The Ghost Max 4 builds on the concept of a highly cushioned training shoe, but doesn’t try to change it at all costs. The high DNA LOFT v3 foam midsole, wide platform, and subtle rocker continue to create a construction focused primarily on protection and stability. The new generation introduces only a few significant changes, the most important of which is a noticeable reduction in weight. As a result, the Ghost Max 4 remains a shoe for relaxed, long training runs, but it has become a more versatile option for everyday running.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is a highly cushioned training shoe designed primarily for running on hard surfaces. The high sole, wide platform, and GlideRoll rocker make for plenty of protection, stable guidance, and a smooth foot roll. It’s primarily a shoe for daily, relaxed workouts and long runs. It’s designed for runners with a neutral foot strike, though it’s one of the more stable shoes in its class.
Pros
- high level of cushioning
- versatile, all-around outsole
- high stability for a neutral shoe
- very soft interior lining
Cons
- low energy return
- narrower than the Ghost Max 3; you may need a larger size
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| GHOST MAX 4 | GHOST MAX 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 40/34 mm | 39/33 mm |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Weight men’s | 292 g | 317 g |
| Weight women’s | 261 g | 283 g |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered jacquard mesh |
| Midsole | DNA LOFT v3 – nitrogen-infused foam | DNA LOFT v3 – nitrogen-infused foam |
| Outsole | durable, high-grip rubber, new outsole pattern | durable, high-grip rubber |
Brooks Running Shoes – Lineup
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 is a more cushioned alternative to the classic Ghost 18. Unlike the Ghost 18, it offers a higher platform, more cushioning, and more pronounced support thanks to its wide base and GlideRoll geometry. This model is designed for runners who prioritize protection and comfort in their daily training but don’t want to sacrifice a smooth roll.
In Brooks’ cushioning hierarchy, the Ghost Max 4 ranks below the more heavily cushioned models in the Glycerin series. On the other hand, runners who need additional support in the form of a classic stabilization system can opt for GTS models, such as the Adrenaline GTS 25. The Ghost Max 4, however, remains a neutral shoe, whose stability stems primarily from its construction and less soft foam.
You’ll find a full comparison of these and other Brooks models in the shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Glycerin Max 2  Gliceryn 23 |  Glycerin GTS 23 |
| very high cushioning |  Ghost Max 4  Ghost 18 |  Adrenaline GTS 25 |
| high cushioning |  Trace 4 |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
Ghost Max 4 offers maximum cushioning and stability when volume and recovery are the priority – its high but fairly stiff platform and low energy return mean it doesn’t encourage acceleration, which is an advantage during slow, relaxed easy runs. Hyperion Max 3 complements this as a fast shoe, though it’s still more of a training shoe. It’s still a high-stack shoe, but with very springy DNA TURBO foam and an aggressive rocker, allowing it to maintain comfort over long distances while also enabling you to run fast with a distinct energy return and performance that the Ghost Max 4 lacks.
Hyperion Elite 6 rounds out the lineup as a tool for the highest intensities: it’s lightweight and highly responsive, which translates to performance and makes it easier to maintain a high cadence during intervals and in races ranging from 5 to 42 km.
The distinction is clear: Ghost Max 4 – volume and protection; Hyperion Max 3 – long-distance runs and marathon/half-marathon races; Hyperion Elite 6 – speed and races. This setup allows you to better match the shoe to the purpose of each session, which in practice translates to better training quality and reduced fatigue specific to a single model.
| GHOST MAX 4 | HYPERION MAX 3 | HYPERION ELITE 6 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| easy, long runs, recovery | daily (also faster) running | speed training sessions, raceday |
Similar to Brooks Ghost Max 4
The Brooks Ghost Max 4, despite the “Max” in its name, isn’t the model with the most extreme cushioning in the brand’s lineup. In terms of character, it can be compared to the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28, Mizuno Wave Rider 30, or Saucony Ride 19, among others, though the Ghost Max 4 stands out with a higher platform, a lower heel-to-toe drop, and a more pronounced rocker profile. This makes it a versatile shoe for everyday running, but it will perform especially well when cushioning, stability, and – once again – stability are the top priorities.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Rise 3 | 35/28 | 7 | 272 | 230 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 | 37/30 | 8 | 259 | 223 | 160 |
| Asics Novablast 6 | 41.5/33.5 | 8 | 253 | 215 | 150 |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | 36/26 | 10 | 289 | 260 | 150 |
| Brooks Ghost Max 4 | 40/34 | 6 | 292 | 261 | 160 |
| Diadora Equipe Nucleo 2 | 38/32 | 6 | 280 | 210 | 150 |
| Hoka Clifton 11 | 41/33 | 8 | 283 | 236 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 30 | 42.5/34.5 | 8 | 265 | 230 | 160 |
| New Balance 880 v15 | 38/32 | 6 | 304 | 238 | 160 |
| Nike Pegasus 42 | n/a | 10 | 300 | 243 | 140 |
| Nike Vomero 18 | n/a | 10 | 325 | 263 | 150 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Puma Magnify Nitro 2 | 40/30 | 10 | 275 | 245 | 150 |
| Saucony Ride 19 | 36/30 | 8 | 270 | 220 | 150 |
High Cushioning Without Being Overly Soft
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 retains its massive midsole made of nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam. This midsole has grown by 1 millimeter and measures 40 mm under the heel and 34 mm under the forefoot. This results in a 6 mm drop, and the overall height of the construction remains typical for heavily cushioned training shoes. In practice, however, the cushioning isn’t excessively soft. DNA LOFT v3 makes a balance of comfort and control possible. Although it contains a lot of foam, this shoe doesn’t feel like it’s made of “jelly.”
