The Brooks Ghost Max 3 is a cushioned everyday running shoe built for comfort and reliability. Priced at $160, it competes with shoes like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 ($165) and Hoka Bondi 9 ($175). On paper, the third version looked like little more than an aesthetic refresh of the v2, with the same foam, stack height, and silhouette. But on step-in, it felt more like the v1—a shoe we loved. It’s soft, super comfortable, and great for standing or walking. The fit is spot-on: plenty of room in the toebox, a secure upper that cinches down perfectly, and there is no awkwardness. On the run, it delivered everything we hoped for—a smooth ride with a goldilocks zone midsole that falls between the softness of the v1 and v2, paired with a geometry that rolls you easily through the forefoot. It’s reliable, cushioned, stable, and meets our definition of comfort: the absence of anything bothersome. The midsole compound itself isn’t particularly exciting, but it’s protective and dense, with a geometry that feels perfect for daily training and recovery miles. It does not feel heavy on foot and allows you to turn over your legs easily. For its purpose and price, the Ghost Max 3 passes the basic running shoe test with ease and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as a versatile, do-it-all trainer.
