We’ll Say It: The Ghost Max 4 Should be the Only Brooks Ghost

Introduction to the Brooks Ghost Max 4

CHAD: Well, it’s officially here, the annual “How long have I been reviewing shoes for Believe in the Run” review of the Brooks Ghost Max. For those counting at home, this is iteration number four from Brooks, and I’ve officially run in and reviewed each one. While the pros and cons of each review have ebbed and flowed since 2023, the year the first version was released, the Ghost Max has consistently been my go-to max stack option for bigger runners or people who prefer their max cushion shoes to be a bit firmer underfoot.

The most recent version, the Ghost Max 3, was a pretty decent blending of the first version (which we loved) and the second version (which we felt was fine). It seemed that Brooks took the best attributes of the Ghost Max and the Ghost Max 2 and cobbled together a pretty solid shoe. Based on the spec sheet alone, not much changed or changed drastically. Same midsole foam (nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3), similar stack height (40mm/34mm vs 39mm/33mm in the 3rd version), and the GlideRoll rocker for easy transition from heel to toe with that 6mm drop. Is the 4th version just a copy-and-paste of the Ghost Max 3?

KARL: It is the year 2026, and the “Max” trend in product lines has yet to subside in any substantial way — let alone any way whatsoever. Almost every brand has a “Max” version of an already existing product (besides the Saucony Paramount Max), and Brooks is no different. We are now at the fourth iteration of the Ghost Max. How does this compare to the base model Ghost 18 and previous versions? Let’s find out.

What we like about the Brooks Ghost Max 4

CHAD: Brooks used to get knocked around a bit, with its offerings often being called boring. Many likened the brand and its shoes to the Toyota Camry of the running shoe market: dependable, but nothing much beyond that. Well, as I have gotten older, I’ve come to respect dependability more and more, and the Ghost Max 4 feels like the perfect example of that. Just like every Brooks shoe I’ve run in, there is a premium feeling upper that is comfortable and secure, with a plush tongue to protect the top of the foot.

While I harped a bit on the Ghost Max 3 feeling a little blocky at times and lacking the stability of earlier versions, I’m happy to say that is NOT the case with the Ghost Max 4. The ride of this shoe is as smooth as a baby’s bottom, with the DNA Loft v3 foam being a bit firmer than most shoes with a 40mm heel, but with a pronounced rocker and toe spring that help smooth out the transition. While I had some road rash on the medial side of my right foot in the last version, I had none in this model, which shows improved stability from the shoe’s geometry.

Also, despite adding some midsole foam, the Ghost Max 4 managed to shed some weight, with a US M9 coming in at 10.3 oz., which is half an ounce lighter than the previous. My US M12 came in at 11.5 oz., and the weight drop from last year’s pair was noticeable on the run.

At $165, this shoe has some pretty solid value because I think someone who maybe doesn’t do tempo or speedwork could use this for every run during the week, for easy and recovery runs, and long runs as well. It would be a nice cruiser.

KARL: The Ghost Max 4 is what I consider the “performance-tuned version of the Ghost 18 with more foam underfoot. It doesn’t fall into the super trainer category — just a slightly beefed-up version of the Ghost 18. I’m also currently testing the base Ghost 18 model, and, much like the Glycerin 23, I find it’s more of a run/walk shoe for being on your feet all day. The Ghost Max 4, to me, is the purest running version of a Ghost available (although the Ghost Amp is set to debut later this year, which may change the overall structure of the Ghost line as we know it).

Brooks promises a more accommodating fit due to the linear last and broad base. There’ve been no issues for me securing lockdown, and I felt the shoe was very stable. If you’ve read any of my previous Brooks reviews, you’ll know I’ve found Brooks to be accommodating to my foot across most, if not all, of its models in recent years. If you have a slightly wider foot, you’ll enjoy the fit more on this one than on previous iterations.

The GlideRoll Rocker combined with the 6mm drop made for a pretty comfortable and smooth ride. Even though it’s not the lightest daily trainer, I found rolling through the stride to be quite efficient and effortless, especially with 40mm of cush beneath the heel. This isn’t a shoe I’d necessarily use to pick up the pace in, but I found it to be easier shifting gears than in the standard Ghost 18.

And unlike many of Brooks’ models this year, the Ghost Max 4 actually shaves off more weight than its predecessor — close to an ounce, which Brooks credits to its refined geometry.

Lastly, I actually like the overall design and colorways coming out for the Ghost Max 4. Although the Black/Folkstone/Open Air colorway I got isn’t my favorite, I’m enjoying a lot of the other ones in the catalog.

What we don’t like about the Brooks Ghost Max 4

CHAD: Narrow footers like Thomas need to beware, the Ghost Max 4 continues its reputation as being a girthy boy. It’s a combination of being both wide and high-volume, which is understandable, as it’s a shoe designed to accommodate those who wear orthotics. I have regular-plus width feet, and I really had to cinch the laces down to feel like I was locked in.

KARL: I applaud Brooks for keeping the whole “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra it has going for it, but I think it’s starting to get a little long in the tooth when it comes to DNA Loft v3. This midsole debuted in 2022 and is the same one used in the Ghost Max 2 and 3 (and as early as the Ghost 16 and Glycerin 20). Sure, Brooks may have made some subtle changes to the durometer throughout the years, but overall, it’s still the same nitrogen-infused EVA compound.

A lot has changed in the foam department since then, so it would be nice to see a newer foam come out soon that may be a bit softer or reduce the weight a bit more. There are brands out there putting out really competitive foams, and I’d like to see Brooks innovate more in that department.

While on the topic of midsoles, you should know by now that Brooks foams tend to lean toward the firmer side of the scale, even though the DNA Loft v3 is touted as its “soft” foam (as opposed to DNA Flash v2). As much as I don’t mind the underfoot sensation, it isn’t the most exciting or nicest feeling foam to me. And the price increases on Brooks products in the last year make it harder and harder to recommend, given the competitive market offerings in their respective price brackets.

The Ghost Max 4 sees a $5 increase over its predecessor. And although it’s not a lot, to me it’s a negative to charge extra for a shoe that’s more or less the same.

Final thoughts on the Brooks Ghost Max 4

CHAD: I most certainly hope that year after year, I can bring you, the Believe in the Run readership, a review of the Ghost Max. While it’s certainly not the most exciting shoe to receive for a review, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad run in any of the four versions so far. Anyone looking for a great, easy-mile cruising shoe with a firmer feel and a great rocker profile should pick up the Ghost Max 4. I do think Brooks made some noticeable improvements from last year, a shoe that has an overall A grade from us reviewers.

KARL: The Brooks Ghost Max series is, in my opinion, the best version of the Ghost (though that’ll probably change once the Ghost Amp hits the market). I find the Ghost Max 4 to be more fun to run in than the base model Ghost 18. Overall, I do think it’s a solid daily trainer that has some improvements over its predecessor, but because nothing revolutionary has changed, I’d still recommend maybe finding the Ghost Max 3 on discount if you’re married to the idea of getting a Brooks shoe and are looking at the Ghost range.

You can pick up the Brooks Ghost Max 4 for $165 on August 1, 2026, from Brooks by using the buttons below.