The GlideRoll Rocker remains a key element of the shoe’s geometry. The curved sole profile helps guide the foot more smoothly from landing to push-off and reduces the feeling of a heavy, sluggish shoe. The profile in the Ghost Max 4 is more pronounced than in the Ghost Max 3, but its effect is very subtle. Its primary purpose is to ensure that running in a high-top, heavily cushioned construction remains smooth and effortless.
Another key feature is the width of the sole, which enhances stability. In the fourth generation, it has been slightly narrowed at the rear compared to the Ghost Max 3. This is an interesting change, as it has helped reduce the bulkiness of the entire construction, and the shoe no longer looks like an “iron.” A narrower sole doesn’t mean sacrificing stable support. In this regard, it’s still an above-average shoe. It remains a good option for runners who want plenty of cushioning but not necessarily a very soft, squishy feel.
A Redesigned Outsole for Long-Distance Running
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 remains primarily a road running shoe, but its outsole has been significantly redesigned compared to its predecessor. Rubber covers a large portion of the sole, both under the heel and in the forefoot, and numerous grooves enhance its performance during the roll. The construction prioritizes secure ground contact and durability rather than minimizing weight at all costs.
The outsole wasn’t designed with off-road use in mind, but its versatility allows you to venture beyond road surfaces with ease. Park paths, sidewalks, and compacted trails pose no problem for the Ghost Max 4. However, it is still a road shoe, so on loose surfaces, it will quickly remind you of its intended purpose. It performs best where ample cushioning, a stable platform, and durable rubber can work together to enhance comfort during daily training.
Comfort Suited to Long Runs
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 upper uses Engineered Mesh, but its construction has been redesigned compared to its predecessor. The material is soft and comfortable, and it makes adequate breathability possible during everyday runs. However, it is not an ultralight, very thin mesh. Brooks prioritizes comfort and a good fit here, which fits well with the character of the entire model.
The Ghost Max 4 retains the roomy feel of its predecessor. In the standard version, the upper makes enough space available for your toes to move comfortably, but the shoe isn’t quite as wide as the Ghost Max 3. The shape of the forefoot has been narrowed, which may give the impression that the shoe holds the foot more securely; however, to be on the safe side, it’s sometimes best to choose a size half a centimeter larger.
At the back, you’ll find a classic, stiffened heel counter that stabilizes the heel and limits its movement inside the shoe. This is a well-known construction that works in harmony with the wide and slightly stiffer sole platform. The Ghost Max 4 doesn’t use a classic stabilization system, but its width and geometry make for very confident handling and plenty of stability. As a result, we have a neutral shoe that, in terms of stability, can compete with some constructions designed to offer additional support.
Max, but Not Quite As Heavy
These are the biggest changes in the Ghost Max 4: weight reduction. Brooks lists 292 g for the men’s version and about 261 g for the women’s. That’s about 25 and 23 g less, respectively, than the Ghost Max 3. With such a tall and robust construction, this is a noticeable difference.
The Ghost Max 4 is still not exactly a lightweight training shoe. However, the change is significant because the previous generation was one of the heavier models in its class. Now, the weight is much better suited to its versatile purpose. It’s still not a shoe for high-intensity workouts, but the reduced weight means you can reach for it more often without feeling like you’re carrying extra weight on your feet.
Summary
The Brooks Ghost Max 4 stays true to the series’ core philosophy: it offers plenty of cushioning and a stable platform without sacrificing performance. In its fourth generation, however, the model has managed to address its predecessor’s biggest weakness – its heavy weight – and the redesigned outsole further improves durability and traction. It’s still primarily a shoe for relaxed workouts, long runs, and everyday use, but thanks to its lighter weight, it has become a slightly more versatile option. If you’re looking for maximum protection without a very soft, unstable feel, the Ghost Max 4 is one of the most interesting models in this category.
