Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review

The Ghost Max 2 is a walking shoe that truly delivers on comfort and performance. Its thick, cushioned midsole absorbs impact, while the wide platform provides excellent traction and stability. A breathable mesh upper combines with a padded tongue and heel collar to comfortably hug the foot while a slight rocker profile guides movement forward to conserve energy.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Brooks designed the Ghost Max with maximum comfort in mind, and it shows. I wore these for my long hospital shifts on hard tile floors and was pleased with the comfort, especially considering how much standing I do. With a 39-millimeter stack height, a 9-millimeter drop, and a 23-degree rocker angle, this shoe offers smooth, cushioned transitions from heel strike to toe-off. As I made my way up and down stairs, the shoes were able to absorb much of the jarring impact on my ankles and knees. Much of this is thanks to the thick heel stack, and the padded tongue and collar help keep it snugly in place. However, I did notice that the soft, thick sole can cause a slight shifting or twisting sensation during compression. While this didn't result in instability, it may be something to consider for those with weaker or less stable ankles. Despite this, the shoe performed well across all surfaces. I even was pleased to have no hot spots during the entire testing process.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

The Ghost Max fits true to size in length and width and is available in wide and extra wide if more volume is needed. The cushioning was comfortable right out of the box, though the upper material felt a bit tight across my forefoot, requiring a brief break-in period. The toe box is wide enough for a natural toe splay, even with forward pressure.

A standard lacing system is used on the shoes with six eyelets on top and a seventh for additional tightening. Not designed to be hands-free, the laces do have to be loosened when taking them on and off. Sliding into the shoes is not a problem, and the laces move freely when tightening or taking off.

Support

Brooks Ghost Max 2 performs as advertised as a neutral stability shoe. The firm midsole with a five-inch width provides a lot of real estate to contact the ground. In the twist test, the Ghost Max proved to have a stiff sole for support and resisted torsion well. The flex is more pronounced towards the toe box which is ideal for a supportive walking shoe. The shoes are designed for a neutral gait and perform accordingly. I found the arch support on these to be sufficient for my neutral foot, though those with high arches might find them lacking.

The wide sole also helps to provide lateral support, and I never questioned my own ankle stability during use. Once the shoes are tied, the laces do not loosen with time, and the shoe stayed secure. No space was noticed around the padded heel collar, and it filled the void around the Achilles well. When the laces were tightened for better heel lock, there was more forefoot pressure than I liked, but the padded tongue helped to minimize the pressure.

Traction

The sole of the Ghost Max 2 has relatively shallow lugs in a bar-like design. The tread is divided along the middle and beneath the arch, creating a distinct separation between the heel and forefoot zones. Overall, I was impressed by the traction of these shoes. On dry pavement, tile, and clean concrete, the shoe performed well. However, the traction diminishes on gravel, dirt, or surfaces with debris, but it still isn't awful by any means.

Weight

The Brooks Ghost Max 2 weighed in at 11.43 ounces per shoe for a men's size 10.5, which is slightly below average for the testing group. The shoes do not feel heavy when worn for long periods of time, so we did not experience stress or fatigue. Though they aren't very heavy, the thick sole can feel clunky at times, especially if you aren't used to a plush shoe.

Durability

The Ghost Max Cushion is a well-made and durable shoe that should endure many hard miles. The mesh upper has rubber reinforcements along the toe box and leather on the heel cup to minimize wear. The lace eyelets are reinforced throughout, and the flat laces minimize pressure on the eyelets. A rubber sole covers the foam midsole and wraps up in the front of the toe box for added protection. We did not experience any issues through the testing process.

Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 2?

If the search is for a maximum cushion and comfortable walking shoe, then the Brooks Ghost Max 2 will provide you with impact absorption and stability for hours. The wide platform firmly plants on the ground and rocks gently forward to keep the energy moving. The Ghost Max is also great for prolonged standing at work or traveling to prevent achy legs and back.

What Other Mens Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If your desire is for cushion and stability with a more aggressive sole, you won't be led astray by the Hoka Transport. The New Balance 877 V1 is a supportive option for a wider foot. The On Cloud 5 balances cushion and support in an easy-on design that we loved.