Max-cushioned shoes continue to dominate the running landscape, and Brooks’ Ghost Max line has quietly become one of the more dependable options in the category. Now in its fourth iteration, the Ghost Max 4 isn’t a dramatic overhaul of the previous version. Instead, Brooks focused on refining what already worked. And honestly, I think that’s exactly what this shoe needed.
I’ve enjoyed every version of the Ghost Max, and each release has felt a little more dialed in than the last. The Ghost Max 4 continues that trend. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but the subtle changes make this one of the best versions yet.
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Looks:
The Ghost Max 4 launches with seven colorways, giving runners plenty of options without going overboard. Most lean toward muted, everyday colors, though there are a few that stand out. The White/Orange/Red version was easily my favorite, offering just enough personality without feeling loud.
Nothing here is groundbreaking, but Brooks gives runners enough variety to find something that fits their style.
The Ghost Max 4 is one of those rare shoes that felt right immediately. I pulled it straight from the box and headed out for an easy four-mile run without giving it a second thought. It slipped on easily, locked my foot in well, and almost instantly disappeared beneath me. Within a few minutes it felt like a pair I’d already logged dozens of miles in.
The updates here are subtle. Brooks didn’t redesign the shoe—they refined it. The fit feels a little cleaner, the overall package a touch lighter, and everything works together a bit more naturally.
Max-cushioned shoes are rarely lightweight, but at 10.3 ounces (men’s size 9), the Ghost Max 4 comes in lighter than the previous version. More importantly, it feels lighter on the run. While I enjoyed the Ghost Max 3, it could occasionally feel a bit blocky during longer efforts. So far, I haven’t experienced that sensation in the Ghost Max 4.
Brooks also bumps the stack height up slightly from 39 mm to 40 mm, though it’s the overall ride—not the extra millimeter—that makes the bigger difference.
Specs:
- Stack Height: 40 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 10.3 oz (Men’s size 9)
Upper:
If there’s one thing Brooks consistently gets right, it’s the upper. Whether it’s a daily trainer, max-cushioned shoe, or even many of their faster offerings, the company has a knack for creating comfortable, accommodating fits. The Ghost Max 4 continues that tradition.
The engineered mesh wraps the foot comfortably without feeling restrictive, while generous padding around the heel and tongue creates that familiar Brooks step-in comfort. Everything feels well cushioned, secure, and accessible. It’s one of those “plug-and-play” uppers—you lace it up, head out the door, and never really think about it again.
Midsole:
If you’ve enjoyed previous versions of the Ghost Max, you’ll feel right at home here. Brooks sticks with its DNA Loft v3 midsole, and while some companies are constantly chasing the latest superfoam, there’s something to be said for consistency.
DNA Loft v3 remains a comfortable, dependable foam. It’s soft without becoming mushy, protective without feeling disconnected from the ground, and ideal for easy miles, recovery runs, and long days on your feet. At some point, I’d expect Brooks to introduce a newer foam into the Ghost Max line, but I’m not convinced it needed it this year. The ride still feels smooth and well balanced.
The biggest improvement actually comes from the geometry. Brooks made subtle adjustments to the GlideRoll Rocker, and the result is a shoe that transitions through the gait cycle a bit more naturally. The Ghost Max 3 occasionally felt like it wanted to stay planted, while the Ghost Max 4 rolls forward with noticeably better flow. It’s not an aggressive rocker by any means, but the smoother transition helps the shoe feel less bulky and more efficient than its predecessor.
Outsole:
There’s not much to criticize—or praise—here, and that’s perfectly fine. Brooks uses plenty of durable rubber in the high-wear areas while strategically exposing sections of the midsole to trim a little weight. Traction has been dependable on dry pavement, damp roads, and bike paths, and I never found myself questioning the grip.
Overall:
The Ghost Max 4 isn’t trying to reinvent Brooks’ max-cushioned lineup. Instead, Brooks took an already solid shoe and polished away some of the rough edges.
It feels lighter, transitions more smoothly, and loses much of the blocky sensation that occasionally crept into the Ghost Max 3. Add in Brooks’ consistently excellent upper and the dependable DNA Loft v3 midsole, and you have a shoe that’s incredibly easy to recommend.
If you already loved the Ghost Max 3, you’ll likely appreciate the refinements here. And if you’ve been looking for a comfortable, stable max-cushioned trainer for easy miles, recovery days, walking, or simply spending long hours on your feet, the Ghost Max 4 deserves a look.
