The Brooks Ghost Max 3 was one of my favourite shoes for walking and standing, so the Ghost Max 4 has a lot to live up to.
On paper, the two shoes look relatively similar. However, the Ghost Max 4 is 29g lighter in my US size 12, has a completely new upper, a different fit and a more pronounced rocker.
To see whether these changes have genuinely improved the shoe, I wore the Ghost Max 4 straight out of the box and walked from Saint-Jorioz to Annecy. The route covered 9.4km and 11,660 steps, giving me the chance to test its fit, cushioning, stability and breathability properly.
I also wanted to find out whether the Ghost Max 4 is still one of the best max-cushioned walking shoes on the market—or whether you’d be better off buying the discounted Ghost Max 3.
Brooks Ghost Max 4 vs Ghost Max 3
| Feature | Ghost Max 4 | Ghost Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight in my US size 12 | 329g | 358g |
| Midsole foam | DNA Loft v3 | DNA Loft v3 |
| Fit | Narrower, but with more vertical volume | Wider and more accommodating |
| Rocker | Smoother and more pronounced | Less aggressive and slightly clunky |
| Forefoot protection | Slightly less | More protective |
| Best use | Walking | Standing and walking |
A Lighter and Smoother Shoe
The first obvious difference is the weight.
My Ghost Max 4 weighs 329g in a US size 12, compared with approximately 358g for the Ghost Max 3. A saving of 29g is significant for a max-cushioned shoe, and I could feel the difference almost immediately.
By around 2,500 steps, the Ghost Max 4 felt lighter and easier to move in than its predecessor.
Brooks has achieved some of that weight reduction by changing the geometry of the midsole. There is now a more pronounced cut-out underneath the shoe, which helps create a smoother rocker without increasing the toe spring.
That distinction is important. The rocker helps you transition more easily from the heel towards the front of the shoe, but your toes aren’t held in a more extended position.
As a result, the Ghost Max 4 rolls forward more naturally and doesn’t feel as clunky as the Ghost Max 3.
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The Fit Is Narrower—but There’s a Catch
The fit has changed quite noticeably.
The Ghost Max 4 feels slightly narrower through the toe box and midfoot than the Ghost Max 3. However, it also has more vertical volume inside the shoe.
That means the toe box isn’t necessarily smaller overall—it’s simply shaped differently.
The additional depth should make the Ghost Max 4 accommodating for people who use orthotics. There is more space above the foot, so replacing the standard insole with a thicker orthotic shouldn’t make the upper feel excessively tight.
I have a standard-width foot and experienced no rubbing, pressure points or blistering during the walk. Nevertheless, if you have a particularly wide forefoot, the Ghost Max 3 will probably feel more accommodating.
At the time of testing, I also couldn’t find a wide version of the Ghost Max 4. That is something worth checking before ordering if you normally require a wider fit.
How Does the Cushioning Feel?
The Ghost Max 4 continues to use Brooks’ DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which is the same type of foam found in the Ghost Max 3.
Despite using the same foam, the two shoes don’t feel identical.
The Ghost Max 4 provides plenty of cushioning underneath the heel. Initial step-in comfort is excellent, and the shoe feels protective when your heel first contacts the ground.
As the walk progressed, the cushioning firmed up slightly. That wasn’t uncomfortable, but I didn’t feel quite as much padding or bounce underneath the ball of the foot as I did in the Ghost Max 3.
This is probably linked to the changes Brooks has made to the midsole geometry. The stack height might be similar, but changing the shape and placement of the foam can significantly affect how a shoe feels.
We’ve seen something similar with other Brooks shoes this year. Two models can use the same named cushioning, yet feel very different once you start walking in them.
For me, the reduced forefoot protection wasn’t a problem. However, it could be important if you have pain underneath the ball of your foot or a condition affecting the big-toe joint.
The Ghost Max 3 provides slightly more protection in that area, while the Ghost Max 4 allows more movement through the forefoot.
If you have healthy feet and want to encourage a more natural gait, that additional flexibility may be a positive. If you rely on the Ghost Max for maximum forefoot protection, the older model may suit you better.
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Is the Ghost Max 4 Stable?
The Ghost Max 3 was one of the best stable-neutral shoes on the market, and the Ghost Max 4 continues to provide excellent stability.
It still has a broad base, increasing the amount of contact between the shoe and the ground. There are also raised sidewalls around the heel, although they aren’t quite as prominent as those on the Ghost Max 3.
The cushioning is relatively firm, which also helps prevent the foot from moving around excessively.
The main difference is the rocker. Because the Ghost Max 4 encourages you to roll forward, it feels more dynamic while walking. However, that forward movement makes it slightly less suited to prolonged standing.
It is still a very stable neutral shoe, but the Ghost Max 3 feels a little flatter and more planted when you’re standing in one place for long periods.
Breathability in Warm Weather
By the time I reached Annecy, the temperature had climbed to approximately 27°C.
My feet naturally felt warm after walking 9.4km, but they weren’t excessively hot or clammy. I had no issues with moisture, rubbing or blistering, despite wearing the Ghost Max 4 straight out of the box.
The new upper performed extremely well, and I would give the shoe 9 out of 10 for breathability.
Is It Good for Running?
I’ve also taken the Ghost Max 4 out for a 10km run.
It works well for easy and recovery runs, particularly if you prefer a protective shoe with a smooth rocker. The lighter construction also makes it more enjoyable to run in than the Ghost Max 3.
However, it isn’t designed for faster sessions. I wouldn’t choose it for intervals, tempo runs or uptempo workouts.
Its strengths are comfort, protection and smooth transitions rather than speed.
Is the Ghost Max 4 Better Than the Ghost Max 3?
After 11,660 steps, I think the Ghost Max 4 is the better walking shoe.
It is lighter, transitions more smoothly and feels less clunky. The revised rocker makes it easier to move at a quicker walking pace, which became particularly noticeable as the distance increased.
However, I don’t think it is necessarily better for standing.
The Ghost Max 3 has more cushioning underneath the forefoot, a slightly wider fit and a flatter, more planted feel. If you spend most of the day standing—or need extra protection around the ball of the foot—it may still be the better option.
My ratings for the Brooks Ghost Max 4 are:
- Fit: 9/10
- Walking: 10/10
- Standing: 8/10
- Breathability: 9/10
- Running: Best for easy and recovery miles
Overall, the Ghost Max 4 remains one of the best max-cushioned walking shoes on the market. Brooks hasn’t completely reinvented the shoe, but the reduced weight and smoother rocker make a meaningful difference.
If you already love the Ghost Max 3 and mainly use it for standing, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. It is also currently available with discounts of up to 25%, which could make it excellent value.
But if walking is your priority and you want a lighter, smoother version of the Ghost Max, I would choose the Ghost Max 4.
