidently say how they perform long-term heading into 2026. I did not get them early or for free like other reviewers out there. I do accept free or early products so I can keep my scoring OBJECTIVE.
Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
With over 15 years of real-world experience testing walking footwear for comfort, durability, and support, I approach every review from both a performance and practical standpoint. Each shoe is tested on a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces.
I also work full-time in a hospital setting, where I’m on my feet for 8–16 hours a day—walking, lifting, so I know exactly what you need when it comes to walking shoes. I also test these shoes while running to give you my best perspective on them.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
