Brooks Ghost 17 vs Ghost Max 3

Ghost 17 or Ghost Max 3? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want a dependable shoe for almost any run? Get the Ghost 17.

Want big cushion with a smooth rocker? Get the Ghost Max 3.

Get the Ghost 17 if

• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
• You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.7 oz
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (10mm vs 6mm)

Get the Ghost Max 3 if

• You want more foam underfoot (2.5mm more at the heel)
• You need a roomier fit
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 10mm)

On the run

Ghost 17: The no-surprises workhorse. Balanced cushioning that’s a touch firm, with a little bounce and a flexible forefoot. It won’t wow you. It just works, run after run.

Ghost Max 3: Big cushion, easy rolling. Tall, steady cushioning with a pronounced rocker that rolls you along. It’s comfortable on long days, though it doesn’t feel especially springy.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Ghost 17. True to size but fitted: the toebox tapers and the instep is low, so loosen the laces if your midfoot is sensitive. Narrow through extra-wide.

Ghost Max 3. True to size with a rounder, roomier toebox than the regular Ghost. No break-in needed. Wide and extra-wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Ghost 17 · Shop the Ghost Max 3 · Compare other running shoes