Brooks Ghost Max 2 Review
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a neutral, everyday running shoe designed to excel in both easy and long runs, which account for the majority of a runner’s mileage. It distinguishes itself from other Brooks running shoes with its low heel-to-forefoot drop and a curved midsole that creates a rocker effect, enhancing the running experience.
The original Ghost Max was introduced last year and quickly garnered positive feedback from customers at Northern Runner, who appreciated its comfort and often returned for additional pairs. Because of this success, the Ghost Max 2 closely mirrors its predecessor. The heel cup of the Ghost Max 2 is designed to be firm, ensuring a secure fit around the runner’s heel and providing a stable ride. The padding in both the heel cup and around the cuff is plush and luxurious, as is the padding in the tongue. This contributes to the Brooks Ghost Max 2’s signature step-in comfort, which has become a hallmark of the brand. The shoe’s upper is crafted from engineered mesh, featuring a more open mesh over the toes to enhance breathability and a tighter knit in areas requiring additional support. This design not only enhances the shoe’s comfort but also ensures that it meets the demands of daily wear.
The fit of the Ghost Max 2 remains consistent with the original model. It features a straight line for the big toe in the toe box, and the last shape is also straight, providing stability and a positive toe-off. The sizing is aligned with other Brooks shoes and is comparable in length to brands such as Topo, Altra, and Saucony. For those who typically wear Hoka, New Balance, or Karhu, it might be advisable to try half a size smaller in Brooks to achieve a similar length (e.g., I wear a UK 11 in Brooks and a UK 11.5 in Hoka and New Balance). To accommodate a variety of foot shapes, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is available in three different widths for both men and women, helping each runner find their perfect fit.
The stack height of the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is 38mm in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot, providing a high level of underfoot cushioning, consistent with the previous version. What sets the Ghost Max 2 apart is its new midsole material, Brooks DNA Loft v3, which is nitrogen-infused and sealed. This technology prevents air from escaping from the midsole, resulting in a bouncier feel similar to that of a space hopper or a balloon. This sealed midsole not only enhances the shoe’s bounce but also prevents water and dirt from entering, contributing to the shoe’s durability. Consequently, you can expect the Ghost Max 2 to retain its cushioning and feel more resilient over time compared to the original Ghost Max.
However, some running shoes with nitrogen-infused midsoles can sometimes create a sensation of bouncing from foot to foot, which might affect the running experience. Fortunately, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 avoids this issue. Despite the bouncy feel, the midsole maintains a dense quality that does not disrupt your gait or diminish the overall ride of the shoe. Brooks refers to the curve or rocker in the midsole as their Glide Roll Rocker. This design feature ensures a smooth transition from heel to forefoot, minimizing heel strike and making it easier to establish a consistent running rhythm. This is especially beneficial on days when your legs are feeling fatigued, as the shoe’s design helps you maintain a comfortable and efficient stride.
Weighing 306 grams in a men’s UK 8 and 269 grams in a women’s UK 5, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 might not be the lightest option compared to other similar shoes on the market. However, the weight does not reflect how light the shoes feel when worn. The Ghost Max 2 is engineered as a durable everyday training shoe, built to withstand regular use while still delivering a comfortable running experience.
One notable feature of shoes with a high stack height, such as the Ghost Max 2, is that your foot sits inside the midsole rather than on top of it. This design helps prevent your foot from slipping off the midsole when running on uneven surfaces and stabilizes your foot, allowing it to follow the curve of the midsole. This promotes a more efficient running style and posture. The low heel-to-forefoot drop ensures that the heel of the shoe does not make premature contact with the ground, reducing the initial impact and aligning the contact point closer to the runner’s center of gravity. This design contributes to a smoother running action, quicker cadence, and a more upright posture.
In summary, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 retains the same fit and initial feel as the original Brooks Ghost Max, but with the added benefits of a slightly more bouncy midsole and enhanced durability. This makes it an excellent choice for runners seeking a reliable, comfortable shoe for daily training and long runs.
Other Considerations
Hylo Impact: Hylo is a truly green shoe. Every part of the shoe can be recycled or reused. Once worn out you can return them back to Hylo and they will recycle them for you. The ride is on the soft side but, has a nice rocker and a bounce to the midsole. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hylo-impact-review/
Topo Athletic Atmos: Like all Topo shoes the Atmos has a broad rounded toe box to give your feet the space to spread on impact and function in the shoes. The feel to the cushioning is similar to the Brooks Ghost Max 2 in that it is firm compared to the current trend. This lets your feet know that they have hit the ground so they can function in the shoes. The rocker helps guide the foot through the gait cycle stimulating the glutes and hamstrings and promoting a more upright posture. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-atmos-review/
Altra VIA Olympus 2: Like Topo’s Altra also has a broad rounded toe box to give the feet the room to spread on impact. The midsole is a similar density to the Brooks Ghost Max 2 to stimulate foot function. The rocker isn’t as noticeable which allows you to do more of the running rather than relying on the rocker in the shoes. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-via-olympus-2-review/
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13: These have a very soft midsole with a high element of energy return. You are more aware of the compression in the midsole on impact than you are in the Brooks Ghost Max 2. The ride is very plush and smooth. The 1080v13 is available in two width Women’s and three width Men’s you allow you to get the perfect fit. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-1080v13-review/
Karhu Mestari 1.0: With Karhu’s Fulcrum and a rocker the Mestari helps guide the runner through the perfect gait cycle keeping an upright posture and making the runner light on their feet. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-mestari-run-1-0-review/
Hoka Clifton 9: A softly cushioned shoe but, not as soft as the Hylo Impact. The rocker helps maintain a quick cadence and reduce heel strike. Available in two width Women’s and two width Men’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-clifton-9-review/
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