If you’re trying to decide between the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 and the Brooks Ghost Max 3, you’re not alone. These are two of the most popular max-cushion shoes in the Brooks line-up—but they’re built for very different purposes.
In this post, I want to walk you through the real-world differences so you can work out which shoe fits your walking habits, running goals, or day-to-day comfort needs.
Watch my review about these 2 shoes on YouTube:
Let’s Talk About the Stack, Weight, and Overall Feel
Glycerin Max 2:
This update keeps the same high stack as the previous version: 45 mm in the heel and 39 mm in the forefoot. But there’s one big change—you’ll feel the weight. My US men’s size 12 weighed 378 g, which is much heavier than the original Glycerin Max.
Ghost Max 3:
Interestingly, the new Ghost Max 3 has become the lighter shoe. At 357 g in the same size, it’s now 21 g lighter than the Glycerin Max 2.
The stack is lower—39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot—but both shoes sit on a 6 mm drop.
Even though the numbers are similar, the experience under foot feels completely different.
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Why the Cushioning Feels So Different
Glycerin Max 2: Bouncy and Energetic
Brooks uses its DNA Tuned Nitrogen-Infused midsole, which has:
- Larger, softer nitrogen cells in the heel for shock absorption
- Tightly packed, firmer cells in the forefoot for a springy push-off
The result is a livelier, more responsive ride compared to most traditional max-cushion shoes. It’s also firmer and more stable than the first Glycerin Max, but still noticeably more energetic than the Ghost Max 3.
Add to that the more aggressive forefoot rocker, and the shoe moves you onto your toes more quickly—great for smoother transitions when running.
Ghost Max 3: Stable, Steady and Predictable
The Ghost Max 3 uses DNA Loft v3 foam, which is softer than traditional EVA but still gives a more balanced, firmer feel compared to the Glycerin Max 2.
The stability comes from:
- A broader platform underfoot
- Higher sidewalls wrapping the foot
- A flatter, less aggressive rocker
- A wider forefoot with more outsole contact
This one leans heavily into the “stable neutral” category, whereas the Glycerin Max 2 stays firmly in the classic neutral space.
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Upper Fit: A Big Difference for Everyday Comfort
Glycerin Max 2 Upper
Brooks moved away from the very plush upper of the original Glycerin Max.
You now get a stretchy engineered mesh, a true-to-size fit, and a standard toe box width.
Ghost Max 3 Upper
The upper here is thicker, broader, and offers a much wider toe box.
If you use orthotics, this is the clear winner.
The wide platform + spacious toe box makes the Ghost Max 3 one of the best everyday orthotic-friendly shoes on the market.
Walking vs Running: Which Shoe Is Better For You?
⭐ Best for Walking & All-Day Comfort: Brooks Ghost Max 3
The Ghost Max 3 shines for:
- Long walks
- Long days standing
- Using orthotics
- Heavy Runners
- Morton’s Neuroma
It can handle easy and recovery runs, but the weight and flat geometry make it feel less responsive for running.
If your priority is comfort and support for walking, this is the one.
⭐ Best for Running: Brooks Glycerin Max 2
The Glycerin Max 2 is built around the newer DNA Tuned nitrogen tech, and it’s excellent for:
- Easy runs
- Recovery days
- Long runs—including marathon-distance training
- Runners wanting a softer but lively feel
- Metatarsalgia
The downside?
It’s now heavier and not suited to tempo workouts like the original Glycerin Max. The high stack also makes it feel slightly less stable for walking on uneven ground.
Final Thoughts
Both of these shoes are fantastic—but they serve very different needs.
- Pick Ghost Max 3 if you want the most stable, wide-fitting, walking-friendly Brooks shoe with room for orthotics.
- Pick Glycerin Max 2 if you want energetic cushioning, a rockered ride, and a shoe designed primarily for running (with some lifestyle use mixed in).
And if you’ve tried either shoe, I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts—your experience helps other readers choose the right model. If you are interested in reading more about brooks then check out my round up.
