Brooks Ghost Max 2 - Women's Review

This padded trainer stood out for delivering cloud-like comfort without the unstable, marshmallow-like feel that often accompanies heavily padded footwear. The thoughtfully engineered rocker geometry and wide base work together to create smooth transitions and exceptional stability, defying our expectations for such a cushioned shoe. Despite a tendency to run warm on hot days, the impressive blend of comfort and performance earned this shoe top marks in our testing lineup.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Ghost Max 2 immediately impresses with its plush feel, though I was initially skeptical of such substantial cushioning. However, Brooks has managed to dial in the perfect balance - the cushioning provides excellent impact absorption without feeling mushy. During my 10,000-step test, I experienced no foot fatigue or pressure points, even when wearing the shoes straight out of the box.

The rocker design promotes a natural forward roll that's noticeable but not extreme like some competitors. I noticed a favorable energy return on long, speedy walks thanks to this rocker design.

I did find it necessary to adjust the lacing to prevent forward foot sliding, but once properly secured, the fit remained comfortable throughout long walks. The shoe is available in Medium, Wide, and Extra Wide widths. Our testers found the Medium width true to size, though some users report needing longer laces for the wider versions.

Support

During our rigidity testing, we carefully evaluated this shoe's structural integrity using several standardized tests. The main rigidity test involves gripping the heel and pressing the toe box against the ground - a crucial assessment that reveals how a shoe will behave during actual use. A shoe should bend where your foot naturally flexes (at the ball of the foot) while maintaining stiffness through the midfoot and arch. The Ghost Max passed this test impressively, demonstrating ideal flexibility at the toe while maintaining crucial rigidity through the midfoot. This perfect balance helps prevent foot fatigue by supporting natural movement without allowing the foot to collapse inward.

The shoe's architecture includes several key stability features that work together to create a secure walking platform. The six-millimeter drop strikes an excellent balance - low enough to promote stability but sufficient to assist forward momentum. We particularly appreciate the broad base design and geometrically engineered heel, which create a stable foundation despite the substantial cushioning. The midsole design incorporates denser foam sections strategically placed to prevent excessive compression, while the protective upper design locks the midfoot securely in place without creating pressure points.

In our twist test, where we evaluate torsional rigidity by attempting to wring the shoe like a towel, the Ghost Max displayed impressive resistance to twisting forces. This characteristic is crucial for preventing the foot from rolling inward (overpronation) or outward (supination) during the gait cycle. While it's marketed as a neutral shoe, we found it provides enough inherent stability to work well for mild overpronators, though walkers with more severe pronation issues might need a dedicated stability shoe. The balanced support makes it particularly suitable for long walks where fatigue might otherwise lead to form breakdown and potential discomfort.

Traction

The Ghost Max excels in traction across multiple surfaces. The rubber compound and lug pattern proved particularly effective on concrete. Performance on tile and gravel was also impressive. While occasional pebbles can lodge in the outsole grooves, this occurs less frequently than with competitors.

The outsole pattern handles both dry and damp conditions well, though users should exercise caution on highly polished wet surfaces. The wide platform adds stability on loose surfaces, making it suitable for light trail use despite being primarily designed for road walking.

Weight

At 8.41 ounces per shoe, the Brooks Ghost Max sits in the middle-upper range of our test group's weight spectrum - a reasonable tradeoff considering its substantial cushioning and support features. During my extensive walking tests, I found that despite not being the lightest option, the shoe's weight is thoughtfully distributed and the responsive midsole helps offset any sluggishness you might expect from a more cushioned shoe.

The extra ounces come from beneficial features like the plush cushioning and reinforced upper materials, and this is a fair compromise for walkers who prioritize comfort and support over minimal weight, especially since I experienced no significant fatigue even after 7,000 continuous steps.

Durability

The Ghost Max immediately impressed us with its thoughtful construction and premium materials. The reinforced upper features strategic rubber overlays along flex points and high-wear areas, particularly around the toe box where many shoes tend to fail first. Brooks has applied a rubbery protective coating along the shoe's edges, which effectively prevents the common issue of mesh fraying. The dense midsole foam, while supremely cushioned, maintains its structure remarkably well - even after logging over 10,000 steps in our testing, we noticed minimal compression marks or degradation in support.

My long-term testing revealed exceptional durability compared to competitors. While some well-padded shoes showed visible wrinkles in their midsole foam after similar use, the Ghost Max's foam pattern maintained its original appearance and performance. The eyelets are well-reinforced, and the laces show no signs of fraying. The outsole rubber compound appears highly resistant to wear, though I did notice occasional pebbles getting trapped in the deeper groove patterns - a minor inconvenience that doesn't affect performance.

However, we should note some common user concerns about long-term durability. Several users report that the upper mesh can show signs of wear along intense flex points after four to six months of daily use, particularly if you tend to flex your toes aggressively. Some customers mention that the foam cushioning may become less responsive after about 400 miles, though this is fairly standard for heavily cushioned shoes. And the white midsole sections can show dirt quickly. For maintenance, we recommend wiping clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, allowing them to air dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight. Remove the laces and insoles for deeper cleaning, and never machine wash or dry as this can compromise the shoe's structural integrity.

Should You Buy the Brooks Ghost Max 2?

The Ghost Max 2 is an ideal choice for walkers who desire a balance of exceptional cushioning and reliable stability. Its balanced design makes it particularly suitable for longer walks and all-day wear. The shoe excels at impact absorption while maintaining enough structure for proper gait mechanics. If maximum comfort is your priority and you don't mind a slightly warmer shoe, the Ghost Max delivers exceptional performance.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you prefer a lighter option with similar stability, consider the Altra Experience Flow. For those seeking a more minimal cushioning profile at a budget price, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 offers great support at a fraction of the cost. The Hoka Tranpsort provides comparable cushioning with a different rocker geometry that some walkers might prefer.