Brooks Ghost Max 4 vs Ghost Max 3
Ghost Max 4 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
The Ghost Max 4 replaced the Ghost Max 3.
A little lighter, with a new upper and a redesigned outsole. Same foam, and it measured firmer than the 3.
What changed
- Foam: Same DNA Loft v3 foam.
- Outsole: Completely reworked outsole.
- Upper: Thicker, plusher upper that fits a little snugger, with a softer heel counter.
- On the run: Firmer and much snugger. Bounce and forefoot about the same.
- Measured: 0.6 oz lighter and drop up from 7.3mm to 9mm. Heel stack about the same.
Still like the Ghost Max 3? It’s $45 less than the Ghost Max 4 while supplies last, with 6 colors in stock.
On the run
Ghost Max 4: Big, smooth, beginner-friendly cushion. Smooth and predictable, with a rocker that rolls you through each stride. The ride is on the firm side with little bounce, but it’s stable and protective.
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
| Ghost Max 4 | Ghost Max 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $164.95 | $119.95 (was $150) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 40 / 34mm* | 39 / 33mm* |
| Drop | 6mm | 6mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 10.3 oz | 10.8 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 9.2 oz | 9.7 oz* |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear | Long runs, Easy days, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
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 Max 4. True to size with a plush upper and a thick, padded tongue. It’s lower over the toes and snugger than the Ghost Max 3. Wide available.
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.
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