The Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Ghost Max 2, a reliable maximalist running shoe, is designed for beginners and casual joggers. With a notable **12 mm drop**, this shoe is particularly suited for heel strikers seeking enhanced stability during their runs.

The shoe features a firm **31.5 HA foam** midsole, which translates to a stable platform, promoting energy return while maintaining support. Although the weight may be higher than some competitors, the price point makes it a practical option for those looking for dependable performance without a significant investment.


Pros

  • Improved energy return
  • Fantastic value
  • Great durability
  • Breathable upper
  • Outsole grips well even in wet surfaces
  • Doubles as a walking shoe
  • Excels at easy paces
  • Superior stability
  • Ready for long runs

Cons

  • Would benefit from softer foam
  • Clunky for heel strikers
  • A bit heavy
  • Non-gusseted tongue

Key Features

  • Protective Cushioning: Equipped with nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam for soft, smooth comfort and protective feel.
  • Stable Ride: Features a broad base for inherent stability, allowing a secure fit that complements various foot shapes.
  • Assisted Transitions: Incorporates GlideRoll Rocker technology for effortless heel-to-toe transitions without disrupting your stride.
  • Versatility: Ideal for both running and walking, helping to maintain natural motion while reducing the risk of injuries.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Rubber
  • Inner Material: Nylon

Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Ghost Max 2 Adidas Adistar 3 Hoka Skyflow Brooks Ghost Max 3
Price $150 $130 $160 $160
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.8 oz / 305g 9.7 oz / 274g 9.9 oz / 282g 10.7 oz / 303g
Drop lab Drop brand 9.9 mm 10.5 mm 8.7 mm 7.3 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Soft Soft Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Normal Normal Normal
Toebox durability Decent Bad Decent Decent
Heel padding durability Good Decent Good Good
Outsole durability Good Good Good Good
Breathability Breathable Breathable Breathable Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Narrow Medium
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel lab Heel brand 39.0 mm 40.7 mm 39.3 mm 38.5 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 29.1 mm 30.2 mm 30.6 mm 31.2 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season Summer Summer Summer All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 35% Top 28% Top 31% Bottom 38%
Popularity Top 3% Bottom 33% Top 39% Top 8%