The Brooks Ghost Max 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a comfort-first running shoe, particularly suitable for **midfoot and forefoot strikers**. Lab results indicate that it provides a soft ride with a stable platform, thanks to its wide base design. The upper construction features an ultra-plush material, enhancing overall comfort during easy runs.

However, when testing at higher speeds, the midsole demonstrated reduced responsiveness, suggesting a lack of energy return. This characteristic may impact performance for those seeking higher tempo runs.


Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable and secure upper
  • Solid durability overall
  • Impressively stable
  • Finally modern aesthetics
  • Perfect for midfoot and forefoot strikers
  • Versatile enough to wear as a sneaker
  • Luxuriously padded tongue and heel collar
  • Reasonable price for a max-stack shoe
  • Best for slow runs

Cons

  • Heavier than most rivals
  • Foam lacks energy and responsiveness
  • Less suitable for heel strikers
  • Not enough shock absorption in the heel

Key Features

  • High-Fidelity Textile Upper: Designed for breathability and comfort, the upper combines soft materials with engineered mesh, ensuring a well-ventilated fit throughout the day.
  • Nitrogen-Infused DNA Loft v3 Cushioning: This advanced cushioning system minimizes underfoot pressure while allowing for natural movement, thus enhancing your overall stride and lowering injury risks.
  • Stable Ride: A wide base supports stability during runs and walks, with raised sidewalls improving bending stiffness for a snug fit.
  • GlideRoll Rocker Technology: This feature promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions, facilitating effortless steps and enhancing stride efficiency.
  • Eco-Friendly Certification: The Ghost Max 3 is recognized as a carbon neutral product, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Specifications

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

Brooks Ghost Max 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Ghost Max 3 Under Armour Infinite Elite 2 Diadora Nucleo 2 Diadora Cellula
Price $160 $160 $160 $170
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.7 oz / 303g 10.2 oz / 288g 9.7 oz / 276g 9.8 oz / 278g
Drop lab Drop brand 7.3 mm 7.0 mm 8.0 mm 7.2 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size Half size small True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Soft Soft Soft Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Small Normal Big
Toebox durability Decent Decent Bad Decent
Heel padding durability Good Good Good Good
Outsole durability Good Good Good Good
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Narrow
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Moderate Moderate Stiff
Heel lab Heel brand 38.5 mm 40.1 mm 38.7 mm 41.9 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 31.2 mm 33.1 mm 30.7 mm 34.7 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 38% Top 22% Bottom 37% Top 40%
Popularity Top 8% Bottom 31% Bottom 46% Bottom 20%