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When I first leveled up from casual running to my first marathon, I went to my local Fleet Feet in Hoboken, New Jersey, to buy a pair of real running sneakers. After an extensive chat and consultation, I was pointed towards a pair of Brooks Running shoes.
I started off loyal to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS, a supportive cushioned shoe, for its built-in guide rails that provided the support I needed for my pronation and flat-footedness—going through no less than five pairs through three TCS New York City Marathons. Eventually, I tried out a few different styles, including the Revel, a standard neutral shoe, and the Glycerin, a cushioned neutral shoe, always impressed with the sturdy support Brooks shoes offers.
I’d been curious about its Ghost line—especially after another friend raved about it—but it wasn’t until the Ghost Max was introduced last October that I really took notice. By this time, following a foot injury, I’d switched over to Hoka Cliftons, recommended by both a physical therapist and orthopedist doctor for more support and stabilization. There was something about the chunkier sole and silhouette of the Ghost Max that reminded me of the Hokas. When the Ghost Max 2 was introduced mid-summer, I knew I had to try them out.
Initial thoughts
During the unboxing, my first thought was that they seemed almost too airy to be a Brooks—I was so used to the brand's shoes being sturdy workhorses. Worried about its support, I twisted the shoe like a pedorthist at Hanger Clinic had shown me how to, first wringing it out side to side, then trying to bend it in half. The shoes showed solid resistance with both tests, a strong sign.
I was surprised to find that they’re slightly on the heavier side for shoes—9.5 ounces for women’s, 10.8 ounces for men’s—since they look so lightweight. (Perhaps it was a bit of an illusion of the bright white hue.) Style-wise, the sneaker boasts a court shoe vibe with the slightly wider bulbous sole of the Brooks Glycerin, yet somehow with more of a Hoka air about it. All those details are in moderation, so the sneaker has a timeless feel—perhaps more traditional than trendy.
The testing process
First, I slipped it on barefoot to get a good feel. Though I’m currently prescribed custom orthotics for my flat feet, I was impressed with how supportive the built-in arch support is on its own. Another immediate stand-out was the roomy toe box, which reminded me of one of my other favorite comfort sneakers, the Lululemon Blissfeel.
After wearing the sneakers around my condo for an afternoon, I was ready to go out into the real world. My feet were feeling so supported that I even took a risk and ditched my orthotics, opting for the included Brooks soles. That confidence can probably be attributed to the biggest difference between the Ghost Max 2 and its OG version, Ghost Max, which is the upgrade to DNA Loft v3 foam, a nitrogen-infused sole that is softer and lighter that other iterations, yet sturdier. It’s no wonder this shoe has earned a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Once I hit the sidewalk, I felt a spongy spring in every step, especially in the heels, that helped propel me forward. Every now and then, I’d feel my right foot drag a bit. While I noticed and felt the skid, it didn’t trip me up. I initially thought it could be because of the heel drop. But the Ghost Max 2’s is six millimeters, not much different from five millimeters in my Hokas. Perhaps it was just getting used to the particular rounded shape of this heel.
Feeling fairly confident in them, I paired the sneakers with a dress and blazer for a busy day of meetings in New York City. By the end of the night, I had zigzagged about four miles—and they were so comfortable that I forgot to switch into the dress shoes I had brought along for a business dinner.
The next day, I leaned into their court shoe aesthetic and wore them to the US Open in Flushing, Queens. Sprinting for the bus at one point, I felt an obvious forward momentum from its return. Though I packed my orthotics in my backpack in case any discomfort creeped in, I never needed them—the Brooks soles were a great companion on subway stairs, boardwalk planks, and tons of concrete surfaces.
After two days of fairly intensive walking, I was ready to take them for a run. I was training for the New York Road Runners’ New Balance Fifth Avenue Mile. Since I had only clocked a few light runs since finishing the Boston Marathon back in April, I didn’t want to chance anything and swapped in my orthotics. Turns out, its straight shoe shape is actually designed to be especially compatible with custom insoles—the insole easily slips in.
Running on the asphalt and concrete along the Hudson River waterfront, I could feel their weight a bit more compared to other running shoes. Not to the point that I felt weighed down, but knowing that if I were truly a speed runner, this wouldn’t be the most strategic pair. The slight heft was offset by an ease of stride, thanks to the GlideRoll Rocker built in to help that transition from heel to toe-off.
During my 19 training runs in these shoes, I started off with simple miles, and eventually built up to speedier paces, hitting my goal of sub-10 minutes on the final six. (Speed is not my thing!) I also interspersed a couple of lighthearted 5Ks, and I think that’s what the Ghost Max 2 is best suited for—everyday fitness runs, when you’re going at a comfortable pace. And on race day, they didn't disappoint: I managed a 8:43 mile with them on my feet.
What could be improved
In the first weeks of wearing the shoes, even on cooler days, I often found my feet to feel quite hot—not sweaty, just warm. At first I thought maybe it was the Bombas ankle socks I had on, but it was the same case with breathable, moisture-wicking socks from Swiftwick, Wrightsocks, and good ol’ Pumas from Costco. I'd never noticed that with my previous Brooks, which were all very breathable. Interestingly, I just started testing out the Brooks Glycerin Max, the brand's new super cushioned shoe, and while I didn't feel hot in them during a Mile High Run Club workout, I did feel it when walking to the coffee shop the next day—it might be attributed to the nitrogen soles in both shoes.
Another quirk: In general, the outer sole was perfectly grippy, but from time to time, I'd feel a tiny slip of sorts in the midsole—as if part of the shoe grips in the middle were shifting around in mud. It never affected my step, but was noticeable. The only time the grip did give out was during a rainy walk across the slippery painted part of a striped sidewalk. Since it was just one step, I can forgive them.
What I love most
Perhaps my favorite thing about these shoes is how they’re made. With 54.9 percent recycled materials in the upper and the equivalent of 6.18 plastic bottles diverted from landfills, the Ghost Max 2 is certified carbon neutral. Brooks also offers a 90-day guarantee—if you don’t love its products after nearly three months of testing them for any reason, the brand will gladly accept returns.
Taking a close-up view of the shoes three weeks in, I’m impressed with how clean they’ve remained for white shoes, with only a few tiny dirt spots on the toes. On the insides, the soles are starting to show crinkly lines from the wear and tear under the arch points.
But overall, considering I’ve worn them for 21 days straight, they’re holding up pretty solidly. In fact, I’ve found the Ghost Max 2 to be the ideal hybrid of my other top picks: the comfort and cushion of Lululemon’s Blissfeel with the stability and support of Hoka Clifton, plus the durability and dependability of Brooks Adrenaline. And that, to me, is a winning combo.
