Brooks Ghost Max 2 introduction:
Silke: Last year Brooks surprised the running world with a new, cushioned trainer that was both different yet familiar. A pleasant, comfortable daily trainer with a new big stack height that fitted in the max trainer category.
I didn’t try the Ghost Max but Brooks’ classic Ghost 16. Sadly, the Ghost 16 and I didn’t become close friends. So when I came home from work and found a new running shoe by Brooks on my doorstep, I wasn’t wildly excited. That said, the positive impression the Ghost Max original had left on so many runners made me curious.As soon as I put them on my feet, I was pleasantly surprised by the step in comfort. “Not bad for a Brooks,” I said and took it for a short run.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 upper:
Silke: It has become somewhat of a tradition now to mention the outstanding comfort that Brooks create in their uppers. They are a great fit for the majority of runners. As expected, the Ghost Max 2 is no exception. It is like stepping into the embrace of an old friend. As ever with Brooks, I find that the fit is true to size. In the toe box, I found the Ghost Max 2 to be roomier than the Ghost 16.
Whilst it is slightly on the thicker side, the double layer mesh of the upper feels perfectly fitted to my foot. The plush padding of the tongue and heel collar is reminiscent of its siblings the Ghost 16 and the Glycerin 21. However, if you are unfamiliar with the Brooks lines, the tongue is not gusseted but has a loop to help the laces keep it in place. Ivan wrote in his review of the original Ghost Max, the laces were a little on the long side. This has been rectified in the second iteration where the laces are of a normal length. In summary, the fit is excellent, the padding is plush and comfortable. However, the upper could be more breathable.
A Fit For All Feet
Ivan: The upper of this latest iteration appears to be nearly identical, if not exactly the same, as the original Brooks Ghost Max. It features a soft, breathable mesh that provides a secure lockdown with the signature Brooks fit. It is successfully designed to accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes comfortably.
Generous padding surrounds the sturdy heel counter, and the tongue is fairly plush, contributing to a snug, comfortable fit. True to size, this design ensures a consistent and dependable feel. It’s easy to see why Brooks chose to stick with this well-tuned upper in the Ghost Max 2. There’s no need to change what works so well unless something even better can be devised.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 midsole:
Silke: Although the stack is big, the Ghost Max 2 doesn’t feel heavy or cumbersome on foot. From my first walk to a short run and up to a 24k long run the ride felt smooth. The DNA Loft 3 midsole delivers good cushion but also enough bounce. Although, the Ghost Max 2 is not like other max cushioned trainers that create pillowlike comfort. It creates a feel which is more dampening and feels reliable on longer runs.
The geometry provides just a slight rocker. It is enough to help you move from landing to toe-off. Thankfully, the Ghost Max 2 just works for my gait cycle. My foot strike is pretty normal with no noticeable over or underpronation. I always felt very stable on my runs in the Ghost Max 2. But when you look at the broad platform, stability shouldn’t be an issue for the majority of runners who choose the Ghost Max 2.
As a slower runner, it is so easy to just do a 10 miler in the morning with this shoe. My heart rate stays gentle and low while my legs feel fresh afterwards.
The Hyperion Max 2 Is Heavier and Lacking Rocker
Ivan: The most notable update in the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is the switch from DNA Loft v2 to the new nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3. This change has transformed the ride from a more muted, cushioned feel to something livelier and more responsive. A welcome change that adds a bit more excitement to each run. While the cushioning isn’t exceptionally soft, it now offers better energy return and feels more dynamic underfoot.
Despite the boost in responsiveness, the Ghost Max 2 remains a stable, neutral daily trainer. As Silke noted, the wide platform enhances stability, further supported by the raised sidewalls and sturdy heel counter. The shoe retains the GlideRoll rocker and the 6mm drop from the first version, which had previously caused some strain on my achilles, largely due to the midsole’s rigidity. However, in this iteration, the latest DNA Loft v3 midsole compound has improved transitions and reduced the stiffness that was more apparent in the earlier model.
Although the ride is more energetic, the Ghost Max 2 is still not built for uptempo runs. It’s slightly too bulky for that, even though its weight is comparable to other shoes in the same category. That said, the comfort and security it provides make it an excellent choice for easy, everyday runs, regardless of distance. It’s also a solid option for building mileage leading up to a half or full marathon.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 outsole:
Silke: Brooks knows how to make a shoe last. Therefore, the outsole is no weak point of the Ghost Max 2. There is plenty of rubber underneath. To wear it completely down, I imagine you will at least have to run 1000 km or maybe even 2000! After running just 10% of that, the outsole and also the whole shoe shows absolutely no signs of wear. Furthermore, the flex grooves allow you to bend the thick midsole to make it easier to go on your forefoot when doing some decent uphills.
However I would like to see a bit more structure for better grip in the outsole. Twice, I noticed my landing to feel almost slick on wet pavement. Be prepared for a bit of sliding when the weather turns autumnal when leaves and debris cover the ground.
Built For Longevity
Ivan: The grip on the Ghost Max 2 has proven reliable, with no issues encountered in wet conditions so far. The outsole features nearly full rubber coverage, and its durability appears promising. True to Brooks’ reputation, the outsole seems built for longevity. An interesting design element is a groove that runs slightly laterally along almost the entire length of the midsole. I believe this groove is intended to guide the heel-to-toe transition smoothly, helping to reduce excessive medial pronation and enhance overall stability.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 conclusion:
Silke: In their review of the original Ghost Max, Ivan and Andy have pointed out that this max cushioned shoe truly has a place in the Brooks lineup. With only subtle changes, the Ghost Max 2 reaches out to all those runners who seek for a modern daily trainer with excellent fit and long run abilities. I can use this shoe for a variety of runs but mostly take it for long runs and easy running.
In fact, I am a bit sad that I didn’t try the first version so I cannot compare the foam, bounce and cushion to its predecessor. Brooks themselves say that the new foam is lighter, softer and more responsive. However, scrolling through the web, I found more people saying that the Ghost Max 2 feels a bit firmer.
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 to me turned out to be a surprisingly good shoe and I can highly recommend it to you as a daily trainer. It would be my perfect daily trainer if Brooks would reduce the amount of padding just a bit and leave the plushness to the Glycerin.
A Smooth Energetic Workhorse
Ivan: The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a compelling alternative to the classic Brooks Glycerin. While both are designed as daily trainers for any distance, the Ghost Max 2 delivers a different experience, thanks to its higher, less flexible, and more stable midsole, paired with a lower 6mm drop. Though the changes from the first iteration of the Ghost Max aren’t revolutionary, the familiar comfortable and secure upper remains, now complemented by a welcome upgrade to the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole. This new compound offers a smoother, more energetic ride without compromising the leg-saving qualities during longer runs. It is a reliable, enjoyable workhorse – perfect for those seeking a trustworthy, easygoing daily trainer and a solid recovery option in their rotation.