Brooks Ghost Max 3: Updates Overview

Here, we’ve broken down the features of the Brooks Ghost Max 3 and updates to the Ghost Max 2 to give you everything you need to know about this max-cushion daily trainer and whether you need to upgrade.

brooks ghost max 3 for men and women

Specs of Brooks Ghost Max 3:

Weight: Men's 11.2oz (317.5g); Women's 10.0oz (283.5g)
Stack Height: 39mm
Cushioning: Plush
Drop: 6mm
Midsole: DNA Loft v3 foam with GlideRoll rocker geometry
Upper: Engineered jacquard mesh
Outsole: Durable rubber compound with wide platform
Purpose: Max cushioned daily trainer for easy runs, recovery miles, walking, standing all day
Type: Neutral Stability

Ghost Max 3 vs Ghost Max 2: In a Nutshell

Redesigned Upper: New engineered jacquard mesh improves breathability and comfort
Refined Fit: Roomier fit, especially in the heel and forefoot
Better Heel Transition: Refined heel geometry creates smoother landings
Improved Tongue Design: Double lace loops prevent tongue migration during runs
Midsole Geometry and Heel Bevel: Subtle tweaks to the midsole geometry and heel bevel design result in a smoother, more fluid ride (The DNA Loft v3 foam remains the same, but its reshaped positioning enhances the heel-to-toe transition).
Weight Increase: Slight bump from 10.8oz to 11.2oz in men's sizing

Ghost Max 3 vs Ghost Max 2: In Detail

The Ghost Max 3 represents what Brooks does best—incremental improvements that meaningfully enhance the running experience. After logging miles in both versions back-to-back, the differences become clear pretty quickly.

brooks ghost max 3 upper

Upper Construction and Fit

The new jacquard mesh upper is where you'll notice the biggest improvement. It's significantly more breathable than the previous version, which was one of my main complaints about the Ghost Max 2.

The heel counter and collar padding have been redesigned to provide better lockdown without creating pressure points. The heel geometry features a more pronounced bevel that encourages smoother initial contact, particularly beneficial for heel strikers who found the previous version too abrupt.

The fit runs true to size but leans toward the roomier side, especially through the heel and forefoot. If you've got wider feet or need extra space for orthotics, this works in your favor. Narrower-footed runners might find themselves cranking down the laces more than usual, and the runner's loop lacing technique can help lock down the heel if needed.

One small detail that makes a difference: those double lace loops on the tongue. The tongue on the Ghost Max 2 had a tendency to slide around during longer runs, and these loops fixed this.

brooks ghost max 3 midsole

Midsole Performance

The DNA Loft v3 foam remains the star of the show. It strikes a nice balance between being soft enough for serious shock absorption while maintaining enough structure to feel stable underfoot. The ride feels just a touch more refined than the previous version (not dramatically different, but noticeable if you're running them side by side).

The GlideRoll rocker geometry works well for heel strikers. However, the rocker effect isn't as pronounced as you'll find in some other max-cushioned trainers. The softness of the foam does most of the work in creating that smooth ride.

That wide platform continues to be a major asset. The stability this creates is impressive for a neutral shoe, and it's part of what makes the Ghost Max series work so well for runners who need extra support without a restrictive feel of a traditional stability shoe.

brooks ghost max 3 outsole

Outsole

The outsole pattern remains largely unchanged, which is smart given its excellent durability and traction characteristics. However, Brooks has refined the midsole sidewalls - they're less intrusive than before while maintaining their stabilizing function.

Weight and Responsiveness

The slight weight increase is noticeable but not problematic for the intended use case. At easy paces, the extra 0.3oz disappears completely. But if you push the pace toward tempo effort, you'll feel it more - that's not really what this shoe is designed for anyway.

The responsiveness sits right where it should for a max-cushioned trainer. You get enough energy return to keep longer runs feeling smooth, but it's not snappy enough to encourage picking up the pace. This is firmly in the "easy miles" category.

Purpose and Best Uses

The Ghost Max 3 is a go-to for the scenarios where comfort and stability take priority over speed or responsiveness. It's built for longer easy runs where you want to focus on time on feet rather than pace. Recovery runs are where this shoe really shines - the kind of runs where you're actively trying to keep your heart rate down and just get the blood flowing.

Walking and standing all day? The Ghost Max 3 handles this brilliantly. The combination of that thick, soft midsole and stable platform makes it an excellent choice for anyone who spends long hours on their feet. The orthotic-friendly design means it works well for people with specific foot support needs.